OUGD505 - Design Practice 2 - Product Range Distribution - New York Times Magazine - Special Editions

The New York Times Magazine special editions have received the best in book Editorial from Creative Review. This work not only gives insight into critically respected work but also looking at work in the 'social political' sector. The editions each have many cultural, political and social themes. 

The theme running throughout these works is a impacting and direct communication through typography and specially selected photography. 

These works combine, bright playful colours with large black type and photography, displaying the content as the primary yet trying to emphasis the designed features. 

Under the Art Direction of Matt Willey these editorial works are not only engaging but pick up on very important issues and display them in the best way possible. 

The high rise issue of the magazine received a lot of critical acclaim, the idea is simple turning the format on its side, but it is something almost never been done before and transforms the publication into a totally new way of reading. This reflection of the contents format translates directly into the design and is evident throughout the magazines design. 

The bold and graphic use of typography is typical of Matt Willey's style and as always the communication of the content is put at the heart of the design. 

Another special edition looks at controversial topics of the Iraq War, the black and white styling is reflective of the content, but has an appropriate educational undertone. The work is highlighted not only for its social continuousness but also for its artist values. 

This kind of content is reflective of the boarder images I have been collecting. They have not only artistic value but also an political undertone. 

As explained above the special issues are an opportunity to ' Blow that up completely.' and totally try new things, this connection to the content is the design is so evident and would be great if replicated in this project. 

The impacting and bold graphic styling is again on show. 

Large type is somewhat of a hall mark of Matt Willey's graphic style, this does come with some limitations, it can be seen as slightly over done and maybe taking away from the content. Personally I love the big type but it needs to be done right. Further research into this is needed to understand the appropriateness considering the context.