In groups of two, we had to choose a social issue we were passionate about addressing. We then conducted thorough research to understand the root causes, impacts, and stakeholders involved in the chosen issue. Using the research as the basis of our design process, we were tasked with designing two covers and a 16-page editorial centered around our chosen topic. Each designer was responsible for designing one cover and 8 pages of content.

We were assigned The Washington Post as the magazine publication we were to "work" under. Our design had to adhere to The Washington Post design system and branding. In other words, we had to design a spread the Post could potentially release.

Because the Palestine-Israel conflict has been in recent news, we chose it as our social issue. We wrote a 2500-3000 word article based on our research, which became the main content for our spread. We each had to contribute our own visuals to enhance the article's message. Specifically, each designer had to contribute at least one illustration, one photograph, and one typographic element.

Washington Post Magazine: In-Depth Analysis

Publication Details: Starting 1877, the Washington Post is one of the oldest news publications. However, the Washington Post Magazine didn’t start until 1986 and actively published Sunday magazines until December 2022. The Washington Post's mission statement declares it is its duty to “engage, inform and entertain the most influential minds." The Post aims to shape the world through quality news coverage and analysis. It prides itself on journalistic excellence and unparalleled access to information. Their dedication to finding the truth has made them a trusted source amongst readers for decades.

Target Audience: Local Washington D.C. readers, regional readers, national readers, and global readers. Most of their readers are aged 30-49 years. All of their readers read the Washington Post to inform, since it is an informative publication and not made for entertainment.

Editorial Design: The Washington Post uses a three-grid system to organize its text and images. It uses photos, illustrations, maps, and more to deliver information alongside their texts.

They use serif typefaces (Postoni or Garamond) for their headlines, and for their body copy, they use Georgia or Times New Roman. They use sans-serif typefaces (Franklin or  Arial) for subheaders and metatext.

Creating the Illustration Elements

For my first illustration, I wanted to create two maps. The maps would demonstrate how the land owned by Palestine has become less and less as Israel has occupied more land. I traced the areas owned by Israel and the areas owned by Palestine and I color coded them so the owned areas are apparent to the viewer. I also added a key to make the territories even more apparent to the viewer. 

For my second illustration, I wanted to demonstrate the situation of the Palestinians being forced out of Gaza in the current day, comparing it to the Nabka of 1948. I used an image from the recent evacuation of Gazans to the south of Gaza due to heavy Israeli bombing in the north. I played with the color and form of the image, changing it into the colors of the Palestinian flag: black, white, green, and red. I added some Palestinian flags and also stamps to create the idea that a place with so much culture and history is being drastically changed in real time. 

Creating the Photography Elements

For my photography element, I used images from my favorite photographer, Motaz Azaiza, who is currently in Gaza, documenting everything that is happening from a first-person perspective. I chose images that show first hand what the Palestinians are experiencing, and make the viewer aware of the situation.

Final spreads