Pomme Pomme Magazine
The challenge was to create a magazine from scratch. The articles could be taken from publications, but all of the imagery had to be our own, including any textural overlays. I decided to take a playful approach to a health magazine, making health-related news more accessible and welcoming for young adults. I chose the name “Pomme Pomme” (pomme means “apple” in French) because I wanted to use the apple as a quirky motif for health and knowledge.
Process
For the overall look, I pulled from traditional art techniques, such as collage and film photography. I wanted to draw upon anti-establishment styles to contrast with the typical sterile nature of health publications. In terms of the content itself, I aimed to present health news through a more intersectional lens and represent young adults of marginalized or vulnerable groups who do not always feel included in the health world.
Process (cont.)
I approached the design of each article differently. One of the feature articles had to use my own photography, so I had to get creative. For Giorgia Lupi’s essay “My Life With Long Covid” from The New York Times, I used photos I took with my friend Briana Luck at an aquarium. In the article, Lupi compares her Covid symptoms to brushstrokes, which have taken over the canvas of her life. To illustrate this metaphor, I created typography and assets in Procreate that mimic brushstrokes. The contrast between the pink brushstrokes and the black & white photos represents how the disease has stripped her life of color. This feature can be seen below.
The spread above features quotes from other people with long Covid
Results
Since making the magazine, I have grown, and there are various design changes I would make. In fact, the original “Brushstrokes” article looked slightly different, and I redid the brushwork assets. However, I think I put an interesting spin on a typical health magazine and hope that the health world can become more inclusive.