For this project, I was tasked with designing a conceptual magazine cover inspired by The New York Times Magazine. The challenge was to base the cover on a fictional article and subtitle, using only photographs I had taken myself. I loved this project because it allowed me to explore conceptual design while incorporating my photography skills.
To begin, I created a mind map to brainstorm ideas for representing the theme of "The Last Wilderness." I was initially drawn to National Parks as a symbol of wilderness, and Yosemite immediately came to mind. It’s one of my favorite parks as it has some of the most breathtaking landscapes I've seen. Plus, I had an extensive catalog of photographs to work with. Including Yosemite felt like a natural choice.
However, while I had the perfect photograph, I struggled to find a way to conceptually connect it to the article. That changed when a random sketch sparked an idea: what if I finger-painted over the photograph? Then, What if the image was transformed into a single fingerprint?
Creating this conceptual cover was an absolute joy. It allowed me to combine photography, design, and creativity in a unique and meaningful way.
Below are photos of my creative process and edits that didn't make the final cut.
