Walking Paradox Concept Magazine
Portfolio Case Study | Self-Initiated Project
Client: Self-initiated (course project, AAS Graphic Design)
Role: Concept Creator, Editorial & Art Director, Sole Designer
Year: 2023
Tools: Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
Deliverables: Full single-issue magazine concept, print-ready layout, cover design, typography system
Overview
Walking Paradox is a concept magazine I created for creatives, especially graphic designers, originally developed as a course project during my AAS in Graphic Design at Community College of Denver (2023). I conceived the concept and brand identity, designed a complete single-issue layout for print, and built it end-to-end using curated imagery. A chance to work through everything from grid systems to cover design without a client brief shaping the outcome. I wanted to showcase real world designers and artists in this magazine.
Problem
As a personal project, I set out to:
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Design a full magazine issue solo, end-to-end, without client direction shaping the outcome
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Create something that felt clean and minimal without reading as sterile or corporate, approachable and enticing to a design-literate audience
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Build real print production discipline (grid systems, typographic hierarchy) into a self-directed concept, not just a handful of standalone spreads
My Role
I conceived Walking Paradox from concept through final print-ready files, solo. I developed the magazine's name, creative direction, and brand identity; built the grid system and typographic hierarchy; designed the cover and every spread; and curated the imagery used throughout, working in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
Work Highlights
Concept & Brand Identity
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Developed the magazine's name, concept, and overall creative direction, aimed at a creative and graphic design audience
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Established a clean, minimal visual language balanced with bold typographic and color moments to keep pages enticing
Editorial Layout & Typography
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Designed a full-issue grid system and typographic hierarchy for consistent pacing across features, spreads, and pull quotes
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Balanced whitespace against bold typography to guide the eye and keep the reading experience clean but engaging and for the highlighted artists and designers photos/artwork stand out
Cover & Art Direction
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Designed the cover concept and art direction for the issue
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Curated imagery throughout to support the tone and content of each spread
Production & Print-Readiness
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Built the full issue as print-ready files, accounting for pagination, bleed, and production specs for physical printing
