\u201cHow could the idea of making, the process, be part of it? What if we could see the magazine being made in real time?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The two concepts \u2013 colloquially called \u201cCrafted\u201d and \u201cthe Grid\u201d \u2013 approached the making element from different ways. Crafted embraced elements of the sketchbook, with handwritten pieces and a collage feel. The Grid makes the invisible structure of the page visible, with a nod to the idea of building the magazine, element by element.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n \u201cFor my inspiration, I looked to the archives \u2013 old pictures of Brooks Hall, old architecture projects, and even bringing back elements from earlier iterations of the magazine,\u201d said Caitlin Soboslay. \u201cWe really wanted to go back to the roots of the college,\u201d added Sophia Milligan. \u201cEspecially since it was being sent out to alumni, we wanted to reflect that history.\u201d\n <\/p>\n \n \n
![\"detail](\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/interior-spread-detail-web.jpg\"\n)
\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\nSeeing the range of ways in which the College of Design has presented itself over time gave the students and Fuller freedom to pursue something a little outside the NC State comfort zone. \u201cFinding that balance of connecting to the university and being its own thing \u2013 the group spent a lot of time thinking about how to live within those guidelines but also make something that\u2019s their own,\u201d Fuller adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ramirez, who has worked on other branding projects at NC State, noted how different this experience was. \u201cIt was fun to come to these meetings every week and say, \u2018Ok, I know how to play it safe. So, how do we get weird with it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"handwritten](\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/jimmy-quote-web.jpg\"\n)
\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n Ultimately, of the five students who concepted the new design, two students \u2013 Ramirez and Yang \u2013 continued the work full-time to produce the final magazine. Yang even brought her own handwriting into the issue for an authentic feel.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu0022We created a system that is fluid, and the photos and copy work within the system,\u201d Ramirez says. \u201cNow we have 32 pages to figure it out. Now it\u2019s plugging and playing, with a lot of playing.\u201d\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n
This group of designers has built a strong foundation that makes continuing the design process in the years to come possible. What this group has created is the beginning of something that will continue to iterate, with different sets of challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The magazine serves as a connector for the college in so many ways – showcasing the events happening, telling stories of current students and faculty, honoring alumni. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Designlife serves as a tool that supports the college in more ways than just as a snapshot in time \u2013 it encourages giving, fuels connection and connects with a myriad of audiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhatever discipline you\u2019re in, the idea of process is so big. And I really hope the readers are able to see that we care about the process and that they feel seen and connected to NC State,\u201d Milligan says. \u201cThis project reaffirmed to me that print design doesn\u2019t get as much attention as it deserves. And I think there\u2019s a lot of power in that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This article first appeared in the spring 2025 issue of Designlife magazine. Explore other articles from this issue.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n