The Creation of Universal: Creation

Like every edition of Universal, it all begins with an idea, a theme. Decided at our monthly meetings, we discuss the previous edition and bring up ideas for the new one to come.

Once the theme is decided, we discuss potential article ideas. We delegate tasks such as editor and compiler. Once we have voted for the colour theme for the edition, each person creates their own article, whether they decide to write it, design or illustrate.

As I have compiled this edition, I will be taking you through this process as well as how I design the front cover and articles.

First let's start with the front cover. I usually start with gathering inspiration, by looking at images to do with the theme. Sometimes I may sketch out some ideas on paper or just start playing around designing different concepts on the computer. Once I have a vague idea of what I want I start with the designing. With this edition I had to draw up each item individually before putting it together on the cover. Figuring out how to draw the objects was the most difficult thing as some objects require additional shading/detailing. It is difficult to judge how much to add without making it too detailed in comparison to the other objects. We have a template which is followed for every edition to keep with the consistency. Before putting the cover together, I first laid out the logos and titles. I then went ahead and assembled the cover. I create a few different versions of the cover just to compare and often ask the Universal team to decide on their favourite.

Designing articles has the same process as the cover. First I look for inspiration, then layout the title and the article contents, then I design the illustrations to add in.

Layout of the article contents

Illustrations

End Result

The compiling process is a little different, as I first need the articles before I begin. As the articles come in, I start ordering the articles. There is no particular order or reasoning for the order, just what may make sense in my mind. I try to make sure no two articles with the same background are after each other, purely out of preference. As this process is taking place I am also assembling the content page. As the order is constantly changing, I try to put together the contents page towards the end once the order is finalised.

And that is how it is done. The process is a bit long, but is a gratifying experience as you never really know how the edition turns out until the end. I hope you enjoy reading this edition as much as I have enjoyed creating it.

Words and design by Naketra Mendes

Words

by

Megan Odgers | Design by Naketra Mendes