Grids: Behind-the-Scenes Archives

The National's Amtrak Route Maps: Behind the Scenes with Art Director, Rickard Westin

Behind-the-Scenes 10.09.17 posted by Chelsey Lamwatt

Above: Amtrak's National Route System as interpreted by Barry Blitt

Since launching last year, Amtrak's on-board magazine, The National, has tasked an American artist to create their own interpretation of the Amtrak route map for each issue. With the seventh map (above) just released with their most recent October - November 2017 issue, we spoke to The National's Art Director Rickard Westin about the project and each map so far.

Read on for Rickard's insight on how this feature came to be and get some behind-the-scenes information on each Amtrak route map.

… MORE

Pacific Standard's Photo Issue: Behind the Scenes with Creative Director, Taylor Le

Behind-the-Scenes 08.23.17 posted by Chelsey Lamwatt

The Rise of Ilhan Omar: The country's first Somali-American legislator is fighting xenophobic politics to improve Minneapolis--and the country.

Photographed by Olivia Arthur / @oliviarthur

Pacific Standard's recent July issue was the publication's first ever photo issue in its nine-year history. Partnering with photo collective, Magnum Photos and featuring four different covers from four different Magnum photographers, the cover images documented a range of topics spanning the country. We spoke to Pacific Standard's Creative Director/one-woman art & photo department, Taylor Le about the photo issue and what it was like to collaborate with Magnum Photos.

Read Taylor's powerful letter about the power of photography (found at the beginning of the issue) here and learn about the rest of the covers and the photo issue after the jump!

… MORE

Refinery29's Take Back The Beach: Behind the Scenes with Photo Director, Toby Kaufmann

Behind-the-Scenes 08.08.17 posted by Chelsey Lamwatt

Summer is in full swing and it's about time people hit the beach. However, visits to the beach are often met with a lot of anxiety and self-consciousness about your own beach body. Refinery29's timely Take Back The Beach initiative--which is going on its third year--focuses on changing the idea of an ideal "beach body" and championing body positivity instead. They recently partnered with the All Woman Project, an initiative focused on both empowering others and spreading body positivity and inclusivity, on a recent shoot for the Take Back The Beach section. We spoke with Toby Kaufmann, Photo Director of Refinery29, about this important collaboration.

Read on for Toby's answers and to see some photos from the shoot after the jump!

… MORE

ESPN Body Issue: Behind the Scenes with Director of Photography, Karen Frank

Behind-the-Scenes 07.14.17 posted by Chelsey Lamwatt

ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue is arguably one of the most buzzworthy issues of the entire year. Going on its ninth edition with the most recent publication earlier this month, we spoke to ESPN The Magazine's Director of Photography Karen Frank about the nine different covers.

Read on for Karen's insight on the Body Issue's theme this year and the story behind each cover after the jump!

… MORE

Behind the Scenes with In Touch Magazine

Behind-the-Scenes 01.20.17 posted by Chelsey Lamwatt

We recently checked in with Metaleap Creative about what they have been up to and they filled us in on their recent work with Christian publication, In Touch Magazine. Creative Director, José Reyes, and Associate Creative Director, Eric Capossela, from Metaleap Creative sat down with In Touch Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Cameron Lawrence, and Managing Editor, Jamie Hughes, to discuss what it means to design for a publication with the motto: "Thoughtful Faith. Devoted Living."

SPD sent them some prompts and then listened in on their conversation. Read on for their roundtable discussion about what it took to transform a forty year old religious publication into a contemporary Christian magazine that features some of the best artists in the business.

… MORE

Joe Zeff Design Reopens in Times Square

Behind-the-Scenes 01.10.17 posted by Chelsey Lamwatt

After much anticipation, digital game changer and former SPD board member Joe Zeff has officially reopened his award-winning design studio at 1460 Broadway in the heart of Times Square. Joe Zeff Design (JZD) first opened in 2000 and Joe became a go-to applications guru for the industry launching Fast Company for iPad and National Geographic for iPhone to name a few. He closed JZD in 2014 to work at Scrollmotion and returns back to his design studio after leaving his position there as President and Chief Creative Officer.

SPD spoke with Joe about the new JZD, today's publishing landscape, and what we can expect from his next bobblehead. Read on for Joe's answers about reopening JZD!

… MORE

What Are You Looking At? :: VINTAGE Magazine's latest issue

Behind-the-Scenes 09.05.13 posted by The Editors

Over on our "What Are You Looking At?" blog, SPD's Francesca Messina shares a wonderful Q&A with Ivy Baer Sherman, the founder of VINTAGE magazine. Lots of beautiful images and amazing insights into the processes and ideas behind the magazine and it's most recent issue. Check it out here.

Jan von Holleben's Process for Popular Mechanics

Behind-the-Scenes 06.24.13 posted by The Editors

Allyson Torrisi, Director of Photography, at Popular Mechanics, recently shared some amazing behind-the-scenes photos with us from their recent June issue on Fatherhood, courtesy of artist Jan von Holleben. Check out the details after the jump... … MORE

Wired and Dan Forbes, Building Blocks.

Behind-the-Scenes 11.15.12 posted by The Editors

Ever wondered how much work goes into shooting a block of concrete? Quite a bit it seems...when you have an ambitious concept and a kick ass photographer that is! Dan Forbes and CD Brandon Kavulla collaborated on another great still life for their "what's Inside" franchise in the November issue of Wired US. Go behind the scenes with this eye opening video after the jump.

… MORE

'ARGO' as Visualized by WIRED, A Week of Wired BONUS!

Behind-the-Scenes 10.05.12 posted by Jeremy LaCroix

How WIRED magazine helped visualize the movie Argo

The first time I heard Argo pitched as a magazine story was back around March 2007 in WIRED's monthly pitch meeting on the 3rd floor of our swanky SOMA offices in San Francisco. These meetings would take place towards the back of the open floored offices in a large conference room with a gigantic fluorescent pink rolling door. There was never enough seats so people would be crowded around the conference table, standing along the perimeter, calling in etc.

Nick Thompson, who was pitching this story, was calling in through a VTC from the Condé offices in NYC. I genarally loved when Nick pitched because he would always just go for it and the stories and writers he sourced were often fringe, his enthusiasm palpable.

Check out the three other parts of "the Week of Wired" here:
Part 1 (cover, composition and logic)
Part 2 (Packaging and Features)
Part 3 (Gorillas and Doilies!)

… MORE

The Hollywood Reporter's Snoopadelic Cover

Behind-the-Scenes 10.04.12 posted by The Editors

Snoop Dogg or Snoop Lion? The Hollywood Reporter gives us a look of a Snoop in transition.

… MORE

A week of Wired, The Design Issue...Part 2

Behind-the-Scenes 10.03.12 posted by The Editors

Yesterday we gave you a sneak peak behind the scenes into Wired's October Design Issue, for more from CD Brandon Kavulla and his team in SFO, read on...hint: there will be nerf! [And your bit of trivia for the bar tonight...Non Expanding Recreational Foam...thanks Brandon!]

Check out all three parts here:
Part 1 (cover, composition and logic)
Part 2 (Packaging and Features)
Part 3 (Gorillas and Doilies!)

… MORE

A week of Wired! The Design Issue...Part 1

Behind-the-Scenes 10.02.12 posted by The Editors

Last week Brandon Kavulla, CD of Wired US gave SPD.org a great little reel previewing their October Design Issue. Seems it was a hit and this week by popular demand Kavulla and his team have gone the extra mile to give us even more behind the scenes insight into how this landmark issue was put together...Brace yourself...for a week of Wired!

Check out all three parts here:
Part 1 (cover, composition and logic)
Part 2 (Packaging and Features)
Part 3 (Gorillas and Doilies!)

… MORE

Purvis, Pugliese and a Pitbull. ("The Process" Special)

Behind-the-Scenes 09.26.12 posted by The Editors

The key to great editorial design: collaboration. Runner's World D.D. Benjamen Purvis, and photographer Joe Pugliese reveal their Process... … MORE

Surfing + Espresso Bar + Apparel = Saturdays Surf

Cool 09.04.12 posted by Nathalie Kirsheh

....and now a bi annual magazine!
We caught up with Colin Tunstall, one of the co founders of Saturdays Surf The downtown NYC surf shop on Crosby St (with new locations--the West Village, and their Tokyo flagship,) and talked to him about his pseudo return to publishing as the editor-in-chief role in their first issue of Saturdays Magazine. while ringing in their 3rd anniversary. More after the jump...

… MORE

David Downton Sketches Vanity Fair's Best Dressed

Behind-the-Scenes 08.30.12 posted by The Editors

To honor the members of this year's Best-Dressed Hall of Fame, Chris Dixon and the team at Vanity Fair commissioned fashion illustrator David Downton to sketch 5 of their stylish ladies.

Downton traveled to Paris, New York, and London to paint his portraits from real-life sittings, a unique way of doing illustration in this day and age.

Take a look behind the scenes HERE as Downton sketches Sofia Coppola, Carolina Herrera, Daphne Guiness, Iman, and Countess Jacqueline De Ribes for Vanity Fair's September issue.

… MORE

From the Desk of ... Gretchen Smelter

Behind-the-Scenes 07.19.12 posted by Patrick Mitchell

Welcome to FTDO (From the Desk of...), a new series that answers the question "What IS all of that crap on your desk?"

Anybody who knows former Brides CD (and former SPD VP) Gretchen Smelter knows she was born to travel. So, after a stellar career that has included stops at Fast Company, Martha Stewart Living, SmartMoney, and Real Simple, it was not a big surprise that in September 2010, she jumped at the opportunity to work in Hong Kong as the Group CD for Edipresse, publishers of the Asian editions of the renowned British Tatler franchise and 180 other properties.

In early 2011, Smelter and photographer Frédéric LaGrange traveled to Bali to get married, and decided they wanted to stay. By October, they were living in the island paradise, and traveling and working all over Asia. Gretchen can count Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Macau, Japan, and Turkey among the recent stamps in her passport.

Recently she and her husband were hired by Aman Resorts to create a book about their outpost in Bali. That's where we caught up with her.

… MORE

From the Desk of ... Jeremy Leslie

Behind-the-Scenes 05.09.12 posted by Patrick Mitchell

Welcome to FTDO (From the Desk of...), a new series that answers the question "What IS all of that crap on your desk?"

You probably know Jeremy Leslie because first thing every morning, you make sure to browse his blog, magCulture. magCulture is also the name of his studio, which specializes in editorial design for print and digital media. His recent clients include Port, Frieze, the Church of London, and Reader's Digest. He also writes a monthly column for Creative Review.

Jeremy is one of the three co-chairs of this year's design competition and, along with Luke Hayman and Richard Turley, will emcee the Gala on Friday night.

Here's what's on his desk...

… MORE

Beating Up Beiber

Behind-the-Scenes 04.24.12 posted by Patrick Mitchell

There are probably a lot of people who'd like to give Justin Beiber a smack in the face. Greg Garry got to do just that. He shares the story behind his last photo shoot at Complex, where he was the PD for the past two years, after the jump...

… MORE

From the Desk of ... Rodrigo Sánchez

Behind-the-Scenes 03.27.12 posted by The Editors

Welcome to FTDO (From the Desk of...), a new series that answers the question "What IS all of that crap on your desk?"

Rodrigo Sánchez is the Madrid-based creative genius behind Metrópoli, the magazine section of El Mundo, one of Spain's largest daily newspapers, and one of the most recognized magazine designers in, well, el mundo.

Here's what's on his desk (Aquí es lo que está en su escritorio)...

… MORE

From the Desk of ... Ken DeLago

Behind-the-Scenes 03.08.12 posted by The Editors

Welcome to FTDO (From the Desk of...), a new series that answers the question "What IS all of that crap on your desk?"

Up next, Ken DeLago, DD at Condé Nast's Golf Digest.

… MORE

From the Desk of ... Ronn Campisi

Behind-the-Scenes 02.23.12 posted by The Editors

Welcome to FTDO (From the Desk of...), a new series that answers the question "What IS all of that crap on your desk?"

Up next, Ronn Campisi of Ronn Campisi Design in Boston, a long-time magazine designer and former opening act for the Rolling Stones (really!).

… MORE

From the Desk of ... Steve Hoffman

Behind-the-Scenes 02.16.12 posted by The Editors

Welcome to FTDO (From the Desk of...), a new series that answers the question "What IS all of that crap on your desk?"

Up next, Steve Hoffman, partner at Hoffmannoli, and former long-time CD at Sports Illustrated.

… MORE

Men's Journal Gets a New Logo

Behind-the-Scenes 02.16.12 posted by The Editors

We recently caught up with Men's Journal's new CD, Benjamen Purvis, to ask about what went into the making of the magazine's new logo--a collaboration with legendary typographer Jim Parkinson. Here's what Ben had to say ...

(after the jump)

… MORE

From the Desk of ... Deb Bishop

Behind-the-Scenes 02.07.12 posted by The Editors

Welcome to FTDO (From the Desk of...), a new series that answers the question "What IS all of that crap on your desk?"

Up first, Deb Bishop, CD of More magazine...

… MORE

How the Newsweeklies Covered (and Designed) the Death of Steve Jobs

Behind-the-Scenes 10.14.11 posted by Robert Newman

If anyone had doubts about the viability or importance of newsweeklies in the modern media world, they should have been dashed by the response last week to the death of Apple's Steve Jobs. Not only did Time, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Newsweek stop their production cycles on a dime and revamp with well-thought out and brilliantly-designed special issues, but they also, with covers, photos, and graphic treatments, helped drive the whole worldwide conversation about the "meaning" of Steve Jobs, turning a moment of sorrow into one of inspiration and creativity. More than any other medium, it was the newsweeklies who delivered powerful, memorable, creative, and original visual responses to Jobs's death. Each of the three magazines built on their visual voices to create unique graphic packages. My strongest memory of Jobs's passing was watching online Thursday as each of the three magazines, in succession, posted up their Jobs covers, each one different, and each expanding the visual conversation.

Now that they've had a chance to catch up on their sleep, and have their adrenaline levels return to normal, we caught up with the art directors of Time, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Newsweek, and asked them to describe the process they each went through to create their special Jobs covers and issues. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting magazine-making moments in recent history. Thanks to D.W. Pine of Time, Richard Turley of Bloomberg Businessweek, and Dirk Barnett of Newsweek, as well as their art and photo staffs, for putting together this package.

… MORE

Behind the scenes with Editions designer David Robinson

Websites & Apps 08.04.11 posted by Jeremy LaCroix

Editions, the highly anticipated magazine App produced by AOL, Mobile has just hit the App store boasting the tag line "The Magazine that Reads You". It's the first digital magazine I know of that integrates tagging of a user's interests and maps content to those choices offering up a unique personalized magazine every day. Recently I got to sit down with David Robinson, Head of UX & Mobile Design for AOL to ask him a few questions about the process from a designers point of view.… MORE

How Magazines are Really Made

Behind-the-Scenes 12.21.10 posted by Jeremy LaCroix

I'm guessing many of you may have already seen this insider infographical gem from Andrew Losowsky of Stack America, who cooked it up along with the art team at Bloomberg
Businessweek. Still we just couldn't resist sharing this healthy dose of cynical fun with our audience on the off chance you missed it.
… MORE

SPOTS (Light) Party Recap

SPOTS 10.06.10 posted by Nathalie Kirsheh

On behalf of SPD and this year's SPOTS co-chairs Criswell Lappin and Matthew Lenning, we would like to congratulate our recent Gold & Silver winners that were celebrated last week with drinks courtesy of our friends at Grolsch. The night was filled with lots of toasts, laughs, and everyone's favorite: cards exchanging and a few personal updates about happenings in the industry. A peek at some folks who attended can be viewed here. A list of the winners, after the jump.

*VERY special thanks to SPD's diligent volunteers, Lauren Heffron & Adri Ramdeane for their hard work!
… MORE

Cyclo-rama!

Behind-the-Scenes 05.13.10 posted by The Editors

As more photographers begin to move towards video as an additional component to their still photo shoots, what makes a behind-the-scenes video stand out from the others? Here is an example of a particularly action packed behind-the-scenes video from photographer Dylan Coulter's shoot for the May issue of Men's Journal. With over 9,000 views and numerous blog mentions, this video has taken on a life of its own... … MORE

Life at Hollywoodlife.com

Behind-the-Scenes 03.04.10 posted by Paul Schrynemakers

Coverage of this weekend's Oscars will generate a multitude of digital media. Bonnie Fuller's Holllywoodlife.com is a newcomer to online celebrity news , launched November 2009. They will be generating their own fair share of buzz. After the jump Wilbert Gutierrez, the Creative Director, talks about life at Hollywoodlife.

… MORE

Behind The Design: Ford's Theater

Behind-the-Scenes 03.01.10 posted by Nathalie Kirsheh

While producing the 2009 December issue of W, a peek at an afternoon's worth of paste board madness for an opening spread featuring Tom Ford and Colin Firth photographed by Nigel Parry. Video after the jump...… MORE

SPD.org Web Updates

Behind-the-Scenes 02.08.10 posted by The Editors

We're now live with three updates to SPD.org

1. Front and center on the home page, you will find a dynamic carousel that features links to great posts on SPD.org

2. We've added a text alert to the top of the site that we'll use time to time to inform you about news and upcoming events--like tonight's Paul Sahre's Speak Easy.

3. At the bottom of posts, we've added more share functions powered by Add This.

Tweet, Facebook, or Digg your favorite posts with your friends and colleagues.

… MORE

Behind the Design... Rihanna

Behind-the-Scenes 02.02.10 posted by Nathalie Kirsheh

Here's another installment showcasing visual design explorations that I first began posting back in September of '08 with Anne Hathaway, Aria and Drew Barrymore designs.
For the February 2010 issue of W magazine, check out what could've worked, what definitely didn't work and what I ended up with.

After the jump, or you can view it as well as other great design treats on SPD's vimeo page here.

… MORE

5 Questions for The Wonderfactory on the Apple Tablet

Behind-the-Scenes 01.21.10 posted by Paul Schrynemakers

Next week it is almost certain that Apple will announce the iTablet (or iPad, product name TK). This Kindle size device could be a game-changer for the magazine industry by enabling and launching new and innovative paid digital content products. Sports Illustrated has worked with The Wonderfactory (TWF) to prototype their magazine's look and feel for the new platform. Late last year, TWF posted a video of the prototype on YouTube that has been viewed over 580,000 times. I sat down with David Link, co-founder of TWF, and had five questions for him about the experience and his thoughts for what's coming next.… MORE

Nypost.com: A User-friendly Redesign

Websites 11.23.09 posted by Paul Schrynemakers

The New York Post's website, nypost.com, re-launched this past September with new features and a new design. Whether you admire the daily's vibe or just find guilty pleasure in PageSix, fans of user-centric web design will admire its user-friendly nature. I chatted recently with Nick Gould, CEO of Catalyst Group, the folks behind the new look and feel.… MORE

Going (Nuclear) Green

Behind-the-Scenes 07.15.09 posted by Brandon Kavulla

Hi guys. Well, as some of you know Best Life folded this year and i have been given the new charge of Design Director of Men's Health. I logged on to spd.org to share some new Men's Health work when i noticed i had not yet published this layout breakdown of a Best Life story; a spread which went on to get a medal nomination at this year's gala (woo hoo!)...which we didn't win (boo)...ah well. Still thought this might be of interest. Enjoy!

Best Life just wrapped up its travel issue and one of the more interesting stories was about the current state of Chernobyl, the site of the worst nuclear power plant accident in history. We sent a writer and photographer there to report; they turned in a story titled "Nature's Revenge".
… MORE

***NEW* RELEAS*E***

Behind-the-Scenes 05.07.09 posted by George Karabotsos

GK Investigates was worried that the US Censor Board would not allow us to release this clip.

But today approval was given, despite the nudity.

… MORE

GK Investigation > > > Clips finally released to SPD

Education 04.30.09 posted by George Karabotsos

***N*E*W*S* *R*E*L*E*A*S*E***

After many months of negotiation, and many months of fine tuning the details, the undercover magazine industry investigation group known as GKI, or GK Investigation, is finally able to release numerous clips to the Society of Publication Design, SPD, for use on their blog.
… MORE

Weapon of Choice Assualt SPD 43 Annual

Annuals 12.22.08 posted by Dirk Barnett

As the annuals are arriving on your desks like hotcakes, we thought it would be nice to hear from this year's design team, Weapon of Choice, a design firm created last year by Todd Albertson and Tom Brown. As Albertson describes:

Weapon of Choice is a design studio that is the culmination of two friends who have been collaborating for many years on various design projects with similar tastes and wanted to commit more time to that work and above all, have fun. The impetus for this came at a point where projects were becoming more laborsome and less creative so an outlet was needed. That outlet was making typefaces which was a process we were both doing and introducing into our work. Type as in big black geometrical shapes and abstract letterforms--one offs for specific projects. Not that there is a lack of great typefaces out there, but crafting ideas is what we both do and applying this process to type was a perfect match. Soon WoC opened up to include magazine redesign and consluting, again, things we both were already doing, but now on a platform that we can do together and push each other.

More after the jump about the Weapon of Choice design approach to the annual, as well as cover outtakes. Photographs by Fredrik Broden
… MORE

SPD PUB 43 Design Annual Has (Almost) Arrived

Awards 11.25.08 posted by Dirk Barnett

Yep, that's right. The hotly anticipated SPD PUB 43 Design Annual will be reaching our shores from Singapore come mid/late December 2008! As it's chock full of the most innovative, exciting editorial design work from 2007--including the Magazine of the Year Winners and the Members' Choice winner--you will definitely want to get your hands on this one as soon as it hits the SPD offices!

Stay tuned to http://spd.org in the coming weeks for more information on how to get your copy, along with an in-depth Q&A from this year's annual designers, Weapon of Choice (Tom Brown and Todd Albertson), as they discuss their concepts behind the design, and why debossing isn't really as easy as it looks.

Designing 'The Knot'

Websites 11.05.08 posted by Paul Schrynemakers

If you've gotten engaged in the last ten years, then you've probably heard of The Knot -- one of the leading wedding brands online, also in print and video. As an online destination, TheKnot.com is a place where engaged couples and their friends find ideas, up-to-date wedding advice and inspiration.

I recently got in touch with Lori Richmond, Design Director of Online Editorial, and Kristen Dudish, Online Designer, for some insight into designing and working for The Knot. We also discussed some of the recent changes made to the site when they redesigned a few months ago.… MORE

The Atlantic's Redesign

Behind-the-Scenes 10.15.08 posted by Paul Schrynemakers

The Atlantic has had eight redesigns in its 151 years. James Bennet writes in his editor's note, that the November issue's new design is, "...the eighth effort to harmonize The Atlantic's style with its substance and the timbre of the times."

The design was done by Pentagram and in that same issue Michael Bierut's article A Question of Balance describes the magazine's new look.
… MORE

Even Dogs Get Bored in Walk-through Meetings

Behind-the-Scenes 08.18.08 posted by Scott Dadich

A little levity for your Monday afternoon. At WIRED, we're allowed to bring our dogs to the office. … MORE

Dwell Redesign Interview with Kyle Blue

Redesigns 08.15.08 posted by Paul Schrynemakers

This week Chad Kloepfer from the Walker Art Center published an interview with Dwell Design Director Kyle Blue on their design blog. Chad talks with Kyle about the guiding principles, rejected covers, font choices and more that went into the current magazine.

A good Friday afternoon read.

Be Careful What You Wish For

Behind-the-Scenes 08.01.08 posted by Gail Anderson

Michael Walsh, the art director of the Visual Arts Press, asked me to do the next SVA subway poster this past January. I was completely blown away, and of course, said I'd be honored. The next day, the lovely Ric Grefe from AIGA called to tell me I was getting the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Medal. I assumed that before the end of that glorious week, I'd get clocked by a car on my bike ride home and would linger in a coma that would last beyond both the poster deadline and the big AIGA gala in September. Surprisingly, I've been spared (though I'm still waiting for an anvil to fall on my head). … MORE

Recently in Behind-the-Scenes Category