Overview
Our team was commissioned by Communication Arts Magazine to create a special edition Zine called Focus, centered around Russian Constructivism. The primary focus of this edition is to showcase the work of three influential designers during this period: the Stenberg Brothers, El Lissitzky, and Valentina Kulagina. In addition to designing the Zine, we were also responsible for creating eight social media posts inspired by the Stenberg Brothers for Communication Arts' social media page.
Role
Graphic Designer Magazine LayoutÂ
Solution
The spreads I designed in the Zine specifically highlight the Stenberg Brothers, who brilliantly merged cinema and graphic arts, two vital tools of the Communist regime. Given the prevalence of illiteracy in Russia, films played a significant role in shaping and propagating the new social order. Graphic design served as a powerful political placard, employing direct and economical means of communication. The Stenberg Brothers' work exhibits a delightful playfulness and a willingness to experiment. Their unconventional ideas and compositions encompass philosophical, formal, and theoretical elements.
Throughout the Zine, the works of the Stenberg Brothers are showcased alongside graphic elements that emulate and pay homage to their style. The chosen colors reflect the boldness and vibrancy of the propaganda prevalent during that era, with black backgrounds and a prominent use of red, black, and yellow. Each spread includes subtle details from the Stenberg Brothers' lives, accentuating their remarkable achievements.
By incorporating these elements, the Zine provides an immersive experience that celebrates the Stenberg Brothers' contributions to Russian Constructivism. The intentional design choices and thoughtful integration of their work serve to engage readers and shed light on the significance of their artistic endeavors during this dynamic period.
