MiJotografia
Art Direction • Layout • Branding
Timeframe: 11 weeks
Tools: Indesign • Illustrator • Photoshop
Collaborator: Solo
Overview: Mijotografia: Celebrating Latinx Creatives and Queer History in Seattle, Washington. Mijotografia is a biannual magazine that showcases the work of Latinx creatives across various fields, including photography, fashion, graphic design, and poetry, with a special focus on queer history. Its mission is to provide a platform for emerging queer Latinx artists to connect with their community, share their art with the world, and inspire others to do the same. By highlighting the unique voices and perspectives of Latinx creatives, Mijotografia is building a supportive and inclusive space for the next generation of artists to thrive.
Challenge: There is a lack of representation and visibility for queer Latine creatives in the creative industry, which makes it difficult for them to connect and showcase their work. As a result, there is a need for a platform that centers and celebrates queer Latine creatives, making it easier for them to connect and share their stories with the world.
Solution: Introducing Mijotografia Magazine, a vibrant solution that celebrates the rich beauty of Latine culture through captivating visuals and compelling content.
In crafting Mijotografia Magazine, my goal was to let the work speak for itself, focusing on the visual aspect as the primary medium. I wanted to create a platform that showcases all forms of art, from photography and fashion to poetry, embracing the diversity and creativity within our culture.
To curate a truly immersive experience, I personally reached out to talented artists I've been following on social media. Their response was incredible, as they eagerly embraced the opportunity to be part of this exciting project. Their contributions have infused Mijotografia Magazine with an authentic and dynamic energy.
Demographics and Personas
Mijotografia caters to a vibrant demographic—Latine creatives and individuals who value and seek out curated content exclusively showcasing the work of fellow Latine creatives. Our platform is designed to resonate with this diverse audience, capturing their attention and fostering a sense of community.
With content carefully curated to inspire and engage, Mijotografia welcomes individuals aged 16 and above who are eager to explore the dynamic world of Latine creativity. Whether you are an aspiring artist, a seasoned professional, or simply someone who appreciates the richness of Latine talent, our platform invites you to immerse yourself in a curated experience that celebrates our unique perspectives and artistic expressions.
Bel
La Graphic Designer
A driven individual with an impressive portfolio of personal design projects. As a member of the LGBTQIA community, Bell is eager to find a platform that provides her with an opportunity to showcase her work and connect with like-minded individuals. She is a creative and innovative individual, always looking for ways to push boundaries and challenge norms.
Enrique
El Fashion Designer
A driven individual with an impressive portfolio of personal design projects. As a member of the LGBTQIA community, Bell is eager to find a platform that provides her with an opportunity to showcase her work and connect with like-minded individuals. She is a creative and innovative individual, always looking for ways to push boundaries and challenge norms.
Memo
La Photographer
A talented photographer and a vibrant Drag artist who spends their days capturing moments and their nights shining on stage. Memo takes pride in being a part of the queer community and loves photographing their friends who share the same passion. As a queer Latine artist, Memo is always in search of content that showcases individuals like themselves. They believe that exposure to such content brings inspiration and helps them grow as an artist. Their active lifestyle keeps them on the move, always seeking new experiences and adventures
Layout Inspo
I wanted to let the images take center stage and allow them to speak volumes. In designing the layout, we aimed to create a visual feast that captivates and engages our audience. To achieve this, we embraced bold and decorative typefaces for our headers and article openers. These typography choices add a touch of flair and personality, drawing attention to key elements and setting the tone for each section. In terms of structure, we kept things clean and focused by primarily using one or two columns as the foundation of our magazine. This minimalist approach allows the content and imagery to shine, providing a seamless reading experience and enabling our audience to fully immerse themselves in the captivating visuals. By allowing the images to take center stage and incorporating bold typography, we strike a balance that both grabs attention and maintains readability. The combination of these design choices creates a layout that is visually stunning, engaging, and user-friendly.
Color
Within this color palette, you'll find a kaleidoscope of shades that evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and a profound connection to my roots. Each color resonates with the essence of my Mexican heritage, serving as a vivid reminder of the warmth and love I experience back home.
Purple Flor
This hue draws its inspiration from the enchanting blooms found throughout Mexican landscapes, evoking a sense of awe and admiration. In Mexican culture, purple flowers hold a special significance, representing the harmony between the material and spiritual worlds.
Headers
Body Copy
Sol Azul
Inspired by the enchanting hues of the Mexican sky, this shade captures the essence of a sun-soaked paradise. It symbolizes the juxtaposition of warmth and coolness, evoking feelings of serenity and energy all at once. Just as the azure sky stretches over Mexico, this color brings a sense of openness and limitless possibilities.
Typography
Yellow Luna
In Mexican culture, the moon is revered as a symbol of transformation, guidance, and spiritual connection. Yellow Moon reflects these deeply rooted beliefs, representing the transformative power of the moon's radiant light.
Mano Naranja
This color draws its significance from the traditional symbolism of the hand, a powerful icon in Mexican culture. Representing unity, creativity, and connection, this color encapsulates the spirit of community and the celebration of artistry.
Diablito Rojo
This color draws inspiration from the rich folklore and mythology of Mexico, where fiery red is associated with powerful deities, such as the Aztec god Huitzilopochtli. It represents courage, vitality, and the unyielding spirit of the Mexican people.
My Experience
Designing the magazine was a great time! It pushed me out of my comfort zone and led me to connect with some incredible talents I've been admiring from afar. This project helped me forge new friendships. I reached out to artists I didn't know personally but deeply respected, and the response was amazing. Building those connections was an unexpected perk of working on Mijotografia. In fact, I even had the chance to meet one of the featured artists in person! Who knew that a magazine layout could lead to such awesome experiences? It's proof that stepping outside our comfort zones can bring unexpected joy and create meaningful connections. Mijotografia has not only enriched my design skills but also added some incredible people to my network. It's been a wild and rewarding ride, and I can't wait to see where it takes us next!
