The zine "08* – Leben außerhalb der Norm"* is my bachelor’s project, exploring alternative lifestyles and inspiring readers to forge their own paths beyond societal conventions. Through infographics, interviews, and visual elements, it showcases societal diversity and challenges traditional norms. Authentic interviews with individuals embracing alternative ways of life highlight both challenges and rewards, encouraging readers to broaden their perspectives.
Each issue focuses on themes like polyamory, vanlife, or ADHD, using dynamic typography and innovative design to emphasize its unconventional approach. This project has significantly contributed to my personal and design growth, demonstrating the power of communication and design in promoting diversity and acceptance. The zine appeals to a wide audience, from those living alternative lifestyles to those just beginning to explore them.
Magazine
Alternative Lifestyles
Branding
Illustrations
Art Direction
Editorial Design
Journalism
This was a very personal project of mine. I’ve always believed that each of us is unique in our appearance, thoughts, and preferences. While societal standards influence us, it’s entirely possible to lead a fulfilling life outside these norms, as not every path suits everyone. This belief shaped my bachelor’s project, the zine "08* – Leben außerhalb der Norm."The project was deeply personal, as it allowed me to explore alternative lifestyles and challenge conventional ideas. It became an expression of my passion for individuality, diversity, and the power of design to inspire others. Through authentic stories and bold visuals, the zine encourages readers to reflect on their own paths and consider the beauty of a life beyond societal expectations.
Illustrations are a key element of the zine. They are designed to explain concepts, inspire thought, and embrace imperfection. Since the zine is about life outside the norm, the illustration style was intentionally kept simple and imperfect. After all, no life—whether within or outside societal norms—is perfect. All the illustrations were created exclusively in Procreate. For some illustrations, such as the hands or the marionette, I used photos of my friend’s hands as references to ensure accurate proportions.
I couldn’t resist designing some postcards and stickers as well! It was such a fun and rewarding experience to see these designs come to life, adding an extra layer of creativity and personality to the project.
As this was my Bachelor’s Thesis, I had to create an extensive documentation covering every aspect of the process and my thought journey. It was, admittedly, a lengthy undertaking. Every detail had to be included—from the initial concept to the development of personas, as well as in-depth research on the various topics featured in the zine.
I also delved into the rationale behind the choices I made, from fonts and colors to the graphical elements used throughout. The documentation further included the creation of a moodboard, an overview of the design process, and, of course, the final product itself. This comprehensive approach ensured that every step of the project was thoughtfully considered and reflected, showcasing the deliberate and cohesive design choices that brought the zine to life.
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© Marvin Sieksmeier– 2024