VICE EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATIONS
THE CHALLENGE
Create a series of 3 illustrations for articles in Vice.com's editorial category that define a new consistent design language to be implemented across the category.
Project Overview
THE AUDIENCE
Youth and Gen Z individuals interested in digital media and current events.
THE CONCEPT
Bright, colorful, charming and attention getting illustrations with simplified geometry and engaging visual metaphors.
Research: Defining an Editorial
What is an Editorial?
An editorial article is an online article featuring opinions on recent events, pop culture, technological innovations, sports, and more. Because editorials heavily feature the opinions of their authors, they are separate from the traditional "news" section. An example of VICE's editorial section is shown above.
Exploration & Early Design
Early Direction 1
This direction was based on graphic, 2D illustration highlighting the most important elements of the article
Early Direction 2
Taking inspiration from Vice's branding, we designed a gritty, black and white simplified approach with the illustration.
Early Direction 3
This direction was inspired by poppy colors and iconography that communicated the message of the article.
Chosen Early Direction
This direction focused on visual metaphors and charming geometry to communicate an idea.
Composition 1
Earliest design with a closed composition and negative space surrounding the figure and the phone.
Composition 2
Enlarged and angled megaphone more towards viewer for stronger impact.
Composition 3
Closed composition, phone and figure move to the corner to break the frame. Experimenting with shape language of megaphone.
Final Composition
More dramatic contrast in shape of megaphone. Final Composition breaks frame with phone and voice.
Final Design Direction & Visual Style
Charming & Poppy Illustrations
The design language centers around stylized geometry with simple shapes and rounded edges. The character's are charming and full of expression to mirror the tone of each article and highlight the main points the author is trying to convey. The colors are bright and attention getting.
Design Rules
Charming characters, 3D design, stylized & simplified geometry, scale exaggeration, rounded edges.
Britney Spears Is Finally Able to Speak Out on Instagram -and She's Not Holding Back
Emphasizing Britney's voice through the large megaphone and symbols filling the screen, the main points of the article are highlighted.
Naomi Osaka Doesn't Owe Anyone Anything
The article documents the criticisms that Osaka faced after pulling out of the French Open citing mental health reasons. In the illustration, Osaka is shown physically repelling the criticisms with her tennis racket.
The Billionaire 'Space Race' Has Nothing To Do With Space
The author discusses how billionaires like Jeff Bezos' quest into space is less about exploration and more about a mission to exploit space tourism and space resources for financial gain. The illustration shows the battle of multiple billionaire's competing to be able to use space for personal profits.
On the Web
Desktop View
How each article and illustration appear on the web. Their cropped view provides both a preview of the illustrations and a preview of each article, enticing the viewer to click further.
Mobile View
Credits
Julia Fogarty
Design, Animation & Art Direction
Software
Cinema 4D, Adobe AfterEffects, Adobe Photoshop