My primary role at YRK Creative was the production of YRK Magazine. YRK Magazine describes itself as "profiling entrepreneurs and small business owners in a high-impact, visually engaging format that connects readers to the stories of the people who choose York as their place to launch big ideas."
When I first started working on YRK Magazine it had a different printing format, different branding, and no website. Initially I only helped finish spreads in the magazine, but over time my role expanded, eventually to the point where I suggested new branding, format change, new standards for spreads on the inside, and a website that allows you to share individual spreads.
Each issue has at least twelve or more spreads, all featuring completely unique designs. Those designs need different layouts, custom photography, and unique type work. I was responsible for coming up with the layout concept, pulling reference photos, and type styling, as well as assembling the magazine. The writing is either handled by the writer on staff, or a freelance writer. On certain issues like the arts issue, I had the opportunity to create custom illustration pieces for the cover.
As we rolled out the new branding and magazine format I pushed for a new, custom website to reflect the new look. I worked with a freelance developer to develop it, and used my background of web design and development to design the website. The main emphasis for the site was to give the social media team individual stories that they could share, and the client could share as well. Previously, the magazine was only uploaded in PDF form on the web, and this didn't allow the client to share their individual story.
I was primarily responsible for making sure the magazine was uploaded to the website, along with altering the colors to reflect the current issue. I also made sure the magazine was uploaded to the online magazine platform issuu, along with creating any individual PDF's for clients that would like them. I was occasionally tasked with creating social media posts and illustrations as well, but my primary focus was making sure the magazine looked good.
