Money Makers Magazine (M*3)

Print Magazine

Showcasing human stories, M*3 is a bi-annual publication that challenges our definition of “work,” providing a platform for contemporary entrepreneurs to reclaim the narrative surrounding late-stage capitalism. M*3 reflects personal accounts of labor and speaks to a new era of the gig-economy.

Tools Utilized: Adobe InDesign / Adobe Photoshop / Photography / Miro / Adobe Illustrator

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PROCESS

OUR READERS:

Before starting to consider the aesthetic direction of M*3, I first wanted to consider the demographic in which M*3 would be marketed. To do this I did an intensive research audit of existing readerships held by competing print magazines. I then formed three personas which represented the primary archetypes discovered during that research. These personas allowed me to consider possible unmet needs which M*3 could cater to—ensuring that M*3's could tap into a niche in the market.

WHAT THEY WANT TO FIND:

LAYOUT INSPIRATION:

Improvised, eclectic, and busy. The layout structure pushes the reader to really look at the page. With oversized text, uneven columns, and a disregard for traditional layout norms—each page's style is as distinctive and remarkable as the subjects of the magazine's features.

MOODBOARD RECIPES:

TYPE, COLOR, ADJECTIVES:

ILLUSTRATION STYLE & GRAPHIC ELEMENTS:

To reflect the boundary-pushing tone of the magazine's content, I created illustrations and graphic elements which are punchy and experimental in nature. This is achieved in the graphics below by combining bold complimentary colors while also utilizing both 2 and 3D elements to disorient the viewer and thus spark interest.

PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE:

Photography that centers human subjects as its focal point, which reflects M*3's focus on human stories within its content. Mostly artistically staged imagery, with a slight somber-futuristic tone. This is achieved through photography mainly captured at night or in dim studio light. To maintain an overall eclectic feel in-line with the rest of the content, I didn't apply too much curation to my selection process, in hopes of it resulting in a tone which feel egalitarian and diverse in nature.

MAGAZINE

PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL:

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PROCESS

COMPETITIVE AUDIT:

To get a better sense of the current consumer experience, we audited some of the most popular e-commerce sites for purchasing sex tech products, with a focus on their use of identity-affirming language and imagery within their marketing.

CAMPAIGN AUDIENCE:

During our intensive market research we surveyed almost 50 sex tech consumers. Of those survey respondents 67% identified as Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual, and 23% identified as trans or gender diverse.

"More sex toys for trans and non-binary people that don't mimic cishet sex."

-Anonymous Survey Responder

"I dislike packaging showing me bodies—they're always ridiculously sexualized and uncomfortable."

-Anonymous Survey Responder

DEFINING THE PROBLEM:

BRAND DIRECTION:

CAMPAIGN

"Real life models are what I feel sex shops lack the most, and it can really make a difference on what I buy!"

-Anonymous Survey Responder

"I would love to see more marketing tailored towards trans experiences and those of our partners."

-Anonymous Survey Responder

"An online sex shop that does not reinforce cis/heteronormativity would get my business for sure."

-Anonymous Survey Responder

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PROCESS

DEFINING THE PROBLEM:

RESEARCH FINDINGS:

THEMES OBSERVED RELATING TO USER:

The majority of our survey-participants are individuals who:

THE USER'S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS:

COMPETITIVE AUDIT:

To get a better sense of the current consumer experience, we audited some of the most popular therapy apps, with a focus on their accessibility and crisis/de-escalation methods.