Elayada
A collage magazine designed for Collage of applied science Kozhikode, kerala -2019- 20 bath.
The concept for this magazine design was inspired by an intriguing blend of keywords that emerged from our literature review: #Enigmatic, #Unique, #Rebellious, and #Energetic. These words formed the foundation for the magazine's mood and theme, capturing an essence that is bold yet thought-provoking, rebellious but refined. Once the stakeholders gave their approval, I committed to staying true to this concept, ensuring that each page not only expressed these qualities but also resonated with the deeper layers of the content. Every element—from layout to typography to color palette—was carefully crafted to mirror the magazine's unique identity, allowing each piece of content to maintain its original power while adding to the overall atmosphere.
In designing this magazine, my approach was intentionally indirect, shaped by an understanding of the diverse audience it would attract. Rather than presenting the theme too overtly, I wanted the design to offer something for everyone. For the casual reader, it feels visually appealing and engaging, a seamless reading experience with compelling aesthetics. But for those inclined to read between the lines, the design is packed with subtle cues and layers, inviting them to explore deeper meanings and hidden nuances. This layered approach allowed me to play with the enigmatic and rebellious themes, providing subtle nods through contrasts, unexpected textures, and playful juxtapositions that reveal more to those willing to look closer.
Throughout the process, my focus remained on honoring the spirit of the content while enhancing it through design. Each page was crafted with care, balancing the magazine’s energy and sophistication to create a cohesive experience that captivates and challenges the reader. The result is a magazine that doesn’t just present information but engages its audience, inviting them on a visual and intellectual journey—one that’s both thought-provoking and satisfying, whether they're reading casually or with an intent to uncover the story behind every element.
My take on some of the pages and design decisions
Darkness
A page from the magazine.
The design concept for this page immerses the viewer in a hauntingly raw atmosphere inspired by themes of darkness, loneliness, and emptiness. A monochromatic palette with splashes of red symbolizes lingering traces of life amid despair, evoking a sense of isolation that feels both visceral and restrained. Images of empty rooms with windows, drawn from Singh's Museum of Chance (2015), reinforce this atmosphere, with each window offering a glimpse of light yet intensifying the sense of abandonment. The sliced, boxed layout mirrors a caged feeling, subtly suggesting entrapment within one’s own mind. Central to the composition is the image Crocodile Eating Ballerina, from Pina Bausch’s ballet Die Keuschheitslegende (The Legend of Virginity), which powerfully portrays beauty consumed by darkness, vulnerability swallowed by pain. Together, these elements draw the viewer into a space heavy with solitude, evoking an experience that resonates with the weight of sorrow and silent resilience.
Why we should trust science
A page from the magazine.
To convey the significance of science and its timeless impact on humanity, I chose a theme that balances structure with a sense of wonder. The design is organized yet playful, inviting readers to explore the vastness of scientific discovery with both respect and curiosity. At the heart of the page is an image of Albert Einstein—not just as the renowned scientist but as his playful, human self. This choice reflects science’s approachable, ever-evolving nature, emphasizing that even the greatest minds can find joy in the pursuit of knowledge. Einstein’s image serves as an anchor, grounding the content while encouraging readers to engage with science in a way that feels both meaningful and accessible.
A page from the magazine.
To deepen the theme, an image of numbers arranged in a time loop visually conveys the cyclical, enduring nature of science and rational thought. This circular arrangement suggests completeness—a life cycle that connects human history, scientific progress, and the precision of mathematics. Echoing the orbits of planets, this motif reinforces the idea that science is not only a pursuit of understanding but also an integral part of our universe’s structure, with each discovery building on the last. Together, these elements create a narrative that celebrates science as both rational and boundless, a field that shapes and is shaped by humanity across time.
sex education
A page from the magazine.
This section on sex education is designed as a bold, visual outcry, reflecting the frustrations and unfiltered voices of a generation seeking freedom, recognition, and understanding. Inspired by themes of #Loud, #Censored, #Frustration, #Gender, and #SocialNorms, the layout uses vibrant colors to capture the energy and urgency of youth pushing back against outdated norms. These colors reflect a vibrant yet confrontational tone, symbolizing the fight for open conversations on topics that have long been swept under the rug. The content itself is intentionally marked with tape and blocks, symbolizing the censorship that still silences essential discussions on gender and sexuality. This approach gives viewers a visceral sense of the restrictions and barriers young people encounter as they seek information and validation.
A page from the magazine.
Images throughout the section convey raw emotion, frustration, and a sense of suffocation—the unheard voices trapped and constrained by societal taboos. Each photograph is a powerful reminder of how restrictive social norms can feel to those yearning for change, capturing moments of isolation and intensity that resonate deeply with the theme. Together, the visual elements and the bold color palette create an environment that feels charged and confrontational, perfectly embodying the mood and content of the piece. This design doesn’t just convey information; it makes a statement, highlighting the urgency and necessity of open, uncensored discussions around sex education in today's society.
Jojo rabbit
A page from the magazine.
Creating a page for Jojo Rabbit was both a joy and a challenge, as I sought to capture the film’s unique blend of #Dark, #Comedy, #Vibrant, and #Kids. As a movie lover, Jojo Rabbit stands out to me for its heartwarming moments intertwined with dark humor, so designing this review page was a project I deeply connected with. I aimed to convey the film’s playful yet poignant atmosphere by using vibrant colors and engaging imagery, capturing the innocence of childhood amidst the chaos of a darker world. This approach not only reflected the tone of the movie but also allowed readers to experience the same contrasts that make the film so memorable.
A page from the magazine.
The layout and design choices focus on highlighting key scenes and characters that bring warmth and humor to the story. Vibrant colors were used to echo the film’s imaginative take on difficult themes, ensuring that the page feels lively and inviting while still hinting at the underlying seriousness. Images were carefully selected to showcase the heartfelt interactions between Jojo and the other characters, bringing out the whimsical yet touching aspects of the story. Through this approach, I aimed to create a design that draws viewers in with its visual charm while honoring the complex layers of Jojo Rabbit, giving readers a taste of the movie’s spirit on every page.
Manushyan manushyane manushyanaki
A page from the magazine.
For the literature Manushyan Manushyane Manushyanaki, which delves into the depths of #PurposeOfLife, #Mystic, #Humanity, and the #HumanPsyche, I aimed to create a design that feels as enigmatic and layered as the themes themselves. By weaving in a touch of mysticism, the layout reflects life’s twists and complexities in a deceptively simple way, allowing viewers to sense the profound while engaging with the accessible. The visual style mirrors the journey of understanding humanity and existence—clean yet layered, revealing hints of depth and introspection. This approach invites readers to explore the text with curiosity, encouraging them to look beyond the surface and contemplate the intricate questions about life’s purpose and the psyche that the literature poses.
Kettiyol ann ente malakha
A page from the magazine.
Designing a page for the movie Kettiyol Ann Ente Malakha (which translates to "My Wife is My Angel") allowed me to reflect both the beauty and underlying discomfort the film conveys. Inspired by the film's angelic theme, the title design incorporates wing-like elements to symbolize purity and devotion. However, to capture the film’s intentionally unsettling tone, I toned down the color saturation and introduced a gray, subdued atmosphere, mirroring the restrained, uneasy vibe of the movie. Taped content further enhances this sense of discomfort and restraint, adding layers of meaning that resonate with the complex themes of the story. This design choice creates a balanced experience that feels true to the movie—angelic in appearance yet hinting at the deeper, more uncomfortable layers beneath.
Nale kanam
A page from the magazine.
For the nostalgic poem Nale Kanam, evoking themes of #Bye, #Tomorrow, #Uncertainty, #ThinPain, and #Death, I drew inspiration from Leo Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich. To capture the poem's melancholic tone, I chose a sketch symbolizing the story’s introspective confrontation with mortality and overlaid it with a subtle blue hue, emphasizing a cold, distant, almost haunting atmosphere. This color choice imbues the design with a nostalgic, deathly chill, creating a visual that feels both timeless and fleeting. The result is a page that resonates with the poem’s sense of impermanence and quiet sorrow, inviting readers into its contemplative exploration of life’s fragility.
Punergeniyiloode
A page from the magazine.
For Punergeniyiloode, a poem that addresses themes of #Earth, #Distraction, #Environment, #Farmers, and #Agriculture, I crafted a design that captures the grounded, raw essence of these subjects. The visual style is intentionally muted and earthy, with a palette of rusty golds and muddy browns, reflecting the resilience and struggle inherent in agriculture and environmental issues. Each element—from the colors to the textured images—evokes a sense of soil, decay, and regeneration, underscoring the poem’s exploration of humanity's connection to the land. This design choice provides a fitting backdrop, immersing the reader in the grounded, unvarnished reality of environmental and agricultural themes, making the page feel as rooted and real as the poem’s message.
Vedic mathematics
A page from the magazine.
For the section on Vedic Mathematics, which explores themes of #Vedic, #Indian, and #Ancient, I wanted to create a design that feels both timeless and contemporary, reflecting the ancient roots of Vedic mathematics with a modern touch. The color palette draws from warm, earthy tones—deep ochres and muted browns—reminiscent of ancient manuscripts, while hints of gold add a sense of vibrancy and reverence. This balanced approach provides a bridge between past and present, honoring the legacy of Indian mathematical wisdom while making it feel accessible and relevant today. The layout, inspired by the rationality and systematic nature of mathematics, is carefully aligned and clean, reinforcing the structured precision that underpins Vedic mathematical concepts.
A page from the magazine.
The imagery further enhances the content’s authenticity, with each selected visual element contributing to the atmosphere of scholarly exploration. Relevant illustrations, such as traditional Indian symbols and geometric patterns, not only complement the theme but also infuse the page with the essence of Vedic tradition. Every element—down to the smallest details—creates an immersive experience that almost “smells” of math, inviting readers to engage with this blend of ancient knowledge and logical clarity. The result is a page that feels energetically rooted in history yet brimming with the intellectual curiosity that mathematics evokes, drawing readers into the enduring wonder of Vedic wisdom.
The facts of patriarchy
A page from the magazine.
For The Facts of Patriarchy, a piece exploring themes of #WomenEmpowerment, #Abuse, #Betrayal, and #Trust, I drew visual inspiration from Mira Nair’s iconic film Salaam Bombay. The film’s raw portrayal of struggles faced by women in harsh societal structures provided the perfect lens to illustrate the complex emotions embedded in the literature. The imagery from Salaam Bombay captures moments of resilience amid oppression, making it an ideal choice to visually underscore the narrative’s depth. Each selected image speaks to the strength, vulnerability, and resilience of women, embodying both the harsh realities and quiet triumphs central to the theme.
A page from the magazine.
To complement this powerful imagery, I opted for a muted pink and blue color palette, which adds a subtle emotional weight to the design. The colors are intentionally dulled to avoid any sense of glamour, instead highlighting the somber yet resilient tone of the content. This combination of visuals and colors aims to remain true to the literature’s intention, conveying the nuances of pain, betrayal, and the struggle for empowerment. By blending these elements, the design resonates with the complex layers of patriarchy’s impact, creating an honest, reflective space for readers to engage deeply with the material.