Project Overview
The Story Factory, a newly established video production house in Philadelphia, is looking to design a printed magazine to highlight their studio spaces and services in preparation for their grand opening. This magazine will be distributed to attendees—prospective clients, friends, and business partners— to engage and inform them about the space.
Client
The Story Factory
The Story Factory
Role
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer
Design Process
Initial Research
I initiated the project by conducting ideation sessions with the client to deeply understand their brand positioning and objectives. From these discussions, I learned that The Story Factory aims to position itself as a story-focused, people-driven production house. They are dedicated to building lasting client relationships and fostering long-term collaborations. The magazine will serve as a piece to highlight studio space and encourage potential clients to book the space/services offered.
I initiated the project by conducting ideation sessions with the client to deeply understand their brand positioning and objectives. From these discussions, I learned that The Story Factory aims to position itself as a story-focused, people-driven production house. They are dedicated to building lasting client relationships and fostering long-term collaborations. The magazine will serve as a piece to highlight studio space and encourage potential clients to book the space/services offered.
Brand Guide Review
After gaining a clear understanding of the client’s goals and vision, I reviewed The Story Factory’s brand guide to further understand their brand identity.
After gaining a clear understanding of the client’s goals and vision, I reviewed The Story Factory’s brand guide to further understand their brand identity.
Layout
After reviewing the brand guide, I began sketching a few initial outlines for the magazine layout. In my initial sketch, I envisioned a design that grabs the audience’s attention with large, striking images of The Story Factory’s studio spaces so readers are eager to learn more about what it offers. To create a cohesive connection between the magazine and the physical building, I plan to incorporate elements of the mural throughout the booklet to mirror the bold and artistic design featured outside The Story Factory.
Design Approach
Mural Integration
One of the key design elements I used was the color palette inspired by the mural painted on the outside of The Story Factory. The mural, created by Alloyius Mcilwaine, serves as a vibrant and iconic introduction to the space. I incorporated the mural’s colors and artistic style throughout the magazine so that the when attendees are looking through the magazine, they will subliminally make a connection between the physical building and the printed piece in their hands.
Photos by Helm Creative Studio
Letter from the Founder
To build a personal connection with the attendees, I chose to start the magazine with a letter from the founders. Many of the attendees are close friends or acquaintances of the founders, so this personal touch was important to establish trust and introduce the space in an inviting and authentic way. This opening section sets the tone for the magazine, making it feel more like a conversation between friends than a traditional promotional brochure.
Emphasis on Space
One of The Story Factory’s competitive advantages is its expansive and flexible space. During my research, I found that many other video production companies in Philadelphia lack this level of scale and versatility. Therefore, I made a conscious effort to fill the magazine with high-quality photos showcasing the various studios, multipurpose rooms, and creative spaces within the factory. This choice was intended to highlight the facility’s uniqueness and give attendees a sense of how they can use the space for their own projects.
Results
The magazine was distributed during The Story Factory’s grand opening and was well received by attendees. Feedback from the client highlighted the magazine’s ability to communicate their vision clearly and many attendees asked for the client’s contact information to book appointments and discuss potential projects in the space. Additionally, the magazine served as a conversation starter, sparking meaningful discussions between the client and attendees throughout the event, further solidifying interest for The Story Factory’s offerings.
The magazine was distributed during The Story Factory’s grand opening and was well received by attendees. Feedback from the client highlighted the magazine’s ability to communicate their vision clearly and many attendees asked for the client’s contact information to book appointments and discuss potential projects in the space. Additionally, the magazine served as a conversation starter, sparking meaningful discussions between the client and attendees throughout the event, further solidifying interest for The Story Factory’s offerings.