Burnt Magazine
Accompanying students through the myriad experiences
of senior year with a blend of wit and empowerment.
Instructor: Soonduk Krebs
Elements: Branding, Typography, UX/UIOverview
“Burnt is a publication dedicated to senior students grappling with mental exhaustion. Its primary goal is to guide you through the highs and lows of senior year in a witty yet empowering way. The goal is for this publication to be a dynamic infographic diary. Skip the existential life crisis and therapy and scroll through the pages of this fresh and invigorating publication!”
Research
During my research process, I wanted to gain a deep understanding of the prevalent issue of student burnout. This phenomenon stems from a multitude of factors such as excessive schoolwork, sleep deprivation, unhealthy eating habits, family obligations, lack of physical activity, poor time management, and unrealistic expectations. Burnout manifests as both emotional and physical exhaustion, triggered by prolonged and overwhelming stress from any combination of these factors. It manifests as a feeling of being constantly overwhelmed and unable to meet demands, leading to a loss of interest and motivation in one's roles. This, in turn, diminishes productivity, drains energy, and fosters feelings of hopelessness, powerlessness, cynicism, and resentment. As a student familiar with burnout, I honed in on what I wanted the publication to address. My research focused on understanding the strategies that students commonly employ to combat burnout. Among these strategies, music, journaling, adequate sleep, exercise and nutrition, and meaningful social connections emerged as top contenders. These findings inspired the creation of the magazine's content and spreads, which aim to offer practical solutions and insights for tackling burnout.
Logo
Final LogoI aimed for a logo that conveyed the essence of burnout without being overly literal. I experimented with various fonts and weights, leaning towards sans-serif styles that carried a sense of dynamic movement or texture. After careful consideration, I settled on a manipulated elongated type logo with a pronounced texture, finding it to be the most appealing. I then combined this logo with the handcrafted font, BIRDIE, which elevated the overall aesthetic to a more serious and edgy tone.
SPREADS
I envisioned BURNT as a valuable resource specifically tailored to seniors grappling with mental exhaustion, offering insights and inspiration to reignite their motivation and perseverance. This vision inspired the creation of four meticulously curated spreads designed to inspire and uplift students facing burnout. At the core of this concept is an in-depth exploration of techniques and habits aimed at nurturing a healthy mindset. Within the magazine's pages, readers will discover engaging games, insightful and satirical pieces, and comprehensive resource hubs, all crafted to stimulate critical thinking. The magazine's overarching goal is not only to spark inspiration but also to encourage interactivity, reigniting creativity within its readers. Here's a breakdown of the spreads:
‘Bingo Bliss: Self Care Edition’: A game promoting self-care activities to combat burnout.
‘Revitalize with Tasty Remedies: Beat Mental Burnout!’: Featuring 'The Procrastinator’s Panic Pizza',a healthy recipe designed to boost brain function and encourage a healthier lifestyle.
‘The Art of Excelling in Mental Burnout: A Satirical Guide for Overachievers’: A satirical guide highlighting seniors' stress while injecting humor to bring lightness to their experiences.
‘Fast Track: Navigate the Final Stretch’: A checklist seniors can use to ensure they complete all necessary steps leading up to graduation.
collateral
I crafted complementary deliverables designed to enhance the magazine's impact and support students in their academic journey. Tailoring my approach to the student demographic targeted by BURNT, I decided to incorporate Instagram story posts into the project. Recognizing the prevalence of digital platforms in our era, especially for seeking resources, I saw these posts as a means to engage with senior students across diverse college settings who are grappling with similar challenges. Each post aligns with themes explored in my magazine spreads, fostering a cohesive narrative. Additionally, I envisioned and developed a planner/journal specifically geared towards aiding students during their senior year. This comprehensive tool features various to-do lists and spaces for notes, encouraging students to prioritize tasks and assignments effectively to avoid missing deadlines—a resource inspired by my own experiences and something I wish I had during my own senior year. Furthermore, to add a touch of urban style to the brand, I designed shirts that align with the brand's aesthetic and resonate with the targeted audience.
CONCLUSION
Selecting colors for a publication posed a significant challenge, particularly because they had to strike a balance between harmony and distinctiveness for each spread. Since most of my spreads featured illustrations alongside typography, I had to carefully choose background colors that wouldn't overshadow the graphics and headlines. My goal was to create a palette that was vibrant, lively, and energizing. Employing fun and bold colors alongside experimental headlines and typefaces allowed me to play with the layout and overall structure of the publication, enhancing its visual appeal and impact. This project motivated me to develop something with broader benefits
beyond just myself. Working on typography and layout posed challenges but proved immensely rewarding for my brand. I'm grateful to my peers who persevered alongside me throughout this journey. This deeply personal and meaningful publication is dedicated to them.