New Work: BD (Building Design)

BD editor-in-chief Amanda Baillieu asked me back to look at the design of BD.

With more news breaking on the web and the introduction of new editorial features it was a great opportunity to update my 2007 redesign.

The newspaper is built by the excellent subbing team headed up by Lisa Hendriks

Amanda said "We’re all really thrilled with the new look. It feels so fresh, it’s been great working with Matthew again"

Click on image to see larger version.

Jacqui Oakley: Bit of alright

I first worked with Ontario based illustrator Jacqui Oakly in 2002 at RollingStone, soon afterwards I returned to the UK and didn't get the opportunity to work with Jacqui again, that is until recently.

In February I was looking for an illustrator for a new interview page in the redesigned BD and Jacqui was just the right person for the job. She's great at capturing a likeness and illustrating personality and her colour palette adds an edgy feel to her work.

I was really chuffed that the now well established illustrator was keen to do the job and she's been hired on a regular basis.

Jacqui posted about the job on her blog and you can see the illustration of Jeremy Tills on page below

She also posted about her second illustration of Bjarke Ingels, a fascinating insight into the thinking behind her work.

The world's leading architectural practices

A quick cover for the WA100 BD supplement

Boots & Spurs: Cycling year kicks off

The latest issue of Boots & Spurs, the National Clarion member magazine has been showcased on number of leading design blogs.

Rober Newman of newmanology selected B&S for his cover of the day.
Coverjunkie placed our cover on their main home page feed.
NASCAPS we made it onto their 'good covers' feed.
Visualinguist likes the cover too.

Thanks very much, I think I'll go for a bike ride to celebrate!

The latest issue features a cover illustration by Garry Marshall and photography by Andy Shaw.

Escape to paradise

The Spring issue of Escape, the First Great Western passenger magazine was published by Think at the start of the year. It showcase all the things you can do and see from London to Penzance and everywhere in between.

Fly Fishing and Fly Tying magazine: Orange crush

We managed to find the perfect fishing moment for the March issue of Fly Fishing and Fly Tying published by the good fellows at Rolling River.

I work with editor Mark Bowler on the covers and this month we used a 5th colour for the first time in the magazine's history!

New work: Historic Scotland

The last three months have been incredibly busy so I've not had time to publish any updates

I'll kick off a few "new work" post with the latest issue of the Historic Scotland member magazine published by Think Publishing

Classic FM closes with sales on the up

It's always sad to hear about the demise of a magazine but especially so when the product is successful and popular with readers.

The April 2012 issue of Classic FM will be the last says editor John Evans. It seems Haymarket Publishing and Classic FM owner Global Radio couldn't agree contract renewal terms.

I spent a couple of months in the summer of 2010 at Haymarket in Teddington working on the redesign of Classic FM with John, editorial director Mark Payton and design director Paul Harpin.

We made the covers smarter and quick to read refocusing on the popular entertaining aspect of classical music. The free CDs on the cover were a key selling point and were changed to complete works of music.

The new approach worked, with sales on the up says John on rhinegold.co.uk "We have had a successful redesign and a new editorial approach. We felt we had turned a corner, but there are going to be a lot of disaffected, disenfranchised readers out there.’

RIP Amid Capeci

Amid Capeci (left) was the Art Director at Rolling Stone for the last couple of weeks before I returned to the UK. A lovely fellow, he died last week.

Amid's New York Times obituary