In this 16th issue, the annual magazine of the ECAL (Lausanne University of Art and Design) turns its attention to art direction, which is neither graphic design nor photography, but rather a way of bringing them together harmoniously within a project, often editorial in nature.
How can we explain why one layout works better than another? It is difficult to put into words, because the eye must be trained, nourished, and regularly challenged in order to recognize a strong art direction—one that resonates both with its time and with the specific subject it frames and presents. Fashion magazines, but also digital media, advertising campaigns, or web design… the applications are numerous, and no project truly takes shape without a clear art direction. Offline met four EXECAL working in a magazine (independent or within a media group), in an agency or a brand, as well as an independent web designer. Their experiences are varied, yet a common thread runs through their practice.
Offline is the biannual magazine of the ECAL (Lausanne University of Art and Design). Produced by the students, it presents a glimpse of the current events of the year: workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions, trips, etc., through interviews and portfolios. Each issue is structured around a thematic dossier, which is an opportunity to examine an issue from different points of view. Finally, reviews of diploma theses (Visual Arts, Cinema, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Media & Interaction Design, Photography) complete the set. The artistic direction of each issue is also renewed, giving the paper version its specificity.
