The cover of the inaugural virtual release of the digital edition of Howard Magazine serves as a powerful visual representation of Howard University's commitment to innovation, progress, and forward-thinking in the modern era. It captures the essence of the university's transformative journey, highlighting its dynamic role in higher education and societal advancement.
Art Direction, Animation & Design
Adobe: After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop
Considering that this would become Howard Magazine's first digital edition, the editor and chief had the idea of giving the cover a futuristic feel. In my approach to communicate the level of recognition of the Howard brand and its impact, while hinting at the innovation to come, I sought to depict Howard as a projection over the world.
Using photoshop to mask out the highly renowned clocktower and map of the campus, I then took to after effects to create an outline of the globe. Once reached a result that mirrored my vision, I then began to build the layout of the cover and animation. Given the futuristic concept, I referenced classic films, cartoons, and adverts from the infamous Y2K era when developing the direction for this cover. Pairing text animations with expressions and the layering of the globe, Howard's map and clocktower, I was able to design a high engaging moment in Howard's history.
The above 1080x1080 variants of the static and animated cover, was designed with the intention of being posted to Howard University's instagram.
The above is the cover of the inaugural virtual release of the digital edition of Howard Magazine.