Oplà Magazine
Role
Lead Designer
Overview
Oplà Magazine is a kids’ lifestyle publication blending expert advice, fashion, and culture for children aged 0-14. In 2019, I designed its branding, WordPress website, and four printed issues, helping the magazine establish a strong presence in Palermo and Sicily
Responsibilities
• Designed the brand identity, ensuring it reflected the playful and dynamic essence of the magazine
• Built the WordPress website to extend Oplà’s reach through digital content
• Designed layouts and visuals for four printed magazines, focusing on storytelling and aesthetic appeal
Main Goal
To establish a fresh, engaging voice in kids’ publishing with Oplà Magazine, a biannual free press magazine for children aged 0 to 14, distributed in Palermo and across Sicily. The project encompassed branding, website development, and the design of four printed issues
Target Audience
Predominantly female readers (80%), aged 30-45, including parents and caregivers interested in children’s fashion, lifestyle, and expert advice
Process
Research Phase:
Methods:
Analyzed leading kids’ magazines and gathered insights on audience preferences for content and visuals. Conducted stakeholder interviews to align the branding and design with Oplà’s vision
Key Findings:
The brand needed a vibrant, approachable identity to attract modern parents while maintaining an editorial sophistication for high-quality engagement
Ideation Phase:
Approach:
Developed a branding concept that balanced youthful energy with elegance. Designed magazine layouts and web content that showcased expert advice, interviews, and fashion editorials in an accessible and visually appealing format.
Design and Development Phase:
Design Challenges:
Integrating the magazine’s playful tone with a professional look across print and digital platforms
Solutions:
Created cohesive branding elements, including logo and typography, that transitioned seamlessly from print to digital. Designed magazine spreads to highlight diverse content, ensuring readability and engagement
Testing and Implementation Phase:
Testing Methods:
Collected feedback from stakeholders and early readers to refine magazine layouts and website usability.
Feedback Integration:
Enhanced visual hierarchy in printed materials and optimized website navigation for ease of access.
Outcome
Qualitative Feedback:
• 68,000 monthly readers.
•30,100 unique monthly readers.
•3,000 social media followers by the end of the user’s involvement.
Qualitative Feedback:
Readers praised the magazine’s fresh approach and visually engaging content, establishing Oplà as a trusted voice in kids’ publishing.
Personal Reflection:
Working with Oplà Magazine highlighted the importance of creating designs that resonate across both print and digital mediums, ensuring a cohesive and impactful user experience.
Conclusion
Project Summary:
Oplà Magazine successfully captured its audience with a bold and engaging visual identity, bridging print and digital platforms. The project’s significant readership growth underscores its impact in the kids’ publishing industry.