VAROOM 09 COVER: AN EXPLANATION


Varoom's latest cover, issue 09, is the result of a collaboration between Non-Format and Alex Trochut. This small text explains the synthesis of the process.

The idea was to lend the whole cover the impression of a liquid surface, in which a differently coloured liquid floats on top, drawing the headline "this is illustration". Above the headline, the Varoom logo also appears to be floating on the surface of the liquid. As we had the opportunity to to use the back cover as well, the design could be completed as a two step sequence. The back cover shows the front cover image after some time has passed, and the headline and Varoom logo have begun to dissolve into the liquid.


The first step, was to compose the headline as liquid splash, somewhat like a balsamic vinegar stain drizzled across a creamy soup. These were the first previews:

The next stage added more details and energy, mixing splashes with the text and establishing definition to the headline lettering:



It was felt that there was a lack of structure in the headline and that the letter shapes where too loose.
The following stage attempted to strike a good balance between realism and dynamism in the splash, and stability and proportion for the text.
The grid, based on circles and a clearly defined angular system, helped to make the composition more consistent.



Once the grid system was in place, some softness could be brought back into the composition to add an organic expression.
This way we have a composition that feels natural and organic, but that is also loosely based on a geometric grid, which lends the headline typography to more coherently solid structure.



Once this very graphic structure was established, the colouring, shadow and highlight work really helped to bring a more volumetric feeling to the whole image. The choice of colour transition in the headline itself also improved the readability.