Overview:
This project involved designing an editorial feature for Sweet, a conceptual lifestyle magazine. The spread explores the intricate world of geishas, aiming to demystify their traditions while celebrating their lasting influence on art, fashion, and Japanese culture.
Objective:
Create a visually engaging and informative magazine layout that introduces readers to the nuanced role of geishas in Japanese society. The design emphasizes their artistry, cultural legacy, and the philosophy of iki—refined simplicity and subtle elegance.
My Role: Cultural and Visual Research | Editorial Layout Design | Typography & Color Direction | Imagery and Visual Composition
I conducted in-depth research on geisha traditions, including their history, cultural significance, and modern-day practices. I was responsible for developing the visual concept, curating imagery, and designing the full spread to reflect the tone and subject matter of the piece.
Tools Used: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator Design
Approach:
The layout embraces a minimalist aesthetic inspired by the iki philosophy, incorporating traditional Japanese patternsand elegant typography. To evoke the presence and symbolism of geishas, I used accents of red and orange—colors that reflect their traditional attire and makeup. These warm tones create contrast against the muted base palette, guiding the reader’s eye while reinforcing cultural context.
The final design aims to honor the poise, beauty, and cultural richness of geisha tradition through thoughtful, balanced editorial design.
