Ordinary Person, Extraordinary Opportunity

I am nearing the end of my first month in Helsinki, and what a month it's been! I've visited numerous countries, walked the halls of gorgeous museums, gone to the opera, drank the beers of Europe, and all the while meeting people who have opened my mind and eyes.

This doesn't even begin to scratch the surface as to what my professional experience has been like. Working on a new magazine launch from square 1 in a foreign market is astounding. From the varying approaches to the structure of the book itself, to not being able to read the language, it has forced me to apply my design skills in new and unexpected ways. First and foremost I feel very fortunate to be working with Tuomas. His track record and design sensibilities in the magazine industry are impressive to say the very least (I've lost count as to how many mags he has launched and/or redesigned). It's been awesome sitting across from another creative throwing ideas back and forth, all while geeking out about the day to day happenings in the design industry.

I've been able to visit numerous photographers studios (pictured above in the studio with Olivia's fashion editor Sanna, photographer Kimmo and editorial assistant Lenna), meet the design collective which is creating our custom fonts for Evita (a beautiful and modern slab serif alongside a refined serif), as well as, review portfolios of potential illustrators for future use. Across the board all these creatives have been extremely passionate/talented and best of all very modest. Whether this is a repercussion of a "small" market where it's not in a persons best interest to be a diva....I don't know. Regardless it has been refreshing speaking with them about their craft and how the varying markets have such different styles (i.e. US VOGUE vs French VOGUE vs German VOGUE).

As the publishing industry changes around us, we need to adjust our views as to what we are producing. Today it's not about the magazine-as-object (just sitting on the news stand) anymore, we are moving into an age where it is imperative to see we are creating/selling an experience. The exchange of ideas and resources between the various Bonnier offices worldwide is one of many steps in growing towards a more pertinent and profitable publishing house as a whole.