A hybrid print and digital editorial publication giving emerging artists a platform to share their work, stories and experiences, whilst exploring the realities of building a creative career
YOUTH DIGEST
The Story: Youth Digest began as a response to a question I couldn't stop thinking about: why are so many emerging artists expected to create extraordinary work whilst constantly facing financial instability, limited opportunities and the pressure to justify pursuing a creative career? The project was inspired by my critical research into the "starving artist" stereotype and the way creative careers are often undervalued despite the cultural impact they have
During my research, I explored how creativity is frequently treated as secondary to more traditional professions, despite being present across every aspect of society. I wanted to challenge that narrative by creating a platform that celebrated emerging artists rather than reducing them to stereotypes or statistics
Youth Digest became that platform: an independent editorial publication designed to give young creatives the space to share their work, tell their stories and discuss the realities of building a career in the creative industries. Instead of simply showcasing finished portfolios, the publication focused on the people behind the work—their motivations, struggles and ambitions.
Print Meets Digital: The physical magazine reimagined as an interactive digital experience
Role: Creative Director · Editor-in-Chief · Editorial Designer · Interviewer & Web Designer
Type: Independent Editorial Publication
Duration: 6 months
Year: 2021
Tools: InDesign · Photoshop · Illustrator · Premiere Pro · Wix
Skills: Creative Direction · Editorial Design · Branding · Publication Design · Interviewing · Web Design
The Concept: Rather than designing a traditional magazine, I wanted Youth Digest to exist as a connected editorial experience across both print and digital platforms. The printed publication acts as the physical starting point, whilst each feature is extended through an interactive e-zine and dedicated website. The magazine became the exhibition guide, while the website became the exhibition itself. Every artist profile includes QR codes that allow readers to move seamlessly between the printed magazine and expanded digital content, transforming the publication into an interactive experience rather than a static object
This approach allowed the magazine to function almost like a curated exhibition, where each printed spread became a gateway to interviews, multimedia content and extended stories online. By combining editorial design with digital interaction, I wanted to rethink how independent publications could connect with contemporary audiences whilst giving emerging artists greater visibility
“The magazine became the exhibition guide, while the website became the exhibition itself”
Every QR code acted like moving between galleries, allowing readers to uncover the full story behind each artist through interviews, videos and digital features”
Featured Artists
Brenda's feature explores identity, beauty and self-expression through photography and makeup artistry. Alongside photographing and designing the editorial feature, I conducted an original interview exploring how she balances creativity, confidence and life as an emerging artist
Daniel's feature looks at experimental fashion as a form of communication and self-expression. Alongside photographing and designing the editorial feature, I conducted an original interview exploring his creative process, inspirations and vision behind Peinado Studio
Aïsha's feature examines digital illustration, creative identity and the realities of building a career as a young artist. Alongside curating her artwork and designing the editorial feature, I conducted an original interview exploring her creative process and personal experiences
Robin's feature explores creativity through painting, performance and playful storytelling. Alongside curating the editorial feature, I created and hosted a Never Have I Ever: Artist Edition interview, offering a more personal insight into life as an emerging creative
Creative Process
Youth Digest was entirely self-directed and produced from concept to completion. Alongside designing the visual identity, I researched the publication's theme, sourced and interviewed each featured artist, edited all written content, designed every magazine spread, built the companion website, created the interactive digital edition and produced promotional materials
Managing every stage of production gave me complete creative control whilst strengthening my skills across editorial design, journalism, branding, UX, web design and digital publishing
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A collection of early research, visual references and concept development that shaped the editorial direction, identity and narrative behind Youth Digest
Editorial inspiration drawn from TOILETPAPER and Printed Pages, influencing the publication's playful compositions, vibrant colour palette and experimental approach to print design
Typography references from ArtReview, 1Granary and Insanity Issue, informing the publication's bold editorial hierarchy, expressive layouts and contemporary visual language