The Devil’s in the Detail: 3 Ways Paper Elevates Unify Magazine
3 Ways Paper Elevates Your Magazine
Traditional fashion magazines often prioritise aesthetics over accessibility, leaving many readers unable to fully engage with the content. Unify is different, we ensure that the joy of fashion media is available to everyone. When I attended a workshop hosted by GF Smith, a renowned paper company based in Norwich, I gained a new perspective on how paper can be more than just a backdrop for beautiful images. Exploring different paper types, thicknesses, textures, and techniques like foiling, embossing, and debossing, I realised how these elements could transform Unify into a truly inclusive experience. One of the most exciting ideas that emerged was the incorporation of embossed braille into the magazine, allowing visually impaired readers to engage with the content in a meaningful, tactile way. This workshop reinforced my belief that fashion magazines should be designed for everyone, and Unify aims to lead that change.
Here are three ways paper plays a crucial role in making a magazine more immersive, engaging, and, most importantly, inclusive:
1. Texture: Engaging More Than Just Sight
Texture is often an overlooked element in magazine design, but it has the power to make a significant impact. During the GF Smith workshop, I explored a variety of paper finishes—some smooth, some rough, others with an almost velvety feel. This opened my eyes to how paper can create a sensory experience that isn’t solely reliant on visuals.
For Unify, incorporating different textures into the magazine means that readers with visual impairments can engage with the content in a more tangible way. Raised patterns, embossed text, and even subtly textured pages can help make the reading experience more dynamic. Fashion itself is about touch, feel, and materiality, so why shouldn’t a fashion magazine reflect that?
2. Colour and Contrast: Enhancing Readability
For individuals with dyslexia and ADHD, readability is a crucial factor in accessibility. High-contrast text, off-white or pastel backgrounds, and carefully chosen paper finishes can significantly improve the ease of reading. At the GF Smith workshop, I learned about the importance of selecting the right paper tones—not just for aesthetics but also for functionality.
For Unify, I made a conscious effort to move away from stark white pages, which can create glare and strain the eyes. Instead, using softer shades and matte finishes reduces visual fatigue while maintaining a sleek and stylish design. This small yet significant detail can transform a magazine into a more comfortable reading experience.
3. Embossing and Debossing: Adding Dimension and Accessibility
One of the most exciting techniques I learned about at the GF Smith workshop was embossing and debossing—methods that create raised or recessed designs on paper. While these techniques are often used to add luxury and depth to printed materials, they also offer an incredible opportunity for accessibility.
Inspired by this, I decided to incorporate embossed braille into Unify. By embedding braille within the magazine’s pages, visually impaired readers can interact with the content in a way that goes beyond standard text. This tactile addition allows them to not only engage with the magazine but also feel included in the conversation of fashion.
Elevating the Magazine Experience for All
The artistry of print goes beyond visuals—it’s about how a magazine feels, how it reads, and how it invites engagement. My experience with GF Smith helped me understand that the choice of paper isn’t just a design decision; it’s a tool for gathering a wider audience. Through texture, contrast, and tactile elements, Unify aims to create a fashion magazine that welcomes everyone into its pages, making the joy of print accessible to all.
