PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Asterisk is a quarterly print and web magazine addressing issues of social science and ethics. Topics range from forecasting the dangers of AI to the success of oral rehydration policies in the 1960s; from the realities of lab-grown meat to the difficulty of measuring global poverty. The content is broad and tends toward self-described nerdy data-driven research. Our goal with the design is to enrich the reading experience by bringing a sense of levity and energy to the publication; highlighting the complexity of the topics while emphasizing the humanity of the discussion.

We have designed the magazine from its inception: establishing the logo, grid, typographic rules, and art directing the website. We continue to design each issue. In keeping with the eclectic topics, our inspiration for the design was taken from enlightenment era printing, William Hogarth, 70's science fiction, and nuclear defense publications from the '80s. We work closely with editors and illustrators each issue to support the stories and we design the data-visualizations that accompany many articles.

The audience is concerned citizens of the world who are looking for new perspectives on climate change, AI, food, health, government, and social policies. We are measuring success through website traffic.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Entry Type: Series / Campaign Entry

Channel: Print

Primary Role of the Designer: Designer as craftsman

Client Relationship: A retainer relationship

Intention of the Project: Unknown (NA) / Other (if other, please explain) Raise awareness, it is a social sciences publication

Development Budget: More than $50,000

Production/Execution Budget: $30,001 - $100,000

Source of Funding: Nonprofit/NGO/trust fund

Typefaces: Atlas Grotesk; Noe Text; Noe Standard

Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Avon Brilliant Whiet

Materials:

CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director: Sarah Gephart

Art Director: Sarah Gephart

Designers: Sarah Gephart

Researchers:

Developers: Marie Otsuka and Minkyoung Kim produced the website

Copywriter:

Illustrator: we work with 6-8 illustrators each issue.

Photographer:

Printer: Hemlock

Producer:

Other Credits:

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