Glitching the System

This project challenged students to analyze the visual language of an existing magazine and redesign a cover using the publication’s established design principles. I chose i-D Magazine because of its iconic “wink” motif, minimalist layouts, and strong connection to youth culture and creative identity. Rather than recreating an existing issue, I developed my own concept titled Glitching the System, exploring how technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping contemporary art and culture. I wanted the cover to feel both futuristic and nostalgic — reflecting the rapid evolution of digital culture while referencing the early visual language of technology.

2026

Editorial, OCAD Project

Project Notes

Description

Because i-D is known for obscuring or closing one eye to mimic its logo, I reinterpreted this signature element by pixelating the model’s eye and using those fragmented pixels to construct the i-D logo itself. This allowed me to preserve the magazine’s recognizable visual identity while evolving it to support the project’s theme.

The colour palette and typography were influenced by early digital interfaces and retro computer screens. I used gradient blues and clean sans-serif typography to reference familiar technology aesthetics while maintaining the bold, minimal visual structure associated with i-D. The restrained layout and limited text placement were also intentional, allowing the imagery and concept to remain the focal point of the composition.

This project strengthened my understanding of how editorial design systems can be deconstructed and reinterpreted while still remaining visually recognizable and culturally relevant.