Benjamin Moseley
Providing Intelligent Web & Graphic Solutions since 2023.
Let's talk about how I
Created a Timeless Magazine Cover
with a 3D Illustrated Design created in Cinema 4D
**This project was created fictionally as a learning tool for me during my tenure at New England Institute of Technology (RI). While the content and case study may depict work attributed to me (Ben Moseley), it’s important to clarify that I was not actually contacted by TIME Magazine or TIK TOK or any associated parties for this assignment. The information presented here is purely fictional and does not represent any actual collaboration or engagement with TIME Magazine or TIK TOK.
Join me on a journey where concept development, meticulous research, strategic planning, precise execution, innovative solutions, and impactful results converge. Together, we’ll explore how each of these elements contributes to the creation of a cover that not only captures the zeitgeist but also stands as a testament to the power of design in storytelling.
The Process for completing this design:
Step One
Connect
Step Two
Conduct Research
Step Three
Concept Development & Iteration
Step Four
Illustrate & Design
Step Five
Refine & Deliver
Research & Development
Heres how I
Approach the challenge
I began (step one) this process by conducting thorough research and concept development, ensuring a thorough understanding of the issue and its implications. Collaborating, and refining concepts in step two, aiming for clarity, relevance, and visual impact. With a finalized concept in hand by step three, design execution begins, followed by iterative feedback loops to ensure alignment with objectives. Step four sees the design polished to perfection, meeting TIME’s standards for print and digital publication, while Step five concludes with delivery and launch, sparking conversations and offering insightful perspectives on the evolving digital landscape and how your brand can benefit from 3D Designed Content.
Step One: Connecting with the problem
The Time Management Problem
As a designer, mastering the art of magazine cover creation demands a versatile toolkit. It’s about more than just aesthetics—it’s about leveraging every tool at your disposal to craft a cover that not only grabs attention but also resonates deeply with its audience. With the looming uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s fate in the United States, the opportunity arises to harness this narrative and channel it into a visually compelling cover for TIME Magazine.
Step two: Research
About TIME Magazine
Client Name: TIME Magazine
Industry: Media and Publishing
Position in Industry: Leading publication in the media industry
Target Customers: Educated professionals, thought leaders, individuals interested in current affairs.
Research on Tik Tok is also going to be important so let's conduct a
SWOT Analysis on Tik Tok for TIME Magazine
Strengths:
Global Influence
- Massive User Base
Easy-to-use & FREE
Weaknesses:
- Negative Content
- Addictive for users
- Lower Monetization for Content Creators
Opportunities:
Sell to U.S. Approved company
Better Algorithm and AI integration
Update reputation in U.S.
Threats:
- Government Policies
- Competition (Youtube, Facebook, etc)
- Public Perception
Affordances
- Brand Recognition
- Digital Engagement
- Visual Impact
Limitations
- Time Restraints
- Audience Reception
- Competition
Due Diligence
In my research and development process for this project, I’ve conducted thorough due diligence on the potential ban of TikTok in the United States. Drawing from reputable sources like The New York Times and CBS News.
I’ve gathered critical insights into the legislative landscape and the implications for TikTok’s future. The administration’s efforts to present national security concerns and the legislative push to force ByteDance to sell its stake in TikTok highlight the urgency and complexity of the issue. As I craft this cover for TIME Magazine, I aim to convey the gravity of the situation and provide readers with a timely and insightful perspective on the evolving digital landscape.
CBS News
CBS News discusses A bill targeting Tik Tok’s parent company ByteDance could lead to its ban in the U.S. within six months unless ByteDance sells its stake. Passed by the House, its fate in the Senate remains uncertain, with concerns over national security and Chinese influence driving legislation. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell is considering the bill’s implications, while critics argue it threatens First Amendment rights. Logistical challenges and legal battles complicate any potential sale of Tik Tok leaving it’s future in the U.S. uncertain.
New York Times
The House, backed by bipartisan support, passed a bill compelling TikTok’s Chinese owner to sell the app or risk a U.S. ban, heightening tensions over technology control between the two nations. This move reflects widespread concerns about national security and Chinese influence in American social media. Despite TikTok’s efforts to mobilize its vast U.S. user base against the bill, it passed overwhelmingly. However, its future in the Senate is uncertain, with potential legal challenges looming even if it becomes law.
New York Times
Step three: Concept Development
The Sketching Process
I began this sketch process by brainstorming and generating low-fidelity sketches, capturing initial ideas and concepts in their rawest form. These sketches were quick, rough, and served as a springboard for my creativity, allowing for rapid exploration of various possibilities. As the process evolved, I refined these rough sketches into high-fidelity iterations, where details were fleshed out, and visual elements were polished. High-fidelity sketches offered a clearer representation of the final design, with a stronger visual that conveyed the drama and impact I was looking to get from the audience This transition from low to high fidelity enabled a deeper understanding of the design direction, ensuring better visuals and a more refined end product.
High Fidelity Sketch
The final sketch is my high fidelity sketch which is a higher polished sketch that allows the viewer to understand my visual a little better without investing too much time and labor. This multi-faceted approach to research ensures that the cover design not only captures the essence of the TikTok ban but also speaks directly to TIME’s audience, making it impactful and relevant.
So let's build a rough draft
Wireframe
Step four: Illustrate and deliver
Building the design in Cinema 4D
I began this process in Cinema 4d, A 3D illustrating software that features extensive capabilities and allows to create high quality ultra realistic 3D illustrated designs. The first task is to create a spline the I can Lathe into an hourglass shape. This is double lathed to build the glass thickness to give it more depth. After the hourglass base and glass have taken form, it’s now time to begin adding texture and patterns to the materials to make them look like wood, glass, and sand.
Iterations of our Cinema 4D Process
The Final Development and Cover Design
Final Render after clean-up in Adobe Photoshop
Now let's design the Time Magazine Cover
Step Five: Refine & deliver
Refine
To refine and deliver this cover, I had to utilize a plethora of tools within the software, such as typography manipulation, mask clipping, and image embedding, I meticulously crafted each aspect of the design to perfection.
Typography played a pivotal role in conveying the essence of both Time Magazine and TikTok’s brands. Through careful selection and manipulation of fonts like Helvetica Neue, Iowan Old Style, and Futura, I ensured a harmonious balance between sophistication and modernity.
Throughout the design process, I remained aware of color theory principles, ensuring that my color palette remained relevant to both Time Magazine’s iconic red and white border background and TikTok’s vibrant branding.
Additionally, techniques like mask clipping allowed me to seamlessly integrate elements such as the TIME logo and the hourglass, ensuring a seamless and polished visual narrative.
By upholding the standards of Time Magazine’s renowned reputation for excellence while incorporating elements that resonate with TikTok’s brand identity, I created a cover that seamlessly bridges tradition with innovation, captivating audiences while drawing attention to the Tik Tok Deadline and the effects it could have world-wide.
So how can your brand
Benefit from 3D designed content?
If a brand decides to look into incorporating 3D designs into their print materials, brands can elevate their visual storytelling and create immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression on their audience. From magazine covers to marketing collateral, the enhanced visual appeal of 3D designs captivates attention and sets brands apart in a crowded marketplace. Additionally, the versatility of 3D design allows brands to explore creative concepts and adapt the visuals across different platforms, ensuring a cohesive brand identity that resonates with consumers.
- Enhanced Visual Appeal: 3D designs add depth and realism to print materials, grabbing attention and engaging audiences more effectively.
- Unique Brand Identity: Utilizing 3D designs allows brands to differentiate themselves from competitors and create memorable visual experiences that resonate with their audience.
- Increased Creativity: 3D design tools offer endless possibilities for creativity, enabling brands to experiment with innovative concepts and push the boundaries of traditional print design.
- Versatility Across Platforms: 3D designs can be easily adapted for various print materials, including magazine covers, posters, and advertisements, ensuring a consistent brand aesthetic across different channels.
The Cover Gallery
