A5 Zines
4pp Cover onto 250gsm Uncoated
12pp Text onto 120gsm Uncoated
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and wire stitched
Analysis of the Booklet “Forward Thinking Hair Colour” by Slick Gorilla
“Forward Thinking Hair Colour” by Slick Gorilla is an audacious A5 zine that captures the spirit of modern, innovative hairstyling. This publication blends bold aesthetics with thoughtful production values to convey a narrative as striking as the hairstyles it promotes. With its clean uncoated stock and sharp design, it effortlessly reflects Slick Gorilla’s ethos of empowering self-expression and breaking boundaries in men’s grooming.
Key Design Features
- Binding and Materials: The zine is wire-stitched, a choice that underscores its zine-like, approachable aesthetic while ensuring durability. The 250gsm uncoated cover and 120gsm uncoated inner pages provide a tactile, matte finish that aligns with the contemporary, sustainable ethos of the Slick Gorilla brand. These materials not only complement the brand’s personality but also add a sense of authenticity and groundedness.
- Typography: Typography is used boldly yet with restraint. On the cover, the mix of sans-serif fonts conveys a sense of forward-thinking modernity, while the interplay of bold and light weights creates a hierarchy that draws the eye naturally. Inside, the typography remains consistent, ensuring a cohesive visual language that supports rather than distracts from the content.
- Use of Colour: Four-colour printing is used to full effect, showcasing dynamic imagery with saturated tones. The inner spreads balance neutral tones with vibrant accents like turquoise and silver. These colours reflect the vibrancy and individuality of the hairstyles, reinforcing the narrative that Slick Gorilla is a trendsetter in the hair industry.
- Imagery: Photography plays a starring role, with each image radiating energy and style. From editorial-style portraits to action shots, the images evoke confidence and originality. The layout allows the visuals to breathe, pairing them with concise, impactful text. For example, the use of full-page images juxtaposed with minimalist grids highlights both the product’s functionality and the lifestyle it promotes.
- Page Layout: The layout strikes a balance between modern editorial style and practical usability. Alternating between grid-based layouts and full-bleed photography, it keeps the reader engaged. Small details, like subtle overlays of text or textured backgrounds, add depth without overwhelming the design.
Unique Selling Points
- Premium Vegan and Cruelty-Free Message: Highlighting ethical production, this detail resonates with contemporary consumers who prioritise sustainability and cruelty-free options in their purchasing decisions.
- Dynamic Aesthetic: The seamless fusion of bold visuals, expressive photography, and clean layouts creates an immersive reader experience.
- Authentic Brand Story: From its origins in UK barbershops to its status as a forward-thinking brand, Slick Gorilla’s narrative is communicated effectively through design and language.
- Durable Craftsmanship: The careful trimming, collating, and stitching ensure that this zine feels as robust as the confidence it seeks to inspire in its readers.
Impact and Effectiveness
The zine serves as both a marketing tool and an artistic statement. Its sophisticated production values and vibrant design align perfectly with Slick Gorilla’s image, appealing directly to their target audience of style-conscious men. The product communicates its message succinctly: hair colour is a form of self-expression, and Slick Gorilla is leading the charge with innovative, premium solutions.
Actionable Insights
- Material Choices: The use of uncoated stock conveys a modern, eco-conscious aesthetic. Future designers should consider materials that reflect their brand ethos to deepen audience connection.
- Typography Hierarchy: By using bold fonts for headlines and lighter weights for secondary text, Slick Gorilla ensures clarity and visual appeal. Replicating this method can enhance readability and engagement.
- Colour Contrast: Pairing neutral tones with vibrant accents creates a visually striking yet harmonious palette. Designers should experiment with bold colours to highlight key elements without overwhelming the design.
- Photography as Narrative: Full-bleed photography creates an emotional connection, making the zine feel both personal and aspirational. Selecting high-quality, storytelling imagery will significantly elevate the impact of any publication.
- Ethical Messaging: Emphasising sustainability and cruelty-free practices builds trust and aligns with modern consumer values, an approach that should be replicated in similar projects.
Slick Gorilla’s “Forward Thinking Hair Colour” zine is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and premium production. It not only captures the essence of the brand but also sets a benchmark for future projects in this niche.
Client Collaboration Journey: The Print Process of “Forward Thinking Hair Colour”
The collaboration with Slick Gorilla to produce their A5 zine “Forward Thinking Hair Colour” exemplifies the synergy between creative vision and technical expertise. From initial consultations to final delivery, the journey involved precise alignment of design aspirations with print production realities, showcasing Ex Why Zed’s role in bringing bold concepts to life.
Consultation and Concept Development
The initial discussions set the tone for a project deeply rooted in the brand's ethos. Slick Gorilla wanted a zine that would embody their commitment to innovation and style in men's grooming. Their vision was a publication with a zine-like, approachable format, yet durable and premium in feel. Ex Why Zed suggested the following specs to align with their goals:
- Uncoated Stocks: Recommended to echo a raw, tactile experience matching their brand’s edgy, modern identity.
- Wire Stitching: A practical yet elegant binding that retained the zine’s authenticity while ensuring robustness.
This consultation phase was marked by clear communication and attention to detail, ensuring both parties were aligned on expectations.
Addressing Design Challenges
As the project moved into the design and pre-production stages, a few technical challenges surfaced. Key highlights include:
- Colour Accuracy:
- Slick Gorilla's vibrant imagery relied on a seamless translation from digital to print. Ex Why Zed worked meticulously to proof colours, ensuring the four-colour print process retained the dynamic contrasts of the original designs.
- Page Layout Adjustments:
- The original files required slight modifications to accommodate bleed areas and ensure consistency across spreads. The Ex Why Zed team guided Slick Gorilla's designers, offering straightforward and actionable feedback.
- Stock Selection Guidance:
- While uncoated stocks were a natural choice, their finish could sometimes dull vibrant colours. Ex Why Zed pre-emptively tested the print output on chosen stocks, refining ink levels to enhance vibrancy while preserving the natural, matte finish.
Quality Control and Production
The production phase was a seamless blend of technology and craftsmanship:
- Quality Checks:
- Each sheet was meticulously reviewed to ensure no imperfections in print or cutting. Special attention was paid to maintaining sharp edges and precise alignment during trimming.
- Binding Expertise:
- Wire stitching required precise handling to ensure that each zine was perfectly collated and secure without compromising its aesthetic.
Regular updates throughout the production cycle kept Slick Gorilla informed, reinforcing trust and partnership.
Delivering the Final Product
The final delivery of “Forward Thinking Hair Colour” was met with enthusiasm from the Slick Gorilla team. Its luxurious yet accessible design resonated strongly with their audience, embodying the brand’s identity with precision. Key feedback from the client highlighted:
- High Satisfaction with Tactile Quality: The uncoated stock exceeded expectations, adding a dimension of authenticity to the zine.
- Praise for Visual Impact: The vibrant colour output and sharp photography reproduction brought their vision to life.
Reflecting on the Collaboration
This project underscored the importance of clear communication, technical acumen, and a shared passion for creative expression. Ex Why Zed’s ability to troubleshoot design challenges, suggest practical solutions, and maintain high production standards ensured the success of “Forward Thinking Hair Colour.”
Client Feedback and Future Collaboration
Slick Gorilla expressed their gratitude for the seamless process and the quality of the final product. They were particularly appreciative of the guidance offered during the file preparation phase, which saved time and ensured a smooth workflow. Based on this success, discussions are already underway for potential future projects, cementing a lasting partnership.
