In an effort to help expand my knowledge of what works effectively within an editorial spread I experimented with some more initial concepts. Although both of these examples use a black background, I have found in my previous experimentation that darker backgrounds help to convey the feelings portrayed within the actual article more effectively.
The first example would require a multi layer composition. The cover being made up of the first image, using white bars on a black background as a way to represent prison bars within captivity. I have also drafted cut out messages to help display the hidden factors of modern slavery. I do think that this way of working is effective and works well to fill up the space on the page, however very large problems will arise with consistently doing this effect.
Secondly I have tried to implement another initial concept into a spread to see how effective it is, the layering of the text and background works to give the piece greater sense of depth. The gradient, overlapping text is effective at jumbling the letter forms to such an extent that the viewer has to work a small amount to view the words, but not o jumbled that the word becomes entirely illegible.
If I were to do further development I would like to experiment with more, lighter coloured backgrounds in another attempt to make this style of finish work as I think this would give the text more space to breath as well as looking more aesthetically pleasing once printed onto paper stock.
Aidan's Graphics Blog 