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Fanaticus is an independent music zine that shifts the spotlight from artists to the fans—the passionate supporters who shape music culture. Unlike traditional music publications, Fanaticus explores the rituals, energy, and impact of fandom, capturing the raw excitement that fuels the music industry.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

OBJECTIVE

Reframe traditional music storytelling by prioritizing fan perspectives.
Design an engaging, high-energy visual experience that reflects the chaotic, electric nature of live music.
Create a bold, unconventional layout that enhances the reading experience while staying true to the DIY ethos of independent zines.

MY ROLE

Editorial Design – Structured the zine’s typographic and visual identity to enhance storytelling.
Art Direction – Developed the overall creative vision, balancing raw energy with intentional design choices.
Layout Design – Used dynamic, high-contrast compositions to replicate the feeling of being at a live show.

TOOLS

Adobe InDesign, Photoshop

DESIGN APPROACH

Bold Typography – Integrated a mix of structured and chaotic type treatments to evoke the unpredictability of live music. Some spreads use tight, structured grids, while others break from convention, simulating the rush and energy of a mosh pit or a packed venue.
Immersive Photography – The visuals capture the raw emotion and movement of fans, blending concert photography with candid moments to emphasize community and connection.
Dynamic Layouts – Designed spreads that feel as if they are in constant motion, using overlapping elements, sharp contrasts, and layered imagery to create a visceral, high-energy reading experience.

PROCESS & EXECUTION

Concept Development – Researched independent music zines, concert posters, and underground publications to inform the visual style.
Visual Identity & Layout – Defined a balance between bold, chaotic design and clear readability, creating a layered, high-impact aesthetic.
Typography Selection – Chose contrasting typefaces to enhance the zine’s energy, pairing gritty, distressed fonts with modern sans-serifs for balance.
Image Editing & Composition – Applied grainy textures, dynamic cropping, and high-contrast adjustments to give images a raw, unfiltered feel.
Refinement & Testing – Adjusted readability, pacing, and composition to maintain high energy without overwhelming the reader.

CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS

Fan Interviews – Firsthand accounts of dedication, rituals, and experiences, from camping outside venues to collecting rare merch.
Concert Photography – Intense, up-close visuals of fans in the crowd, artist interactions, and unfiltered moments of music devotion.
Scene Culture & Fandom – A look at how fan communities shape music trends, from online forums to DIY shows.

OUTCOME

The completed issue of Fanaticus is a visually striking, immersive experience that embodies the passion, dedication, and culture of music fandom. The zine’s bold aesthetic, raw energy, and engaging content make it a celebration of the people who make music scenes thrive—the fans.

By merging editorial storytelling with expressive, high-contrast design, Fanaticus challenges the norms of music journalism, offering a fresh, fan-first perspective on an industry that wouldn’t exist without its supporters.