I've always loved reading travel journals, flicking through inspiring photographs of far off adventures dreaming of making a trip myself one day and filling the pages of a journal with tales of my own. The first Rucksack magazine 'The Winter Issue' has been sold out for some time now so I recently purchased 'Volume 2: The Journey Issue' and have my fingers crossed that the first volume is printed again soon. Rucksack is such a beautifully crafted magazine full of breathtaking photography and stories from all around the world. The minimalistic approach to layout in this magazine really shows the editorial focus on photography and draws the eye towards the mesmerising imagery without the text or background becoming a distraction. I personally love this kind of editorial design with small fonts used in strategic and aesthetically pleasing columns, leaving large margins of space to avoid a crowded or cluttered spread.
The cover and therefore first impression of the magazine perfectly sets the theme for the content as white margins frame the voyaging subject. Double page spreads of such stunning photography filled with character and depth tell stories of their own. Gloomy landscapes and sunset silhouettes show the wonders that could be passed by if one was only focused on the journey's end. The aim of this journal is to show that travelling is not just about the destination but that there is enjoyment to be found in the physical process of getting from A to B. The heavy focus on nautical photography emphasises the practical side of the journey in a way that features a slightly less conventional mode of transport.
Arranging text is incredibly important not only for aesthetic reasons but also for function. I admit I am guilty of flicking through magazines myself just looking at the photographs not being all that interested in taking the time to read what accompanies them. The text should be inviting, making us want to read more whether that is because of the layout and design or the subject and the story it tells. The text in Rucksack does not appear in a way that seems quick and easy to read perhaps like other styles of magazine with big catchy titles and short powerful ways to get the message across. Instead this journal has a story to tell not a witty punchline, meaning the volume or density of text within the spread needs to be edited accordingly. The continuity within the design of each double-page spread is what holds this magazine together.
Is this ship sailing through icy black seas or navigating its way through a dark starry night?
The beautiful full bleed photograph leaving you feeling fully immersed in the atmosphere of the journey the car is taking contrasts against the plain white margins leaving you feeling like you have only had a glimpse through a key hole. I love how striking the colour palette is against the white background drawing all focus to the photograph itself.
Rucksack started off as an online journal allowing access to many of the stories and interviews now printed in their magazine. The style of their online site shares the same theme as their printed layouts with large white borders framing small icons of rugged landscapes. The process of evolving from an online journal to a printed one was very recent according to their latest magazine and it is a journey they are "still in the midst of".
At the back of the magazine a few empty pages have been included with the title 'Journal' a space to fill with adventures and tales of your own. I think this is a beautifully inspiring idea and one day me and my partner hope to fill it in.
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