Response...The September Issue

I had a great time in class Tuesday watching The September Issue. I had never seen the movie but always wanted to, so it was a nice surprise for our class. 

It was impressive and informative to see what role the creative director played in even the smallest aspects of coordinating the vision of the magazine. I assumed that as a director, she would be overseeing from the top, but she actually played a role in the process from step one. She went on the photo shoots and oversaw the designs being put together. She really acted as more of a guide then just the person that approved the completed pieces.


I thought it was interesting that she reshot the Color Block feature and took the role of the documentary film maker and put him in the magazine; but in the type of role that a person in this industry wouldn't expect. When we watch documentaries in school the camera man is not normally a part of the film; in fact, we're supposed to feel as though we are in the role of the cameraman -- experiencing the film as though it were first-hand. But what I liked about the final product of the Color Block feature is that it was real. She demanded that he not be PhotoShopped and she went with the reality of what was around her as she was creating the vision for this September Issue.


As much as the rivalry between creative director and editor in chief was played up throughout the film, I think it's completely necessary for them not to agree. They both bring different perspectives to the mission of the magazine. And had they agreed on more or most of the things they discussed they wouldn't have created something that was the best. I believe that type of relationship is probably common among many magazines/publications, because the more people butt heads over any given topic within the magazine, the more better ideas come about so that more readers can relate to the stories/photos/products/etc that they provide.


Most importantly, I learned how much work and energy goes into being a creative director. You have to be an idea generator -- especially on a whim when decisions need to be made quickly. I still believe I have the potential to one day whole a title of Creative Director, but how long it'll be until I get there may be a little longer than originally anticipated. Until then, I'm more than happy to take direction from someone who's already reached that point.


Special thanks to Jan for the shout out on all our hard work. We all do really work really hard to create the best designs we can!