- Maker: Alex Hernandez
- Genre: Magazine
- Level: Graduate
- Program: Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media
- Course: WRIT 5800: Editing, Layout, and Design
- Instructor: Dr. Eric Mason
- Semester Created: Winter 2026
Description
The magazine “The 1975 at their Very Best” is centered on The 1975. This mag explores the evolution of The 1975’s sound, aesthetic, and cultural influence over time, positioning their debut as the foundation of a larger artistic trajectory. Through a combination of written analysis, curated visuals, and thematic spreads, the publication traces how the band developed a distinct identity rooted in the fusion of indie rock, 80s synth-pop, and alternative R&B, while maintaining a consistent emotional tone. Particular attention is given to the early era, where a monochromatic palette, neon elements, ambient interludes, and introspective lyricism established a recognizable aesthetic that extended beyond music. The magazine also examines the role of digital platforms such as Tumblr and Reddit in amplifying this identity, highlighting how fan participation helped circulate and solidify the band’s visual and cultural language. By connecting sound, image, and audience interaction, the project presents The 1975 not only as a band, but as an evolving multimedia experience.
Reflection
Developing the magazine required balancing narrative, design, and cultural analysis to accurately represent the band’s progression while maintaining a cohesive visual identity. One of the most challenging aspects of the process was working in Affinity Designer, a program I had only used once before. This project pushed me to explore new tools and features I had not previously ventured into, which at times slowed down the workflow but ultimately strengthened my technical skills. Another difficulty was condensing more than a decade of music, visuals, and cultural impact into a format that felt both concise and understandable. The band’s history is layered and constantly evolving, so identifying key themes and moments required intentional selection and organization. Additionally, capturing an era often defined by feeling and nostalgia, particularly the early 2010s Tumblr-driven aesthetic, made it necessary to rely on recurring visual and sonic patterns to create coherence. This process deepened my understanding of how music can extend beyond sound into a full cultural experience, shaped not only by the artists but also by the audiences who engage with and reinterpret their work over time.
