Vestlendingen is a new online news magazine in Norway, released in Bergen, August 20th. Vestlendingen is published by editor-in-chief Mathias Fisher, Initiativ Media, and part of the think tank and independent non profit organisation Initiativ Vest. ”Vestlendingen” translates to “The Westerner” and the motto are; “We see all of West. We see Norway from West”.
The studios scope was to create a new brand, logo and design with an “intellectual editorial look and feel”. The Norwegian literary and writing style is toned down and defined by understatements. We wished the design to feel selv evident and natural too. Scandi design style is known for being toned down, it’s simplicity and freedom spirit.
The studios inspiration and references were; the magazine; fact:, 1964, and its upfront use of Times New Roman and a beautiful custom-drawn nameplate of Caslon 540, designed by the legendary Art Director and typeface designer; Herb Lubalin.
We were curious to create a look mainly based on one typeface; Feature and its version Feature flat, and a little of Eugenio Sans, Commercial type, creating a type driven design with today’s digital conditions and opportunities.
Vestlendingen is divided into clear subjects such as; news, reportage, interviews, debate and culture and the editor wished me to find the right colours to communicate the brand and the editorial content.
The colours are inspired by Vestlandet; a really unique Nordic landscape that inspired artist over the centuries from Edvard Griegs music to Mission impossible; where Tom Cruise climbs at the breathtaking and iconic Pulpit Rock.