The Challenge

Be.You Magazine has evolved from a simple student publication into a professional-quality magazine that authentically represents the diverse creative voices within the Yoobee Colleges community. The challenge was to create a publication that students would be proud to contribute to and excited to read.

As Chief Editor, I was responsible for managing the entire production process—from conceptualising content themes and coordinating with student contributors to designing layouts and overseeing print production. The magazine needed to balance creative expression with readability while maintaining consistency across multiple issues and diverse content types.

"Be.You is more than a magazine—it's a platform that empowers students to share their stories, showcase their work, and embrace their uniqueness."

Strategic Approach & Content Planning

The editorial strategy focused on creating content that resonated with the student body while showcasing the caliber of work being produced at Yoobee. We developed a content framework that balanced feature articles, student spotlights, creative showcases, and industry insights.

Key strategic initiatives included:

  • Establishing clear editorial guidelines and a consistent voice that felt authentic and inclusive
  • Creating a submission process that encouraged student participation across all creative disciplines
  • Implementing strategic content planning to ensure each issue told a cohesive story
  • Coordinating with faculty and industry professionals to provide valuable perspectives

Design Philosophy & Layout System

The visual identity of Be.You Magazine was designed to be bold, dynamic, and reflective of the creative energy on campus. We developed a flexible layout system that could accommodate various content types while maintaining visual coherence throughout each issue.

The design approach prioritised clean typography, generous white space, and striking imagery that allowed student work to shine. Each section of the magazine had its own visual language—feature articles used dramatic full-bleed images, student spotlights employed a more intimate grid system, and creative showcases maximised visual real estate to celebrate student artwork.

Colour was used strategically to guide readers through different sections and create visual hierarchy. Bold typography choices ensured headlines made impact while body text remained highly readable. Pull quotes, callouts, and graphic elements were carefully integrated to break up text-heavy pages and maintain reader engagement.

Team Leadership & Production Management

Leading a team of student designers required balancing creative direction with mentorship. I established workflows that encouraged creative experimentation while ensuring deadlines were met and quality standards maintained. Regular design reviews and collaborative brainstorming sessions fostered a supportive environment where team members could grow their skills.

The production process involved coordinating with students and tutors. We managed timelines meticulously to ensure each issue moved smoothly from concept to print. Quality control was paramount—every page underwent multiple rounds of review to catch errors and refine layouts before sending files to the printer.

Impact & Results

Under my editorial leadership, Be.You Magazine evolved into one of the most anticipated publications on campus. Student submission rates increased significantly as contributors gained confidence seeing their work presented in a professional, high-quality publication.

The magazine successfully achieved its goal of celebrating student creativity while providing practical experience in editorial design and production management. Many team members have went secured junior roles in design and publishing, citing their work on Be.You as crucial portfolio pieces.

Beyond its immediate readership, Be.You became a valuable recruitment and showcasing tool for the college, demonstrating the quality of student work and the collaborative, creative culture at Yoobee College of Creative Innovation.

Key Learnings

This project reinforced the importance of balancing creative vision with practical constraints. Managing a student publication taught me valuable lessons about leadership, compromise, and the power of creating systems that empower others to do their best work.

The experience of coordinating multiple contributors with different skill levels and working styles honed my project management abilities and deepened my appreciation for the collaborative nature of editorial work. Most importantly, it demonstrated how thoughtful design can create platforms that amplify voices and build community.