Here are some of my favorite spreads from the next issue of Marinalife. I am pleased with how the Florida Keys layout turned out, and the San Diego layout started to grow on me.

After three all-nighters (Thursday, Sunday, and Monday), it is time to send the next issue of Marinalife magazine to the printer. The files are ready; the disc sits anxiously on the desk. All that is needed is the final OK from the client tomorrow morning. Once the files have gone to print, I might have to spend some time reintroducing myself to my mattress.

Back in August, Brio Design was chosen among several Baltimore-area design firms to redesign the magazine for Marinalife, a membership-based organization that targets high-income powerboat owners. The magazine, published quarterly, boasts extensive destination and marina information for yacht owners.

The challenge was to create a design that showcased the beautiful photography throughout the magazine, while still maximizing the space on the page for copy. To achieve this, the forced justified two-column grid was changed into left-justified two-, three- and four-column grids. The content was also organized into two sections: features and departments.

The departments now follow a standard structure based on a two-column grid, while the features are now based on a three-column grid. The four-column grid is used solely for the partner directory. Folio elements were also changed to provide a cleaner look.

The result is an easier to read magazine that enhances the stunning photography, while still maintaining a structure that allows sections to be easily identified by the reader. The first issue featuring the redesign, a total of 108 pages (including cover), went to the printer yesterday afternoon and I’m very excited about it. Delivery date is scheduled for October 5.

To view before and after images of the magazine, click on the “more” link below. Enjoy!