New York City

Nickelodeon

A new magazine with smarts and spirit We were asked by Nickelodeon to develop a new magazine for the wildly successful kids’ cable channel.

The mission of the Nickelodeon magazine was to channel the spirit of the programming (smart, irreverent, informative) into the printed world. The goal was not to be the typical (and expected) program guide but rather a standalone entity that would entertain and inform young readers.

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We developed the prototype design and developed the inaugural issue and helped assemble the full-time design team, who went on to turn the magazine into something truly remarkable. In addition, we consulted on the design of the art department offices. It was a true turnkey operation.

The layouts were spirited and engaging. From the formal point of view they were fairly straightforward — not too many elements per page, and not a lot of different typefaces. The excitement came from the content and the colors.

Each issue was filled with surprises: Fold-outs, bind-ins, a tipped-in comic book.

“Nickelodeon looks as good as it reads, thanks to the graphic design that doesn’t break the rules because it doesn’t acknowledge any.”

— Newsday

These small space ads, developed with writer Dave Goldenberg, presented a series of quizzes featuring childhood photos of tech industry luminaries.

In addition to designing the magazine, we created Nickelodeon trade advertising, event booths, and point of sale displays for Nick's video division.

“…sure to raise parents’ blood pressure.”

— Advertising Age

Point of sale displays for a partnership with Nickelodeon and Sony

Designers
Alexander Isley
David Albertson

Recognition
Adweek “Hot List”
Adweek “Top 10 Magazines”
National Magazine Award nomination
Parents’ Guide to Children’s Media Award for editorial excellence

Collection
AIGA National Design Archives, Denver Art Museum

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