A magazine made to slow you down.
Swell Magazine
Swell Magazine is an independent lifestyle publication created and produced by the Design Bug team.
Over seven years, the magazine celebrated the people, businesses and stories that shape the Newcastle and Hunter region, with a strong focus on community, creativity and wellbeing.
Across 25 issues, Design Bug led the creative direction and production of the publication. This included brand identity, editorial design, content curation, copywriting, editing and project management, along with overseeing print production, distribution and advertising partnerships.
The Thinking
Swell was created with the belief that print still has the power to slow people down and create meaningful connections through storytelling. In a world dominated by screens and fast-moving digital content, the magazine offered readers a chance to pause and spend time engaging with stories in a more thoughtful and immersive way.
Each issue was curated around a central theme, bringing together stories, photography and design in a cohesive editorial experience that celebrated community, creativity and wellbeing.
The Identity
The Swell masthead was designed to be elegant and restrained, using simple typography and a minimal colour approach that allowed the publication to evolve visually over time. While the logo remained consistent, each issue introduced a warm and vibrant colour palette that reflected the theme and mood of the edition.
This balance between a stable brand mark and an evolving visual system allowed the magazine to remain recognisable while bringing freshness and energy to every issue.
In Practice
Producing Swell required a full editorial workflow from concept through to print and distribution. As editors of the magazine, Kristy and Bec led the creative direction and coordinated writers, photographers, contributors and advertisers while maintaining a consistent voice and design across every issue.
Alongside the print publication, the Swell brand extended across social media, a dedicated website featuring online articles and magazine sales, and a series of community events that brought readers and partners together.
Project Details
Industry
Services
Location
The Thinking
Swell was created with the belief that print still has the power to slow people down and create meaningful connections through storytelling. In a world dominated by screens and fast-moving digital content, the magazine offered readers a chance to pause and spend time engaging with stories in a more thoughtful and immersive way.
Each issue was curated around a central theme, bringing together stories, photography and design in a cohesive editorial experience that celebrated community, creativity and wellbeing.
The Identity
The Swell masthead was designed to be elegant and restrained, using simple typography and a minimal colour approach that allowed the publication to evolve visually over time. While the logo remained consistent, each issue introduced a warm and vibrant colour palette that reflected the theme and mood of the edition.
This balance between a stable brand mark and an evolving visual system allowed the magazine to remain recognisable while bringing freshness and energy to every issue.
In Practice
Producing Swell required a full editorial workflow from concept through to print and distribution. As editors of the magazine, Kristy and Bec led the creative direction and coordinated writers, photographers, contributors and advertisers while maintaining a consistent voice and design across every issue.
Alongside the print publication, the Swell brand extended across social media, a dedicated website featuring online articles and magazine sales, and a series of community events that brought readers and partners together.
Project Details
Industry
Services
Location
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