Trailblazers
Since the founding of National Geographic in 1888, women have made significant contributions to science and exploration, often without proper recognition. From mapping the ocean floor to conquering the highest peaks and unearthing ancient civilizations, they have shattered barriers and pushed boundaries. Despite their remarkable achievements, women were frequently relegated to the sidelines, overshadowed by their famous husbands or dismissed by their contemporaries. In the March 2020 issue of National Geographic magazine, this story celebrates the pioneering spirit of these women through National Geographic's extensive archive, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the world of exploration and discovery.
The primary focus of the opener design for this feature was to prominently display the faces and names of the 20 women highlighted, aiming to provide them with the recognition they deserve from the outset. To achieve this goal, I explored various options, ranging from a text-only to an image-only opener. Ultimately, I restructured the hierarchy and emphasis to ensure that their portraits and names are the focal points of the page, surpassing even the headline of the story. Below are some final pages alongside numerous iterations of sketches.
Designer: Hannah Tak | Photo Editor: Mallory Benedict | Design Director: Marianne Seregi | Creative Director: Emmet Smith