KRISTIN COKER WAS IN TOUCH by e-mail recently, agonizing about the design of her front page for a September 11 section. Kristin had designed two similar pages but couldn’t seem to get a consensus from folks at the Times and Democrat. Some like one front, others liked the other.
Krsitin had even e-mailed me, asking me to break the tie.
The saga continued for a couple more days but eventually, the decision was made.
FROM KRISTIN: “We Will Not Forget is a series that our paper does to remember those fallen soldiers who gave their all and those who still do. For our 9/11 edition I used a stock cloud photo (that I had to Photoshop a few more clouds into) as a background. I added the Statue of Liberty as well. She looks as if she’s shining through the clouds. In front are two representations of the twin towers. I was trying to go for subtle and reflective. What do you think?”
FROM ED: I like it a lot. I think it is subtle. And it’s quiet. And it’s respectful.
One point I’d like to add: Though it’s always a good idea to get input from others on your designs, sooner or later ya gotta go with your gut. And, as I reminded Kristin: A camel is a horse…designed by committee.
What’s your reaction to Kristin’s front? Like it? Don’t like it? Why? What other approaches would you suggest?
Kristin, I love this page. I really do. The only thing that kinda bugs me about it is the Statue of Liberty. I understand using it and I’m not saying it doesn’t look good, but to me it’s almost a bit of a distraction. I wonder what folks would think of the page without the statue there? Does it take away from what you’re doing or the story you’re telling with your design? And I totally agree with Ed: At the end of the day, it’s your page…you’re the one who has to be happy with it.
Even still, I love this page. Ed, if you take nominations, I’d nominate this one for page of the month, no question.
I like the statue in the background. It gives you an optical focus, also gives the feeling of ‘freedom’ which I think was the effect the designer was going for.
This is just of note: At the time this “We Will Not Forget” poster was printed our region only had 10 local soldiers killed since the wars began. Last week we had another casualty to add to our list. Please remember soldier Demetrius Void of Orangeburg, S.C., and may he rest in peace.
This is the first time I’ve thought of the Twin Towers as a symbol for the number 11. I don’t know if that was your intent but your design suggests they’re almost interchangeable, and I like that. Could 9/11 have been a darker blue? I don’t know. I’m looking for something I would change but not finding anything. Don’t doubt the Statue. It works. The design wouldn’t feel New Yorky enough without it, and it speaks in other ways. Great design throughout.
Wouldn’t change a thing. Great page!