The making of: Mix Interiors #231 custom cover design

Founded by Laura Sanjuan and Russell Potter in 2012, SODA Studio is a multi-disciplined design practice working across architecture, interior design, graphic design and branding – working with a range of clients from The Office Group, General Projects, Soho House and Myo. With a recognisable branding style thanks to an in-house graphic and branding team, the studio devised a colourful and bold cover for the latest issue of Mix Interiors, working with the lines within Impact Acoustic’s ARCHISONIC Cotton range to create a sound wave-like pattern that emphasises the relationship between sound, space and colour.

ARCHISONIC Cotton is a solution to a restorative and regenerative environment. The acoustic absorber, available in 24 curated colours, is the first and only fully circular and sustainable acoustic material ever produced and is completely reusable – with 100% of the sound absorbers returnable to the production process at the end of its life cycle.

“When we were presented with the brief for the Mix Interiors cover showcasing the Impact Acoustic panels, we recognised a strong alignment with our own brand values,” explains Amanda Arnal Artiaga, Graphic Designer at SODA Studio. “The product’s elegant simplicity and sustainable approach immediately appealed to us, but we also understood the need to approach our cover design with a more vibrant and contrasting colour palette, that best reflected our bold approach to graphics and design.”

“To guide our design process, we established two guiding principles: simplicity through form and contrast through colour,” continues Arnal Artiaga. “Drawing inspiration from various sources, we looked at precedents with highly contrasting colour schemes and dynamic uncomplicated compositions. From Frank Stella’s intricate black and white op-art paintings to Studio Yukiko‘s lenticular designs for a Dazed campaign, we explored a spectrum of bold visual styles to inform our creative direction.”

“Ultimately, we chose to focus on the lenticular design route due to its inherent dynamism and its ability to visually evoke the movement of sound waves. This decision not only resonated with our thematic exploration of the product but also offered a compelling visual narrative that would attract the audience to the cover. Through iteration and refinement, we created a cover design that not only showcases the essence of the Impact Acoustic panels but also reflects our commitment to innovative design and eye-catching creative expression.”

Issue #231 is available to read now both in print and online. Subscribe now to get the latest inspiration and insight from the world of commercial design, direct to your desk or doorstep.

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