Behind The Pages: Creative
Header: Aglaia Joithe
For Creative Director Armita Dabirzadeh, the creative vision behind MUSE ISSUE XXVII can’t really be put into words - nor should it be. A project with such a commitment to self-expression and authenticity should present differently to each reader. Here at MUSE, we aim for exactly this, to have our readers see themselves reflected in our pages - especially the visually-driven ones. Not an easy task, but this year’s creative team - led by such a force as Armita - has certainly risen to the challenge.
Armita recalled the creative process as a commitment to “4 C’s”, as she put it - clean, creative, colorful, and cohesive. Raising the creative bar this year meant ensuring that the magazine flows, through the seamless compliment of the articles and editorials with their neighboring pages. It is evident that the team has made cohesion a priority in ISSUE XXVII. Nadisha Gautam, Head of Layout, expressed how much attention was given to ensuring that themes presented in articles coincide with layout design. It is this intentionality that allows the magazine to flow as one, while still conveying diverse themes and topics.
Our Head of Editorials, Maeva Baldassara, echoed Nadisha’s sentiment on the intentionality behind the issue. Across the editorials, there was heightened care and emphasis placed on the themes behind the shoots, such as femininity, individuality, and self-empowerment. Maeva shared that while each Creative Assistant presented unique pitches, there was a level of “mind reading” regarding the themes they would explore. The Creative Assistants were not only passionate about producing visually-appealing images, but prioritized the infusion of personal meanings into their shoots. Maeva is thankful to have worked on a team who was confident in their vision and each had a vibrant story to tell. Armita added that while each page has something new to offer, what’s consistent is the commitment to unabashed self-expression.
“You can tell that creative freedom is valued and given here at MUSE,” explained Maeva. All three leaders agreed that the team is eager to push the boundaries and is not afraid of being told no. With tight-knit bonds throughout the team, they feel comfortable being honest and helping each other improve. It is clear that this closeness and their willingness to challenge each other lends to true creative freedom. The team emphasized how much fun they had creating the issue and they hope that readers will be able to tell.
So, what can you expect from the creative side of ISSUE XXVII? Think vibrant, expressive, and celebratory. Expect displays of passion and heart tied together by a commitment to propelling self-expression and authenticity. And guaranteed, in the words of Armita, that it will look pretty.
What was your muse while working on ISSUE XXVII?
Maeva Baldassara, Head of Editorials:
“Everything I’ve done with MUSE has been different, but there’s always a specific lens of LGBTQ advocacy.”
Nadisha Gautam, Head of Layout:
“I wanted to do something that hasn’t been done before. I wanted to push the boundaries.”
Armita Dabirzadeh, Creative Director:
“I just want everything to be pretty.”
