National Geographic recently released their latest deep-dive magazine in August on the global migration crisis, featuring stories about the plight of refugees around the world and shining a light on current global migration patterns.Though mainstream media in the US focuses primarily on domestic migration at our borders, the movement is indicative of a larger global migration trend. The Migration Issue takes an in-depth look at the history of human migration and shines light on current migration patterns – from those fleeing violence to those escaping poverty and moving toward prosperity in new locations.
(Photograph by John Stanmeyer / National Geographic)
National Geographic is known for pushing boundaries in their reporting, and as a continuation of the magazine’s redesign and rebranding, Creative Director Emmet Smith incorporated formatting without borders as commentary on the current state of migration around the world. This includes type and imagery bleeding off the pages.
(Photograph by Aitor Lara / National Geographic)
Smith says, “We are living in a time where borders fail us. We wanted to reflect that notion in the headlining of our special issue on human migration, having the type move through the pages, rather than obeying traditional rules as to where it can—and can’t—be. It is a signal to our readers that something is changing here.” One thing that hasn’t changed though is that National Geographic’s familiar yellow border can still be seen on the cover of the edition.
(Photograph by Rémi Bénali / National Geographic)
