From blank page to school newspaper

How does a school magazine come to life? From idea, through layout, to the first issue of “Beside s Finide.”

As part of ABCs of Design, a programme we run together with Association Sonda and the Croatian Designers Association from Zagreb, we recently hosted Finida Elementary School from Poreč, who are launching their very first school newspaper, “Beside s Finide.”

On the first day, teachers and expert associates involved in producing the magazine joined us at the Creative Center. Our own Sean Poropat guided them through the entire process of creating a publication; from planning content and organizing the work, through visual design, to preparing it for print. Using conversation and real-world examples, he introduced them to the way designers professionally approach layout and shared the key principles that make a magazine visually strong. The focus was on practical tools and ideas that teachers can apply right away in their work with students.

On the second day, the students themselves arrived in Vižinada, ready to roll up their sleeves. Through a hands-on fanzine-making workshop led by Toni Buršić, they learned what layout actually means – how to arrange text and photos, use graphic elements, and design pages that are clear, visually appealing, and engaging to read. Skills that will come in handy when editing their own school paper.

The result of two days together? Plenty of creativity, motivation, and enthusiasm for the upcoming issue of “Beside iz Finide.”

“For us teachers, it was practical, concrete, and clear – we already have a good direction and idea of what our newspaper will look like. And from the students, only positive feedback from the workshop. We had a great time with you. Thank you so much from the whole team!”

– Finida Elementary School, Poreč

We can’t wait to see the finished product!