Magazine Editorial Design
Tabichou is an editorial design project and my Bachelor’s thesis in Communication Design. Rooted in my long-time love for Japanese culture and cosplay, the project explores how design can bridge creativity, craftsmanship, and personal growth.
Cosplay has been a part of my life since I was thirteen, and by twenty-one, I created my first costume from scratch. That experience became the spark for Tabichou — a magazine dedicated to teaching the art of cosplay in an approachable, inspiring way.
Developed over the course of one semester, the project combined extensive research, concept development, visual identity creation, writing, photography, illustration, and layout design — all crafted by me.
Concept, Editorial, Art Direction, Photography, Illustration
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, many people found themselves isolated and searching for meaningful, creative outlets. Cosplay, with its blend of artistry, storytelling, and community, offered a unique escape. However, resources for beginners were often scattered, overly technical, or intimidating. Tabichou was designed to change that. A magazine that invites readers to learn by doing, discover new skills, and find joy in creating something with their hands. It’s as much about crafting as it is about self-expression and transformation.
Naming & Design
The name Tabichou (旅蝶) combines two Japanese words:
Tabi (旅) — “journey” or “travel”
Chou (蝶) — “butterfly”
Together, they symbolize a journey of transformation. From an ordinary person to a fictional character, from raw materials to a completed cosplay. Like a butterfly’s metamorphosis, cosplay is a process filled with growth, challenges, and beauty.
The magazine takes the reader on a journey through space, where each planet represents a new skill to learn. Two illustrated characters guide readers through this creative cosmos, making the experience interactive and personal.
The layout is sketchy, handwritten, and organic, with playful illustrations of planets, stars, and clouds that echo the idea of exploration and growth. The typeface enhances this mood, mimicking handwritten notes with tall, narrow forms and a handcrafted touch. It was created using Procreate’s “Flat Marker” brush.
Have a look through some of the pages:
I photographed myself in the Genji Shimada costume I crafted, setting up the entire photo studio environment: lighting, backdrop, camera setup, and post-production. This hands-on approach ensured a cohesive, artistic look that fully aligned with the magazine’s aesthetic vision. For the “Social” section, I shifted perspective — photographing and interviewing other cosplayers to showcase their individual journeys and creative processes.
Advertising
To extend the reach of Tabichou beyond print, I developed a series of advertising concepts across multiple platforms. The out-of-home and social media ads campaign visually contrasts “before and after” imagery. The raw crafting tools versus the finished prop, or the everyday person versus their completed cosplay. This contrast reinforces the magazine’s theme of transformation while visually captivating a broader audience.
Building on this, I conceptualized an app for cosplayers. Here they can track their crafting progress, access digital versions of the magazine, and connect with a community of like-minded creators. The UI design balances playfulness and clarity, using pastel tones, rounded shapes, and illustrated elements to remain consistent with Tabichou’s visual identity while staying intuitive and functional.
At the point of sale, the magazine is positioned in locations that align with its audience — such as bookstores near manga and pop culture sections, or crafting and hobby supply stores where readers naturally shop for materials. It would also be possible to have a table at a convention and sell merchandise.
Tabichou stands as a celebration of creativity, growth, and self-expression. It encourages readers to take on new challenges, learn through making, and embrace imperfection as part of the process. Created for experienced cosplayers to anyone looking for a meaningful hobby, especially during times of isolation. Through approachable design, engaging visuals, and authentic storytelling, it transforms the idea of “learning a craft” into a cosmic, emotional journey.
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