SCOPE
Design, Art & Editorial Direction
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
8 — 10 Weeks
Fusion Magazine
Fusion Magazine
For the past four years at Kent State University, I have been actively involved in Student Media, starting in a leadership position and winning awards during my freshman year. I served as the Art Director of Fusion Magazine as a junior and Editor in Chief as a senior.
Fusion is Kent State University’s LGBTQ+ magazine. Founded in 2003, it remains the region’s only student magazine focusing on LGBTQ+ issues. Through journalism, Fusion promotes equality and community in northeast Ohio and beyond.
art direction
As Art Director for “The Grunge Issue,” I successfully led a team of talented designers and illustrators. I fostered a collaborative environment that empowered team members to contribute their best work. Working closely with the Editor-in-Chief, Photo Editor, Copy Editor, Advisor and other contributors, I managed the production of a 64-page magazine, ensuring adherence to deadlines. I played a key role in shaping the visual direction of the magazine, aligning with the theme and effectively communicating the powerful stories within.
In the face of ongoing challenges, queer voices continue to rise in defiance. This issue captures that spirit through powerful visuals and compelling stories, echoing the experiences of countless activists.
EDITORIAL DIRECTION
Leading Fusion Magazine as Editor in Chief was an incredible experience. Together, our team achieved significant milestones:
- Increasing print frequency: The first fall print issue since 2019!
- Launching a redesigned website.
- Achieving +600% growth in online readership: Over 6,058 stories read.
At its core, Fusion exists to amplify LGBTQ+ voices, share stories and foster representation. “The Visibility Issue” represents our dedication to telling powerful stories that resonate with Kent students and beyond. It features powerful narratives, including:
- Errors in university record-keeping that outed students to their families.
- A powerful essay reflecting upon recent vandalism incidents at Kent State.
- A deeply personal account of a hate crime captured on body cam footage and shared on social media.
In these challenging times for the LGBTQ+ community, our visibility is our power. We celebrated the magazine’s release with a print party attended by over 40 supporters. My dedication to Fusion Magazine and its mission was recognized with the Award for Service at the Student Media Banquet.
