TIMES University of South Carolina
ENDNOTES
It’s impossible to say where our covers originate. The process always starts as a conversation with Brandi Lariscy Avant, TIMES designer since 2015. I’m usually pushing for something that will play well with End Notes and she is setting me straight about what will actually look good. At some point, we migrate into the office/studio of Kim Truett, our photographer since forever, who explains what will work and what won’t. Along the way, half a dozen compatriots drop by with feedback and wisecracks. Once we settle on an approach, Kim snaps a few thousand pictures and Brandi designs half as many covers, which we puzzle over until we agree on something that pleases everyone. It might be my favorite part of the job. — C.B.
TIMES University of South Carolina
Fall 2019 / No. 2
Until Brandi mocks up a few covers, it’s difficult to visualize the finished product, even after we’ve discussed it to death.
TIMES University of South Carolina
Fall 2019 / No. 2
The next concern was the white space at the bottom. Designers love white space — except when they don’t.
TIMES University of South Carolina
Fall 2019 / No. 2
But once we have a few samples, the serious discussion begins. This time that included a debate on the value of a yellow Post-It.
TIMES University of South Carolina University of South Carolina
Fall 2019 / No. 2 Fall 2019 / No. 2
Eventually, we realized that Kim’s photo gallery, though still in flux, would provide a fitting touch of seasonal color.
TIMES University of South Carolina
Fall 2019 / No. 2
Ultimately, Brandi reminded me that we’d had a Post-It on our cover before and I peeled it off. See Fall 2018, no. 1.
TIMES University of South Carolina University of South Carolina
Fall 2019 / No. 2 Fall 2019 / No. 2
At this point, the only things left to discuss were the tools of the trade — my red editor’s pen and Brandi’s black Sharpie.
Fall 2019 / No. 2