We recently reimagined the magazine of Johnson and Wales University (JWU). With locations in Providence, RI, and Charlotte, NC, the university serves more than 8,000 students pursuing associate, bachelor’s and graduate degrees. The redesign created a systematic approach to content planning and ideation, putting a premium on JWU’s experiential, career-focused learning and close student/faculty relationships and building in consistent coverage of JWU’s differentiators. We instituted a clear editorial hierarchy and effective visual pacing throughout the magazine, creating a vibrant, contemporary feel, with updated typography and colors.
It Begins with a Cover
We developed distinctive cover options that explored new nameplates and ways of using both literal and conceptual artwork. We landed on a cover design that spelled out the full university name and gave flexibility to integrate artwork with compelling display typography.
Table of Contents
The contents page lays out the new magazine structure. It is divided between Features and Departments, keying readers to prominent visuals and story blurbs.
“Thanks for walking us through such a thoughtful and inspiring creative presentation. It was so good to see the editorial blueprint coming to life in such a compelling and lively way.”
— Judy Hill, Editor, Fall ’25 issue
FOCUS: Campus News
The front section, called Focus, contains campus news and includes unique, recurring columns such as Talking Points, Picture This, Résumé Builder, Headliners, and Athletics.
Themed Cover Story Package
The cover story embraces JWU’s interdisciplinary and industry-responsive approach to teaching and learning with a package of cleverly conceived, thought-provoking stories around a central theme. This first issue focuses on JWU's newly refreshed Core Curriculum and includes conceptual illustration, playful typography, and classroom photography. Special columns that reinforce the theme include First Person, On Course, and Checklist.
More Features
Additional feature stories include:
• Profile: A compelling story on a faculty member, alumnus or current student. The first issue includes a profile on a cutting edge handmade knife startup.
• The Intersect: A special feature included in each issue of the magazine that showcases the university’s opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. This issue highlights The Launch Pad, a campus hub where ideas take flight.
“It looks absolutely gorgeous! The opener for the Core article just knocks me out! And I absolutely love the illustration for the Launch Pad piece. Thank you!!! Beyond excited about this issue!”
— Judy Hill, Editor, Fall ’25 issue
FOREVER: JWU Alumni
The back section, called Forever, leads off with a large, compelling event photo and is followed by alumni and philanthropy news, class notes, alumni profiles, and obituaries. Custom recurring columns include Strategic Connections, 3 Questions, Crowdsourced, Wildcat Chat, and Parting Shot.
“The team took the time to truly understand Johnson & Wales University — not just what we look like today, but who we are at our core. That insight shaped a visual and editorial design that aligns with our current brand and where we’re headed next. This redesign is a reflection of true partnership.”
Clara Schwager, Director of Institutional and Advancement Marketing