EL FENN 20TH ANNIVERSARY MAGAZINE - AN ARTISTIC JOURNEY

August 5, 2024

A recent project involved illustrating and laying out a 60 page in-house magazine for El Fenn, a remarkable hotel in the heart of Marrakech, celebrating its 20th anniversary. The journey of producing this magazine has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my career, drawing deeply from the vibrant and enchanting surroundings of Morocco. Visiting Marrakech and staying at El Fenn was a real feast for all the senses. I found it so beneficial to my whole creative process.

Morocco is a land of colours; the architecture; the lush greenery; the earthy tones of the desert; the intricate, colourful tiles of riads; the soft pastels of the city walls - they all contributed to the palette of colours used throughout the magazine....

 

The stunning roof terrace of El Fenn provided a serene yet stimulating atmosphere. Sitting there, I was free to sketch the panoramic views, as well as the little touches that make El Fenn unique; the lanterns, the striped sun umbrellas, the bespoke embroidered straw hats. 

The inspiration was in abundance - through all the senses; the Moroccan cuisine with rich spices and fresh ingredients, the sounds of the birds singing, the Koutoubia's call to prayer, the distant faint hum of busy Marrakech outside the oasis that is El Fenn. 

Each feature article, expertly penned, is paired with beautifully shot photography. My bespoke illustrations are there to enhance the storytelling. Layouts are thoughtfully balanced - visual interest with readability. Bold headings, strategic use of white space, and decorative illustrated elements create a cohesive aesthetic throughout the publication. 

Creating the El Fenn 20th anniversary edition magazine, alongside the creative El Fenn team, was more than a design project; it was an immersive journey into the heart of Morocco. Every illustration, every layout, every colour choice is infused with the essence of my experiences. Here’s to 20 years of El Fenn and many more to come.

See more of the illustration examples over on my illustrations page.

(Thanks to Bev Edwards Photography for the studio shots of the magazine).