NEWSPAPER DESIGN | THE TORONTO STAR
The Last Historic Redesign of the Toronto Star: This project marks a critical juncture in our commitment to harmonize tradition with innovation. It was more than a design refresh - it was a strategic renaissance aimed at amplifying the experience of our esteemed print readers.
In a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation, I led a transformative redesign of The Toronto Star's print edition as Vice President of Design at Torstar. Alongside the distinguished creative director, Gayle Grin, we embarked on a strategic reimagining that transcended mere aesthetics—our endeavour was a heartfelt tribute to The Star's rich history and a bold leap into the future. This project represents the last print redesign in The Toronto Star's illustrious 130-year history—a testament to our unwavering commitment to honour our enduring legacy.
Our redesign ushered in a cleaner, more contemporary layout, capitalizing on white space and augmenting our use of photography to create a visually appealing and airy reading experience. We assembled a dynamic team of new design talents to elevate our design ethos further. This remarkable ensemble, comprising Art Director Becky Guthrie and skilled designers Suzan Kao, Ramon Ferreira, and Shruti Bhatnagar, infused fresh perspectives and creative vigour into the paper. Their artistic contributions significantly enriched the aesthetics and reader engagement of the print edition. This dedication to enhancing the print experience wasn't confined to The Toronto Star alone—it also extended to Torstar's regional daily newspapers. The ultimate recognition of these endeavours came in a dozen Awards of Excellence from the International Society for News Design — a testament to our successful blend of tradition and innovation.