Die stürmische Stella is an atmospheric editorial zine that translates the real blizzard “Stella” into a tactile, climate-focused narrative. Combining meteorological research with hand-drawn ink textures and expressive illustration, the project explores how extreme weather can be experienced through visual storytelling rather than data charts. The final outcome is a hand-bound print publication that merges research, editorial design, and illustration into one cohesive story.
01 — Concept & Storytelling
The project transforms the real blizzard “Stella” into an atmospheric editorial narrative. The concept visualizes the moment a storm approaches — light fades, noise freezes, and daily life collapses into uncertainty.
The goal was to merge climate data with expressive illustration to create a tactile, emotionally engaging story.
Focus
Expressive textures
Climate tension
Fragmented typography
Visual chaos vs. silence
Narrative arc: calm → chaos → aftermath
02 — Research & Materials Studies
A structured research phase ensured scientific accuracy while shaping the narrative direction.
Content Research
Extreme weather events & meteorological behavior
Climate impact reports
Temperature shifts, wind patterns, ocean influence
Numerical charts & storm forecasts
Public safety data related to blizzards
Visual Research
Hand-drawn ink (Tusche) experiments for noise, snow & turbulence
Structural patterns inspired by grain, ice, and distortions
Iconic forms extracted from meteorological visuals
Blending analog texture with digital illustration workflows
This research guided the visual language and the editorial pacing of the final zine.
03 — Design Development
The design system balances scientific clarity with expressive disruption, capturing the psychological and physical impact of a blizzard.
Visual Principles
High Contrast – cold, discomfort, low visibility
Structured Chaos – layered Tusche textures expressing storm energy
Fragmented Typography — documentary tone vs. expressive tension
Implementation
Print format: 140 × 190 mm
Black-and-white publication
Story arc: calm → chaos → aftermath
Texture integration in Adobe InDesign
Hand-bound final print
04 — Outcome & Learnings
Outcome
A fully designed, hand-bound editorial zine turning real meteorological data into an immersive, climate-focused visual narrative using:
Expressive analog textures
Symbolic illustrations
Fragmented typography
Structured editorial pacing
Learnings
Narrative design for scientific and climate topics
Bridging analog–digital illustration workflows
Creating editorial hierarchy within chaotic visual themes
Communicating climate data through accessible visual storytelling
Preparing, binding, and producing full print publications
