Wheel Spin
Wheel Spin is the official monthly magazine for the MG Car Club Victoria, created to inform and connect club members to share their passion and knowledge. Published monthly, each 68-page A5 issue delivers a diverse mix of content that keeps the community engaged and inspired.
In 2025, Wheel Spin received 2nd place nationally for Best Club Magazine, acknowledging not only the passion and dedication of the Club and its contributors, but the delivery of the magazine’s strong layout hierarchy and consistent visual storytelling across each issue.
Design Approach
My design approach focuses on maintaining a clean and consistent visual style to create familiarity, while giving each article a distinctive and engaging look to keep the content fresh. Clear visual hierarchy is essential throughout the publication to support the storytelling of each article and ensure ease of navigation. This is achieved through legible typography, engaging imagery and thoughtful layouts that guide readers through the content. Each design decision is made with the audience in mind.
Design Process
I worked closely with the Editor, who provided the written content and imagery sourced from Club contributors. The layout process remained flexible to accommodate various articles lengths, image quality and quantity. I also adapted to occasional requests on image size, placement or page count.
A structured proofing process was included in the schedule to review the magazine’s overall flow, consistency and visual alignment. It also gave the Editor full transparency to view the articles and layout in context and provide changes or corrections. This collaborative step ensured we were both confident in the final design and helped us meet the strict deadline in place, even while managing other priorities.
Once approved, the magazine was set up for both print and digital distribution.
Each edition typically includes:
A comprehensive Club Calendar to keep members informed of upcoming register events, club meetings, social gatherings and major activities.
Recaps of Recent Events that are brought to life through engaging articles and imagery that captures the energy of each occasion.
A variety of Member Stories, including domestic and international adventures with their pride and joy, historical insights, maintenance tips and restoration projects.
Register Reports that highlight events and share stories tailored to specific MG model groups.
A Buy & Sell section featuring MG cars and parts for sale or wanted by the community.
Challenges
Managing inconsistent or low-resolution assets from contributors was a consistent challenge. Common issues included incorrect file types, awkward photo angles or low-quality images taken on mobile devices. Depending on the extent of the issue, I would edit the images in Photoshop, adjust the scale within the layout or omit them entirely if they compromised the layout.
For logos and brand assets, I kept a library of high-resolution materials or sourced suitable replacements as needed. Most importantly, I provided feedback to the Editor and contributors on how to supply usable assets, which over time, improved magazine quality and streamlined workflow.
View and download a full print-ready file here
Technical Skills
Layout design completed through Adobe InDesign, using templates and consistent formatting to maintain consistency and streamline workflow.
Enhanced supplier imagery through Adobe Photoshop; format conversion, retouching, resizing and optimising supplied imagery for print and digital use.
Resolved challenges by applying problem-solving to address low-resolution or inconsistent contributor submissions without compromising quality.
Delivered high-quality outcomes by applying file preparation standards for both print and digital distribution.
Strengthened production accuracy with a structured proofing process, reviewing layout flow and implementing amendments provided by the Editor.
Met strict monthly deadlines through effective time and workflow management, balancing catalogue production with other responsibilities.
Maintained professional standards via asset management, sustaining a library of high-resolution logos and brand materials while sourcing or replacing poor-quality supplier assets.
Professional Skills
Supported workflow efficiency through clear communication with the Editor to collaboratively manage content, layout feedback and final approval.
Approached each edition with user-focused design, considering the audience’s needs and preferences to engage and inform.
Delivered polished results by applying attention to detail, ensuring visual consistency, formatting accuracy and brand professionalism across each issue.
Provided constructive feedback and guidance to contributors to improve the quality of image submissions and over time, led to a smoother workflow.
Motivated in developing a continuous improvement mindset, refining design processes and assisting with elevating contributor standards through guidance.
Strengthened accuracy through a structured proofing process, reviewing catalogue flow and consistency before finalisation.
Embraced feedback-driven collaboration, welcoming critique to refine workflow and improve design outcomes.
Consistently delivered under pressure with strong time and priority management, producing catalogues on strict monthly deadlines while balancing other projects.
Design Skills
A 68-page monthly publication produced through editorial design, presenting varied content and using templates to streamline workflow and maintain consistency across each issue.
Produced a consistent yet flexible visual style, giving each article a distinctive look while preserving the magazine’s cohesive identity.
Thoughtful use of typography, imagery and visual hierarchy to support the storytelling of each article and navigate readers through the content.
Demonstrated creative adaptability by generating layouts that accommodate varying article lengths, image quality and quantity, as well as occasional requests on image size, placement or page count.
Applied problem-solving by adapting layouts to accommodate low-resolution or inconsistent contributor imagery without compromising quality.
Ensured high-quality visuals throughout the publication by applying photo retouching and preparation.
Reflection
Designing Wheel Spin has strengthened my ability to create engaging and consistent layouts for an ongoing publication with both flexibility and purpose. It has developed my technical and creative skills and taught me how to navigate real-world challenges, such as variable content and strict deadlines, while maintaining a high-quality result. It also structured my collaborative approach, showing me that clear communication and constructive feedback can improve submission quality and streamline workflows. Most importantly, it has deepened my appreciation for balancing structure and creativity in editorial design, and the value of thoughtful, user-focused layouts in engaging and informing a community.