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Big Issue in the North editor Kevin Gopal has been speaking to How-Do about the “wholesale redesign” of the title - and the unique challenges it faces - ahead of its re-launch next week.
Gopal has been resident in the editor’s seat at the campaigning publication for almost two years and, from what he imparted, has been mulling over refreshing the look of the title for almost as long. “The design aspect hasn’t been looked at for a long, long time,” Gopal admitted, “and I think a change was overdue.”  Gopal “If I had to describe it in a nutshell I’d say we’ve gone for a slightly classical look – a look that lays bare the words and the pictures and is simple, but elegant, and most of all user friendly.” This last point was of paramount importance, Gopal opined, as the magazine has to administer a sense of balance that will keep an almost uniquely diverse readership satisfied, while also attracting fresh converts. It wasn’t an easy task. “We have such a wide readership,” he imparted, “taking in all age groups and members of society. It’s equally as common to see a pensioner with a Big Issue, as it is a banker or a student.  The new look mag “The closest thing we could find in that respect were some of the weekend newspaper supplements – so we have taken that, and them, as a point of inspiration.” Alongside the cleaner layout, readers of the next Big Issue issue (hitting the streets on 10 November) will be confronted by new typefaces and a new brand identity on the cover that makes the most of the ‘north’ element. Gopal feels the title has a unique proposition in its geographical stomping ground and is keen to emphasize this. He’s also keen to point out that although the title’s MO relates to elevating the homeless and disadvantaged and helping them to secure a legitimate income, the title itself is not solely concerned with the challenges they face. "That’s still a common misperception,” Gopal commented, “that we’re a worthy title, but we concentrate solely on the homeless – that there’s not a variety of editorial content on offer. “That couldn’t be further from the truth.  A cleaner, 'classic' design “If the redesign helps us to get in front of more people and confront that misperception head on then all the better.” Something that will unquestionably help the new look Big Issue get in front of folk is the team's plans to repeat its 'The Big Giveaway' initiative from last year. This will see around 250,000 sample mini-magazines being given away with local papers across the whole of the region. Gopal revealed to How-Do that this would take place on 17 November, but was unable to confirm the names of the participating titles at the time of writing. The new look Big Issue is available from street vendors across the north of England from Monday. It features an interview with comedian Ross Noble, an investigation into the environmental degradation of the Red Sea and a feature on the 90th anniversary of the WW1 armistice, focusing on the pals regiments. Something to add? Then leave a comment below or email us now.
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