Newspaper redesign for KIMEP University

Background

KIMEP University is one of the leading educational institutions in Central Asia. And its student newspaper, The KIMEP Times, is a well-known publication on campus.

In May 2015, I joined the editorial team with a special assignment: to redesign the entire newspaper. It's important to note that I had never designed a newspaper prior to this project. So to approachthe assignment, I’ve dedicated a large amount of time to research the topic. Studying the layouts of renowned publications such as The New York Times and The Economist. I analyzed their approaches to typography, spacing, and image placement, and identified techniques that could be adapted for our audience. I also held discussions with the editorial team to understand what they valued most and what they felt was missing in the current design.

Outcome

The final redesign featured a cleaner grid system, more prominent use of photographs and infographics, and a thoughtful application of whitespace to improve readability. The result was a visually engaging, world-class layout that preserved the paper’s journalistic integrity while making it more inviting for readers. The fact that this design is still in use today (after 10 years) is a testament to its lasting relevance and impact.

Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa.

Sections prepared by me

Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa. Print design work by Nick Toa.

3D map prepared by me

Graphic design work by Nick Toa.

Software

Adobe Illustrator, Trimble SketchUp