When I joined the Dental Laboratories Association (DLA) in 2014 as a Graphic Designer the Dental Lab Journal (DLJ) was their flagship publication.
The printed magazine consisted of 64 pages and had 10 editions throughout the year.
It was ready for a revamp, so that the magazine reflected the industry it represented, but not to stray too far from what already existed.
DLJ Feb 2014. Just before I started at the DLA
I was tasked with the creation of the magazine from template all the way through to print.
Creating the flat plan of the magazine, liaising with advertisers, building relationships with companies to make sure content arrived in a timely manor and in the correct format.
Putting the magazine together, designing internal articles as well as providing design services to external companies, if they didn't have a designer themselves.
Handling proofs and amendments before making sure the magazine was print ready and making any further adjustments the printers might require.
Organisation became a big part of the magazine to begin with. The turnaround of each edition was tight and deadlines couldn't be missed.
Creation of a media pack providing companies and other designers specs for the magazine were crucial in making sure things ran smoothly and efficiently.
Updating the look and feel of the magazine was something that happened gradually, but over time grew to have it's own identity and stand out as a DLA publication.
2014
2025
I have been working on the DLJ for over 10 years now. Slowly modernising, tweaking designs and changing with the times.
A lot has changed in the last decade and I've strived to not fall behind when creating the publication.
We have moved to more digital editions of the magazine and always provide an online version of printed copies.
Implementation of media via interactive elements as well as links, videos and other media have helped keep the magazine moving forward.
