Galapagos Matters

A bold new look for conservation impact
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The brief

Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) is the only UK-registered charity dedicated exclusively to the conservation and sustainable development of the Galapagos Archipelago. Since 1995, the Trust has supported local scientists, NGOs, and community groups, partnering with Ecuadorian authorities to protect the unique wildlife of the islands and advocating for environmental change in the UK and beyond.

Galapagos Matters is a key communication tool for GCT, engaging supporters, sharing conservation updates, and inspiring action. After more than a decade with the same design, the Trust approached The Graphic Design House to refresh their 28-page magazine. The brief was clear: modernize the appearance, enhance readability, and increase appeal to both existing and new readers.

Little vermilion flycatcher on Isabela © Tim Karels
Summer magazine inside spread design for Galapagos Matters

Our approach

From understanding the Galapagos Conservation Trust’s goals to refreshing every page of Galapagos Matters, we focused on creating a magazine that engages, informs, and inspires. Hover over the flip tiles below to explore each step of our design process.

A photo of the old Galapagos Matters Masthead close up

Masthead refresh

A photo of the old Galapagos Matters Masthead close up

We updated the masthead with a contemporary font to give the magazine an immediate visual refresh. This change established a modern identity that felt current while maintaining recognisability for long-time readers.

A close up of the Galapagos Matters double page spread

Structured grid layout

A close up of the Galapagos Matters double page spread

A gridded layout provided consistency and hierarchy across the pages. Columns, margins, and gutters were carefully considered to guide the reader’s eye, improve readability, and give the publication a cohesive and professional appearance.

Galapagos Matters magazine new cover design

Dynamic cover design

Galapagos Matters magazine new cover design

To make the magazine visually compelling, we focused on strong cover imagery featuring unique Galapagos wildlife, paired with innovative typography. The aim was to create anticipation and encourage readers to explore the magazine further.

Inside spread design for Galapagos matters, showcasing cut-out imagery with the text on page being effected by the birds beak

Cut-out imagery

Inside spread design for Galapagos matters, showcasing cut-out imagery with the text on page being effected by the birds beak

To add visual interest, we used cut-out images that overlapped text and other elements. This technique created a sense of depth and energy on feature spreads, making the magazine more interactive and visually engaging.

“The Graphic Design House are great to work with – flexible, efficient and quick to respond to any query – and they did a fantastic job on the recent re-design of our members’ magazine. Amy understood straight away what we were trying to achieve, and she came up with a range of creative concepts which we were able to quickly refine. The whole process was smooth and stress-free, and we’re delighted with the end result.”

Tom O’Hara
Communications Manager
Galapagos Conservation Trust

Galapagos magazine before and after redesign

Results & next steps

The redesigned Galapagos Matters magazine now presents a cleaner, more structured, and visually engaging reading experience. The refreshed masthead, bold covers, and gridded layout enhance both aesthetics and readability. Cut-out imagery adds dynamism to feature spreads, making the magazine more lively and engaging. Overall, the redesign aligns with GCT’s brand while reinvigorating the publication for existing supporters and new audiences alike.

Building on the success of the redesign, we will continue collaborating with GCT to explore ways to enhance the magazine’s digital presence and integrate complementary multimedia content, helping the Trust reach an even wider audience.

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Our work in action

Bring your story to life

From magazines that engage supporters to campaigns that inspire action, we help conservation organisations communicate with impact through thoughtful, story-driven design.

If you’re ready to refresh your communications and reach your audience with clarity and creativity, let’s talk.

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