
Masala Magic
Project Type: Mini Cookbook
client: Fictional (Online Course)
role: Graphic Designer
tools used: Adobe Indesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop



Description
This project was part of the Graphic Design Masterclass - Learn GREAT Design on Udemy. The objective was to design a 12-page mini cookbook that is both visually engaging and easy to navigate. Titled Masala Magic: Indian Culinary Delights, the cookbook celebrates the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine with a modern design approach. This project was my first experience with Adobe InDesign, where I handled multi-page layout design while integrating vector graphics and photo edits crafted in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. The goal was to create a clean, organized layout that enhances readability while showcasing the beauty of each dish.
Process
I began the project by planning the overall structure of the cookbook, deciding on key sections like recipe intros, ingredients, instructions, and cultural insights. Using Adobe InDesign, I designed the page layouts to ensure clarity and flow, incorporating grid systems and typographic hierarchy for better readability. To work efficiently, I utilized parent/master pages in InDesign to maintain consistent headers, footers, and styling across all pages, allowing for quick global updates. Vector graphics were created in Illustrator to add decorative flourishes and icons, while photo adjustments were done in Photoshop for color correction. Careful attention was given to spacing, margins, and text alignment to maintain visual harmony across all 12 pages.
Reflection
This project was a valuable introduction to multi-page layout design and the power of Adobe InDesign for publication work. Leveraging the parent/master page feature taught me the importance of working smart, not hard—ensuring consistency and efficiency throughout the design process. Masala Magic not only helped me understand the complexities of print design but also reinforced my appreciation for well-structured, visually appealing cookbooks.










