Bold, Bright, and Bubbling with Joy: Jayde Vandborg’s 3D Cover for CityMag Issue 42

Jayde Vandborg has brought a vibrant burst of color and creativity to Adelaide’s print scene with her standout cover artwork for CityMag Issue 42. Designed for the publication’s annual Festival Edition, the cover was created to reflect the high-energy atmosphere of Adelaide’s Fringe Festival—a time when the city's streets and parklands buzz with life, performance, and celebration.

In a bold leap into uncharted territory, Jayde embraced 3D illustration for the first time, determined to bring her vision to life despite having no previous experience with the medium. Inspired by a whimsical, inflated concept that was simply too exciting to let go, she took it upon herself to learn everything from scratch. Over the course of several weeks, she built up her skills and turned her idea into a dazzling reality.

The resulting artwork is a feast for the eyes—playful, oversized, and unmistakably festive. With elements reminiscent of circus tents, bubblegum, and balloons, the cover captures the very essence of Fringe-time in Adelaide: joy, creativity, and the delight of the unexpected. Designed to stand out even from a distance and within bustling crowds, the cover serves as both an artistic statement and a beacon for festival-goers navigating the colorful chaos of the season.

Currently serving as Lead Graphic Designer for CityMag, Jayde has been an integral part of the magazine’s creative journey for the past four years. Her love for print media runs deep, and her work consistently pushes the boundaries of what print design can be. Through her fearless experimentation and fresh perspective, she continues to champion the relevance of street press in an increasingly digital world.

Bold, Bright, and Bubbling with Joy: Jayde Vandborg’s 3D Cover for CityMag Issue 42

Jayde Vandborg has brought a vibrant burst of color and creativity to Adelaide’s print scene with her standout cover artwork for CityMag Issue 42. Designed for the publication’s annual Festival Edition, the cover was created to reflect the high-energy atmosphere of Adelaide’s Fringe Festival—a time when the city's streets and parklands buzz with life, performance, and celebration.

In a bold leap into uncharted territory, Jayde embraced 3D illustration for the first time, determined to bring her vision to life despite having no previous experience with the medium. Inspired by a whimsical, inflated concept that was simply too exciting to let go, she took it upon herself to learn everything from scratch. Over the course of several weeks, she built up her skills and turned her idea into a dazzling reality.

The resulting artwork is a feast for the eyes—playful, oversized, and unmistakably festive. With elements reminiscent of circus tents, bubblegum, and balloons, the cover captures the very essence of Fringe-time in Adelaide: joy, creativity, and the delight of the unexpected. Designed to stand out even from a distance and within bustling crowds, the cover serves as both an artistic statement and a beacon for festival-goers navigating the colorful chaos of the season.

Currently serving as Lead Graphic Designer for CityMag, Jayde has been an integral part of the magazine’s creative journey for the past four years. Her love for print media runs deep, and her work consistently pushes the boundaries of what print design can be. Through her fearless experimentation and fresh perspective, she continues to champion the relevance of street press in an increasingly digital world.