Discover the new-look Bulletin magazine, now printed four times a year

When we decided to increase The Bulletin’s print portfolio to four magazines a year, one of our big discussions was how to give the cover a clear visual identity. A few weeks before delivering the spring issue to the printer, we set about finding an illustrator who could meet the brief.

Various artists were suggested, but we liked the portfolio of Shamisa Debroey, a 27-year-old illustrator from Mechelen. She graduated top of her class from Saint Lucas school in Brussels with an MA in comics, and her colourful and imaginative designs have already earned her a clutch of top-notch clients.

Meanwhile, our editorial team focused on the brief. Since The Bulletin’s birth in a garage in Uccle, the magazine has always had a broad appeal. Over the past 55 years, the readership has evolved as Belgium’s international community has continued to grow. We wanted to reflect this in an image of Brussels that was welcoming, fun and seasonal. Shamisa sent some initial sketches and together we decided on a scene showing a couple picnicking on a hill, looking out over the capital and some of its emblematic sights: a pastoral yet bustling image of the city.

“I always picture the world in vibrant colour,” says Shamisa. “When The Bulletin asked me to depict Brussels through my eyes, I couldn't wait to portray the city in colourful springtime. I see it as an open place where you can hide away on hill tops and see something new every day.”

While we were coming up with cover titles, Shamisa concentrated on completing her illustration. We had asked for strong colours that would set off The Bulletin’s familiar red logo. Two days before our final print deadline, she sent us her cover illustration. It was brilliantly evocative of Brussels, and the colours were eye-catching. But did the blues and pinks suggest springtime, and would our red logo stand out on a rose-coloured background? So we asked Shamisa to test a warmer palette of colours. Within hours she sent us the final illustration, and The Bulletin’s new spring issue had its cover.
 
We are delighted to present this fresh magazine, full of features, interviews and practical information, all geared to helping you get the most out of life in Belgium. Our focus in spring is education; in autumn we’ll take an in-depth look at health, while the summer and winter issues will be geared towards lifestyle and culture.
 
The magazine is on sale at newsstands now, and you can subscribe to the magazine online. Take advantage of our launch offer and get four issues of The Bulletin for the price of three, as well as lots of other bonuses including exclusive events and competitions.
 
Thanks for reading, and enjoy the view!