As Pippi Longstocking says: "We've never done this before, so it's bound to be good. For the first time, we too have created a completely new magazine of our own, and of course we hope you like it. There's definitely a lot to discover, so raise the curtain for the Grafikmagazin 01.21 ...
A trade magazine for the design industry should not only report on good design, but also live it itself. As humans are creatures who perceive with all their senses, the topics of paper and haptics play a major role in Grafikmagazin . Inside, our readers can expect three different papers, ranging from high-volume uncoated paper to coated art paper, which provide different sensory impressions.
And, of course, the cover of Grafikmagazin 01.21 also shows off its best side.
The cover
New is written on the cover of the first issue, not to make it clear to the last person that Grafikmagazin is new, but to symbolize the combination of old and new that makes Grafikmagazin what it is. The team at Grafikmagazin was previously responsible for producing novum for a long time, so they are old hands who are now daring to try something new. A print magazine is also an old format, but one that now comes in a completely new guise in the form of Grafikmagazin.
The Swiss designer and letterpress printer Dafi Kühne wanted to express this combination of old and new in his design . In his work, he also combines contemporary design with old craftsmanship, which can be seen in the cover motif, for example, through the imprints of slips and blind materials from letterpress printing. These are overlaid with a hand-drawn computer font, creating an attractive third element between old and new.
The print also plays with contrasts and the motif printed in offset(F&W Medien) is complemented by a relief varnish finish applied by Stainer Schriften + Siebdruck. We chose Lessebo Design in the color Bright in 300 gsm as the paper for the cover. Lessebo is one of the most environmentally friendly papers in the world, with CO2 emissions of just 22 kg per ton of paper and pulp produced. This is a uniquely low value: the industry average for graphic papers is otherwise over 600 kg per ton (Euro-Graph, 2017). Lessebo is available from Igepa.
The content
In addition to design projects, typography, illustration and infographics naturally also have their place in the Grafikmagazin 01.21. A new feature is the "Design & Research" section, in which we present projects from design theory, research and universities. In this issue, for example, you can find out more about black liquor, a waste product from the paper industry, which inspired students at the Weißensee School of Art to create an unusual Bachelor's project that combines interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainability.
In our "Focus on start-ups", Katapult founder Benjamin Fredrich reveals how to launch a print magazine and why a shitstorm is sometimes a good way to show the big boys that it doesn't work that way. Last but not least, we present lots of interesting facts and figures from the "Production & Publishing" section, such as an annual report that beautifully combines good design and sustainability.
Our Grafik+ focus is on the "digital museum". What sounds a little strange at first turns out to be an extremely innovative topic on closer inspection, as institutions and creative minds are currently developing many exciting concepts to bring art to the people despite closed doors. Much of this was born out of necessity, but just as much will remain and continue to develop, because digitalization offers great opportunities to enrich art and cultural life.
After all, there's a lot for the eye in the showrooms of the Grafikmagazin 01.21. Four designers reveal more about their working methods. Camille Walala surprises with colorful interventions in public spaces and listening to the great Paula Scher is always a pleasure. The American graphic designer began her career in the 1970s and is now one of the most renowned designers in the world. In this interview, she reveals which clients she prefers not to work for and why it is still so easy to get her excited about a project after so many years in the profession.
Have we aroused your curiosity? Here you can buy the new issue of Grafikmagazin ...
