Rediscover the Pleasure of Immersing Yourself in Exquisitely Designed Print Magazines. Here's Our Curated Collection of Today's Finest Titles.
When was the last time you indulged in the tactile pleasure of a printed magazine? For many, including those entrenched in media, it's a distant memory. In this digital era, the allure of print might seem diminished, yet that assumption would be misguided. There's an unparalleled charm in leafing through a meticulously crafted magazine. It's akin to the disparity between watching a film in a theater versus on your home TV, or the contrast between virtual 'Zoom drinks' during the pandemic and the genuine camaraderie of a pub outing. Simply put, if your reading experience is confined to scrolling through articles on your phone, you're overlooking something truly special. For graphic designers, in particular, print magazines serve as a wellspring of tangible, immersive inspiration. They present content in a visually distinct manner, offering a fresh perspective that digital platforms often lack. Reading a print magazine is not just an act of consumption; it's a journey that reignites passion and enthusiasm for one's craft.
To guide you in your quest for the perfect read, we've compiled a list of must-have magazines for every graphic designer – conveniently gathered in one place for easy access.
1. Eye Magazine
Eye Magazine immerses readers in the realm of graphic design and visual culture, striking a balance between scholarly depth and approachable accessibility. Established by Rick Poynor in 1990 and headquartered in London, this publication offers insights into the latest trends and timeless techniques in the field.
In its recent issue, 104, Eye Magazine spotlights the legendary art director designer Peter Knapp, provides an in-depth analysis of Pentagram's transformative work on The Philadelphia Inquirer, and explores the realm of motion design through the lens of editor John L. Walters. The upcoming issue, slated for release in late October, promises another insightful dive into the ever-evolving world of design.
What sets Eye Magazine apart is its commitment to storytelling. Beyond merely showcasing designs, it delves into the narratives behind them, offering designers a holistic understanding of the 'why' and 'how' behind exceptional design endeavors. This approach not only informs but also inspires, making Eye Magazine an indispensable resource for creative minds seeking to deepen their understanding of the craft.
Established in 1959 by Richard Coyne and Robert Blanchard, Communication Arts continues to stand as a beacon of inspiration for graphic designers worldwide. This esteemed publication celebrates excellence in visual communication, spanning the realms of typography, illustration, and beyond. Headquartered in California, Communication Arts covers a diverse array of creative disciplines, including graphic design, advertising, illustration, photography, interactive design, and typography.
The latest issue (64; Sep-Oct 2023) showcases the crème de la crème of visual communication, featuring the award-winning projects from its Annual Design Competition. Additionally, readers can delve into in-depth profiles of prominent entities such as Toronto-based animation studio Polyester Studio and São Paulo ad agency Leo Burnett Tailor Made. The issue also delves into thought-provoking articles on advertising and design, offering invaluable insights into the industry's latest trends and innovations. What sets Communication Arts apart is not only its meticulously curated content but also its embodiment of exceptional design principles. Each page serves as a canvas for creative brilliance, demonstrating the transformative power of good design. By marrying insightful content with captivating visual aesthetics, Communication Arts continues to inspire and empower graphic designers on their creative journey.
3. Idea
Idea, a Tokyo-based quarterly magazine founded in 1953 by Okumura Yukimasa, serves as a vibrant hub for graphic design and typography enthusiasts. This bilingual publication, available in both Japanese and English, caters to a diverse global audience through its print and digital editions. The latest issue, 403, titled 'Typeface Design for the Voice of the World: The Works of Toshi Omagari', offers a captivating exploration of typeface design beyond conventional boundaries. Focusing on luminaries like Toshi Omagari, the issue delves into the evolution of typeface design through historical reprints and re-engravings of European typefaces. It also showcases examples of custom typeface production, collaborative efforts, and the adaptation of unique applications and digital devices across various typographic systems. What sets Idea apart is its innovative design approach, which encompasses a harmonious interplay of colors, layouts, and paper types, resulting in a truly distinctive printed product. Beyond aesthetics, the magazine serves as a platform for exploring creative landscapes both locally and globally. From spotlighting Japanese designers across different regions to featuring the works of Arabic typographers, Idea provides a rich tapestry of creative expression from around the world, inspiring readers with its diverse perspectives and insights.
Creative Review, fondly dubbed as the advertising industry's bible, stands as a cornerstone of design exploration through its bimonthly print magazine. Since its inception in 1981 as a quarterly supplement to Marketing Week, it has evolved into a standalone monthly publication, extending its reach across design, advertising, photography, branding, digital products, film, and gaming. While it has expanded into various mediums, its print edition remains a bastion of exemplary design work and thought-provoking content. The Autumn 2023 issue of Creative Review continues its tradition of excellence, featuring profiles on brands such as Airbnb, Squarespace, and Patagonia, which leverage creativity in innovative ways. Additionally, it spotlights individuals who are influential in shaping contemporary culture. In a departure into the world of fashion, the magazine presents insightful interviews with Depop and digital artist Stephy Fung, exploring how they are revolutionizing the industry in the virtual realm. What sets Creative Review apart is its unwavering commitment to staying abreast of the latest trends and providing critical insights. This dedication renders it indispensable for forward-thinking designers seeking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of creativity. By offering a blend of inspiration and analysis, Creative Review serves as essential reading for design enthusiasts eager to stay ahead of the curve.
5. Slanted
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Slanted, introduced to the design world in 2004, stands as a biannual magazine resembling a book, dedicated to showcasing exemplary graphic design portfolios and delving into significant events within the global design and culture spheres. Headquartered in Germany, each issue of Slanted immerses readers in a specific geographic location, offering an in-depth exploration of the local design landscape.
Beyond its print publication, Slanted extends its creative reach through a type foundry and a publishing house, specializing in art and design books, alongside its own online design blog. The latest issue, 41, shines a spotlight on Amsterdam. Released in April, this edition serves as a tribute to the vibrant creative scene of the Dutch capital, presenting insights into the works and philosophies of Amsterdam's brightest talents. Through a captivating blend of illustrations, interviews, essays, and practical tips, the issue offers readers a comprehensive immersion into Amsterdam's design ethos. What makes Slanted truly inspiring is its commitment to innovation, exemplified through its visually captivating layouts, typography, and artwork. Its global perspective serves as a valuable resource for graphic designers seeking to glean insights into diverse design trends and cultural influences from around the world.
6. TYPEONE
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TYPEONE, a bi-annual magazine launched in 2020, is dedicated to exploring the dynamic interplay between typography and graphic design. This publication serves as a platform for delving into a myriad of topics, utilizing type as a catalyst for fostering meaningful dialogues. With a focus on spotlighting both current and future generations of creative talents from across the globe, TYPEONE aims to cultivate a community that celebrates innovation and diversity in design.
In addition to its print publication, the organization behind TYPEONE operates You Creative Media (formerly Femme Type), a platform dedicated to empowering creatives on both professional and personal levels. They also curate an online font marketplace, Type Department, catering to the font needs of designers worldwide.
Issue 06 of TYPEONE delves into the realm of experimental type, exploring its cultural impact on the design industry and the innovative tools shaping its evolution. From examining the influence of AI to exploring the intersection of experimental type with streetwear culture, this issue offers a rich tapestry of insights. Interviews with industry luminaries such as Bareis + Nicolaus and TWOMUCH provide readers with valuable perspectives on the art of designing custom type.
What sets TYPEONE apart is its dedication to keeping designers abreast of the latest developments in typography, a field characterized by rapid evolution. By curating a diverse array of type-related news, stories, concepts, and new works, TYPEONE serves as an indispensable resource presented in a beautifully crafted physical form, sparing designers the hassle of scouring the web for inspiration.
7. Wallpaper
While Wallpaper*primarily focuses on design, interiors, and lifestyle, it still serves as a wellspring of visual inspiration for graphic designers and illustrators alike. Launched in London in 1996 by Tyler Brûlé and Alexander Geringer, this iconic publication continues to captivate readers with its eclectic mix of content.
The latest issue (294, October 2023) showcases a diverse array of features, including a lighting round-up curated by interiors editor Olly Mason and a captivating beauty shoot featuring Dior Make-up director Peter Philips. Additionally, the issue commemorates 20 years of the Rolex Mentors & Protégés project, explores Omer Arbel's architectural marvel in Vancouver, delves into Aesop's design philosophy, and visits Edra's headquarters to uncover its unique approach to furniture making. What makes Wallpaper truly inspiring is its interdisciplinary approach, which challenges designers to transcend the boundaries of traditional graphic design. By fostering a culture of cross-pollination, the magazine encourages the exchange of ideas across various creative disciplines, enriching the design process and sparking new innovations. Moreover, Wallpaper*'s undeniable cool factor makes it a valuable asset for impressing both clients and colleagues, elevating one's reputation within the design community.
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