Print Isn’t Dead Magazine

People of Print prove that traditional printing methods are still alive and kicking with their new magazine - Print Isn't Dead.

Funding for the magazine was achieved through a Kickstarter campaign, with 311 people pledging more than their, already raised, target of £6,500.

Exceeding their stretch goal has allowed them to use a Pantone 805c spot colour when printing, injecting some vibrant tones into the magazine’s pages and expressing their excitement at finally getting to produce their first publication.

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After the campaign was completed, the story took a cruel and ironic turn as the magazine’s printer – Butler, Tanner and Dennis – went into administration. But this was not going to hold People of Print back as, with the help of their many connections in the world of print, they quickly found a new printer, Pureprint Group, to make their print-dream a reality.

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In the editors letter, he encourages you to highlight favourite pieces of text from the many article, interviews and studio visits and, with no shortage of inspirational content, their is plenty to get you reaching for that highlighter. We loved the interview with maker and collector Anna Lomax which provides a glimpse into her brilliantly bizarre mind.

Hearing all about Anna’s weird creations, pound shop treasures and DIY approach made us want to befriend her and hang out in her studio.

Other interviewees include Richard Clark who, despite not seeking recognition, has clearly earnt the love and respect of his peers.

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Featured studios include The Archivists, who prove that contemporary thinking is still welcome and needed when using old printing processes. With the help of an iPhone 5, they zoom in and examine their prints to see what can be improved upon.

The closer we look, the better and more skilfully we print.

Joey Fourr and Moema Meade from Crumb Cabin, show that print is not just for artists. Using their pre-owned Risograph printer, they spread the print-love to the music community.

Print Isn’t Dead’s lovely printing process and stunning full-bleed imagery is used superbly in their feature about Glasgow-based print studio – Risotto. Spreads showing a glimpse of her workspace and a selection of her own printed designs, say more than words ever could.

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People of Print are obvisouly not scared of a bit of healthy competition as Anna Chayasatit compiles a comprehensive list of publications and studios including such gems as Atelier Bingo, Belles Illustrations and Studio Fludd.

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We really enjoyed reading about Ali Mapletoft‘s inspiration-packed upbringing, “more bonkers the better” ethos and experimental, “happy accident” driven process. Louie Zeegen goes on a  studio tour, visiting some of London’s most prevalent print studios. From the young tight nit community of Sonsoles Print Studio to the more mature but just as friendly Thames Barrier Print Studio, the vibrant and excitable Jealous Print Studio to the innovative East London Print Makers, each will make you desperate to embark on a studio tour of your own.

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But why is print so important to us? What makes us determined to keep it alive? Patrick Saville sums it up best during his column on the history of zines.

He explains it as being partly due to artists “love of the handmade and tangible and reacting to the continuing digitisation of everything you can think of”

That’s definitely where my love lies; the feel of a printed object, the error and degradation of cheap printing process

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People of Print’s Print Isn’t Dead is out now and available to buy from their department store.

peopleofprint.com

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Posted on Aug 25th, 14 by

Greg McIndoe - also known as Headless Greg - is an illustrator and design writer based in Glasgow, Scotland. He regularly writes for design magazines and online platforms, interviewing fellow illustrators and leading creatives.

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