The use of format in reflecting content in publication design.
If it is given that a magazine is an outlet for creative inspiration, for the expression of ideas and the sharing of knowledge, what part does form play in this?
Is the format important in the communication of the content?
Can the format significantly enhance the content?
At what point does the format distract from the content?
At what point does an experimental format stop being a magazine and become something else? Such as an installation or an art work? For example, would you consider something a magazine once it has been mounted on a wall?
Please leave comments, thoughts, criticisms or further questions you think need consideration.
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If a magazine can be defined broadly as a vehicle for the regular publishing of articles, can this blog be considered to be a magazine? Online magazines have been gaining popularity over the last few years and you now have to subscribe financially to read the Times newspaper online. Personally I hate reading from a screen, probably because I work at one. I even tend to print off lengthy or important emails as I seem to digest the information easier if it's in my hands.
ReplyDeleteSo... I would argue that form is important for me and this might even just come down to what type of paper the magazine is printed on (uncoated and the heavier the better).
I would argue that generally, format is imperative to the communication of the content because if the form and the layout don't attract my attention then the content will never get the opportunity. Having said that I receive specialist publications that are really amateur, but I read them because I already know I will value the content.
I would also think that a magazine could work as an installation or on a wall so long as the published content changed on a regular basis. However, most retail magazines depend on income from advertising and this might be something that you need to consider the ethics of depending on what you have in mind...
Hope this helps...
I should just add that the amateur specialist publications that I enjoy are NOT of an adult nature.
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