Publication design for the larger titles has enjoyed a long stretch of conservative design. Designs are often hemmed in by a careful set of typeface choices, robust grids and photographic art direction. Some titles play with the type, image and space, yet much of this play feels like it has rigorous constraints.

Many directors and designers find inspiration from titles and designs far-a-way, such as Italian Vogue, or Elle magazines from the 1980s, titles from Belgium, or obscure titles that have Anthony and the Johnsons on the front cover, or the suggestion of ‘homosexuality’, birds, or ‘is not’ built into the title.

Catherine Martin, world famous cinematic art director, was invited by the Vogue team to guest art direct the current issue. Romantic colours and rustic type choices litter the carefully designed spreads, distressed image making do its best to wrangle with an all encompassing grid.

The most interesting outcome was pushing the notion of what a mainstream magazines is, and four collector cover variations of a design was developed and released into news stands. Maybe this be the beginning of magazines exploring the value of the design in print process? You will also note that Ms Martin love a little drop shadowed type as well.

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