It's no surprise that new technologies and global networks are quickly transforming publishing models and typographic practices however this does not spell the end of the printed format. At least in entirety.
eBooks and eZines are everywhere. Online archives are commonplace and this speaks volumes in terms of our need for immediate information. Who wants to flick through pages of encyclopaedias when CTRL+F exists? There is a definite lust for ease and accessibility for information today in a business and education sense however I believe it's the aesthetic quality of print that will keep it in practice. For example, The Distillery's opening in Surry Hills has warmed a plethora of designer hearts with it's rejuvenation of the old letterpress process. Vintage and secondhand book stores are still very alive and kicking (Gould's in Newtown, anyone?) and, despite the presence of smh.com.au many, many people still choose to purchase newspapers simply for their tactile quality.
It's sad to see entire libraries of books being destroyed however the same was said about vinyl records, even cassette tapes years ago. And as we all know vinyl is the new vogue. The printed format, although experiencing a lull in popularity at the moment, will never go out of fashion. Despite technology ploughing through our libraries with gusto I believe there is still plenty of life left in printed format.
Course Reflection
This course was nothing like I expected it to be, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Before enrolling in this class I had never heard of the term "letterpress" and working with everything tactile in the first half of the semester was a great (albeit frustrating) learning experience. I do wish there were more resources available to ease the letterpressing stress, however. The online magazine project was a lot of fun as I was able to work with fellow digital media students to produce our spread and having the option to choose our topic was great to showcase our strengths and interests.
This was a good elective as it was a nice eye-opener to the world outside of Illustrator, InDesign and general screen life.
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