Discussion Point 5 + Course Reflection – Sandra Stepien

Although technologies and global networks are rapidly transforming publishing I don’t believe it is the end of print. It is a complex and debated issue but while the print industry isn’t likely to disappear altogether, it looks to be at threat due to the sheer volume and variety of writing online. 

A prime example of this shift towards the demand for online publications is the recent announcement from Fairfax that they are taking radical steps to restructure their company promoted by shrinking advertising revenue¹. It would cut 1,900 jobs, close two printing facilities in Chullora and Tullamarine and downsize the papers format to a tabloid-sized edition from March 2013 as they prepare to move content online. 

On the other hand, I think there has been a demand for traditional print media. Jessica Helfand, a design writer, describes the current state of print in an interesting way and refutes that “Print isn’t dead, sweetheart. It’s just sleeping.”² The statement asserts that print can once again come alive which I find is a nice way to describe the situation. I think the internet in its own ways has promoted an increase of the use of traditional print. Visuelle’s David Bennett suggests “designers have become completely comfortable with viewing work online they have become more discerning about content and quality”³. As a result, they want to see close-up photography of embossing and foiling details, unusual formats and alternative printing processes.  Due to the emphasis put on the tangible quality of print, websites such as thedieline.com and lovelystationery.com have been created to convey traditional techniques and innovative print based works.

Ultimately, I don’t think the whole print industry is at its end, online media is flourishing but the tangible quality of print has an undeniable appeal.

References 

¹ Zappone, C 2012. Fairfax to shed 1900 staff, erect paywalls, The Sydney Morning Herald, [online]. Available at: <http://www.smh.com.au/business/fairfax-to-shed-1900-staff-erect-paywalls-20120618-20ix1.html> [Accessed 14 October 2012]. 

² Helfand, J, 2010. Sticks and Stones Can Break My Bones but Print Can Never Hurt Me: A Letter to Fiona on First Reading "The End of Print". [online] Available at: <http://observatory.designobserver.com/feature/sticks-and-stones-can-break-my-bones-but-print-can-never-hurt-me-a-letter-to-fiona-on-first-reading-the-end-of-print/23498/> [Accessed 14 October 2012]. 

³ Eye Magazine, 2011. (No) end of print. [online] Available at: <http://www.eyemagazine.com/blog/post/no-end-of-print> [Accessed 14 October 2012]. 


Course Reflection 

Overall I enjoyed this course and learnt a great deal about both letterpress print and online publications.

The first assessment was a nice change from a primarily online focus in my degree and I formed a new appreciation for the techniques and skill involved in traditional letterpress. More resources such as wooden type blocks would be beneficial and have allowed more expression in the typography booklet and allowed more of the class to continue working on their compositions and letterpress at the same time. The excursion to The Distillery was a great way to see letterpress uses in contemporary design.

The second project was a good learning experience by working collaboratively as an entire class to understand how publications are produced and developed from details such as typographic choices to layout concerns.