Discussion Point 5 & Reflection: Chrsitian Andree

It is increasingly evident that in today’s society there is an ever-moving shift to the rise of digital platforms within the publishing arena. With smart phones now dominating more than a 50% shift of the American market and an increase in the take up of personal tablets it is evident that there will be a time where print media is deemed as out-dated model of publishing. This however I believe that this is still some time off but will be seen within our life.

The impact is seen today by the sale of Australian ACP magazines to German company Breur earlier this year as there has been a decline in the readership of there print magazine ranges. This is also evident with the decline across all major Australian newspapers with an increase in the circulation of their online and tablet editions.

The advantages of the digital interface is seen to be that of accessibility, in the terms of being able to reach publications across global markets anytime and anywhere. Sustainability is of high regard when it comes to digital publications as it saves on the use and waste of resources, whilst interactivity plays an important part. Take ‘Elle Décor’ an online interior design magazine where individuals are able to see the cost of items displayed within photos whilst also being able to click a direct link to a point of purchase.

The digital interface however comes at a cost to the publisher. As many consumers these days wish to pay less then half of the cost of an e-publication then that of the print copy of the same edition the difference in cost of production is less then 15% therefore seeing a reduction to the profits all the downstream to the author or designer.

It is therefore seen that unfortunately digital publications and new technologies will one day see to the end of print.

Course Reflection:

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the subject. I firstly went into the course with not the greatest feelings towards letterpress, however I have gained a new appreciation and fondness for the process. This has allowed me to adopt its use as a key driving force within my integrated project. The excursion to ‘The Distillery’ was exceptionally motivating in the terms of learning traditional techniques.

Where I found there could be improvements is with being able to use the lead types, allowing for more diverse fonts. I also found the online lectures to be quiet informative however would have liked to have learnt more rules about line length, kerning and typographic conventions etc in class.

In Thanks Lauren!