Definition
Print is a professional trade magazine that covered graphic design, visual communication, and the printing industry. It was published in the United States from 1942 until 2017, after which it transitioned to an online‑only format.
Overview
The publication was launched in 1942 under the title Print, The Magazine of Visual Communication. It was originally issued bi‑monthly and later became a monthly magazine. Print featured articles, case studies, interviews, and reviews that addressed the artistic, technical, and business aspects of graphic design, typography, illustration, photography, and printing processes. The magazine aimed to serve designers, printers, art directors, and other professionals involved in visual communication.
In 2017, the print edition was discontinued, and the brand continued as a digital‑only platform, offering the same editorial focus through its website and newsletters. Throughout its print run, Print was recognized for its high‑quality production values, including paper stock, binding, and layout, which reflected the standards it promoted within the industry.
Etymology/Origin
The title “Print” straightforwardly references the printing and publishing fields that formed the magazine’s core subject matter. The term derives from the verb “to print,” meaning the process of reproducing text and images, typically on paper, using a press or analogous technology.
Characteristics
- Content Scope: Articles on design theory, emerging technologies, typographic experimentation, brand identity, packaging, and print production techniques.
- Format: Print editions were produced on matte or glossy paper with a layout emphasizing visual hierarchy, high‑resolution imagery, and typographic clarity, mirroring the aesthetic standards discussed within its pages.
- Audience: Practicing graphic designers, art directors, printers, educators, and students of visual communication.
- Publication Frequency: Initially bi‑monthly; later a regular monthly schedule.
- Editorial Voice: Editorials were authored by industry experts and featured contributions from leading designers and typographers. The tone combined critical analysis with practical guidance.
- Transition to Digital: After ceasing its physical edition, Print maintained its editorial mission online, offering articles, videos, and webinars without a print counterpart.
Related Topics
- Graphic design magazines (e.g., Communication Arts, Eye, Computer Arts)
- Trade publications for printing and visual communication
- History of graphic design and typography in the United States
- Digital transformation of print media
- Visual communication theory and practice
- Professional organizations such as AIGA (the American Institute of Graphic Arts)
All information presented reflects documented historical records and publicly available sources.