Farewell Grafik

This was a shock. Studio was saddened to hear the news of the closure of Grafik magazine. And in this era for instant communication, I feel the last to know.

Discreetly announced in late June, (I stumbled upon the news on the Process Journal web site) Grafik's publisher had gone into liquidation. Previously funded and published by its editors, Grafik had been recently bought by an ambitious private investor with desire for rapid growth. All looked to be rosy, especially as their last issue was devoted to their successful Grafik awards.



I've enjoyed it ever since its days as Graphics International. It re-launched itself as Grafik in 2003, and continued to be the champion of small design studios and individual designers – each issue richly designed and printed to a high standard. Sometimes more arty than industry leader Creative Review but unmistakably passionate about graphic design and its practitioners.

I do hope it returns in the future, but as yet there is no news regarding it being saved. Like other well loved magazines, such as The Face, it will be missed. Below, is the front cover of what would have been the latest issue.



Please raise a Mad Men glass of whiskey and toast a fine magazine. Grafik – rest in print.

Ad Break

There is a current trend in TV advertising to use vintage names from the music industry.

Some are more palatable than others, I still struggle with Iggy Pop selling car insurance, but these commercials must be successful as new scripts are commissioned building on the original theme. Famously, John Lydon (ex-sex pistol) boosted the sales of Country Life butter by 85%. The reason why is that they simply make great telly, each being superbly scripted and enhanced by John's personality. And it has worked for him too, recently revealing that his payment fee has been invested into the reformation of his post-punk band Public Image Limited, who had previously been held in financial limbo by their uninterested record company.

And now Gary Numan has entered the arena – this american ad for Die Hard batteries has a unique twist, and I love the expression on his face throughout.



I like that.

Many of us find the thought of our favourite pop stars in advertising abhorrent , which I guess has its root in the fear of 'selling out'. I think if the resulting film is creative and entertaining, then the participating pop star can retain some credibility but as album sales decline and a tour needs funding, we could be seeing many more pop stars during the ad break.

But let's not get too carried away – I don't want to see Morrissey selling veggie friendly cat food.