Rolling Stone Task

Have been watching this lovely and insightful video of Rolling Stone creative director Joseph Hutchinson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlZNNxTu8EU and now my task is to answer a few questions.

How did they adapt the format and aesthetics of the magazine for the modern reader? Rolling Stone before been more vintage style, the magazine itself was released in 1967 and the heading was sketched by Rick Griffin been wonderful for that time. It is normal that after decades magazine editors had to match with modern style, so they simplified the title, and removed the 3D effect. Even though, the magazine came back to its original size, from 8 x 10.875 inches to 9.6875 to 11.75 inches.

Why, do you think, was there a need to do that? I think as it always been happening, people are seeking style and fashion, so the magazine had to follow modern and new winds. They had to keep their style, to keep their readers interested, because even though the content is still same interesting for the readers but first we see visuals, they are important for the reader. So renewing and redesigning the layout and style of the magazine has been important to keep the readers interested and for the new generations, to catch their attention.

Do you think print media is dead? Is there a future for printed magazines and newspapers? How do we need to change our approach as creators of these mediums to ensure their survival? I can feel that print media is dying and devices are taking over since it is easier, faster, and cheaper to get the information we want. There are still people who love print media, which includes not only magazines or newspapers but also books. Nevertheless, it is difficult to think about print media taking the place back from devices and social media. There are also aspects of environment. To get back print media back to its golden era, we should find an environmentally friendly replacement that wouldn’t also cost a kidney for a buyer.

I think that even though the design, context of the product, layout will be great, poeple will still choose easier ways to reach the information they want. Everything is getting digital and maybe just a miracle that people will turn back to print media will save it from enxtinction.