Work 06 / 07
Folio Quarterly
An independent magazine about objects and the people who make them. We redesigned the grid, chose the typefaces and built templates that a team of two editors can run on their own, four times a year.
- Client
- Folio Quarterly, London
- Year
- 2022
- Services
- Magazine design, Editorial system, Typesetting
The challenge
Folio had a loyal audience and a messy layout. Every issue was designed from scratch by whoever had time, which meant long nights before print and an inconsistent look. The editors wanted the magazine to feel calm and collectible without losing the surprise of a good spread.
The approach
We designed a twelve column grid with three page types: essay, portfolio and interview. Each type has a few strict rules and one free element the editors can play with. The typefaces were chosen for long reading on uncoated paper, and every template is set up so text flows in and finds its place.
The outcome
Production time per issue went from three weeks to one. Subscriptions grew steadily after the redesign, and back issues now sell out because readers collect the full year. The editors still send us every new cover, though they no longer need to.
For the first time, the magazine looks like it knows what it is.