During my research trip to Vienna, I visited Softcover, a specialty bookshop renowned for its curated selection of photo books, art books, indie magazines, and zines. My primary objective was to immerse myself in high-quality print media to find inspiration for my master’s thesis, specifically focusing on the aesthetics of maximalism, collage, and analog techniques. While browsing their extensive collection, I purchased the ‘Dictionary of Color Combinations—Volume 2’. Although this acquisition serves as a general resource for my various design projects, its deep dive into tonal relationships and unconventional palettes will be invaluable for establishing the visual mood of my thesis.
I was particularly interested in exploring publications that utilize archives and experimental layouts. I spent considerable time examining issues of Mold and Grafikmagazine, as their design philosophies align closely with my interest in dense, information-rich aesthetics. These magazines demonstrate how complex narratives can be structured through bold typography and layered imagery, providing a ‘feel’ that is both contemporary and analytically rigorous. Furthermore, I dedicated a significant portion of my visit to their Zine collection. Since a zine is one of the potential formats I am considering for my final project, this was a crucial opportunity to analyze different dimensions, paper stocks, and binding methods. Evaluating these niche products, including postcards and calendars, helped me visualize how my research could be translated into a tangible, collectible object rather than just a digital file.
To further broaden my perspective, I also visited Brot Books Deli, another exceptional venue offering a unique intersection of literature and design. Here, I focused my search on specialized typography books and examples of infographics and information visualization. I was specifically looking for how complex data is handled within the banking, technology, and pharmaceutical sectors. These industries often deal with dense, abstract information, and observing how they simplify—or strategically complicate—visual data provided me with new insights into how to present the economic aspects of consumerism.
Seeing these professional examples of information architecture reinforced my desire to use a maximalist approach that remains legible and educational. The visit to these specialty shops was not merely a shopping trip but a vital part of my ethnographic research into the current state of independent publishing. It allowed me to identify which physical formats resonate most with the themes of financial literacy and consumer behavior. By combining the raw, expressive energy of indie zines with the structured clarity of corporate infographics, I aim to create a final publication that is both visually arresting and intellectually stimulating. This experience has significantly helped me narrow down the media I wish to use, moving me closer to a final decision on whether to produce a high-end magazine or a more raw, experimental publication.
Disclaimer: AI was used
