Maize magazine 06, Summer 2019
Maize is a quarterly magazine published by H-FARM that “explores the complexities of innovation and the shifting dichotomy between technology and evolution through the lens of philosophy, arts, and humanities.” The Summer 2019 issue, headlined “Anthropocene, now what?” focuses on different ways that humans and our technology are addressing global issues such as climate change and the possibility of the end of the world.
Art director Davide Mottes says that the design team searched for two type families to represented the two cornerstones of the issue: one more “humanistic” and the other more “technological.” After trying various combinations, they found Roslindale and Styrene to be the perfect match. They also introduced the super-condensed Coign, which is used to great effect (often very large) in striking headlines and memorable spreads throughout the issue.
I think I am most impressed by the sheer variety that the team of designers achieved with this relatively concise type palette. Each of the three typefaces takes a turn as a headline face, and the vastly different sizes and treatments makes every article feel distinct and fresh. At the same time, the typefaces form part of the glue that holds all of these varied designs together.
