The Bloomberg BusinessWeek redesign

On April 26th, 2010, Bloomberg BusinessWeek unveiled the magazine’s new look, only months after Bloomberg’s acquisition of the publication.

Over the years the aesthetics of the brand have evolved (as seen in 80th anniversary video above), but this latest iteration has the Bloomberg name taking its place with equal prominence in the masthead logo.

A broader color palette has also been injected throughout the spreads. Though the redesign is substantial, it is secondary to the increased variety and volume of content. The April 26/May 2nd issue has 136 pages compared to the preceding week’s magazine which only had 68 pages.

“…We’re going to double the number of stories, improve the quality of paper we print on, and increase the size of each issue by 25%. At the same time, we know that volume isn’t worth much without perspective. Everyday the world of business gets more complicated. Our writing and editing will be focused on sorting the signal from the noise, and giving you the information you need to compete in the week ahead. Our rich, vibrant design will enable you to navigate quickly to the stories and issues that matter to you most…”
—letter to readers from Editor Josh Tyrangiel in April 25th, 2010 issue

The redesign team was led by Creative Director Richard Turley, with karlssonwilker lending their talents to the infographics and charts.

(Read on about Richard Turley’s involvement with Christian Schwartz on completing the revival of the Neue Haas Grotesk typeface—discovered the info on the custom design thanks to soulellis).

“Behind The New York Times Magazine’s Redesign with DD Arem Duplessis”
(via SPD)

CMYK magazine redesign, cover to cover, hits shelves in November 2009:

From following CMYK’s twitter, we learned of the unveiling for the magazine’s new front cover. The freshly redesigned cover is just a preview of the full design overhaul we’ll get to read all about in upcoming issue #45. Designer Ronald J. Scala II played a heavy role in the publication’s visual refresh. The redesign isn’t all about aesthetics and numerous editorial changes have been made, resulting in “more fluidity and cohesion.” CMYK is swapping out their old tagline of “inspiring visual communication,” with “create, showcase, inspire,” and we can anticipate more international content.

“CMYK has been working extra hard to put the finishing touches on its 45th issue. To date CMYK has published more than 4,000 pieces of creative from over 3,500 aspiring professionals across the globe, handpicked for publication by 180 of the most celebrated creative professionals in communication art. So what better way to celebrate this major milestone than with a cover-to-cover redesign”

As students, CMYK was one of our favorite, must-read magazines. While in college we always associated the publication with student portfolio work and career advice. After graduating it was a great mag to occasionally pick up when looking for illustrators to hire. We think the magazine’s new approach will be more appealing to creative professionals, without neglecting CMYK’s strong student audience. The visual squares on the cover instantly engage the viewer, and give an enticing glimpse of the diversity to be found within the pages.

On a side note: We’re also really looking forward to reading “Remembering Shigeo Fukuda” and “Inside the Mind of Christoph Niemann.” (Maybe it’s time to reconsider a subscription)

The cover of issue #44 features a cut paper illustration by Jared Schorr, titled Paper Cuts. Jared Schorr is a recent graduate of Art Center College of Design. Is this the last student or recent grad given the honor to have their work showcased full-bleed on the cover of CMYK?

Interview Magazine Launches Redesign with Kristen Stewart on Cover

The October issue currently on newsstands launches a new look for their 40th anniversary issue. The previous look of the magazine lasted about 13 months (September 2008).

New York Times Magazine Redesign 
(via ISO50 Blog, thanks for the tip Karen Kramer)

Designer Alex Camlin gives the Harvard Review literary journal a fresh redesign.

designgallery:

Harvard Review REDUX 
By Alex Camlin 

Newsweek cover with Stephen Colbert, guest editor —

Stephen Colbert shaves his head and takes over Newsweek as the magazine’s first guest editor in its 76-year history. (this coincides with this week’s Colbert Report “Iraq Invasion”) Newsweek magazine recently launched their redesign, so this special issue is a nice way to bring attention.

We were expecting that anything “Colbert” branded would be very humorous—but the issue is far from an escape on the realities of the situation in Iraq. Stephen Colbert delicately (though some may argue) brings sarcasm and wit to sensitive subject matter.

Communication Arts magazine celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. The first issue of the beloved trade publication for graphic design professionals premiered in August 1959. The cover of the first issue (seen above) was designed by Lloyd Pierce. Freeman Craw (a recipient of the 1988 TDC medal) designed the CA logo, which has since evolved over the years.

“…Thinking back, it’s hard to believe how fast things have happened, how much this business has changed since 1958 when we were planning the magazine. Only ten commercials were excepted for the New York Art Director’s show that year. Videotape had just been introduced. The Volkswagen campaign hadn’t happened yet. Most of the graphic design you saw was panels, shapes and Mondrian patterns…”

– founder Dick Coyne, excerpt from Patrick Coyne’s feature Communication Arts at 50 in the March/April 2009 issue

The 50th Anniversary issue of the magazine is on newstands now. It is packed with pages of inspiration and interviews, the fascinating history on how the magazine started with two passionate designers, reflections on the past, and outlooks for the future. One of the highlights is a visual timeline of design icons during the magazine’s 50 year legacy.