Artistic Expression: Magazine Printing for Community & Coffee Tables
Carving out your own space in the literary landscape isn’t easy. As the founder, creative director, editor and designer of the WATER Literary and Arts Magazine, Megz Tillman-Trufant aims to “provide an outlet for the voices and perspectives of black writers and creators.” And with custom magazine printing, she’s got her sights set on more than just the words.
Preserving the Present
Tillman-Trufant’s vision for WATER was to put a spotlight on black artistic expressions and experiences. “I hoped to preserve and document more black literature, identity, history and creativity,” she said. And it was with that hope that she began to dream up the design for a magazine to actually flip through instead of click through.
Starting from square one with limited design knowledge, she referenced other publications for inspiration for her online printing project. One of her favorites used a Perfect Bound Book. “Perfect Bound Books are easy to carry around, collect or share with others, so I knew it would be the best format for WATER.” Another thing she knew for sure? “I wanted it to look clean and simple, but still visually gripping. The work spoke for itself so I didn’t have to overdo the design process.”
With a cover and pages cut exactly to line up and create a perfect binding, a Perfect Bound Book makes a professional, sophisticated marketing statement. It suits Tillman-Trufant’s “minimal, clean and polished” signature style and promotes brands, businesses and projects like hers with pure class.
“It was specifically WATER’s mission to preserve and document black literature and art.”
Holding History
WATER’s concept goes beyond the page to encapsulate the black voice in all its forms. “It was specifically WATER’s mission to preserve and document black literature and art,” Tillman-Trufant said, “which is why the print initiative was key in this process.” And in order for her to utilize the magazine in writing workshops and creative sessions, it couldn’t be just a digital production. “Since print and books have taken a hit in this generation, I specifically wanted WATER to come to life – to be touched, held, kept and [displayed] on coffee tables.”
Seeing WATER in bookstores in Austin and New York City (including the New Museum of Contemporary Art) has been more than rewarding for Tillman-Trufant and her collaborators. “Our followers, customers and featured artists were blown away by the final product and appreciated seeing the work displayed at such a high quality,” she said.
Working with an online printer like Smartpress meant Tillman-Trufant had premium customizing options at her disposal. From paper stock and UV coating options to text and cover weights and full-color ink, Tillman-Trufant’s booklet printing was done exactly how she wanted it.
Preserving a Place
The magazine continues to work toward WATER’s mission to celebrate and lift up black voices and artists with “rave reviews across many races, cultures, and identities.” By physically printing WATER, Tillman-Trufant hopes it leaves not just a literary legacy, but a familial one, too. “Being able to print this project means that it will always live on shelves and coffee tables. People will be able to pass this project down for generations.”
As an avid reader and book collector, Tillman-Trufant’s marketing strategy plays perfectly into print. She even got creative and designed bookmarks as an out-of-the-box advertising tool. Completely customizable, they coordinate with WATER’s aesthetic and her appreciation for a format you can feel. “That was the whole purpose of WATER – to preserve these stories and document them so that they can live forever in a physical form.” With a print perspective like that, Tillman-Trufant hasn’t just carved out a space in the literary landscape, she’s put down roots.
Hint: Do your own magazine printing with more booklet inspo:
