London’s Independent Book Shops
‘Orbital Comics’ Indie Publications, featuring the likes of Flying Eye and No Brow Publishing Houses. Also featured old, vintage comics and retro toys. Seemed popular with men from 14-40 and the occasional lady (like myself). Well-known but the shop is tucked away so people would be coming in purposefully.
Print isn’t dead. A lot of the publications featured textures and shapes that echo traditional printing, such as screen-printing in this book ‘What’s Inside?’ (illustrated by Madalena Matoso) which features overlapping colours and a limited colour palette.
Typography I deduce that the hand-rendered aesthetic trend has broached into lettering. Looks more personal and individual. Makes a difference from the digital text we stare at all day on phones & computers. Explains the popularity.
Concept A powerful concept or message is enough to drive the success of a publication. Proven here by ‘Take it as a compliment’ by Maria Stoian. Which actually won the ‘Independent Spirit’ award in 2015. Reflects real-life accounts of sexual harassment from men and women.
‘Gosh! Comics’ Spotted this compositionally tasty publication in Gosh! Comics, Soho, after also seeing it in Orbital I had to flick through it. Interesting composition - bold shapes, delicate line, colour, overlapping, contrast