Killer app: Pressision prints some zing into Posterzine title

London design and print consultancy People of Print teamed up with Leeds-based printer Pressision for its latest publishing project, Posterzine, which is now five issues into its run.

What did the job entail?

The title, which is targeted at graphic design, illustration and photography professionals, is described as “a poster meets a magazine” that strengthens relationships between industries, brands, organisations and individuals through a series of crisp, articulate interviews and insights into talented professionals from around the world.

The typical run of Posterzine is 2,000 copies and the magazine is available to buy online – either as standalone copies or via a subscription model – and at the KK Outlet shop in Hoxton. The latest issue had a print run of 6,000, 3,500 of which were sent out to users of independent magazine subscription service Stack. 

“We’ve supported People of Print with Posterzine from the start and have worked with them to ramp up the support on it. Their reach and distribution is continuing to grow,” said Pressision managing director James Taylor.

How was it produced?

Pressision prints each issue on its Komori LS press, using Fedrigoni Arcoprint Extra White A1 paper stock, which is folded down into an A4 magazine using a Stahl folder.

Two complementary Pantone spot colours are used for each issue, which ensures that no two issues will ever look the same.

“The job is printed using fluorescent inks and there are overprints and overlays involved in that. The fold is unusual because it’s not like a section fold but folds back on itself,” said Taylor.

Six Pressision staff are involved in the job, which takes around five days to complete due to the heavy ink coverage of the fluorescent inks.

What challenges were overcome?

Due to the nature of the fold, a small crow’s foot crease appeared visibly in early issues of the magazine. Pressision has managed to reduce this effect in more recent issues by using a combination of machine and hand folding instead of only using the Stahl folder for finishing.

What was the feedback?

People of Print director Marcroy Smith said: “Pressision do a great job, when I first saw the first issue I thought it looked amazing. The format works really well and we’ve had great feedback so it’s exciting to see where it will go.”