Twen Magazine: 1959-1970
Many designers will be familiar with Twen magazine as much has been written about its pioneering design. I wanted to collect together a few of my favourite layouts.
Twen was published monthly throughout the ’60s. Not shy of nudity, the slick German magazine was aimed at “people in their twenties, from 15 to 30” (hence it’s name), the first generation to grow-up after the Second World War.
Willy Fleckhaus (1925-1983) art directed the title throughout its lifespan and took on much of the editor’s role. Fleckhause’s design principle was to ‘illuminate words’ which he achieved through ground-breaking typography and bold picture usage. The ADC him as:
“…a master of visual montage. Each, through selective cropping, framing, reducing and enlarging, were able to elicit specific editorial and emotional responses from readers and viewers alike. Power of this magnitude was indeed a stroke of genius!”Its stylish typography and bold photography still look innovative today. Every layout tool is being used and every page-busting design turns your head and teases you in to look closer.
Further Reading:
- Eye Magazine, Paint it black 1991
- Mike Dempsey’s Graphic Journey
- Magazine Designing: The most influential magazine of all times