BranD #81
225 x 295 mm, 200 pages
Hong Kong, China (Chinese & English-language)
Bimonthly
Publisher: Gengli Lin
Editor-in-chief & design director: Nicole Lo
Creative director: Yukit Lai
BranD showcases international brand work and graphic design, with each issue reflecting a theme identified by Editor-in-chief Nicole Lo. It’s always an excellent reference point for anyone working in branding and graphics, and also features innovative print finishing techniques.
Issue 81 is themed ‘Rationality and Sensitivity.’ Lo fears that human reasoning will be replaced by the use of AI, enabling people to avoid difficult thoughts altogether. Quoting Greek philosopher Heraclitus’s view that ‘opposites bring together,’ the issue has been created in two halves, one opening in a portrait format, the other landscape. The two parts hinge in the middle, making for a challenging but fascinating piece of print. The two halves do not each reflect one part of theme—instead they hint at its opposing poles as multiple designers are interviewed. The subjects lean one way or the other but all agree that the balance between the two is where the magic is created.
The entire issue is brought to life by the illustrations of José Quintanar, whose bright, diagramatic images colour the whole issue.