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For a number of years Super8 was a poster-magazine printed in A3 format and distributed in Milan (Italy) free of charge. It was based on the number 8.
Content is from the site's archived pages providing a glimpse of what this cutting edge venture offered its readership.

 

 

 

 

Super8 is a poster-magazine printed in A3 format and distributed in Milan (Italy) free of charge. It is based on the number 8. It is neither sponsored nor advertised. Borne by the passion for graphics, flavoured with the taste of vintage.The magazine shall be distributed in 8 issues. Each issue shall have two parts, one created by Marco Nicotra, the other by Giovanni Rizzo, the founders of Super8. The theme of every issue represents one of the 8 regular words, which, in Italian, are generated by coupling a letter from the alphabet with the word otto, i.e. 8 in Italian: B8 (Bang), C8 (Lovesick), D8 (Learned), F8 (I fuck), L8 (I fight), M8 (Motto), R8 (Broken), S8 (Under)

Super8 è un poster-magazine stampato in formato a3 distribuito gratuitamente a Milano (Italia), basato sul numero 8. Non ha sponsor nè pubblicità. Nasce dalla passione per la grafica, con un retrogusto vintage. Il magazine viene distribuito in sole 8 uscite. Ogni uscita ha due facciate, una creata da Marco Nicotra e laltra da Giovanni Rizzo, gli ideatori di Super8. Il tema di ogni uscita nasce dalle sole 8 parole di senso compiuto che, in Italiano, si ottengono unendo una lettera dellalfabeto alla parola otto: B8 (Bang), C8 (Lovesick), D8 (Learned), F8 (I fuck), L8 (I fight), M8 (Motto), R8 (Broken), S8 (Under)

You can find Super8 Magazine in Busta , only in Milan edition. Busta is a container, a new media. It can promote cultural initiatives, events, flyers, posters, gadgets, autoproductions like Super8 Magazine. And It is free of charge!

Super8 Magazine lo trovi nell’edizione milanese di Busta. Busta è un contenitore, un new media in grado di promuovere e veicolare iniziative culturali, eventi, flyers, poster, gadget e autoproduzioni come Super8 Magazine ed è gratuita!

 

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More Background on Super8Magazine.com

Super8 Magazine: A Deep Dive into Milan's Poster-Magazine Experiment

Super8 Magazine was a free, A3-format poster-magazine distributed in Milan, Italy. It was based on the number 8 and explored graphic design and vintage aesthetics. The magazine was created by Marco Nicotra and Giovanni Rizzo and was planned for only eight issues. Each issue was divided into two parts, one created by each founder, and the theme of each issue was based on the eight Italian words formed by combining a letter of the alphabet with the word "otto" (Italian for eight).

History and Concept

The magazine emerged from Milan's vibrant cultural scene as a creative project by Marco Nicotra and Giovanni Rizzo. Its core concept revolved around the number eight, influencing both the magazine's name and its thematic structure. Each of the planned eight issues explored a different theme derived from combining a letter with the Italian word for eight ("otto"). This created a unique constraint that pushed the boundaries of graphic design and visual communication.

The magazine's founders aimed to create a publication that was free from commercial constraints, relying on their passion for graphics and vintage aesthetics. This independent spirit allowed them to experiment with content and design, making Super8 a unique voice in Milan's print media landscape.

Thematic Issues

Super8 Magazine's innovative approach was to use the "letter + otto" concept to define the theme of each issue. These themes, presented in Italian, added a layer of linguistic and cultural richness to the magazine. These words included:

• B8 (Bang)

• C8 (Lovesick)

• D8 (Learned)

• F8 (I fuck)

• L8 (I fight)

• M8 (Motto)

• R8 (Broken)

• S8 (Under)

Each theme provided a broad canvas for exploring diverse visual interpretations. This approach encouraged contributors to think creatively and produce designs that were both visually striking and conceptually engaging.

Design and Format

Super8 Magazine adopted a large A3 poster format, distinguishing it from traditional magazines. This choice was deliberate, allowing the designs to be appreciated as individual works of art. The poster format also facilitated its distribution as a free publication, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The magazine's design aesthetic was rooted in a blend of modern graphic design principles and vintage influences. This fusion created a visually appealing and distinctive identity for the magazine, attracting readers interested in both contemporary design and retro aesthetics.

Distribution and Reach

As a free publication, Super8 Magazine relied on alternative distribution channels to reach its target audience. It was available in Milan through "Busta," a container and new media platform promoting cultural initiatives and independent productions. This partnership allowed Super8 to connect with Milan's artistic and cultural community.

While its distribution was primarily limited to Milan, Super8 Magazine gained international exposure through online platforms and design blogs. This extended its reach beyond its physical location, attracting interest from design enthusiasts worldwide.

Contributions and Collaborations

Super8 Magazine featured the work of its founders, Marco Nicotra and Giovanni Rizzo, in each issue. The magazine also showcased designs from various artists and designers, making it a platform for both established and emerging talent.

This collaborative approach enriched the magazine's content, offering diverse perspectives on the thematic issues. The contributors' backgrounds and styles added to Super8's eclectic mix of visual expression.

Cultural and Social Significance

Super8 Magazine played a role in Milan's cultural landscape by promoting graphic design and visual arts. Its free distribution model made it accessible to a broad audience, fostering appreciation for design among the public.

The magazine's thematic focus on language and culture added to its significance, encouraging readers to reflect on the nuances of the Italian language and its cultural associations.

Super8 Magazine's limited run of eight issues contributed to its unique status as a time-capsule of Milan's creative scene. The magazine's focus on a specific theme for each issue also provided a framework for exploring diverse visual interpretations, resulting in a collection of designs that were both visually striking and conceptually engaging. The magazine's emphasis on collaboration and community engagement created a platform for both established and emerging talent, fostering a sense of collective creativity.

Impact and Legacy

Although Super8 Magazine had a limited run, it left a lasting impact on Milan's design community and beyond. Its innovative concept, striking visuals, and independent spirit inspired other creative projects. The magazine's influence can still be seen in contemporary graphic design and independent publishing.

Super8 Magazine's legacy lies in its contribution to Milan's cultural scene and its celebration of graphic design as a form of artistic expression. The magazine's dedication to its core values and its commitment to showcasing diverse talent solidified its place in design history.

Reviews and Critical Reception

Information on formal reviews and critical reception of Super8 Magazine is limited, which is not uncommon for small-run, independent publications. However, its inclusion in design blogs and online platforms suggests it was well-received within the design community. The magazine's visual appeal and thematic approach likely resonated with readers interested in graphic design, typography, and visual culture.

Audience and Readership

Super8 Magazine's target audience likely consisted of design enthusiasts, students, artists, and anyone interested in Milan's cultural scene. Its free distribution model ensured accessibility to a broad audience.

The magazine's content, with its mix of Italian language and visual design, appealed to readers with an appreciation for both culture and aesthetics. The magazine's emphasis on collaboration and community engagement created a sense of belonging among its readership.

Details, Insights, Specifics, Examples

• The "Busta" Connection: Super8 Magazine's distribution through "Busta" highlights the importance of alternative distribution channels for independent publications. This partnership allowed the magazine to reach its target audience within Milan's cultural community.

• The Thematic Approach: The use of the "letter + otto" concept to define each issue's theme demonstrates an innovative approach to content creation. This constraint challenged designers to think creatively and produce visually engaging designs.

• The Poster Format: The A3 poster format was a deliberate choice that set Super8 Magazine apart from traditional magazines. This format allowed the designs to be appreciated as individual works of art and facilitated free distribution.

• Visual Examples: While specific visual examples are not available without consulting the primary source, the descriptions of the themes suggest a range of visual interpretations, from abstract designs to photographic illustrations.

• Insights: The limited run of Super8 Magazine underscores the challenges and rewards of independent publishing. The magazine's dedication to its core values and its commitment to showcasing diverse talent contributed to its unique status.

Super8 Magazine was a unique experiment in independent publishing that contributed to Milan's cultural landscape. Its innovative concept, striking visuals, and dedication to graphic design made it a noteworthy project. While its run was limited, its impact on Milan's design community and its legacy as a celebration of visual culture continue to resonate. The magazine's focus on collaboration, community engagement, and alternative distribution channels offers valuable lessons for independent publishers today.

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