Video review: Gratuitous Type

Mixing the conventions of a porn magazine with the fetishisation of graphic design, Gratuitous Type declares itself “A pamphlet of typographic smut”.

With just one issue per year, creator Elana Schlenker takes her time to get it right, layering in print flourishes like this issue’s acetate overcoat, or the debossed motherboard tucked away in the centrefold (see the video below for a close look). It’s a fantastic passion project, and if you like the sound of some design-based thrills it’s well worth seeking out this current issue and the three that came before it.

And if you’re in London and you’d like to get an even closer look, head down to KK Outlet on Thursday 2 October for the Gratuitous Type peep show, where you could see more of those motherboards being printed live. Phwoar.

Two-Minute Magazines #44: Gratuitous Type from Steven Watson on Vimeo.