Launched by Sam Roberts of Better Letters and author of the recently published Ghost Signs book, BLAG is aimed at sign-makers, graphic designers, typographers, calligraphers, and graffiti artists alike.
Through a mix of rich imagery and text, the magazine features information about the craft of signwriting, its history, and the people producing hand painted work today.
Speaking to SignLink, Roberts explains: “The magazine is the coming together of my passion for writing about hand-painted signs, and the absence of any dedicated publication serving the thriving international sign painting community.
“Everything digital is so ephemeral these days, and I felt that something in print would be of value to this community. I should point out that this extends beyond those that work full-time as sign painters.”
According to Roberts, who says the production of the magazine is a big change for him, the response has been “overwhelmingly positive”.
The magazine has a number of regular features including On the Brush which features projects from around the world
Issue 01 is now available and features copy about people, places and projects spanning 16 different countries including Poland, Panama, and Peru.
Work is currently underway for Issue 02 which Roberts says will profile the signwriting scenes in Japan and Mexico, as well as a visit to God’s Own Junkyard in London. Regular features include project profiles in On the Brush, the history of old sign painting businesses in Ye Olde Sign Shoppe, and The Secrets of Fileteado Porteño – a ‘how to’ for the vernacular Argentinian decorative art.
There are a couple of options for those wanting to access BLAG, the first is a free plan which covers a regular email newsletter and a number of online articles. The second option is varying levels of paid plans which cover full online access, and higher levels which also include BLAG issues in print twice a year.
There are payment options including either monthly or annual payments and students and other lower-income groups can access discounts by contacting Roberts at sam@bl.ag to enquire.
SignLink readers can also access a $20 (£16) discount on the annual subscription using the following link: https://bl.ag/signlink20.
If you have any news, please email carys@linkpublishing.co.uk or join in with the conversation on Twitter and LinkedIn.