About

Graphis, The International Journal of Visual Communication, was first published in 1944 by Dr. Walter Amstutz and Walter Herdeg in Zurich, Switzerland. Graphis presented the work of fine artists and illustrators, as well as highlighting the formative years of graphic design as we know it today. Advertising and photography were also featured, and Walter selectively chose what he felt to be the best talent of the time. Walter was invited into the Alliance Graphique International (AGI) in 1952 and, that same year, introduced the Graphis Annual. In 1964, following a split from Dr. Walter Amstutz, Walter Herdeg officially became the sole publisher of Graphis. In 1966, he introduced the Graphis Photo Annual, followed in 1973 by the Graphis Poster Annual. During Walter’s reign, Graphis became one of the classiest publications available, due to his impeccable care and good taste.

In 1986, with the help of his son Marcel Herdeg, Walter sold the company to B. Martin Pedersen, a longtime contributor to Graphis magazine. A few years later, the Graphis headquarters were relocated to New York City. The Annuals were then redefined and numerous new books were added to the Graphis roster. In 2004, the magazine was discontinued after Issue #355 due to a lack of profitability. Focus was then devoted to improving the Graphis Annuals and taking the time to develop a better solution to the Magazine. Now Graphis is pleased to announce the development of its new website, complete with Archives displaying award-winning work from the Annuals and digital versions of the past Magazines, as well as the upcoming Journal publication, which will present a significant increase over the original magazine in the amount of talent covered.

---