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Graphis, The International Journal of Visual Communication, was first published in 1944 by Dr. Walter Amstutz and Walter Herdeg, at age 36, in Zurich, Switzerland. Graphis presented fine artists as well as the early history of design, advertising, illustration and photography. Herdeg chose selectively what he felt to be the best talent of the time. In 1964, following a split from Dr. Walter Amstutz, Walter Herdeg officially become the sole publisher of Graphis. He was invited into AIGA in 1952 and, that same year, introduced Graphis Annual, subsequently, after 1966, Photo Graphis Annual and 1973, Graphis Posters. After more than 40 years of devoting his life to designing and editing the Magazine, he decided to retire. In 1986, Walter was appropriately awarded the AIGA Medal. During his reign, the magazine was one of the classiest publications available, due to Walter's impeccable taste.
Shortly after Walter's retirement, B. Martin Pedersen was given the opportunity to purchase Graphis. Soon after the purchase, the publication suffered a significant loss due to an unprecedented drop in the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Swiss Franc, as well as an existing loan for which the interest rate had climbed to 18%. Facing bankruptcy, Martin was faced with a decision: to close the doors of the publication, which was advised by the previous owners and the bank, or find a solution. After careful thought, Martin came up with a plan for survival that UBS Bank in Zurich was willing to support. A few years later, the Graphis headquarters were relocated to New York City.
The Annuals were redefined and the Magazine published until 2004, when it was discontinued after Issue #355 because it was no longer profitable. Focus was devoted to improve the Graphis Annuals and to take the time to develop a better solution to the Magazines, given the dramatic changes in both the economy and technology. Graphis is pleased to announce the developement of its new website, complete with Archives displaying award-winning work from the Annuals and PDFs of the past Magazines, as well as the upcoming Journal publication, which will present a significant amount of talent, much more so then what was possible through the Magazine.
