Plastikcomb magazine interview

Plastikcomb magazine interview with founder Aaron Beebe

Introduction by Gavin Ambrose

In this Plastikcomb magazine interview I had the opportunity to speak to the magazine’s founder Aaron Beebe. I came across Plastikcomb a few years back, and admired the freedom and bravery of the collection of articles and contributors. 

I’ve become increasingly interested in the rise of magazines and independent publishers currently looking at the role of graphic design in contemporary design, and arguably Plastikcomb is at the vanguard of that movement. 

Followig an exchange of emails and conversations about all things design, Unseen Sketchbooks started stocking and working with Plastikcomb. This interview is the first I’ve done in a new format. Following the interview we worked up a phrase from the dialogue into an edition screen print. 

First in our new interview format
Interview prints Archives • Unseen Sketchbooks

More about Plastickcomb Magazine
https://www.plastikcombmag.com/

Plastikcomb magazine interview

Your background wasn’t originally in design, why did you set up a magazine exploring art and design?
I’ve had a passion for art since my early years, always doodling and sketching cartoon characters. However, my true immersion into design came about in the mid-90s. While I wasn’t formally trained as a designer, I was deeply captivated by Vaughan Oliver’s innovative work at 4AD. During this period, my close friend Chris Ferebee introduced me to influential publications like Raygun, Blah Blah Blah, and Emigre. I was particularly drawn to the distinctive styles of Rudy VanderLans, David Carson, and Chris Ashworth. Since there currently were no publications that celebrated this era of unconventional design, I felt compelled to start my own thing. 

In an increasingly digital world, what is the driver for returning to print as a medium? What is it you feel makes a different connection?
I strongly advocate for the power of print and its tangible qualities. Humans inherently seek connections with physical objects they can touch and hold. Relying solely on impersonal screens diminishes this essential connection we crave.
 
Where do you see the future of design going with the pressures 
/ opportunities of AI and other developments?
AI serves as just another tool in a designer’s toolkit for creation. I’ve seen some incredible hyperreal, surreal imagery emerging from its application, ranging from captivating to eerie! Much like the advent of digital cameras simplified photography, making everyone a photographer, AI similarly democratizes design as well. While a few prompts might make one feel like an instant designer, true artistry still hinges on human intuition and perspective.

Where do you see PCM going in the future?
PCM remains committed to forging partnerships within the art and design community, including collaborations with professors and university students. We are excitedly planning a five-year anniversary book, showcasing excerpts from previous issues and highlighting various photographs of the magazine. Above all, our aspiration is for Plastikcomb’s audience to expand continually, ensuring our sustained production for many years ahead!

Process images in the making of the Plastikcomb magazine interview