garciamedia

Mar. 16th The Havana of the 50s: I remember it well

TAKEAWAY: Anyone who wishes to reminisce or to discover the Havana of the 1950s and early 60s only needs to turn to the works of that best of Cuban writers, the late Guillermo Cabrera Infante, who died in 2006. Now, a new novel by him is published post-humously, Cuerpos Divinos (Divine Bodies), and it is yet another postcard of the city of my childhood.  I remember it well, including Cabrera Infante’s widow, the actress Miriam Gomez, with whom I acted in a long running play in Havana.  AND: Images from my iPad sketches PLUS: Romania Libera one day after: some talk about “pill box” logos

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 15th Romania Libera: new logo, new look, new start

TAKEAWAY: All Romanians know the 133-year-old newspaper Romanian Libera, as it has accompanied the country and its citizens through tumultuous times,  Today, however, the RL adopts a new logo, new look and looks forward to continue chronicling the life of Romanians. Its marketing campaign uses the movie concept to remind Romanians that the RL is a daily reel of their lives.  Many will do a double take at the breakfast table, or at the cafe, or in the bus on the way to school or work: it is a new Romania Libera, and many will say it looks younger. We think so too.  ALSO: New look for Estado de S. Paulo, Brazil AND: Having fun with page one of Austria’s Die Presse

4 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 14th Coming tomorrow: the new Romania Libera

TAKEAWAY: We are in Bucharest this Sunday as we prepare to produce the first issue of Romania Libera displaying its new rethinking and redesign.  We offer you some “glimpses” of the look, and comment with updates about the day’s preparations. PLUS: An interview with Dutch-based typograher, Peter Bilak, about his new developments, including web fonts and new fonts for Indian scripts

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 12th Germany’s Welt am Sonntag: some like it compact

TAKEAWAY: The new lighter version of Welt am Sonntag is a beauty as a compact, but if you like the style of the more traditional broadsheet, you can have that, too, with more pages.  Readers make the choice: WAMS original, or WAMS light.  PLUS: New Pit Gottschalk blog dissects newsrooms and what makes them tick ALSO: In Nigeria, how NEXT covers a tragic massacre AND: Your iPad comment of the day

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 11th Time travel with the iPad: start with a short journey

TAKEAWAY: In Vienna to address Austrian journalists today.  The iPad is the talk.  Caution while accepting the innovation challenge is the message.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 10th Everybody is an editor, everybody is an author?

TAKEAWAY: What happens when users are in total control of how they pace their journey through a publication?  With the iPad’s arrival just around the corner, it is time to think about the “break of the book” and its meaning.  ALSO: College instructors can now rewrite the textbook, too.  AND: Longing for those handwritten letters that don’t come often

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 9th It’s blog post #500: what the blog means to me

TAKEAWAY: Hard to believe that we celebrate 500 postings of TheMarioBlog today.  It gives us an opportunity to celebrate blogs, to analyze what they do, and to hear from you faithful readers who share part of your day with me here.

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 8th Something new (iPad), something old (newsroom mentality): who wins?

TAKEAWAY: Again, editors are faced with drastic changes on how they conduct their business (think iPad); again, some of them are skeptical; again, they will join and, who knows, maybe this time it will all be smoother than the transition from print to online PLUS: A book designer says “good riddance” to print.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 5th Meeting the iPad generation plus!

TAKEAWAY: It was Grandparents’ Day 2010 at my grandsons’ school today and I came face to face with that generation of children, ages 6 to 12, who will be mega consumers of everything digital. Some lessons.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 4th Seeking radical inspiration

TAKEAWAY: A high school decides to fire its ineffective faculty; a famous Spanish restaurant plans to close for two years to reinvent itself.  Radical solutions? Perhaps, but we are in an industry that could learn from them.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 3rd The Philadelphia Story:, Entry # 9: Down to specifics!

TAKEAWAY: We present prototype pages for dramatic changes in the Daily News, plus new variations of page one for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and branding ideas for philly.com.  Suddenly, our Philadelphia story project moves from the philosophical to the specific. PLUS: Chile earthquake follow up: one eyewitness account continues AND: At US Airways: a terrible case of the nastys.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 2nd Germany’s Sudkurier: new printing press, new look

TAKEAWAY: Sudkurier, published in scenic Konstanz, Germany, launched its new look yesterday to coincide with the use of its brand new Cortina compact waterless newspaper offset presses. We were on board and show you the new look.  ALSO: Follow up on Chilean earthquake AND: The iPad and Garcia Media/Joe Zeff Design: ready for the action.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Mar. 1st Chile’s Earthquake: How the Locals Covered It

TAKEAWAY: The second major earthquake of 2010 hit central Chile in the early morning hours of Saturday, leaving more than 700 dead, a number which may rise quickly.  We show you how the Chilean newspapers have covered the country’s biggest catastrophe in 50 years.  PLUS: iPad and magazines: riding the wave AND: 40 Years/40 Lessons: Mentors

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 26th 40 Years/40 Lessons (4)—Mentors.

TAKEAWAY:This is part 4 of my occasional series 40 Years/40 Lessons, which I call a “sort of career memoir” capturing highlights and reminiscing about what has been a spectacular journey for me, doing what I love most.  Today’s segment: Mentors play a key role to help us make it to the finish line PLUS: Why does that front page will not sell!

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 25th When two big stories break on same day: page one dilemma!

TAKEAWAY: For Indian dailies today, two major stories breaking just about the same time. What is the page one designer to do?  Only one can really capture the attention of the reader.  We show you how some Indian newspapers handled it. PLUS:The National Enquirer and a Pulitzer?ALSO: Paris postcard: Try Ferdi’s tapas and ambience AND:Coming tomorrow in 40 Years/40 Lessons: Mentors.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 24th Magazine covers: does sameness sell?

TAKEAWAY: Taking a look at those colorful press kiosks with dozens of magazines, one ponders many questions about the future of print, but, more precisely, what makes for a good magazine cover?  We turn to one of the world’s busiest and most recognized magazine designer, Robert Newman, for answers to our curiosity. PLUS: Coming soon, next installment of 40 Years/40 Lessons: Mentors.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 23rd Oil in the Falkland Islands? Letting the front pages determine what’s important

TAKEAWAY: It is a sleeper of a story for most, but not for the Argentineans, so it is interesting to see how British and Argentinean newspapers are covering the story of the Falkland Islands and the likelihood of finding oil there.  AND: London’s The Observer’s redesign: something new, something familiar . We go into the Garcia Media attic and what do we find? PLUS: Spanish magazines: marketing in a bag AND: London’s The Observer’s redesign: something new, something familiar

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 22nd Dreaming about the iPadding of the newspaper

TAKEAWAY: As I read yesterday’s New York Times cover to cover while visiting New York City, I could not help but fantasize how certain stories would have appeared in the iPad edition.  Flights of fancy.  Multimedia dreams.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 19th TheMarioClassroom: Where does lead story belong on a Page One?

TAKEAWAY: The question remains and what better setting to discuss it than with a group of young student journalists in the newsroom of the Yale Daily News, at Yale University.. Stay tuned for updates on the subject throughout the day today. PLUS: 40 Years/40Lessons, segment 3: Teacher.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 18th Today’s newspaper: mixing content, creating destination pages

TAKEAWAY; Editors need to let loose a little bit, think the unthinkable and, indeed, bring the monkey into the tiger’s den. Why not?  PLUS: 40 Years/40 Lessons, installment #3: Teacher

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 17th Have Flash, Will Travel: All Wired and Set to Go

TAKEAWAY: Wired magazine struts its tabletized edition. Good stuff, courtesy of Adobe and its Adobe AIR program.  So, it appears, Apple will not be alone pushing its iPad.  It is also obvious that in 2010 magazines and newspapers become electronic media. ALSO: India’s first newspaper contest.  PLUS: 40 Years/40 Lessons, installment #3: Teacher

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 16th And for The Nation of Bangkok: it is now Tweeple

TAKEAWAY: The Nation invites its readers to send photos—-and many do. Here is an idea to bring the world of social networking sites to the more traditional medium of print.  Perhaps a new formula for an old equation: people like to see themselves in the newspaper. ALSO: Read 40 Years/40 Lessons: Teacher—-the impact that teaching has had in my career.

2 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 14th 40 Years/40 Lessons (3)—Teacher.

TAKEAWAY:This is part 3 of my occasional series 40 Years/40 Lessons, which I call a “sort of career memoir” capturing highlights and reminiscing about what has been a spectacular journey for me, doing what I love most.  Today’s segment: Teaching is my favorite part of the job.

4 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 11th SND design contest: Part 2 (we chat with Steve Dorsey)

TAKEAWAY: In snowy Syracuse, on the campus of Syracuse University, judges work hard to pick the best of the best of newspaper design.  We take a peek.  Alas, the avocado page is back.  PLUS: A mini interview with Steve Dorsey, who is present at the judging.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 10th Spotting trends thru the SND unofficial winners.

TAKEAWAY: In snowy Syracuse, on the campus of Syracuse University, judges work hard to pick the best of the best of newspaper design.  We take a peek.  Alas, the avocado page is back.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 8th India’s Sakshi growing fast at 2

TAKEAWAY: In India, Sakshi turns 2, and like most two year olds, it is growing fast and showing a lot of energy and exhuberance. With close to 9 million readers, and 1.3 million circulation, for Sakshi, covering its local region 100% is the challenge and the goal.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 8th 40 Years/40 Lessons (2)—Refugee.

TAKEAWAY:This is part 2 of my occasional series 40 Years/40 Lessons, which I call a “sort of career memoir” capturing highlights and reminiscing about what has been a spectacular journey for me, doing what I love most.  Today’s segment: The impact that becoming a refugee has had in my career and my personal life.

4 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 7th Sunday report: Il Secolo update, plus more

TAKEAWAY: In our Sunday report from Genoa: more pages of the newly redesigned Il Secolo XIX.  ALSO: A peek into SND contest winners. COMING TOMORROW: In the 40 Years/40 Lessons series: 2. Refugee.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 5th Il Secolo XIX: three days after relaunch

TAKEAWAY: More pages of today’s Il Secolo XIX, of Genoa,  which went to a smaller, more compact format Feb. 3.  Two days later, the newsroom—-and the readers—-become familiar with a new way of presenting information, in two sections.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 3rd Genoa’s Il Secolo XIX in new format, new look

TAKEAWAY: Feb. 3 was a historic date for newspaper readers in Genoa, the Italian city with a rich history of its own, as Il Secolo XIX introduced a new, more compact, format, along with a total rethinking of its content organization.  ALSO: Change of leadership at Germany’s Handelsblatt.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 3rd 40 Years/40 Lessons (1)—a look in the mirror

TAKEAWAY: Today I start the series 40 Years/40 Lessons, which I call a “sort of career memoir” capturing highlights and reminiscing about what has been a spectacular journey for me, doing what I love most.  Today’s segment: Taking a look in that mirror and letting it talk back to you.  The series will run from time to time until February 2011.

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 2nd Surviving in the times of the iPad and beyond

TAKEAWAY: That is the title of my presentation for journalists and bloggers today at the US Embassy in Bucharest, Romania.  The message is primarily to improve on how they craft the modern newspaper. Final word: Tabletize. TOMORROW: New series, a sort of career memoir, 40 Years/40 Lessons begins

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Feb. 1st For the European press: iPad combines slick with hope

TAKEAWAY: The iPad continue to captivate the imagination of journalists in a variety of publications during the weekend.  Some like it a lot, others not as much, but all agree that the iPad is one device that is likely to change the game.  My favorite: The Economist’s cover with Apple’s Steve Jobs as saint.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 29th iPad possibilities: click, pay, read

TAKEAWAY: A quick benefit of Apple’s iPad for our industry: it allows to dream of the possibilities. A good thing.

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 27th Welcome iPad…....we are ready!

TAKEAWAY: iPad, January 27, 2010: we at Garcia Media and Garcia Interactive celebrate and prepare to serve our clients in this renaissance of storytelling through the best platform yet.

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 27th Apple’s Tablet: today is D day

TAKEAWAY: Mark today in your calendars.  When Apple introduces its tablet to the world later today, our industry may be ushering a new era, and the way we receive news and information may be forever altered.  The expectations are high, but in its usual Apple style, the tablet is likely to deliver.

2 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 26th Start putting a price on that content now

TAKEAWAY: Tomorrow is the day when Apple will unveil its much-hyped tablet.  The media industry execs are reserving front row seats for the event.  It may be the one decisive moment they have been waiting for as the Show Me The Money year takes off.

2 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 25th My take on Up in the Air

TAKEAWAY: Finally got to see George Clooney’s hit movie, Up in the Air.  Oh, the plot is ever so familiar to me, but, then, thank God, the similarities between his fictitious road warrior and me come to an abrupt end.

2 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 22nd The weatherman and the weather

TAKEAWAY: When CNN’s Guillermo Arduino comes on to tell us what the weather picture is going to be like tonight and tomorrow, I usually perk up and pay attention. Here is a weatherman who knows about storytelling and makes it fun, even when the weather story of the day is not.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 21st India’s MINT turns three

TAKEAWAY: It’s been three years since we were part of the team creating India’s new financial daily, Mint.  Today, it is the second best read economic newspaper in the country.  For Mint and its team, three extremely busy, but successful, years.

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 20th Politics American Style on Page One

TAKEAWAY: Usually January elections barely make a noise in America, but not this one.  Voters in the state of Massachusetts have elected a Republican new senator to replace the late Edward Kennedy. The headlines are bold, big and, some even in all caps, indicating the magnitude of the event. We show you some of the front pages here.  PLUS: Show Me the Money: The NY Times announces its plan to charge for online

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 19th For Genoa’s Il Secolo XIX: new smaller format and Stile Italiano

TAKEAWAY: Il Secolo XIX prepares for Feb. 4 relaunch with slightly smaller format.  It is all about layers, color, differentiation and creating a distinct Italian voice.  We show you what it will look like.

5 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 18th Paying as we read

TAKEAWAY: I said it in my first blog post of 2010, it is the Show Me The Money year for the media, and it is about time.  Musings about taking that credit card out of the wallet to pay for the next NYTimes story. 

4 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 17th Genova postcard 2: discovering an eating gem

TAKEAWAY: It is sort of hidden, off a narrow street and up long and wide stairs but Ancioe Belle Donne is worth finding when in Genova if you want gourmet fare in what feels like the dining room of your own home. And, the plum/date cake provides a fantastic climax. PLUS: Jacky’s Picks from Bild Zeitung

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 16th Genova postcard: from hats to gelatos

TAKEAWAY: Discovering the narrow streets and shopping areas of Genova, Italy, can be delightful. Wear comfortable shoes, prepare for serendipity, and don’t miss the gelato laboratory in Via San Luca.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 15th One word headline, one powerful photo

TAKEAWAY: The Tuesday earthquake that has devastated Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, continues to be the number one news item worldwide.  It is one of those events where one word, one photograph is all that’s needed to convey the magnitude of the news. GOOD NEWS: Editor & Publisher says hello again!

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 14th Front pages and the Haitian earthquake; more on tablets

TAKEAWAY: The impact of photos of the Haitian earthquake on selected front pages PLUS: More on tablets and how they may be here sooner than we thought

5 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 13th There is a tablet in your future

TAKEAWAY: Very soon all of us will be involved in the creation of templates and the overall exploration of “the tablet” as the vessel on which to extend our storytelling.  After years of tryouts, some dating back two decades or more, the prospect of a functional tablet that could become the user’s constant companion for all types of information receiving is almost here.

7 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 11th Part 2: Journalism (re) defined

TAKEAWAY: Yesterday’s blog was devoted to defining the word journalism in the new environment of a multi-platform world.  Today we amplify on the subject.  ALSO: For France’s La Tribune, smaller means better, and the readers approve.

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 10th Journalism (re) defined?

TAKEAWAY; Try this for your Monday mental workout: attempt to define what journalism is. Go ahead and do it.  Send me your definitions, please.

9 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 9th Weekend in snowy Paris

TAKEAWAY: Nothing beats Paris any time of the year; but a Saturday snowy morning run thru the Jardin de Tuileries is the equivalent of several sessions at a therapist.

4 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 6th Why type contrast is so important

TAKEAWAY: Typographic contrast is a must to ensure that the overall design of a publication shines.  Bold, medium, light weights combine to play a symphony on the page.  The Tampa Tribune needs to add a few violins to its own symphony—-quickly. PLUS: One guy’s redesign of those boring and hard to follow airline boarding passes.

7 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 6th Front page ad that comes clean

TAKEAWAY: The Hindustantimes presents us with a front page ad that is out of the ordinary.  We hope it paid well!

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 5th This year promises to be a 10

TAKEAWAY: Some thoughts on what 2010 may bring PLUS: In Dubai, the tallest building in the world opens

10 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jan. 1st Happy New Year 2010

18 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 23rd Merry Christmas to all!

TAKEAWAY: To all of you, my sincere best wishes for a wonderful Christmas!

9 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 18th Let’s toast the best of journalism yet to come

TAKEAWAY: As the International Herald Tribune publishes its new Magazine, I am excited to read a piece by Arianna Huffington about the future of journalism. She thinks it is bright. I agree. Reason to celebrate.

37 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 17th Happy to stay Down on the Ground (for 3 weeks)

TAKEAWAY: This is my official last day of work (should I say, travel?) for 2009, and I get ready for a little Down on the Ground time with the family.

28 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 16th France’s La Tribune: 2010 year of innovation, change

TAKEAWAY: Return to the tabloid format, online only Saturday edition and early posting of the next morning’s edition: all changes in store for France’s financial daily, La Tribune. AND: Our greater tolerance for change

5 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 15th In the Netherlands: subtlety the key to good design of “fd”

TAKEAWAY: No bells or whistles, just simple, classic, elegant and easy to navigate design make the financial daily “fd” a thing of beauty.

10 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 14th The Philadelphia Story (entry #8): storytelling done perfectly well

TAKEAWAY; As our work with the Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News/philly.com continues in an evolutionary way, we take pride in showcasing an example from this past week which displays the type of print/online team efforts worth analyzing. PLUS: The face on page one of the Italian newspapers today

6 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 11th My first visit to Bild Zeitung : lessons and surprises in big type

TAKEAWAY: It is two weeks before Christmas, but I already got one of my wishes—-to visit Bild Zeitung and to sit down with the editors and to get my first taste of how this phenomenally popular newspaper does what it does to attract 12 million readers everyday.  After meeting editor Kai Diekmann, I think I know why.

30 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 11th Meeting with Bild: Christmas comes early

TAKEAWAY: In a recent post here I made it known that one of the things I wanted for Christmas this year was to sit down with the layouters of Bild Zeitung of Germany and “design” a page in their unique style.  Today I get to meet with the editors and layouters in Berlin. AND: Norwegian newspapers in love with the Obamas

9 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 10th Covering the rain storms in Brazil

TAKEAWAY: Non-stop rain has almost paralyzed Sao Paulo, Brazil, that effervescent city of 18-million plus inhabitants—-and as many cars.  We take a look at how newspapers cover the effects of the deadly storm that killed at least six

5 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 9th A one-day big newspaper offers Panorama of print’s wonders

TAKEAWAY: Novelist Dave Eggers thinks that printed newspapers deserve the chance to stay around for years to come.  He is showing it to the world with publication of San Francisco Panorama.  It is a big undertaking, including some of the writers whose bylines appear in Vol. 1, No. 1 of Panorama.

7 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 7th And the winners are…....plus Wikipedia goes for soft redesign

TAKEAWAY: Newspapers from Sweden, Germany, Portugal and Croatia are the big winners in the latest European Newspaper Awards, a contest that rewards good design for the continent’s dailies.  ALSO: Wikipedia opts for a thorough rethinking, and you can test the beta prototype.  PLUS: We continue our coverage of how you cover Copenhagen’s UN Climate Change Conference.

18 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 7th It’s all about climate change: how newspapers report the Copenhagen conference

TAKEAWAY: It is one of the most serious and important issues all countries deal with these days.  Anyone who has seen the recent film 2012 will probably be paying close attention to the proceedings at the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference opening today in Copenhagen and running through Dec. 18.  We show you some pages covering that conference and hope to receive more from you in the days ahead.

4 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 6th Covering the Copenhagen’s UN Climate Change Conference & Romanian Elections

TAKEAWAY: It is one of the most serious and important issues all countries deal with these days.  Anyone who has seen the recent film 2012 will probably be paying close attention to the proceedings at the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference opening today in Copenhagen and running through Dec. 18.  We show you some pages covering that conference and hope to receive more from you in the days ahead.  PLUS: Mario reports from Romania: presidential elections

12 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 4th In Philadelphia: moving philly.com to the top of the page

TAKEAWAY: As we continue to make recommendations to The Philadelphia Inquirer, we are happy to see the presence of philly.com onto the front page of the Inky.  Promoting their excellent online content in print is one first, robust step towards progress. AND: Taping the Monocle Radio Christmas Show in London with Tyler Brulé
PLUS: The New York Times T-Magazine introduces new look online today

5 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 3rd Augmenting our Reality: two or three big bangs per page

TAKEAWAY: No respectable interview about the future of our business ends without a question about Augumented Reality.  In its December issue, the German magazine de:bug has a special feature on Augmented Reality and hints that “the actual future of print media is the interconnection of Augmented Reality and Paper”. This is my first take on AR, but not the last. Read on.

6 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Dec. 1st Much ado about nothing in Dubai?

TAKEAWAY: To the world press Dubai has provided the economic world with a sort of crisis, but maybe that is the wrong term for it.  ALSO: Gulf News’ mega graphic of a Mosque PLUS: Follow up to The Nation’s return to general interest newspaper AND: SND to hold North Carolina program Dec. 12

5 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 30th Major changes today for Thailand’s The Nation

TAKEAWAY: Beginning today, The Nation of Thailand returns to its general newspaper format, switching from the business/politics publication it had become almost two years ago. Readers get their wish!

2 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 25th Bild Zeitung here I come—plus Jacky’s Sunday picks today

TAKEAWAY: Santa Claus was listening somewhere in Berlin when I said all I wanted for Christmas was to sit down to design a page of Germany’s ultimate boulevard newspaper, Bild Zeitung.  I am invited to take the plunge, to accept the challenge and to dip my hands into that giant tutti-fruti gelato. ALSO:Jacky’s picks: all about vampires in Bild am Sonntag

4 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 22nd Trend spotting: It’s dress up Sunday for newspaper flags in the US

TAKEAWAY: We often like to stop and to observe ideas and styles that seem to catch up. A review of Sunday front pages from the United States shows an interesting trend: the logo intertwined with photos and headlines. ALSO: My fascination with the crazy “design” style of Germany’s Bild.

19 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 21st Weekend musings from Paris, plus Jacky’s Sunday picks

TAKEAWAY: After a busy and intense week in the UAE, mow it is back to Europe and colder climes!  We look at the newly designed Wall Street Journal Europe “in person” ALSO: SND Society for News Design opens its contest to magazines

2 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 19th What medium is best for that story?

TAKEAWAY: It is all about the story, not the medium. Today, we can discuss the storytelling process and imagine how various platforms would enhance how the story is presented.  But, first, we must let go of the notion that we are gathered to produce a printed newspaper.

9 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 17th For WSJ Europe and Asia: a new, bolder look

TAKEAWAY: Those Wall Street Journal tabs in Europe and Asia are sporting a cleaner, bolder look since yesterday.  We take a look, while reminiscing about our own experience with this venerable financial daily.  Doing the Murdoch mambo.

8 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 16th Tuesday follow ups and report from Dubai

TAKEAWAY: Report from Dubai and follow ups on lower case versus capital letters for branding and online refers. also Philly, what next?

12 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 12th The Philadelphia Story (Entry #6): We present; positive reactions

TAKEAWAY: The D day finally arrived. We presented a variety of suggestions to make the Inquirer, Daily News and philly.com better and more profitable. Four hours of presentation and discussion. All good.  We get ready for the next step. AND: Al Triviño’a prototype pages from the London Sunday Times that wasn’t

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 11th The Philadelphia Story (Entries 3-4-5): I recognize this conference room

TAKEAWAY: Preparing to meet the editors brought back the memories of another group of editors, right in this same conference room, about 24 years ago.That nameplate story, which I thought I had forgotten, suddenly was like one of those obnoxious ads in pop up windows that get between you and your chosen website home page.  This was an animated memory, with flashing lights and Old English characters. ALSO: Today, Nov. 12, is D day when we do our first major presentation for the Inquirer/DailyNews/philly.com crew.

6 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 11th The Philadelphia Story (Entry 2): Discussing the non project project

TAKEAWAY: My second “diary” entry for The Philadelphia Story: my first meeting with publisher Brian Tierney in his office. He is engaged, I am nervous, we set the bases for the project I have created and invited myself into. AND: Al Triviño shares a Metro prototype that wasn’t

11 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 10th A very special project for me: The Philadelphia Story

TAKEAWAY:  Sometimes we make things happen, as opposed to waiting for them to happen. Such is the case with what I call The Philadelphia Story.  I was lamenting not having any American projects for over two years.  So I decided to take action and made the publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News, philly.com an offer he could not refuse.  It is the project of projects.  What happens when the consultant invites himself?  My “diary entries”  about this incredible experience start today.

7 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 9th Bob Newman shares his Newsweek prototype—-that wasn’t

TAKEAWAY: In our weekend blog post we discussed the important of prototypes. I urged designers out there to send me a favorite prototype they prepared, which never saw the light of day.  Bob Newman, one of the world’s most prolific and talented magazine designers, shares his Newsweek prototype that wasn’t with us.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 5th Prototypes:  the good ones lead to innovation; plus Jacky’s Sunday picks

TAKEAWAY: Building those prototypes takes time, effort and patience; however, a well developed prototype should be an a la carte menu of ideas ready for the taking.  It is the designer’s grand opportunity to bring about change.  AND: My most memorable prototype presentation moment  PLUS: Do you have a memorable prototype for a project that was never implemented? Send it along.

4 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 5th No reason for gloom and doom

TAKEAWAY: Why is it that everytime I read one of these gloom and doom reports about the “end of print”, I simply shake my head, think of all the “print” products that we are involved with and say to myself: who is right here?

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 4th Weaving online details into print edition at Handelsblatt

TAKEAWAY: Making the online edition an integral part of the print edition: Handelsblatt. PLUS: Postcard from Buenos Aires, Argentina ALSO: Orestes Larios Zaak to exhibit his Cuban ecological paintings in Madison, Wisconsin, starting Nov. 6

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 2nd The Handelsblatt relaunch: one day later

TAKEAWAY: Readers reacted positively to the Handelsblatt relaunch in its new business format.  Mostly online commentaries arrived during the day, although some readers used the old fashioned telephone, and a few wrote letters.  ALSO: Orestes Larios Zaak to exhibit his Cuban ecological paintings in Madison, Wisconsin, starting Nov. 6

5 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Nov. 1st Germany’s Handelsblatt—business format is here today

TAKEAWAY: Handelsblatt introduces its new business format today, becoming the first quality German newspaper to switch completely from the broadsheet to the compact size. ALSO:  Typographic details of Handelsblatt’s new look AND: Production night photos

6 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 31st Presenting readers/users with preview of new Handelsblatt

TAKEAWAY: This weekend edition of the Handelsblatt is a collector’s item: the last to be published in the traditional broadsheet format.  In addition, a complete guide to the new business format of the Handelsblatt is presented, page by page, with indications of where to find information, and what is new.  The new Handelsblatt premieres Monday, Nov. 2   ALSO: Handelsblatt relaunch profiled in Tyler Brulé‘s Monocle Radio Sunday, Nov. 1, 12 noon CET.

11 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 30th Handelsblatt relaunch to be on Monocle Radio

TAKEAWAY: Tyler Brulé, of Monocle, likes the look and feel of the new business format of Handelsblatt. So much so that he is devoting a segment of his Sunday, Nov. 1, Monocle Radio show to the project.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 28th And in the battle of the H versus the h: the winner is….......

TAKEAWAY; We devoted this blog post yesterday to a unique discussion: do people associate Internet with lower case characters? If so, should the Handelsblatt, which launches its new business format Nov. 2, consider using a lower case “h” for its promos to the online edition?  Not having a ready answer myself, I went after an army of expert voices from six continents.  It was a marathonic day of exchanging ideas, looking at options, and finally at the end of the day we had a solution.  Read on. It’s all here PLUS: Was this the first newspaper design reality show we held here without knowing? Not really, I am told.  AND: Mario’s video explaining Handelsblatt redesign

5 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 27th Do we associate the Internet with everything lower case?

TAKEAWAY: It is the end of my Tuesday and I face one of those interesting work questions for which there is no precise answer Do we associate Internet with everything lower case? Hmmm, what do my expert friends say?  Read their reactions here, and more to come. We will continue to update the blog with your comments and examples.

9 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 26th Getting ready for relaunch of Handelsblatt: coming Nov. 2

TAKEAWAY: The countdown is on for the introduction of a new format for Germany’s financial daily, Handelsblatt.  We work this week to make final preparations leading to the Nov. 2 launch. In store: new compact format, new content, better navigation and rethought handelsblatt.com PLUS: Links of interest—the Internet conquers all, and The Christian Science Monitor thrives in online only (almost) format

4 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 26th Reminiscing in Sweden with Joachim Berner

TAKEAWAY: Joachim Berner and I worked together at the Goteborgs Posten, Dagens Nyheter and Expressen. He is away from the media right now, but very much intrinsically involved with what is happening in the media landscape. Lunch with Joachim Berner in Stockholm.  Remembering the Super Mario project!

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 23rd Staying true to your brand, important part of success

TAKEAWAY: Innovating and creating new content, design or sections does not mean dragging a publication away from its core market.  A new book deals with the subject.

5 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 22nd New look for Kerala (India) daily coming up

TAKEAWAY: From time to time, we use this space to showcase the work of art directors from around the world who have undertaken redesigns of their publications in house. Today: Kerala Kaumudi , of Kerala, India.

23 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 22nd Postcard from Brussels: city tour starts the day right

TAKEAWAY: Caught in morning traffic, taking a detour and rediscovering one of my favorite cities.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 21st Cross Media Marketing: Some who do it well

TAKEAWAY: Recently I participated as a judge in the WAN/IFRA Cross Media Awards 2009. Here is a link to winners.

3 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 20th Bikes and newspapers: Similarities abound

TAKEAWAY: Today I write about another idea from Tim Brown’s Change by Design book which I find to have so many fascinating parallels to what we do. Also, continue to download all of Pure Design here.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Oct. 18th Download ALL of Pure Design today!  Plus: the Post’s new look

TAKEAWAY: Here it is, the entire contents of Pure Design (2002) now downloadable here, also link for those who wish to print it.

4 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia