desktop magazine is thrilled to announce that internationally acclaimed designer Mark Gowing has designed the front cover (with its hidden cryptic message) for this special relaunch issue. Gowing has also designed an exclusive pull-out poster, which is part of an ongoing poster series in desktop throughout 2011, featuring a different studio/designer each month.

The last few months have been an inspiring time for all those at desktop magazine, having worked tirelessly to mould and shape the publication into a relaunched desktop that the team is extremely proud of.

After running extensive research over the past four months including dozens of interviews, focus groups and a readers’ survey with creative professionals and enthusiasts alike, the team have tailored the magazine to cement itself as one of Australia’s leading design publications.

“Much has changed, both from a design and content perspective, with not just a focus on finished work, but as the tagline says, ‘the culture of design’” says managing editor, Brendan McKnight. “desktop is a platform where thoughts can be raised, opinions can be heard and a place to really get into the minds of the people behind all of this fantastic work. To celebrate and inspire both those who have been in the industry for 40 years and those who have been in it for 40 days.”

With contributions and insights by a hand picked collection of leading creatives, academics and thinkers both from Australia and overseas, desktop sets out to inspire and inform.

With a monthly readership of 30,000 desktop is now a perfect-bound publication, printed on uncoated stock, 100 pages (up from 84) and published 11 times a year by Melbourne based Niche Media.

In addition to the magazine, desktop has also relaunched its website, desktopmag.com.au. Niche Media internal front end web designer Matthew McIntyre rebuilt the site from the ground-up using state-of-the-art technology, and re-designed it with a modern, simple, and easy-to-navigate interface.

“Digital is a huge focus for desktop, Niche Media and our readers,” says digital manager Liana Pappas. “We’re really excited to be relaunching desktopmag.com.au, making a good site into a great site.”

Want to get your hands on a copy of desktop? The March issue is now on sale or you can subscribe to desktop here.

Cover spine detail

What’s inside the March issue:

Profile – Mark Gowing
An in-depth nine-page feature on Sydney based studio Mark Gowing Design. Mark speaks openly to desktop about his upbringing, career and views on the Australian design industry

Profile Mark Gowing

Retrospect – Harry Williamson
Dominic Hofstede profiles Harry Williamson who speaks about (and reflects on) six projects that have played a significant role in shaping him, both professionally and creatively

Retrospect Harry Williamson

Opinion – Aaron Moodie
People Collective’s Aaron Moodie writes on the topic of ‘design is about everything’

Talk Aaron Moodie

The logo – Triple J
A look into the history and evolution of the Triple J logo, designed by Andrew Hoyne, 20 years ago

The Logo Triple J

The occupation – Jellymongers
A peak into the life of UK based ‘Jellymongers’ Bompass&Parr who speak about their latest jelly installations

The Occupation Jellymonger

The typeface – Jones
Typographic evangelist Stephan Banham looks into the new typeface ‘Jones’ designed by Vincent Chan

The Typeface Jones

Desktop – Lucy Feagins
A double page photograph of the desktop and workspace of The Design Files’ Lucy Feagins

Workspace (desktop) LucyFeagins

Me – Suzanne Boccalatte
Suzanne Boccalatte writes about her background, inspirations, mentors and views on design

Me Suzanne Boccalatte

Photography: Tim Grey