New Media Publishing

This course is focused on learning the necessary skills for publishing media on the web and in print. Beyond just graphic design and writing, this course will explore concepts in editing, distribution, developing communities of interest and authorship, fundraising, and publicity through the model of a course. In short, this course is about releasing a monthly journal in print and on the Internet. And, as artists, learning the basics of how publishing works is beneficial for getting one's work out for all to see. HINT: Taking this class means you will get 3 different printed issues to your name as well as strong online presence.

Specifically, the participants of this course will plan, design, and launch the journal SCALE (http://scale.sfai.edu), a monthly "local" publication about design, technology and media culture distributed online, in print and PDF. It is a featured project for the Center for Media Culture in conjunction with the Design + Technology Department (www.sfai.edu/design) and Leonardo (www.leonardo.info). As such, SCALE is modeled as a lofi publication learning from Leonardo Print Journal, Wired, O'Reilly's MAKE Magazine, the standard Do It Yourself Zine, and its own earlier research namesake at CRCA. Where it differs is that it accepts submissions through a simple web-based interface, and while the online version is distributed globally, the print edition is primarily distributed on-campus and to the local communities of San Francisco.

This course relies upon each course member to assume a wide range of roles in order to establish a monthly release cycle, develop themes for accepting user-submitted work, and a strong press list for sending out calls for participation to various communities. Upon receiving participants' submissions (text, artwork, and other media), works may be edited, thematically selected, assembled, and finally distributed accross multiple channels, locally and internationally.

While there are no prerequisites for this course, participants should be highly motivated, able to work in groups, and follow deadlines. Skills in major design applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver are preferred. Also, basic web skills are a plus.