A3 Booklets
4pp Cover onto 130gsm Gloss FSC Certified
96pp Inside pages onto 100gsm Offset FSC Certified
Full colour print throughout
Trimmed, folded to size and nested, not bound
The fourth issue of Peak Magazine exudes a bold and eclectic visual language that aligns seamlessly with its adventurous and urban storytelling ethos. The publication’s choice of oversized A3 dimensions provides an immersive canvas, showcasing photography and design elements in their full glory.
Rather than being bound, the magazine adopts a nested, folded layout that offers a tactile, fluid reading experience. This choice complements its avant-garde narrative style, breaking away from traditional, more rigid binding conventions. The flexibility of the nested pages underscores the magazine’s experimental ethos.
Typography within Peak Magazine is a statement in itself. The bold, inflated font of the cover title “PEAK” in glossy pink with sharp edges commands attention. Inside, a more understated typographic style balances the visual dynamism, ensuring the images and graphics retain dominance. Large, spacious layouts like the striking “Inner City Abseil” spread leverage negative space for impact, creating a dynamic interplay between text and visuals.
The colour palette is vibrant yet deliberate, with a range of hues from the serene purples of a twilight sky to the fiery, textural tones of earthy landscapes. These vivid contrasts breathe life into the images, amplifying the magazine’s storytelling. On the inside pages, the stark juxtaposition of muted greyscale photography with bursts of primary colours reflects urban energy.
Each photograph is not merely an image but a story. From aerial shots of climbers in modern cityscapes to close-ups of weathered textures, the visuals transport the reader. The glossy, FSC-certified cover and the matte offset inner pages create a tangible contrast that mirrors the magazine’s visual narrative—sleek on the outside, raw and immersive within.
Peak Magazine Issue 4 embodies a spirit of exploration, visually narrating stories that blend natural landscapes with urban grit. The oversized format and vibrant colours invite the audience to pause, immerse, and engage with every detail, effectively resonating with its adventurous theme.
From the first email inquiry to the final delivery, the journey to print Peak Magazine: Issue 4 was a collaborative process that highlights the dynamic relationship between us at Ex Why Zed and the Peak Magazine team.
The magazine’s editor, approached us for the fourth instalment of Peak Magazine. Familiar with our expertise from previous collaborations, he requested quotes for 150 and 200 copies, emphasising the same high production standards as before: A3 booklets with glossy covers, FSC-certified offset pages, and vibrant full-colour printing.
Early in the process, James brought up an issue from the previous run regarding bleed margins, which had led to edge cropping in inner pages. This became a critical focus for the project. Our recommendation to extend the bleed to 5mm ensured no compromises in the final product’s layout—a small but essential adjustment that showcased our attention to detail.
Throughout the pre-production phase, our team meticulously reviewed the supplied files. Initially, several images were flagged for low resolution. After feedback, James updated these to meet the necessary 300 dpi standard. This iterative process was handled with transparency and a collaborative spirit, ensuring the final visuals would reflect the high-quality standards of Peak Magazine.
The project’s unique requirements included elastic banding for 100 of the 150 copies. Coordination involved sourcing and confirming the correct materials while meeting tight deadlines. The choice to split the order between James and a distributor added logistical complexity, but our team ensured the customisation did not delay production.
Sustainability remained a key pillar. The use of FSC-certified materials underscored a shared commitment to ethical publishing practices. These choices resonated with the modern readership and aligned with the magazine’s adventurous, conscious ethos.
The tight timeline leading up to the magazine’s launch event in central London presented further challenges. Unexpected delays with elastic band deliveries and courier logistics required rapid problem-solving. When the initial timeline was jeopardised, we organised a same-day van to deliver directly to the event location. Despite the logistical hurdles, the magazines arrived just in time, ensuring the launch proceeded seamlessly.
The final product received glowing feedback from the client, with James praising both the print quality and our team’s adaptability under pressure. His satisfaction was evident in his follow-up, where he highlighted the flawless delivery for a concurrent project (Tech Hunter), further solidifying our relationship.
The vibrant imagery, tactile quality, and environmentally friendly materials captured the adventurous essence of Peak Magazine: Issue 4, making it a standout release. The magazine’s launch event on Regent Street benefited from the timely delivery, cementing its impact among readers and collaborators alike.
This project underscores the value of meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and innovative problem-solving, showcasing Ex Why Zed as the ultimate partner for high-quality, custom print solutions.
