Atlas
A publication by and for climbers. Three volumes detailing the past, present, and future of modern bouldering.
Timeline: Fall 2024 (10 weeks)
Skills: Adobe ID, PS, AI
Synopsis
While studying at RMIT in Melbourne, I took part in Mutate & Multiply, a 12-week publication studio focused on the process of ideation, development, and iteration with regards to original publication. Throughout this course, we were challenged to pitch and develop an original series pertaining to our personal interests, and document how our series developed throughout.
The intersection of sport and the arts
My publication concept was Atlas, a short magazine dedicated to telling the story of modern sport climbing as told through its past, present, and perceived future. Atlas features sourced articles and interviews, handwritten editorial and opinion pieces, and additional creative media such as poetry, art, and design. The publication's visual identity evolves through three color iterations: soft violet, which highlights the sport's history and the migration from outdoor to indoor climbing; deep red, capturing the flashy, trailblazing elements of today's climbing scene; and lime green, symbolizing a forward-thinking, experimental approach to the sport's future. The magazine's visual identity draws from brutalist, anti-design, and neo-grunge principles, incorporating scale, color-blocking, and collage to shape its unique design.
Volume I
The first publication of my series focused on building a history from the beginning of rock climbing as a rugged, outdoor activity into its identity as a modern sport. This volume introduced my content framework of original writings paired with sourced articles and interviews that aims to cater to both experienced climbers and people new to the sport.
Volume II
The second iteration discussed the modern "influencer era" of climbing, showcasing the influence of fashion, filmmaking, and industry on the sport as it migrated from a predominantly outdoor activity to the more accessible location of contemporary climbing, the bouldering gym.
Volume III
Atlas's final iteration concluded the series with a brief outlook on the future of modern climbing in regards to how increased exposure is bringing change to our sport, mainly in the form of activism, technology, and pushes for inclusivity. The completion of the series represented the showcasing of multiple points of view in regards to my topic while adhering to the main goal of remaining digestible for climbers of all levels.
