Meanjin

design Letterbox | editor Esther Anatolitis | publisher Melbourne University Press

Redesigning a renowned literary journal founded in 1940 presented a design challenge that was both exciting and daunting. Although the redesign celebrated this rich legacy, Meanjin now needed to speak to a new audience – one with different cultural experiences and expectations.

Our design strategy emphasised the character of Meanjin being both bold and subversive. Central to this is the ‘ellipsis’ formed by the unique letter combination within its name, playfully extended by the addition of a third dot. But it is in the meaning of the ‘ellipsis’ where the real story lies – it welcomes a response, awaiting further discussion. It represents and reinforces Meanjin as being a space for ongoing cultural and literary discourse.

The Meanjin brand extends into adjunct publishing, in this specific case, the essays within Meanjin that have changed Australian life and culture.