Freigeist was a popular concept within 18th Century German literature and journalism. It was used to describe those who believed that thinking should not be constrained by certain fundamental and non-contestable values, traditional ideas and established channels of distribution. The concept of the “free-spirit” and of free-thinking is also a recurring theme within Nietzsche’s own philosophy. Although, at first glance, the Freigeist concept may appear as lacking complexity, Nietzsche found a philosophical significance within it. To him, it was more than an invocation towards individuality and the subversion of expectation but the search for and liberation of a spirit. In this third issue of Freigeist, conceptualised, designed and edited by Richard Baird and published by BP&O, the search for that spirit continues in the form of a lecture-turned-zine. This lecture was delivered to the Falmouth MA Graphic Design program in 2020.

Freigeist and LogoArchive Zines are available to order from LogoArchive.Shop.

Each issue of Freigiest intends to present its readers with a series of proposals. Ideas. Far from dogmatic and far removed from established distribution channels and publishers. In this sense, and as the Freigeist philosophy goes, “Interpretation Supersedes Authority”. It is an invitation handed to readers (specifically graphic designers) to continue the thought and bring to life their own ideas. Issue 3 develops this, moving away from the disparate abstract ideas of Issue 1 and the free-form conversation of Issue 2 into a more structured piece delivered as a lecture. This influences form, a two column grid of slides and talk. Just as the content is a reconfiguration of different instances in which this article of ideas was distributed (first as a series of newsletter segments and then as a four part series on BP&O), the cover is a reconfiguration of the issue before it, and expresses how publication and its designer are in-flux.

Readers can expect thoughts on writing as a catalyst for creativity in graphic design, how we observe and interpret the world, and proposals on assimilating information and presenting our ideas. Richard continues to explore the convergence of publishing, writing and design practice, often speculating, and playing with ambiguity as a way to sharpen perceptions and heighten consciousness.

Understanding full well that the shop front is now the blog or instagram post, the theoretical and speculative is wrapped in an aesthetic appeal and graphic immediacy, pairing an outer of Colorplan Hot Pink with a double hit of black and a recycled gloss inner, bound with white staples.

Designer/Editor: Richard Baird. Publisher: BP&O. Print: WithPrint. Pages: 18. Paper 1: Colorplan Hot Pink. Paper 2: Symbol Freelife Gloss. Print: Digital Black Ink (x2). Binding: White Staples