Rimowa

RIMOWA – Printing and Production of *Der Eigene* Issue 2

Atelier Bulk handledthe printing and production of the second issue of *Der Eigene*, a historic magazine relaunched by RIMOWA, with support from the Purple Matters agency for the project’s design.

Founded in Germany in 1896 by the publisher and activist Adolf Brand, *Der Eigene* is considered the world’s first gay magazine. At the intersection of literature, art, photography, and politics, the publication holds a unique place in the history of queer culture.

RIMOWA decided to revive the publication in 2022. Published in June 2023, Issue 2 continues this work with a team of contributors drawn entirely from the queer community and an issue dedicated to identities, human relationships, and contemporary creativity.

A second edition featuring Mel Odom

The cover of this second issue showcases the work of American artist Mel Odom. The magazine also features an original work created by the artist for RIMOWA, presented as a fold-out insert within the publication.

Issue 2 also features works by photographers Clifford Prince King, Kira Bunse, and Angalis Field, exploring various narratives related to human relationships, intimacy, and queer identities.

An embossed cover made of Fedrigoni Constellation Snow

The magazine’s production process is based on a unique approach to paper, printing, and the physical qualities of the materials.

The flap cover is made from Fedrigoni’s Constellation Snow, an embossed paper whose textured surface adds depth and a distinctive look to the item.

It is printed using offset printing, with a combination of Pantone spot colors and four-color process printing, which allows for the precise reproduction of the project’s various colors while preserving the paper’s distinctive texture.

Munken Lynx, offset printing, and fold-out pages

For the magazine’s interior pages, the choice was Munken Lynx, an uncoated paper with a natural feel that is particularly well-suited for editorial and photographic projects.

The pages are printed using offset printing, combining four-color process and Pantone spot colors as appropriate. The uncoated paper retains a very natural feel while allowing for precise reproduction of photographs, illustrations, and graphic designs.

The layout of *Der Eigene* Issue 2 also features fold-out pages, which break up the traditional pagination and provide more space for certain images. One such page features an original work by Mel Odom created for RIMOWA, allowing the image to extend beyond the page’s dimensions.

Saddle-stitch binding

The magazine is bound using saddle-stitching, with metal staples connecting the cover to the inner sections. This deliberately simple and straightforward binding allows the paper choices, images, and various format variations that give the publication its rhythm to take center stage.

Combined with the flap cover and fold-out pages, it also allows the magazine to open smoothly and makes it easy to handle.

A magazine designed to be a true print piece

Embossed cover, flaps, four-color offset printing and Pantone spot colors, Munken Lynx paper, fold-out pages, and saddle-stitched binding: *Der Eigene* Issue 2 was conceived as much as an editorial publication as it was a printed object.

The production process plays a direct role in the discovery of the images and various stories that make up this issue. The choice of materials, changes in format, and printing techniques complement the artistic direction without overshadowing its content.

Created for RIMOWA in collaboration with Purple Matters, this project showcases Atelier Bulk’s expertise in the production of magazines, art books, limited editions, and custom editorial projects—from technical development through printing, binding, and finishing.