Manifesto
As a student of Design in the early 2000s, Aphrodite was heavily influenced by the late Ken Garland’s First Things First Manifesto published in 1964 which called on all creatives to use design for good.
“There are pursuits more worthy of our problem-solving skills. Unprecedented environmental, social and cultural crises demand our attention. We propose a reversal of priorities in favour of more useful, lasting and democratic forms of communication – a mindshift away from product marketing and toward the exploration and production of a new kind of meaning.”
– First Things First Manifesto, 1964.
The Illographo Press manifesto is to make meaningful art and literature accessible and sustainable.
We focus on originality, we value quality over quantity and we strive to create personal connections to counter mass consumerism.
Illographo Press was founded in 2021 to publish limited editions of original works that don't fit the mould of commercial publishing; connect with diverse creatives; and support local and independent bookstores.
Sustainable printing
All Illographo Press publications are self-funded and independently produced limited editions, printed in short runs, sold directly by the author/publisher and distributed to select independent bookstores. Out-of-print titles are not reprinted (unless it’s a revised edition) to make space for new ideas and create more opportunities for collaboration. Paperless or digital editions of titles are published online. By printing in small quantities and designing with accessibility in mind, we elevate the value of each publication while keeping our production lean and reducing our carbon footprint.
Accessible publishing
Illographo Press is an independent publisher with an open submission policy. We believe that everyone has a story to tell and our vision is to give aspiring artists and writers a voice by giving them access and support to publish their work. We’d love to collaborate with creatives of all ages and abilities; from all religious, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Send us a pitch for a story, an idea or creative project in English or any languages. We are open to publishing new zines and books inspired by art, design, photography, poetry and literature; and we’re here to help creatives self-publish their work. The only requirements are originality, passion, patience, and perseverance to see your creative idea through to the end.