Magazines Beautiful/Decay Issue: Z #6384

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When I began Beautiful/Decay in 2001, I spent quite a bit of time figuring out how to separate this magazine from the rest of the publications on the stands. I considered a lot of unusual tacticsspelling out the page numbers with words, extending the title onto the back cover, using a symbol (instead of text) as a logo, or lettering each issue instead of numbering it.

Obviously, only the lettering of the issues became a constant over the years. Because of this, one of the most frequent questions Ive been asked since 2001 is: What are you going to do after you get to Issue Z?" It's always amusing when this comes up, as the person questioning me immediately starts shooting out suggestions, like double lettering itAA, BB, CC, or naming each issue after a coloretc. All of these seem like interesting enough approaches, but my answer has always been the same: I simply don't know.

Honestly, I was always too busy working on Beautiful/Decays current issue to think that far ahead. These last eight years or so have been some of the most rewarding and the most frustrating years of my life. It has been quite the undertaking, dealing with the usual growing pains of any business, but especially those of a publication that has gone from a simple side project to a full-time business, replete with various demands. As Im writing this, I still can't believe that we are finally here at the infamous Issue Z, and will finally have to answer the question of what comes next.

But I'm going to keep you guessing for a few more months. I will say that we are currently planning some major projects and new developments for B/D. Expect to see more from us in print, web, apparel, and Beautiful/Decay art shows at some of the best contemporary art spaces around the country. Until then, please enjoy our newest issue, which features yet another presentation of some of the international arenas best art and design.

In this issue, we also have a phenomenal feature, "A-Z." We hand-picked twenty-six past featured artists to create unique works inspired by the publications name, Beautiful/Decay. These works will also be featured in a Los Angeles-based show bearing the same name.

Thanks to all of our loyal readers who have made Beautiful/Decay a possibility. I look forward to working on all of our upcoming projects and continuing to showcase the very best from the art and design world.

-Amir H. Fallah

84 pages, full color