From the research done in conjunction with my essay, it was possibly to drawn a number of conclusion as to the role of print media in the digital age - each depending on the context in which the printed media is produced and used. In summation there are two overarching conclusions that i will focus my practical work on:
Print as a luxury
In terms of traditional communications media (newspapers, magazines, etc.), print can be viewed as a luxury item. Newspapers take a large amount of money and resources to print and distribute, but ultimately have a declining readership in favour of the digitalised versions. However this does not necessarily mean the end of the printed format, because printed newspapers especially carry heritage, tradition and social values. In terms of artistic print media, printed products can also be viewed as a luxury item as they too take money and resources to produce.
Print as a tool for self-publication
Through the evolution of technology, printing through either digital or traditional means has become a vital tool that allows creatives and non-creatives to self-publish and distribute their works. Self publishing and zine culture has expanded greatly with technological advancements, and with it has allowed the line between producer and consumer to become gradually blurred.
In light of these two conclusions I will look into zine culture and the phenomenon of self-publishing. I will also examine it's importance to creatives today, in terms of both producing and distributing, and look at how I might use physically printed publications as a basis for this body of work.