The Ullstein Zine is an annual publication designed to spotlight the most influential feminist books of the year.

The challenge was to create a format that doesn't just list titles, but serves as a physical extension of the discourse, a collectible editorial piece that feels as progressive as the literature it represents.

Our visual approach was derived from the concept of transformation, the core of feminist progress. We translated this into a graphic system using gradients that transition from one color to another, paired with overlaying and blending shapes. These chromatic shifts serve as a visual metaphor for the fluid, evolving nature of societal change.

We treated each zine as the core of a larger brand world. This included designing custom merchandise and a full suite of digital assets for each edition, ensuring the visual narrative lived beyond the printed page. Within the zine itself, we featured a detachable art print centerfold, all produced with radical sustainability: FSC®-certified paper, 100% wind energy, and an open, glue-free binding.

The Ullstein Zine proves that feminist literature deserves a visual language as bold as its content. By anchoring political discourse in a premium editorial and lifestyle framework, we helped position Ullstein at the intersection of literary tradition and contemporary design culture. It stands as a definitive case for "circular aesthetics," where sustainability acts as a catalyst for high-end design.

The Ullstein Zine "Fühl ich" Edition

Creative Direction and Design: studio NANA

Client: Ullstein 

The Ullstein Zine is an annual publication designed to spotlight the most influential feminist books of the year.

The challenge was to create a format that doesn't just list titles, but serves as a physical extension of the discourse, a collectible editorial piece that feels as progressive as the literature it represents.

Our visual approach was derived from the concept of transformation, the core of feminist progress. We translated this into a graphic system using gradients that transition from one color to another, paired with overlaying and blending shapes. These chromatic shifts serve as a visual metaphor for the fluid, evolving nature of societal change.

We treated each zine as the core of a larger brand world. This included designing custom merchandise and a full suite of digital assets for each edition, ensuring the visual narrative lived beyond the printed page. Within the zine itself, we featured a detachable art print centerfold, all produced with radical sustainability: FSC®-certified paper, 100% wind energy, and an open, glue-free binding.

The Ullstein Zine proves that feminist literature deserves a visual language as bold as its content. By anchoring political discourse in a premium editorial and lifestyle framework, we helped position Ullstein at the intersection of literary tradition and contemporary design culture. It stands as a definitive case for "circular aesthetics," where sustainability acts as a catalyst for high-end design.

The Ullstein Zine "Fühl ich" Edition

Creative Direction and Design: studio NANA

Client: Ullstein