The Typofiles #85: Untitled FAME Issue

magazine typofiles typography


magazine typofiles typography


When the second issue of CARSON magazine arrived on my doorstep last week, I had assumed that the crossed out title on its cover was just another one of David Carson’s tongue-in-cheek graphic jokes. But, there’s more than meets the eye: CARSON has just been rechristened as Untitled.

Why the magazine shifted from CARSON to Untitled between the first and second issues is unknown to me. Nevertheless, the magazine (published by Carson Media) isn’t lacking in humor: its masthead lists an In-House DJ / Spiritual Correspondent, War Correspondent and an Inspirational Fitness Guru. Surely, this is the staff that a magazine of the future requires to stay alert and focused.

On the subject of focus, this issue revolves around the concept of fame. Untitled goes way beyond the surface of “I want to be famous!” and digs into its very existence, creating a guide of sorts for both fame monsters and the genuinely curious. And no, you don’t have to be a movie star. Featured subjects within its pages range from Noam Chomsky to Paris Hilton and Shepard Fairey to the aforementioned Fitness Guru. Famous psychics and everything in-between cover its 100+ pages.

Just in case the concept of achieving notoriety is still a little fuzzy, Untitled provides a nifty chart titled Train to FAME. Whether you want to be a famous cook or criminal, the path before you becomes quite clear.


magazine typofiles typography

Kate Moss cover by Mr. Brainwash

magazine typofiles typography

magazine typofiles typography

magazine typofiles typography

magazine typofiles typography


As abstract as the concept of fame can be, Untitled does its best to cover the bases. While most magazines have set columns and tried-and-true content that they run in a consistent format, Untitled throws that out the window and instead creates themed issues (the first revolved around survival). It’s a bold move that immerses and educates the reader around one specific area. Are you ready for something new?


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11 Responses to The Typofiles #85: Untitled FAME Issue

  1. Aris Blevins says:

    The name changed because of a controversy with David Carson: he claims to have nothing to do with the magazine, after signing a contract to be the creative director. Looks like they managed to put out a great issue anyway.

  2. Nubby says:

    Justine: Exactly.

    Johanna: Thanks! My two favorite subjects in school were always English and Art..I love to write, it just takes a lot more time and effort for me to do than design. ;)

    Aris Blevins: Thanks for the info. After some googling, it seems like there’s been a fair amount of back-and-forth between the two camps recently. I guess it’s a matter of letting the dust settle.

  3. Alex says:

    certainly an interesting concept for the issue- controversy included.
    david carson has been an inspiration since discovering his work with surf culture.. what a genius.

  4. Adam says:

    I actually heard David Carson was not officially part of this and they just used his name for the magazine without proper permission. He posted something where he seemed pretty mad about it. “david carson has no connection whatsoever with the website and magazine calling itself “carson mag”, nor the RECENTLY formed ( from the same people) delaware based corporation calling itself “carson media” legal action is pending and no other comments can be made at this point. june 27, 2011.” I’m assuming this is why his name is crossed out?

  5. freshness says:

    yeah had some dealings with the staff of carson mag when they were getting going, what a bunch of cocky, a-holes, even the language in their carson newsletters about the issues selling out, get it now or it’s your loss kind of stuff, were so condescending it sickened me – i’m sure they ran it into the ground and screwed David. Plus i’m seeing the same tone of voice in the Untitled marketing blog and newsletters so it must be the same crew – don’t expect this one to last much longer.

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