Graphic Design: Bold new look for The Independent overseen by Matt Willey

When it comes to editorial design in the newspaper world, The Guardian’s overhaul overseen by Mark Porter tends to be the most talked about example. But that may change in light of the new look for The Independent which was unveiled today. With top talent Matt Willey working alongside the paper’s in-house design team, the new design sees the masthead move to run vertically up the left-hand side, stripped-back layouts and new type treatments.

The official blurb says the redesign aims to “revive the spirit of its founders” and emphasise the paper’s “international perspective” and “Enlightenment values.”

Editor Amol Rajan said of the changes: "We wanted to go back to the future and embrace the maxim of our first editor Andreas Whittam Smith to develop a design that is ‘classic, with a twist.’ The new-look paper highlights our best elements; it is true to our heritage, but also radical and innovative – as The Independent has always been – and also incorporates a strong dose of mischief!”

In a corner of the print world fighting for its future more than most, it’s great to see The Independent shake things up in such an interesting way.