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Innovation · Publishing

It's Not Print vs. Digital. It's Both.

By Mark Barnard GeN3 Editorial 2 min read
A smartphone held up to a city street, its screen showing an immersive augmented-reality scene of a train and sparks
Originally published on Atelier 305, GeN3's Substack, June 30, 2026.

Since the introduction of the iPhone, Android devices, and tablets, the conversation has always been about print versus digital. The truth is, it's both. Each has its own strengths.

Print offers prestige, craftsmanship, and credibility, especially with high-end collectible magazines. Studies continue to show that people trust print more than digital. A printed magazine is a commitment to creating something tangible that people can hold, keep, and revisit. For many readers, it's their first introduction to a publication and can become a gateway to a deeper, immersive digital experience.

Digital offers something print never could: reach. You can only print so many copies. A magazine published in Miami can instantly be discovered by readers worldwide through a digital edition, newsletter, website, and social media. Digital also provides valuable analytics, allowing publishers and brands to understand how audiences engage with their content. It can also reduce production, print, and distribution costs, which have risen significantly over the past two decades.

I believe the next generation of magazine publishing combines the best elements of both mediums.

Most brands are already producing videos, photography, interviews, and other digital content. Connecting that content to a printed page through image recognition creates a richer experience without asking brands to reinvent what they're already doing.

"A static image can become a gateway to immersive storytelling. The more people interact with your content, the more likely they are to remember your brand."

That's where I believe publishing is headed, and it's the philosophy upon which we're building GeN3.

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