(SMS) Studio Michael Schmitz
Datt Blatt is the official festival newspaper of the renowned Haldern Pop Festival. More than just a program guide, it serves as a cultural publication that combines journalism, photography, and graphic design. Produced annually, the newspaper documents the unique atmosphere of the festival, offering both practical information and editorial storytelling. The project demonstrates how communication design can shape collective identity and translate cultural experiences into print media.
Client: happen.studio, Haldern Pop Festival
The challenge was to create a medium that balances functionality with storytelling—serving both as an information tool and as a cultural artifact that visitors want to keep. At the same time, the design had to reflect the festival’s distinctive character: independent, international, and rooted in the local community.
Developing a visual system that merges clarity with the festival’s eclectic spirit.
Combining artist features, background stories, and practical information in one coherent publication.
Using strong imagery to capture the energy and intimacy of the festival.
Datt Blatt has become an integral part of the Haldern Pop Festival experience. It strengthens the festival’s cultural identity and extends its reach beyond the event itself, functioning as a collectible publication. Audience feedback highlights its dual role as a practical guide and a piece of visual culture that embodies the festival’s spirit.
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