In 1952, Herdeg introduced the Graphis Annual and in that same year, was invited into the Alliance Graphique International. After a split from Dr. Walter Amstutz in 1964, Herdeg became the sole publisher. In 1966, he introduced the Graphis Photo Annual, followed seven years later by the Graphis Poster Annual.

In 1970, Walter convinced his son, Marcel Herdeg, to take over the publishing aspect of Graphis so that Walter could concentrate more on the design and production of the magazine and books. A recent law school graduate, Marcel successfully learned the business and brought Graphis to new heights. During Walter’s reign, Graphis became one of the classiest publications available due to his care and impeccable taste. As Walter grew older, he told Marcel that he would like to retire and close Graphis’ doors. However, Marcel felt that his father had built something valuable and that the company could successfully be sold.

With many prospective suitors, Walter, with Marcel’s help, sold the company in 1986 to B. Martin Pedersen. A few years later, the Graphis headquarters were relocated from Zürich to New York City. The Annuals were redefined and new books were added to the Graphis roster, including Advertising, Photography, Logo, Branding and Typography, among others.

Today, the Graphis tradition continues, presenting award-winning work, from 1944 to the present, in digital mode and print.