There are a few magazines that we stock that really seem to define the heart and soul of what we do… those kindred spirits that sum up just about everything that we love about niche publishing. Sydney-based publishing sensation Dumbo feather, pass it on is definitely one of these rare few.
Founded by New Zealand-born Kate Bezar in 2004 (after a short career in management consultancy of all things!) Dumbo feather is devoted to singling out fascinating people and asking them to tell their stories in their own words. Five years and twenty issues on, Bezar’s quarterly ‘mook’ (it’s a bit book, it’s a bit magazine… geddit?) continues to feature inspiring interviews with a diverse and consistently amazing range of people.
Last week, we launched a new feature on this blog where we ask some of our favourite mag folks to choose their favourite magazines and tell us a little bit about them (with Erica Bartle from Girl With a Satchel). This time, we’re really excited to have Dumbo feather’s own Kate Bezar on board for round number two…
1. SoHi
This lovely mag comes out of the Southern Highlands of NSW and is all about recognising and exporting the “creativity of all SoHi dwellers, of all ages and all persuasions, with that creativity expressing itself through food, architecture, craft, and interiors.”
It’s really well-designed and put together by some very clever folk; Rebecca and Julian Wolkenstein (he’s a superb photographer we’ve used for Dumbo feather and she’s, well she’s got her fingers in so many creative pies it’s ridiculous yet highly admirable) and Sarah King who once had a great design store called Arp in Tasmania. Loved the first issue and really looking forward to numero 2.
2. Apartamento
I only possess one copy of this Spanish mag (produced in English … they still need a good proof-reader), but found it SO refreshing.
At last a mag for those of us who love to indulge our curiosity about how others live, but like to read about real people rather than celebs. The images are unstyled, shot without artificial lighting and raw. Top shelf stuff.
I had dinner with the publisher of this mag last week and was amazed to learn it’s 46 years old … I just find that so incredibly admirable and inspiring. I thought it was a big deal to get to 5 years old!
As much as the mag itself, I also love the books they publish. Their most recent; ‘Current‘ is just awesome. Designed by John Warwicker (who we’ve profiled in Dumbo Feather) it’s ‘the bible’ of artists in our part of the world.
4. Selvedge
Sophisticated, cutting-edge craft for anyone with a passion for fabric, texture, the handmade, the organic, the indigenous …
5. Map Magazine
Last year I was on a panel with Carl Lingren, Map’s founder, and a was blown away by his vision for what media and publishing could (and should) be. That Map has just celebrated its tenth birthday is testament to the fact that others do too.
It’s a local Brisbane street press with the aim of fostering “a culture of confidence, spirit & individuality in people to help them embrace a mindset where they can be positive about the future.” Hoo rah to that.
Map’s always full of the best local and international design bits and great interviews with a strong focus on sustainability. Right up this girl’s alley.
This is a wonderful feature – other publisher’s fav mag titles. I have an Apartmento subscription on my Xmas list…..
sorry, meant to add a thank you note for the post instead of a link to bruil… and some how it got posted.. please feel free to delete it and thank you again for the mention!