Five Best Independent Magazines

After hearing about the launch of Polyester Zine's new issue, I thought I'd make a list of my favourite independent magazines. Let me in the comments below if you read any magazines that I might not know about :)

Polyester Zine

"have faith in your own bad taste"

Taking inspiration from the zine culture of the nineties, Polyester zine brings the riot grrl aesthetic to the internet era. It was founded in 2014 by Ione Gamble and has since featured artists like photographer Maisie Cousins, model Arvida Bystrom, musicians Dream Wife and fashion designer Clio Peppiatt. Polyester also publishes articles on gender, sexuality and mental health and was recently described by The Guardian as "a feminist/queer powerhouse". I loved issue three so I'm really excited to see what issue four has in store. The new issue will be released on the 9th of February. It features Rookie editor Tavi Gevinson, tumblr gal Molly Soda and photographer Eleanor Hardwick.They are having a launch party in Hackney on the 9th so if you're London based then check out their event page.

Available to pre-order here

Cost: £5/€6.50 approx

Zeum

"a visual diary crafted by young creatives for young creatives"

Zeum is a bi-annual magazine made in Canada. It publishes fashion reviews, art reviews, interviews with artists like musician Flo Morrissey, and stunning editorials by upcoming photographers like Francesca Allen. It's aesthetic can be described as nostalgic, dreamy and hopelessly idealistic (like something from a Sophia Coppola movie). The editorials are often vintage inspired and feature beautiful pieces from independent designers. There website gives a good indication of what to expect from the current issue. Issue 11 "Truth is Stranger Than Fiction" features cover star Emma Laird and is on sale now.

You can buy the latest issue here

Cost: £10.99/€18.33 approx

Also available in certain stockists in the UK

Oh Comely

"a lifestyle magazine with life"

Oh Comely is one of the most beautifully presented lifestyle magazines I've come across. The illustrations and images create a desire to travel, explore and appreciate the little things in life. The current issue "Keeping Secrets and Telling Tales" is based on the idea of secrets and storeytelling. Oh Comely reveals personal stories penned by anonymous writers, publishes pictures of teenage diaries, explores the secret world of Venice at night and discusses the discovery of vintage gems hidden in attics. The newest issue "Change" is available to pre-order here and will be released mid-February. If you subscribe you also get a surprise box containing treasures inspired by each issue and curated by the contributors.

Available to buy  here

Cost: £5/€7 approx

Past issues are currently on sale at £3.50!

Thistle Magazine

"a multi-medium magazine driven by the odd, the overlooked and the eccentric"

Thistle magazine is quarterly magazine which publishes submissions by artists of various mediums. So if you like making art, consider submitting here.

The current issue for Winter 2015 is called "Mystery" and features work by photographer Stella Lydak, writer Satya S. Gundu and various submissions. Thistle also publish a curated playlist for each issue on their website so you can listen to it while you read. The upcoming issue is called "Identity" and will be released later this month. 

Available to buy here

Print: $20.60/£14/€19 approx

Digital version: $6/£4/€5.40

DIY

"set music free"

DIY is a monthly music magazine from the UK. February's coverstars are London-based post-punk band Savages. In the past they have featured artists like Chvrches, Foals, Wolf Alice and Jamie XX. The current issue contains interviews with Savages, Daughter, and Chvrches, reviews of new singles and album releases, live reviews and articles on David Bowie's Black Star, and the anniversary of the Arctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. DIY is everything you want from a music magazine and the best part is, it's free!

Free in stockists around the UK

Cost: £3/€4 if you order online from their website