Print Is Alive
Print is far from being dead. In fact, it was very much alive at the launch of the new Magazine Publishing Society.
Image courtesy of Una Lote Andzane.
On the evening of Tuesday, October 3rd, the launch of the Magazine Publishing Society welcomed more than thirty prospective members eager to explore what the society has to offer. At the helm of the event were Loana Rondot, the society's president and treasurer, and Taylor Tomlinson, the vice president and editor-in-chief of the upcoming society magazine. Held in the capacious Well Gallery at the London College of Communication, the gathering provided a glimpse into the exciting journey ahead.
“The Magazine Publishing Club began as an initiative for the BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing course at London College of Communication to increase the connection among the students,” says Rondot who is a third-year student at the course alongside Tomlinson. “However, we quickly realised that the people joining were not just from our course, but from different ones as well,” she says. Ahead of the launch, more than sixty people expressed interest in attending the event.
Image courtesy of Una Lote Andzane.
The process of turning the Magazine Publishing Club into an official society proved to be a challenge, with documentation issues delaying the start for several months. Yet, Rondot and Tomlinson treat the experience as extremely valuable in terms of getting ready for organising events, managing commitments, and ensuring proper communication. “We're still in the process of learning, so this society might evolve significantly from the beginning of this year to the end of next year,” reflects the vice president.
"We aim to be as responsive as possible to the interests of our members,” says Tomlinson. “For example, we noticed a strong interest in the publishing process, which is often not touched on in many courses here,” she explains. Now having access to official funding from University of the Arts London, the roster of activities lined up for the society’s members will include gallery visits, guest speakers, workshops within and outside the university, and much more.
Rondot is certain that the society will not only encourage creative collaborations but also nurture new friendships. “Right now, it feels a bit stressful because we're still in the organisational phase,” she says. “However, once everything is established and we can attend our own events and enjoy them, it will be rewarding to know that these events wouldn't have happened without our effort.”
Written for Shift London, 2023.