Subscribing to Periodicals and Magazines

For me this is the time of year I’m reminded to re subscribe to the magazines I subscribe to. So I thought it could be a good time to share why I subscribe and what I think we can get from these publications. I currently receive 3 magazines through my letterbox: Crafts, from the Craft Council UK, Cover which encompasses carpets and textiles for interior spaces and Selvedge the go to magazine for anything related to textiles. There are of course many more and choosing your publication will depend on your interests and budget.
For me these are essential reading, they document trends and current thinking keeping me abreast of what’s in vogue. They contain in depth studies of artists and designers, revealing to the reader how their work comes about. This I find inspiring and grounding. I find that all publishers produce good quality photography so it is possible to see textiles and the other materials in great detail. In magazines about textiles there is always a huge variety of work from obscure craft pieces to high spec designer goods. This reflects the diversity that is textiles.
These publications are excellent for book reviews of recently published books that are relevant to anyone interested in textiles. There is also information on up coming design fairs and exhibitions. This can lead you to other sources of information, broadening your outlook and knowledge of contemporary textiles. This is particularly important if you are studying for a degree, it keeps your work rooted in the here and now. Helping you to be part of developing themes and ideas. This is important if you wish to sell your work or design for an established company.
When your magazine drops through the letterbox I suggest you do much more than flick through it. Take time to really look at the images perhaps with a pencil in your hand to make jottings in the form of drawings. Write down your thoughts and ideas as they come to you. This could be about colour, texture, materials, composition and mood. Add what you document to your learning log and think about what you have discovered and how it may impact on your own creativity. Write that down too.
I recommend that all textile students subscribe to at least one publication to enjoy and learn from. I have included a list below; please add ones I’ve missed in the comments.
Thanks and happy exploring.
Cover
Crafts
Embroidery
Selvedge
Uppercase
Wallpaper
Textile Forum
TAFA: The Australian magazine for the Textile Arts
Surface Design Journal
Fibre Art Now