Top Ten Independent Magazines
Independent magazines are a fast growing and important part of a highly segmented magazine landscape. Last year, the independent-magazine subscription service Stack, reported a 78 per cent increase in revenue, with its number of subscribers growing by 76 per cent. So we at Wunderkind thought you would be interested in our take on some of the unique players and their subject areas. Here is our list of standouts.
Wrap
(illustrations)
Wrap works with today’s leading contemporary illustrators to celebrate their work through a bi-annual print magazine. With its broadsheet sized paper and stunning illustrations throughout, this is definitely not one of those magazines you throw away.
Boat Magazine
(travel)
Boat Magazine is an independent travel and culture publication that focuses on a different, inspiring city for each issue. From Sarajevo to Reykjavik to Lima, Boat Magazine shines a different kind of light on cities with big stories to tell.
The Plant
(plants & other greenery)
Besides providing botanical contents in a simple, personal and cozy way; The Plant offers plant lovers a new look at greenery by featuring the works of many creative people who share the same love for plants. As a curious observer of ordinary plants and other greenery, the magazine presents a monograph on a specific plant. It brings together photographers, illustrators, designers, musicians, writers and visual artists from all over the world to share their unique perceptions and experiences of plants.
Fantastic Man / The Gentlewoman
(fashion)
Fashion-forward, clever, and deeply engaged with the fashion world, Fantastic Man is a semi annual men’s fashion magazine created out of Amsterdam. “Mostly black and white, with its rule lines and two-column layout, its pared-back design and reams of text set it apart as a fashion magazine meant to be read and not just looked at.” – Alexander Hawkins, It’s Nice That
In 2009, the creators, Gert Jonkers and Jop van Bennekom, launched a sister publication, Gentlewoman, directed towards women. Both of which are worth taking a look at.
Kinfolk
(lifestyle)
Kinfolk has now become the leading independent lifestyle magazine for young creative professionals today. Its sharp and minimalistic photography matched with its love for the “slow” lifestyle inspires readers to simplify there lives, cultivate community and spend more time with their friends and family.
Mood
(food/music)
MOOD is a quarterly magazine that looks at music and food in a cohesive and unique way, with a keen eye to design and high quality writing. Its contributors are located around the globe, and the stories span accordingly. It’s really hard not to like this publication, simply based on its core two subjects.
Monocle
(travel/lifestyle)
After its launch in 2007, Monocle has become the bible for urban planners and the elite. Through quality journalism and photography, the magazine tackles global affairs, business, culture, design and much more.
Victory
(sports)
This is not your everyday sports magazine. “Victory aims to turn jock culture, and the very concept of sport, on its head by offering new perspectives on the mostly overlooked intersection between athleticism and creativity.” – Alexander Hawkins, It’s Nice That
Offscreen
(technology)
Offscreen is a high-quality, independent print magazine with an in-depth look at the life and work of people that use the internet to be creative and build successful businesses. Explore what’s happening behind the scenes of popular websites, apps and other tech products through thoughtful interviews and honest, first-person stories. If your interested in the ever-changing world-wide-web this magazines for you.
The Alpine Review
(perspective)
The Alpine Review, produced by a small team in Toronto and Montreal, provides the reader with a broad view of the transitional world we live in. Covering topics that involve industry, environment, and culture, this magazine is built for the observant, the conscientious, and the curious. “It’s one of those magazine you want to save for the weekend to enjoy. You want to spend time with it” – Tyler Brule, Monocle