Reality Bites - Re-cap of A Realistic Approach to Creativity in Magazines Panel

On Monday October 5th, as part of Read Alberta Magazines Month (RAMM), we invited panellists to Mount Royal University to speak on the subject of creativity and its role in the business of publishing. The discussion was passionate, insightful, but perhaps most importantly, a fierce reality check for those who think they can cut it in the magazine industry without burning that midnight oil.

The panellists were Veronica Cowan, art director at Where Calgary; Kathe Lemon, editor of Avenue Calgary; and Jack Newton, publisher of Where Canadian Rockies, speaking to a room made up mainly of aspiring designers with a sprinkling of writers-to-be. The panel was moderated by AMPA Executive Director and freelance writer and editor, Colleen Seto.

The Creative Process
Editor Kathe Lemon spoke of creativity as a process, rather than the popular notion that creativity is chaos. She said that this shift in perception is a necessary one, because at a monthly magazine, one must be creative consistently, day after day, month after month. But creativity shouldn't simply be limited to extravagant ideas, it has a practical application in a workplace where "nothing ever goes as planned." Things go wrong all the time. So, be creative in your problem-solving.

Art director Veronica Cowan suggested immersing yourself in all kinds of art. For herself, she looks at sculptures, paintings, and anything that can inform her design. But, she emphasizes that knowing how to use design software like InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator is important as well.

It's okay to take chances with art, but be able to back your vision up to the editor. Cowan said that showing the editor two versions of an ad (ex: version A is what the editor wants, version B is what the art director envisions) can help inform decision-making. Lemon, on the other hand, disagreed, noting that compromise between all parties is necessary, and that time constraints often mean that mocking up multiple versions of something is not possible.

Don't Be Boring
Publisher Jack Newton said that one of the most important skills a person can have, is the skill to "not be boring." True story. Being boring is the death of the growth of anybody in a creative industry.

Writer/editor Colleen Seto said that being flexible is key to getting work again. Meet your deadlines. Comply with re-writes. Communicate. Offer creative story ideas. Do all these things and more, and you'll be able to find work.

For those looking to get started, either as a writer or designer, remember this: Know the magazine you're pitching to, inside and out. Who is the magazine's audience? Read back issues to see if your topic's been covered already. You're not only selling your idea, but you're selling yourself--what makes you the best person to write or design this story? All panellists agreed that demonstrating you've done your research is key to making your first inroad.

Internships
The panel recommended that students participate in an internship with a magazine. All of Where Calgary's editorial staff were former interns. Many interns have also been hired on-staff at Avenue Calgary. That said, interns need to do a number of things: a) apply at the magazine(s) they wish to work for directly, b) demonstrate they are the right candidate, c) show they are critical thinkers, and d) be keen, keen, keen.

AMPA provides publishers with subsidies so that they are able to offer a valuable work experience to students or recent graduates. Find out more about internships.

Conclusion:
Most students and newbies are most concerned with how to "get started" in the industry, failing to realize that longevity and staying in the industry is the true test of success.

While it might not have been the most glamorous, praise-laden diatribe on the industry, I thought the panel's honesty was most valuable. Magazines require hard work, so if you entered the industry on the premise of an easy ride, you'd do best to reevaluate--stat.

Don't miss more exciting panels and events during October. Check out AMPA's events page for details.

What is Ed Stelmach reading?

That's a question we, at the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association, also had.

So, we decided to help Premier Ed Stelmach build his collection of Alberta mags, in case he wasn't aware that there are over 60 magazines that are part of AMPA, and over 200 publishing in Alberta alone.

Here are some quick facts about Alberta magazines:

• The Alberta periodical publishing industry encompasses nearly 200 magazines and nearly 100 scholarly journals.
• Based on Statistics Canada data, the estimated 2008 value of the Alberta magazine industry is $83.4 million in revenues.
• Based on the above value, the return on investment made in Alberta magazines by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts for fiscal year 2008¨C9 was 179:1.
• The annual contribution made by Alberta magazines to the GDP (mainly of Alberta) is $106.8 million.*
• more facts can be found at whatisedstelmachreading.com
  

If you read and enjoy magazines, no matter if you're from Alberta or elsewhere, we urge you to send a letter to Premier Ed Stelmach to show your support of this vital cultural industry that provides jobs for a creative community of writers, photographers, designers, and more! It's an easy online form that will have an impact on the industry in Alberta.

Have a look and tell us what you think of our psychedelic campaign.

Alberta mags, now on Twitter

No fail whales here.....We're finally on Twitter!

Find out the latest Alberta magazines' events, promotions, and news by following @albertamags.

Or, follow us here:
http://twitter.com/albertamags

Read Alberta Magazines Month kick-off, Art Central, this Thurs

October is a busy month for Alberta magazines because, if you didn't know, it's Read Alberta Magazines Month!

Right now, we're busy prepping for our RAMM launch at:

Art Central, this Thursday, October 1st, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm in Calgary.

Exhibitors so far include: an arm wrestler from AirdrieLIFE; Nectar Desserts, Wild Rose Brewery, Alloy featured in Avenue (Calgary); fly-tying expert from Fly Fusion magazine; illlustrators from Vehicle magazine, and more.

There will also be a scavenger hunt with fabulous prizes, plus, free food, music, magazines :)

Come one, come all--this event is FREE and open to the public.

Remembering Gordon Morash

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Gordon Morash, who contributed to several Alberta magazines such as Alberta Views, Avenue Edmonton, Legacy and Where Edmonton. He died of cancer on August 28, and his memorial service takes place this evening in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Morash juggled writing (fiction, essays and arts journalism), editing (books, websites and educational materials) and teaching (creative, non-fiction and food writing). He participated at one of our Read Alberta Magazine Month readings, and wooed the crowd with his wit and style.

His obituary can be read here.

Support the small guys

Across the country, small independent book and magazine shops fight till the end to keep their doors open. Sometimes they come out on top but of late too many indie stores are forced to close their doors. In a recent post from Masthead Online, independent stores in Halifax, Toronto, Edmonton and the like are saying good bye to their beloved stores. These precious stores are forced into these unfortunate situations due to the current ecomomic state as well as the big guys like Chapters whom they cannot compete with. Their closures not only mean one less space to peruse but it also means one less public shelf for small and independent magazines. Already faced with their own challenges, small magazines need the support of small indie stores who need the support of buyers, like you! As Matthew Blackett of Spacing magazine states, the closures of these stores not only effect business but they are cultural hubs that extend beyond the functions of a bookstore and act more as community centres. Many independent stores are in a precarious position right now but as consumers and cultural ambassadors, it is our job to spread the word and support. Without them the delicate balance of small and large stores, of commercial and independent publications will be greatly disturbed.

August Flywheel, this Thursday

What better way to celebrate the last month of summer than with a spectacular reading? Join Stephanie Davis and guest host Meghan Doraty for a fantastic lineup during the August 6th edition of Flywheel, including the 2009-2010 Markin-Flanagan Writer in Residence, Marcello Di Cintio.

Kye Kocher
Meghan Doraty
Lisa Rose Berreth-Feragen
Marcello Di Cintio

Join filling Station at Pages on Kensington, 1135 Kensington Road N.W., Calgary at 7:30 pm sharp.