Printed Pages: Magazine Favourites

The touch of paper sheets, the smell of new packages, and slow reading under the fine weather without worrying that reflection on our digital screens - print magazines always have a special place in my heart. I remember having multiple subscriptions or making weekly visits to nearest newspaper vendors to purchase the latest issues when I was younger. You bet that when headlines around are claiming print is dead with the arrival of digital era, I still hold a strong belief that contrarily it is building a stronger community for print lovers especially with the resurgence of independent magazines. So here are some of my favourites (by far):

If you thought the local magazine scenes in Malaysia are quiet and lack of creative talents, you have thought wrong. Both independent magazines, Musotrees has a strong focus on travel stories and prominently feature photographs shot with mobile phones; while Odd One Out seeks out stories of unique personalities, especially those who break the conventional mould in Malaysian culture. They are definitely perfect for your light-reading with beautiful spreads of travel photos and film aesthetics. In particularly, Odd One Out provides an interesting read with a more diverse range of topics and uncovers more unique and creative talents, which is definitely heartwarming :)

For the international titles, it was so hard to boil down to my favourites. So I went for these two, which has left me a stronger impact and impression over a period of time. If you are interested in independent magazines, you are most likely familiar with Monocle Magazine. Launched in 2007, it is probably one of the comprehensive magazines I've ever read as it covers issues on global affairs, urban culture, design of all kinds, as well as business. With colorful illustrations and infographics, its contents are easily digestible and truly opens your mind on the broader issues around the world within a book. If magazines aren't your thing, Monocle has tackled into radio podcast as well - listen here - with a selection of programmes (in particularly my favourite, The Urbanist) that will suit your taste as well.

Offscreen, on the other hand, has a narrower focus on people behind the digital screens from graphic designer to coding master. Single-handedly produced by Kai Brach in Melbourne, it's an astonishing work to put together thoughtful contents for a magazine that is published 3-4 times a year. I once perceived discussions surrounding technology or IT can be a bore, but it proved me wrong. The eloquent choice of words and flow of contents as you flipped through the pages offers more than just insights of the technology industry, but place a more humanised perspective of the choices behind the digital facade. 

Now, take a break from your digital screen, and give these magazines a read!

Love, Sharon.