Over the past few years, the sales of print magazines have been on the decline, causing several long-standing publications to limit or cease the production of physical copies. Last year, Teen Vogue and Nylon halted production on print issues. In the wake of storied publications cutting down on print issues, independent magazines become more popular.

Story by Kennedy Williams

These indie publications offer readers highly curated content by targeting niche markets. Check out these indie magazines that are perfect on coffee tables or bookshelves alike.

Niijournal

Launched in 2016 in the UK, Niijournal is Campbell Addy’s visionary work that tells stories of the triumphs and hardships of people of color. Its pages are full of poignant editorials and elegant photo stories that encourage the reader to view beauty outside of a Eurocentric lens. “Nijournal II,” the second issue, comes as a double cover that features Kelela and Kelsey Lu. This second issue pays particular attention to mental health within the Black community.

Photos courtesy of Niijournal

The Gentlewoman

According to its website, this biannual magazine “celebrates modern women of style and purpose.” A sister magazine to Fantastic Man, The Gentlewoman features most stars in black and white, attempting to create timeless content. From Phoebe Philo to Beyonce, each woman on the cover is photographed through a refined lens. Long-form pieces and in-depth interviews take on innovative perspectives and angles by providing a well-rounded image of women.

Photos courtesy of The Gentlewoman

Kinfolk

Kinfolk was created to contrast the traditional image of millenials. Based on the slow-living approach to life that champions mindful eating, decreasing technology use and reconnecting with the Earth, Kinfolk speaks to the power of disconnecting. Its clean design reinforces its emphasis on simplicity. Kinfolk encourages readers to prioritize those that are closest to them and speaks to the power of cultivating meaningful relationships.

Photos courtesy of Kinfolk

#girlgaze

#girlgaze’s zine reimagines the world through the work of woman-identifying photographers and images of woman-identifying subjects. Mainstream magazines rarely reflect how women see the world, but #girlgaze emphasizes the perspectives of women in front of and behind the lens.

Photos courtesy of #girlgaze

Riposte

Self-described as a “smart magazine for women,” Riposte features women in a real way. Its interviews are honest and comprehensive. More than anything, finding an aesthetic point of view and design are key for to a magazine’s success. Riposte does so with eye-catching split covers. One cover showcases the cover star and the other is a text-heavy list of features. After releasing nine issues, founder Danielle Pender has solidified Riposte as a publication that is necessary in the world of indie magazines.

Photos courtesy of Riposte

SUITCASE Magazine

SUITCASE is the travel guide you all need. Forget cliche tourist spots and locales that pop up with a simple Google Search. SUITCASE presents editorials that shine a light on unique destinations. Produced with creative and adventurous twenty-somethings in mind, SUITCASE brings the space to the reader, enticing them to grab their passport and essentials. SUITCASE changes the way readers view travel by starting a conversation about the impact of environment on your wellbeing.

Photos courtesy of SUITCASE magazine