Humanity Hallows Issue 5 Out Now
Pick up your copy on campus or read online
By Rachel Cook
Elsie Magazine is an independent publication created by Les Jones focusing on all things design, photography and culture. On March 22 Les held an event at Texture in Manchester showcasing his recent editions in a highly comedic, visual presentation. Elsie magazine is filled with the most fascinating; quirky content based on the journeys he has embarked on and the things that inspire him throughout his career. All this is then combined into beautifully presented, colourful publications that have so much thought and passion clearly put into them.
At several points during the evening I could’ve sworn I was attending a comedy show rather than a lecture. Les is absolutely hilarious throughout, as are the methods involved in inspiring the ideas that go into creating an issue of his independent magazine. He goes to great lengths, albeit rather strange lengths, for inspiration. Previously having collected rubbish off the floor, discarded gloves from the side of roads and tracked down the people behind stickers left on a wall! But there is certainly method to his madness, shown in his final, finished magazines.
Elsie’s first issue particularly stood out as not one of it’s covers is the same as another, each is completely unique. It’s ideas like these that help set Elsie Magazine apart from the larger magazine industry, with its thoroughly refreshing concepts. In a world where digital media is taking over, Elsie is the kind of magazine with the potential to re-spark our love for print.
Les not only promoted his magazine, but thoroughly inspired and encouraged all in attendance to explore our own ideas and passions. He presented us with tips and advice in a sarcastic yet eye-opening way including ignoring what others say, ditching excuses and disrupting your thinking with randomness. He is a creative genius, and it is no wonder that Elsie has featured in the top 10 of the New York Library Journal’s best new magazines of the year, where they described it as “a unique treasure.” Elsie magazine truly is an innovative work of art and each edition is one to treasure. Keep an eye out for the next edition!
You can find out more about Elsie Magazine and Les’s upcoming tour dates on his website, Facebook and Twitter.
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