A Love for Print: Collaborating with Northumbria University’s Fashion Communications Students

On February 14th, you can see love everywhere, in all its forms. Whether it’s giving flowers to those who raised you or sharing chocolates with someone who’s always been by your side, Valentine’s Day is all about expressing yourself and showing gratitude for what you love.

This Valentine’s Day, we celebrated what’s at the heart of Unique Magazines: print and people. We set up a pop-up shop at Northumbria University, teaming up with Fashion Communications students. They were in the thick of their final year projects, creating works that reflect their artistic vision and everything they’ve learned. While their projects could take any form, many were drawn to designing their own print materials.

Chatting with students at our pop-up store, they shared their uncertainties about the directions of their projects. However, as they flipped through our magazines and snapped photos of the eye-catching double-page spreads, they gathered plenty of inspiration for their own print projects.

The classroom we set up in was decorated with posters showcasing previous students’ magazine projects. They had transformed their personal experiences and emotions into relatable stories for their final projects. Among these, a few stood out for their sheer creativity. One remarkable example, noted by both Chris and I, was a magazine entirely devoted to depicting fears as animals. This project used the metaphor of fear creatively, suggesting overcoming it by literally embodying the fear with a tattoo. We found this concept strikingly unique, reflecting the boldness that characterizes many of our independent titles.

We also saw stacks of magazine drafts, where students had added their own unique spins to classics like Vogue. They seemed inspired by the fashion communications department’s extensive collection, which includes issues dating back to the 1980s.

 As more students and lecturers stopped by, we had enriching conversations about the diverse world of print. We had the wonderful opportunity to work closely with Gayle Cantrell, an Assistant Professor specializing in fashion, product, and heritage at the School of Arts, as well as Chris Hodge, an Assistant Professor in Fashion Communications, to organise this pop up.

As magazine specialists, we were there to provide these creative and talented students with insights and resources to help them create something truly memorable. Even a single magazine displayed on our table could ignite a big idea, potentially leading to something extraordinary. We recognize our potential to inspire these ambitious students, and we’re committed to making our magazines accessible to everyone.

We offered inspiration, shared ideas, and provided motivation, helping students see the vast possibilities in designing their own publications.

We believe that the fashion communications course is a starting point for many students growing love for magazines. With such engaging activities focused on print, it’s hard not to fall in love with these fascinating keepsakes created by amazing talents.

Recently, we welcomed a new member to the Unique Magazines team Jessica Todd—a former Fashion Communications student from 2019 to 2022. Her extensive experience in fashion and magazines makes her an exciting addition to our team.

Looking ahead, we’re eager to host more pop-up events to continue building our community and spreading our love for magazines, not just on Valentine’s Day but every day of the year.