Beyond the Page: Fostering Creative Connections in Our North East Magazine Room

Originally, our vision for the magazine room was not just about creating a space but about curating an experience—a dedicated area to display our carefully selected, favourite independent magazines. We envisioned a place where local customers could leisurely browse. However, as our concept developed, it evolved into something greater: a sanctuary for self-expression and a space for cultivating a dedicated sense of community for print lovers here in the North. We decided to steer away from just solo browsing and move into how we could accommodate for collaboration and exploration, in our unique space.

Our collaboration with Sarah from Kinship started with a seemingly minor project—designing a mug. This however, quickly blossomed into a comprehensive rebranding of our business, creativity handled by her talented mind. The rebrand included a fresh, modern logo that matched more seemingly with what we do here. This experience revealed Sarah’s deep understanding of our vision and marked the beginning of what would become a fruitful, long-lasting relationship, truly changing the direction of our brands identity.

Sarah is renowned not merely for her design expertise but also for her dedication to fostering a sense of community among creatives. Traditionally working as a freelance designer, she spent many solitary hours in coffee shops, disconnected from like-minded peers. This changed dramatically one day when an unexpected companion joined her at her usual spot. This encounter sparked a realisation: there was a pressing need for greater support and connectivity among freelance workers. Motivated by this insight, Billy No Mates was born, a vibrant community that brings creatives together in unique, inviting spaces for friendly coworking sessions.

Our magazine room, inspired by Sarah’s initiative, then evolved as a vision of a similar gathering place for those passionate about print and creativity. With the perfect space at our disposal, our next challenge was to attract a community that shared our enthusiasm. With Sarah’s extensive network and her commitment to building connections, she felt like the ideal partner to help us achieve this goal.

This collaboration came to fruition on January 11th, when Billy No Mates and Unique Magazines came together for a special event. Over three hours, creatives from various backgrounds gathered to chat about future projects, share insights on upcoming reads, and discuss all things related to print and design. We made a conscious decision to keep the day free from formal work, to enhance the opportunity for pure and personal connections. The event attracted both individuals familiar with our brands and new faces, eager to explore the opportunities offered by a thriving North East community. This gathering not only celebrated our shared passion for printed magazines but also the potential for new friendships and collaborations.

In the North East, despite a backdrop of limited opportunities and accessibility challenges, our community’s capacity for warmth and hospitality stands unmatched. We are steadfast in our belief that opportunity and a sense of community are not just present but abundant at our doorstep, awaiting further exploration.

The palpable success of our collaboration with Billy No Mates left participants feeling creatively inspired, supported, and valued. Everyone departed with their hands full of new magazines and their minds brimming with innovative ideas and fresh perspectives, in their creative endeavours.

Looking ahead, we are committed to organizing more events that are free of charge, featuring inspirational speakers to make creative opportunities more accessible here in the North East and to encourage our community members to achieve their full potential. Our magazine room offers more than inspiration—it is a place for community building, providing a sense of belonging and connection.

We invite you to keep an eye on our social media channels for announcements about upcoming events and drop-in sessions. These gatherings will take place both in our magazine room and at special locations, supporting causes close to our hearts and magazines that fuel our deepest passions.