10 Online Magazines for Creatives

[divider]Online magazines have enjoyed a more prominent place on the web in recent years, gaining notoriety equal to printed magazines. Many print magazines now enjoy an equally wide readership via their blogs, making online magazines not an either/or situation, but a supplement to printed content. With the ability to create interactive content and the stunning visual possibilities available to web designers, it’s no wonder online magazines are enjoying an equal share of loyal readers.

Today, I’ll share a few online magazines, as well as highlight sites that have incorporated aspects of Social Media and Blogging to create designer content worth remembering. In my opinion, you must have both great web design and a consistent flow of relevant content to bring users back. If a site looks bad, or more importantly, if its usability is degraded by its poor layout, readers lose interest quickly.

Similarly, the best looking website without current and relevant content to bring users back is equally discouraging. I’m willing to bet most users find themselves wrestling with the same problems when choosing whether or not to become a frequent visitor of a website. We here at the Studio 602 Blog hope we’re meeting your needs for great articles, and value your readership. If you have suggestions for stories to cover, let us know in the comments section. [divider]

10 Online Magazines for Creative People

1. Felt and Wire

I love the Modern Art feel of the site, including the sheer variety of graphic images. I also like the online store, which features items for sale using materials repurposed for creative uses. Felt and Wire’s blog is also well written and perfect for folks who love the printed word.

As the creators of the website profess, “This website was conceived at Mohawk Fine Papers by people who love the feel of paper, the look of paper, the marvel of ink on paper, and the magic of what people do with paper.” You’ll be amazed by what people are doing with paper on this site, too. This creative site includes everything from hardcover bookbinding kits, to stationery, to posters, and much more.

One fun example of items for sale at Felt and Wire are the vintage library cards they used to make notebook covers. Which reminds me, I have more overdue library book fees than I care to admit.

You’ll enjoy the creative blog posts at Felt and Wire, and you’ll enjoy the variety of unique items for sale in their online store, just in time for the holiday shopping season. See for yourself, and enjoy the beauty of what Felt and Wire are doing with ink and paper.

2. Writer’s Bloq

As we all know, writing well isn’t easy. I’m always looking for new resources for writers, and it’s refreshing to see writers in the digital age embracing new technology, rather than running from it. A good example of a web community that is encouraging writers to get out into the World Wide Web is Writer’s Bloq. Writer’s Bloq provides writers with the support they need to pursue their creative endeavors and much more. So what can you do on Writer’s Bloq?

Here’s what Writer’s Bloq has to say:

“On Writer’s Bloq, you can share your writing with the world. You can create a literary portfolio to exhibit all of your work, published and unpublished, short stories and novels, poems and memoirs, everything you have.” [pullquote_left] Share your work with other talented writers and dedicated readers, with people who really care, with a literary community that wants to hear your voice.”[/pullquote_left]

The writing you’ll find on Writer’s Bloq, along with the creative advice contained in the Bloq Blog, is well worth your time. Not to mention the fact that they throw some of the best literary themed parties around, known as Bloq Parties.

[VIDEO] Writer’s Bloq Party

So, join the Bloq, and get inspired.

3. The Rumpus

Image Credit [TheRumpus.net]

If you’re looking for a daring mixture of literature and humor, The Rumpus provides both of these with great regularity. The Rumpus includes comics, Dear Sugar (an advice column actually worth reading), book reviews, writing tips, and much more. This is one of my favorite places to go read creative essays, and get a laugh while I’m at it.

Also, the Rumpus online store offers quite possibly the best combination of writing advice and coffee mug for writers ever. Now you all know what I want for Christmas.

If you’re a writer, you should definitely check out writer Peter Orner’s column, “The Lonely Voice.” You won’t be disappointed. I hope you’ll enjoy the literary circus that is The Rumpus as much as I do.

4. The Writer

This is a new find for me, but nonetheless a great find. I field so many websites each month, it makes my head rattle like a coffee can full of marbles. The Writer delivers with great content and helpful links to resources to get you on the right creative path. No matter what kind of writing you’re interested in, The Writer offers something for everyone.

Try one of their many writing prompts, or browse their listings of contests for writers. You’ll soon see that The Writer magazine will bring out the writer in you.

5. The Millions

The Millions is the one-stop-shop of online literary magazines. The Millions, “an online magazine offering coverage on books, arts, and culture since 2003,” is sure to please readers of all types. The content on the site is excellent, well researched, fun, and even educational.

The New York Times once called The Millions, “The indispensable literary site.” I have to agree. They’ve made a regular reader out of me. Once you read their articles for yourself, I’m sure you’ll be hooked, too. 

Don’t forget to check out their book reviews, and for my fellow book industry commentators, their thoughtful column entitled, “The Future of the Book.“

6. Lens Culture

I had to include a few websites for photographers. My wife has been a photographer for several years now, and the magic that a photo can unveil, as well as the skill required to do so, is captivating. As for myself, I’m one of those, “camera phone photographers,” so I’ll leave the real photography up to the professionals.

The following video interview comes from photographer Nadav Kander. His ambitious project, “Yangtze: The Long River,” captures the beauty of this enormous and famous river in China. The result is breathtaking.

Lens Culture features many more interviews by world renowned photographers, a great blog, and much more. See for yourself. The power of vivid images is at work here at this great site for photographers.

[VIDEO] Yangtze: The Long River

7. Fro Knows Photo

Fro Knows Photo is not just a great site to learn about photography, it’s entertaining, too. If I had to choose a photography teacher, I’d choose Jared Polin. Not only does he have the best hairdo ever, he’s smart, funny, and an expert at what he does. He approaches the subject of photography with such passion and vitality that you find yourself creatively revitalized and ready to take awesome photographs.

[VIDEO] How To Photograph Soccer Tutorial

As you can see, Fro really knows photography. Enjoy Jared’s tutorials online, and check out his cool line of merchandise for photographers. Respect the Fro.

8. CMYK Magazine

CMYK Magazine is a print publication of considerable pedigree. Check your local bookstores for copies, or buy them direct online. If you’re a graphic design guru, copywriter extraordinaire, or a fan of digital prints, you’ll love the CMYK website. CMYK’s blog features artwork and design work from expert to amateur, all side by side.

CMYK says that its focus “is on giving our readers a truly inspiring visual experience.” The staff at CMYK certainly deliver on that promise. Not only do they create a great magazine, they also invite their readers to create a free online portfolio via their website, and they encourage them to participate in contests hosted by CMYK. The magazine also offers creative advice for readers, pointing them to resources to improve their skills.

CMYK holds true to its motto to create, showcase, and inspire. Enjoy.

9. Scene 360

Scene 360 seeks to, “Combine various art forms into one site.” The folks at Scene 360 bring together the work of various artists, be they visual, film, musicians, and more. The sheer variety of the website, makes its broad focus a strength, because there is literally something for every creative type. If you’re a creative minded person who dabbles in more than one art form, this is the site for you.

All of the work is well produced, and Scene 360’s Vimeo Channel is enough to keep you glued for hours. Scene 360 provides the best of the best content. Submit original content and join the scene.

[Video] The Old Man and the Sea, Stop Motion Sketch

10. Performer Mag

For musicians, it can be difficult to narrow down a magazine to follow, but Performer Mag is definitely at the forefront of the creative process for musicians. Performer Mag has “Been in print for over 20 years…with a focus on independent musicians, those unsigned and on small labels.” Their sleek website design is complimented by the multitude of options for their visitors. Listen to the Free Music Section to get a sample of who Performer is covering, and get the inside view on what’s new in music.

So, whether you’re looking for the latest music festival, the next big band, or looking for some guidance on songwriting techniques, Performer Mag has something to feed your inner rockstar.

I hope you enjoyed this weeks picks for online magazines. Please feel free to share your own favorites in the comments section.