Playground Magazine
Issue 1
ABOUT THE CLIENT
Playground is a fresh, bi-annual independent magazine for imaginative minds created by studio playground. Featuring thought-provoking essays, engaging conversations and an assortment of “creative quickies”, it’s an honest, and at times, opinionated exploration of the creative mind and process.
YEAR
2023
SERVICES
Strategy & Conception
Creative Direction & Design
Content Commissioning
Content Creation & Management
Communication
Publishing & Distribution
ABOUT THE ISSUE 1
Born from studio playground’s belief in experimentation, play and quality over quantity, Playground is a bi-annual independent magazine for imaginative minds. More than just a publication, it’s a creative lab – an open space for testing ideas, embracing curiosity and redefining what creativity means today.
Through thought-provoking essays, engaging conversations and “creative quickies”, it offers an honest – and at times opinionated – exploration of the creative mind and process.
Launched in summer 2023, Playground marked studio playground’s most ambitious self-initiated project to date. From early ideation and editorial development to content creation, commissioning and hands-on production, every element was shaped with care by a small but determined team.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Wide creative network – more than 30 contributors from across Europe, including writers, illustrators and photographers
Fair from the start – all contributors paid, despite being a self-funded debut
Strong launch and global reach – 500 copies sold in three months, stocked in more than 35 stores across 15 countries
Industry award recognition – shortlisted for a D&AD Design Award in independent magazine category, Gold in Swedish Design Priset & Bronze at Art Directors Club, Lithuania
Shortlisted in D&AD design awards amongst best independent design magazines
Bronze at Art Director’s Club Lithuania Awards
Gold at Swedish design awards DesignPriset.
“I was just at the Tate Modern and found your lovely magazine on the stand in the shop. It was brilliantly put together and a pleasure to look at and read.”
Despite being a small, emerging brand, all contributors were compensated for their work for the magazine.
Featured & collaborated with 30+ creatives from Europe.
500 copies sold in 3 months
10% of Magazine sold in pre-order
Playground distributed in 3 continents, 15 countries, and 21 cities
All editorial, visual and production work done in-house by studio playground
