Ten of the Decade’s Best Designed Magazines, Chosen by magCulture’s Jeremy Leslie
To mark magCulture’s tenth anniversary, It’s Nice That invited its founder, Jeremy Leslie, to select ten of the most visually impressive publications from the last decade. He also shares insights on the evolution and future prospects of the small press scene.
Reflections on magCulture’s Physical Store
It’s Nice That: What are your key reflections on the past ten years of the magCulture bricks and mortar store? Any big successes or highlights?
Jeremy Leslie: It's hard to believe it’s already been ten years. For a long time, the shop felt new, and suddenly it’s become something else—not old, but firmly established. That brings a sense of reassurance, but we must stay alert and avoid complacency.
One high point came early on, realizing shortly after opening that the shop was far more than a retail space.
It became a public hub for magazine enthusiasts to connect with others who share their passion—be they readers, publishers, or aspiring publishers. Many fascinating people drop by regularly, including fashion designer Junya Watanabe, who admired their black totes enough to buy hundreds and use them in a shirt design for his next season.
The clientele mixes diverse creative professionals such as fashion insiders, DJs, opera directors, and filmmakers, alongside students, graduates, magazine creators, and enthusiasts of specific subjects like literature, music, or humor.
Being a public space is incredibly freeing, far better than working in a closed office or studio environment.
This openness fosters lively interaction and community among visitors, making the shop a unique cultural and creative space.
Jeremy Leslie highlights how magCulture’s store evolved into a dynamic meeting place for diverse creatives, enriching the small press community beyond retail.