Branding For A Creative Publication
first steps to creating your brand identity
by newsletter writer Kaylin Hechtle
Ever wanted to start your own creative magazine? (Yes, this includes every time you’ve exhaustedly told your friends, “ugh, let’s just start our own magazine!”)
In March, our Editor-in-Chief, Madison Foster, spoke at the SIPA Conference about how to brand your own magazine. Now, we’re passing that information to you!
Gathering & organizing the perspectives of artists has always been a valuable way to spend energy, but it’s especially important now, as many people are looking to artists' perspectives to illuminate their opinions. So, let's brand your magazine!
🎨 Why does my magazine need branding?
Brand recognition will help people keep coming back to your magazine. Humans are experts in pattern recognition, so we want to take advantage of that! To brand a magazine means linking a unique identity and reputation to your organization.
💐What makes up that unique identity?
Brand name, logo, fonts, color palettes, and other graphics! Consistent visual elements will help the viewer build a mental link between your magazine's aesthetics and the work that you do.
But visual elements aren't the only part of branding. Your brand should also take on its own voice, tone, and overall personality. If your brand were a person, how would it talk? Where would they frequent online and in person? Use these answers to guide how and where your brand presents itself.
🔎 How do I determine my branding choices?
By identifying your target audience! If you're already mulling over starting a magazine, then chances are you have an idea of what kind of art, tones, and genres you like.
Imagine a room full of people who want to talk about all the same things you want to talk about it. What does this crowd look like? Where do they gather online and in real life? What sort of media are you all drawn to? Use the media you geek out over to inspire your branding choices! This will help to draw in people who are wanting to have the same conversations as you.
This is who your brand is speaking to. Who do you want listening?!
🌦️
Carolina Arts Events in April
North Carolina
Asheville Comedy Festival-Spring Laugh Invasion
Asheville, NC | April 3-4 | $33
The Asheville Comedy Festival is proud to present Spring Laugh Invasion, a two-night comedy event featuring 18 of the country’s fastest-rising & funniest comedians.
Greensboro Bound Book Festival
Greensboro, NC | April 9-11 | Free
In true Greensboro Bound fashion, they will explore complex issues through respectful dialogue and thoughtful reflection. The 2026 Greensboro Bound Book Festival is a celebration of diverse voices & stories.
NC Azalea Festival Street Fair
Wilmington, NC | April 10-12 | Free
The North Carolina Azalea Festival Street Fair is the perfect melting pot to enjoy the best of what the festival has to offer! Friday through Sunday shop from a variety of 250+ arts & crafts vendors. On Saturday & Sunday, watch multicultural & children's performances at the Performing Arts Stage or listen to live music at the Azalea Alley Beer Garden while you sip on refreshments.
Wilmington, NC | April 11 | Free
Join the inventive, eclectic musical fun at the Alt-Zalea Music Festival, a casual all-volunteer indie music festival. Alt-Zalea has been a labor of love for over a decade, drawing incredibly talented musicians playing at fourteen venues along North Fourth Street in the walkable Brooklyn Arts District.
Wilmington Jewish Film Festival
Wilmington, NC | April 12, 26, 27, 29 | $10 per film
Enjoy provocative, compelling, heart-warming films by some of the most influential Jewish filmmakers of our time at beautiful Thalian Hall with the Wilmington Jewish Film Festival!
Spring Daze Art and Crafts Festival
Cary, NC | April 25 | Free
Wander through a beautiful, wooded setting as you browse more than 170 North Carolina artists, showcasing everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry & sculpture. Grab a local craft beer, take your time exploring the stalls, and soak up the relaxed, outdoor vibe.
South Carolina
Columbia, SC | April 4 | Free
Soda City Market is a European street market set between the 1300-1500 blocks of Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia. Find everything to satisfy your brain, body, and belly, all made with love by local vendors!
Inaugural Flowertown Writing Marathon
Summerville, SC | April 11 | Free
The Flowertown Writing Marathon is an event that creates an environment for writers to create amongst their peers. Following a brief introduction, writers will break into small groups and explore, eat, sip, and write their way around historic downtown Summerville.
Spring Break: Writing Vacation Memories
Columbia, SC | April 16 | Free
Free community writing workshop! Write about the trips that shaped you, such as beach getaways & road trips, or quiet times spent close to home.
Columbia, SC | April 17-18 | Free
The City of West Columbia is proud to announce the return of the award-winning 3rd Annual Meeting Street Music Festival: a free, two-day celebration of live music, food, and community spirit.
Mandi Fugate Sheffel: Reading & Signing
Spartanburg, SC | April 30 | Free
Join Hub City Library for an evening with Mandi Fugate Sheffel, the author of The Nature of Pain. Sheffel will be reading from her new memoir, with a signing following immediately afterwards.