THE CHALLENGE
The creative industry has plenty of talent, but most independent designers and artists don’t get featured in mainstream publications. There was no platform that showcased cutting-edge work while letting artists speak honestly about their process. The goal: create a magazine that felt like an insider’s look into how creatives actually work. Authentic, rebellious, visually striking.
THE SOLUTION
I co-founded Afterdark Magazine, a publication for independent designers, artists, and creatives who push boundaries. The name came from a shared experience: the 3AM designers, the ones who stay up long after deadlines, creating in the quiet hours when inspiration hits hardest. The magazine was built for them.
Visually, we embraced bold, high-contrast layouts, unconventional typography, and a raw editorial feel that matched the underground, avant-garde work we featured. The content went deeper than surface-level aesthetics. In-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, portfolio spotlights that showed the real creative process. Each issue became a curated experience designed to connect creative professionals with a community that values originality and risk-taking.
MY PART
As co-founder and Creative Director, here’s what I did:
✔ Named the magazine based on the late-night creative grind we all know too well
✔ Developed the brand identity from the ground up: name, visual style, editorial voice
✔ Designed the magazine layouts to reflect the dynamic, high-energy work we were showcasing
✔ Curated the content by selecting featured artists and working with contributors to keep the narrative cohesive
✔ Led creative direction for promotional assets, making sure marketing felt like the magazine, not like an ad
✔ Built a creative network by connecting with designers, artists, and industry professionals to expand reach
WHERE IT’S HEADED
Afterdark Magazine isn’t just a publication. It’s a platform for creatives who refuse to play by the rules. Afterdark Magazine want’s to become a platform where independent creatives actually got seen. Featured artists gained visibility and opportunities they couldn’t access through traditional channels. The magazine wants to build a community of designers, illustrators, and artists who connected over shared values: originality, risk-taking, and work that doesn’t follow the rules.
