The road to launching my own magazine
This story was first shared on my newsletter.
I’ve dreamed of having my own magazine for years.
I grew up reading American Girl magazine and Teen Vogue. I was so intrigued by how design, storytelling, and photography came together to inspire readers.
Those two magazines defined my pre-teen and teen years.
American Girl showed me how magazines could make everyday life feel special.
Pre-teen representation in media is pretty limited.
Kids magazines don’t explore many life topics past middle school, and teen-focused magazines are still just a little too grown up.
At 10 years old, American Girl magazine was one of the first magazines I saw celebrating girls like me.
Every issue explored girlhood and the transition through puberty in an empowering way.
I loved getting every edition in the mail.
On a trip to New York City, my family took me to the American Girl Store. I got to take a picture in the photo studio for my own mockup cover of the magazine. It was amazing!
Throwback picture of me and my doll, Sarah, at the NYC American Girl Store.
As a teen, I loved getting Teen Vogue magazine on my Kindle.
Not only were the stories inspiring, the technology was fascinating. It was the early 2010s, so interactive digital magazines were pretty new.
I loved how those digital magazines were clickable. You could tap any link and surf the web straight to the linked content. I knew I wanted to make my own e-magazine one day.
As I learned more about media in high school, I kept trying to layout digital magazines on Word software and Canva. I just could not figure it out lol.
When I was accepted to Howard University,
I knew I wanted to study Strategic Communications, but it took a minute to decide on my minor.
Throwback photo of me at Howard University’s first Chadwick Boseman Remembrance Day.
When I looked through the class list for Graphic Design and saw a whole class focused on magazine design, I was hooked!
I finally learned how magazine design worked.
It’s so funny how things come together. Do you notice a pattern with my magazines’ themes?
Thrive Magazine Mockup
Blooming Gardens Magazine Mockup
My first mockup focused on wellness and the second on enjoying the spring season.
Now look at what we’re exploring!
My Explore By Lexi magazine blends wellness and seasonal fun.
It’s so funny how certain themes stay with you. Now that I think about it, American Girl magazine frequently discussed those topics.
You never know where inspiration will take you.
So proud to share this milestone
The adventure’s just getting started.
I’m looking forward to sharing many more fun adventures through my quarterly magazine.
Want to explore the magazine?
You can get the digital edition on my website, or order a physical copy from the print publisher.
