By Siân Clarke, Head of Ads, Sales and Marketing
Founded in 2019, The Croft set off the year with a well-fitting groovy beat drop rather than an aggressive bang. Nestled in the underground labyrinth of Basement 45, were tables of glossy mags, smiling editors, and the flash of digital cameras, against a backdrop of house that would excite many a stereotypical Bristol student.
Caroline O’Beirne, the Managing Director of The Croft, manned the ticket booth with pride - welcoming fresh-faced writers, and experienced editors alike. Dressed in her self-described ‘scouse glam’, (a mini dress and trainers), she boasted her Liverpudlian heritage almost as much as the magazine she’s poured her heart into.
Oliver Poyser
The Editor-In-Chief, Olivia (Liv) Henderson, was also at the party. It was her and Croft Creative Director Zara Griffin Ring’s creative cohesion that allowed for a perfectly aligned magazine. A poignant, almost satirical editor’s note established the merit of the publication, while Zara’s illustrations captured the raw vulnerability of student life.
But what makes The Croft different from the Arts and Community sections of Epigram?
Epigram asked The Croft political editors - Bella Marron & Natalie Payne - why they thought the magazine stood out against the waves of dozens of other student-run mags on campus. Both were proud to explain.
Bella stated that ‘with The Croft’s focus on more abstract prompts (set out by the main editorial team), it allows space for really big ideas, which allows for editors and contributors pick bits out’. Using the politics section as an example, Natalie illustrated this, stating that the section is all about ‘finding the political in abstract ideas’, thus allowing greater creativity and freedom for writers and artists alike.
With a small executive team of only three, the magazine heavily relies on launch parties to both grow and strengthen the Croft community. In fact, last night was the first time many of the editorial teams (even those on the same section) had met each other. Despite this, conversations flowed freely, helped by the generous drink deals and intimate feel of the venue.
Turnout steadily improved throughout the night before peaking just before midnight, as ticket sales reached 75. Although not enough to fill the large space in its entirety, the dancefloor remained somewhat occupied throughout, with only a small queue at the bar. For a magazine that collapsed two years ago, and struggled to remain afloat last year - even having to cancel its last launch party due to only five ticket sales - this was no short of impressive.
As the younger, more rebellious sister to Epigram, the paper's editorial and executive team were in strong attendance, with the dynamic Editors-In-Chief duo, Julia Mullins, and James Lewis, bonding with their Croft counterparts over cans of beer and cigarettes. With interviews from UBTV also taking place, the meshing of media societies formed a welcoming and diverse environment - a promising start from which The Croft’s success will only catapult from.
Grab your hands on a copy of the fresher’s edition of The Croft - now available at any of our Epigram distribution points on campus.
Featured Image: Tom Foley / Epigram
Follow @thecroftmagazine on Instagram for upcoming social details, and to find out how to get involved with creating the next issue.
