Out now: Makeshift #11
Makeshift magazine recognise the need for structure – both in terms of design and in terms of the importance of a daily routine. Their new issue is dedicated to this notion: entitled ‘Ritual’ the pages focus on creatives and the rituals and routines that inspire them, guide them or which they seek to challenge and disrupt.
Stand out articles include a piece on the rising popularity of exorcism in Mexico City, an in-depth investigation on living statues on the streets of Madrid (above), and an interview with an illustrator in India who is re-defining gender norms through updating traditional primary school posters .
The stories are slotted into a simple template, an effective design (by Rifle) that the magazine has been using for their last three issues, and which has smoothly synced with their editorial identity over the past year. Through mixing and matching reoccurring design elements a sense of democracy and continuity permeates the pages. Each story is organised similarly but is made unique through illustration, photography and the merit of the words themselves. A guide to the rituals of meeting in different countries makes particularly good use of bright illustration, tidy design and intriguing information (above),
The playful fashion page is also sociologically fascinating, featuring a full body swimsuit with a matching face-kini worn by a woman in China to keep the sun off her skin (above).
The clean and orderly combination of striking visual documentation and intelligent, thorough journalism means Makeshift is cementing their position as one of the best investigative magazines out there. Their ability to uncover truly intriguing hidden stories from around the world and convey them in a stylish and simple way is unprecedented. Whatever their daily creative ritual is, it’s definitely working for them.
Review by Madeleine Morley