A new issue of Good Sport
Pushing further into the fringes of sport
Hi from Melbourne, and hi from the new studio!
I'm sitting here writing this as the new issue of Good Sport is being printed between Berlin and here in Melbourne. It's our 6.5th issue – we've been a magazine-studio for ten years now. You might be thinking, how does an annual magazine end up with six-and-a-half magazines in ten years?
Well, you know what they say, magazines are tough. But honestly, that's not really the main reason. We like to move slow, to think, digest, simmer and kind of wait for the theme to present itself. Plus, we take on other publishing and event projects that use up a heap of time and energy – all while being full time commercial and art-based photographers/filmmakers. And honestly, sometimes, our energy and priorities just shift.
But here we are at Issue 06. (Issue 0.5 – it was this poster edition we made when we went through our redesign a few years ago).
Issue 06 is themed 'The Prop'. James, Tim (Team GS) and I were talking about being at the public pool last summer watching people sun baking with books on display, often not being read. There was a bunch of twitter memes about 'the prop book', and it got us thinking about the magazine as an object, and then how sport can be a prop or a stand-in, something that holds up ideals or values.
The deep-dive began, spanning some months – between thinking, short bursts of making and long breaks of taking on jobs. Some ideas simmered, some boiled, nothing over cooked. New thoughts emerged and perspectives shifted. The theme developed with us.
We reached out to previous contributors who really embody the voice of the magazine and some new voices that had caught our eye. The stories? Indoor athletics as theatre, the wetsuit as a second skin, football as a religion, sport as a prop for politics, the sculpture of rock climbing, the opposite of winning and more.
Then came the design process. We wanted to match our theme to a refresh of the design and even the printed format (GS06 is smaller and inspired by a classic penguin book). We worked with Samson Ossedryver who brilliantly added the right twists and turns to the magazine. Split between Theory and Practice, this issue explores the boundaries of authenticity in sport, art, and culture.
And now we get to celebrate. The launch events are always what I'm most hyped about. Being able to share stories about the process and see people interact with the magazine just gives me such a boost.
For my friends and readers in Melbourne, I would love to see you at these launches.
First up, we're at Hope Street Radio next Thursday 28th November, 4.00pm til late. Come pick up a fresh new magazine, and new GS merchandise (we did t-shirts). Get in early and you'll score the new hot-menu item – an ice-cold banana-split 🍌🍦. DJs all night long, and all the types of drinks you like and would expect.
And then, we hit the trails.
Orienteering with Good Sport Magazine, Coffee Supreme and Almighty. Saturday 30th of November 8.30am to 12.00pm Starting at Coffee Supreme Melbourne.
We're teaming up with Coffee Supreme and Almighty for a morning of orienteering and coffee. I really don’t think I’ve orienteered since I was perhaps 8 years old.
We got the pro’s in, Orienteering Vic. They set up a map and a scattering of checkpoints, a few surprises, and maybe a detour or two. The best way to think of it, is a workout for your mind, body, and sense of direction.
There's no wrong way to find your way.
Hope to see you there!
Also, you can order issue 06 before it hits stockists globally. It’s shipping in the next couple of weeks.
Please consider sharing this post/newsletter with a friend. Thanks!