I recently watched a discussion between writers Emma Gannon and Molly Flatt<\/a>, and it really resonated. Emma spoke about stepping away from traditional mainstream publishing and the liberation she\u2019s found in that shift. She talked about not wanting to be \u2018huge\u2019 or go viral, but instead focusing on making the work she<\/em> wants to make, for the people who truly connect with it.<\/p>\n For a long time, I thought I wanted 91 Magazine to be world-renowned \u2013 as recognisable a name in interiors as Elle Decoration. But over time, I realised that a) it wasn\u2019t likely to happen (!), and b) it wasn\u2019t actually what I wanted after all. When something gets too big, it often stops being manageable for one person or a small team. It risks being taken over, reshaped, diluted. You lose autonomy. You lose the thing you set out to create. And, as Emma hinted at, you can end up working endlessly to please others, with burnout close behind.<\/p>\n I\u2019m not saying I stopped the magazine because it was heading that way \u2013 far from it. Financial realities played a part too. But what I did feel was that I\u2019d ended up on a hamster wheel of production. Even at two issues a year, the cycle left little space for anything beyond the next deadline. I still loved creating the magazine, but I missed exploring other ideas and having the time to learn something new.<\/p>\n One area I\u2019d been wanting to develop within my own skill set was editorial design \u2013 something I\u2019ve picked up a great deal about over the years through working closely with designers. It\u2019s always been one of my favourite parts of making a publication. Over the past six months, I\u2019ve taken courses with the Royal College of Art and on Domestika, and after the final issue went to print, I finally had the headspace to immerse myself in designing the new SEEK INSPIRE CREATE Anthology<\/em><\/a>. A project without a client, without boundaries, where I could simply learn, play and practise.<\/p>\n At the same time, I\u2019ve started talking to other people about their publishing dreams and how I might help bring those ideas to life. Mainstream publishing can feel impenetrable, and for many creatives it seems out of reach. I hope that, together, we can prove otherwise. Just as independent magazines carved out their own space in the world, I believe independent book publishing is growing too \u2013 thoughtful, small-batch printing that feels more considered and more special.<\/p>\n Like Emma said in that interview, I\u2019m perfectly happy staying small, independent and boutique \u2013 building a creative life on my own terms, and working with others in a way that feels authentic and collaborative. I\u2019m not chasing a six-figure salary or the pressure that comes with it. I want to earn enough doing what I love to live a content, creative life. That\u2019s enough.<\/p>\n Life is short. Doing what feels right \u2013 and building work that feels meaningful \u2013 is what brings fulfilment. That\u2019s why I changed things up. It\u2019s taken a little adjustment, but as I write this, I\u2019m realising it\u2019s only been a couple of months. These shifts need time.<\/p>\n I\u2019m excited to work with people who share a belief in considered, thoughtful work \u2013 work that is valued, and valuable. Whether it\u2019s a book, a magazine or zine, or something designed to support your business, I\u2019d love to help with design, with words, or with overall publishing guidance.<\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.91editions.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/a-new-creative-life-91-editions-02.jpg\")
Falling in love with editorial design <\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"mock](\"https:\/\/www.91editions.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/a-new-creative-life-91-editions-01.jpg\")
Small, independent and boutique<\/strong><\/h2>\n