25 issues later, MUSE Magazine has remained the cornerstone of creativity at Queen’s University. In what travel guides often describe  as a ‘quaint town’, Kingston is home to an unlimited number of creatives. Despite what many might think, “Limestone City” is full of those with stories to share, be it through art, fashion, or the written word. At MUSE Magazine, months of labour have led up to the much-anticipated date of December 2nd—a moment of celebration for many of these artists amid  the busiest time in the school semester.

In less than two weeks, Issue XXV will be more than just a physical, tangible manifestation of the human stories. Each pages reveals an empathetic experience for readers, created from an accumulation of ideas and conversations, and supported bylove of the Print team who selected and edited these pieces.

Speaking with our Print Director, Alisa Bressler, it’s clear how much time and dedication went into this issue before pitches even came in. As she tells me over the phone, all the way from Australia, “we have raised the bar this year.” There was an extreme amount of attention as to how the Print team could make this issue more sophisticated—an adjective often reserved for publications not derived from student’s creations. 

The article selection process for Issue XXVtranslates into enhanced sophistication—Alisa expresses that there was a mutual effort between Marketing and Print to up the advertising strategy for pitch submissions. This effort is evidently visible in the increased diversity and variety of the articles. 

After submissions close, potential contributors wait to hear if their work will be featured in this semester’s issue. While they patiently stand bygoing about their routines, the Editor in Chief, Print Director, and Print Editors begin what is perhaps the most crucial step of the print process-the infamous pitch and ladder meeting. Under the MUSE definition, ‘meeting' is used loosely, straying from the straight-cut imagery one might be used to. Instead of people sitting in an office room quietly talking–this meeting often goes late into the night, filling the room with chatter and laughs as the team has in-depth discussions surrounding the potential stories that will fill this issue.

Alisa elaborates that there is a piece for every sort of reader in MUSE XXV. A common thread amongst all the pieces is the individuality in each article—“there are not two articles that have the same message.” They are all ripe with humanity and personality, and it is this uniqueness that allows for each pieceto intrigue. When asked to give a teaser for an article in her section, Lifestyle Editor Katarina Bojic simply states, “How does listening to Billy Joel on the radio make you feel?” If this snippet does not immediately prove how niche MUSE XXV is, leaving  you wanting more, I quite frankly don’t know what will. 

MUSE has long been recognized as the face of creativity at Queen’s University, standing out amongst the sea of school publications. As Alex Stephens, the Head Editor’s Assistant explained; “Every piece in this magazine was written by students, for students! The personal experiences shared by these authors will speak in a way that the mainstream media severely lacks. They are a welcome breath of fresh air, and I know that any Queen's student will thoroughly enjoy each article in a unique way.”

As Kingston finds itself once again blanketed in snow, and campus bustles with student’s preparing for their final exams, the new issue brings something fresh to the season. MUSE XXV stands out as an elevated version of past issues, one that does not exist without the passion and dedication of this year’s Print team.

Here are some of the lovely words some of the print editors had to say about this issue and their sections—they might even give you a hint of what stories you’ll find in MUSE XXV. 

Sophia Ceccucci, Arts Editor

“Working on the Arts section of MUSE this semester has been absolutely incredible! I’ve gotten to write and edit articles that encompass ideas about art that are common and relatable to our audience without compromising the individual aspect of art that makes it special. I’m proud to say that the section has expanded beyond traditional conventions of art and artists which will allow our audience to broaden their understanding of what art is.” 

Nadine Ivanov, Fashion Editor

“The fashion section is where fashion and literature come together to emphasize the crossover between fashion, self-expression, lifestyle, and creativity; and the many ups and downs that come with it” 

Ben Jeffries, Entertainment Editor 

“This year's entertainment section discusses both widespread media phenomena and personal stories. Entertainment is far more than just movies and television, and we aimed to create a section that would appeal to all kinds of readers.”

Cheers to Issue XXV, and another incredible semester with MUSE!

Header Credits:

“Double or Nothing”

Creative Director: Lily Grigoriadis

Photographer: Olivia Wright

Videographer: Nathan Hawes

Makeup Artist: Claire Matthews

Models: Madeline Isen, Maddie Reed, Geridil Alcantara, Jala Hass