Student-led magazine Variant continues to release content in midst of pandemic

VARIANT Magazine is a student-led mass print fashion magazine that emphasizes individuality and diversity. The first issue was released in 2017 and the magazine has been evolving and expanding its reach ever since. 

“VARIANT’s goal is to give opportunities to underrepresented communities and young creatives on campus to express and share their talents openly while also getting professional experience for their post-graduate career and making personal connections,” said VARIANT Editor-in-chief  Maddy Salyer.

The content VARIANT releases is fashion forward. Variant also touches on social justice issues plaguing our world today. VARIANT regularly releases blog content, social media content on Instagram @vrntmagazine, as well as a printed magazine issue every semester.

Due to the changes brought by COVID-19, the magazine has faced many challenges to continuing to create and release content. VARIANT’s most recent issue was titled Evolve and has shaped how VARIANT currently is running its fall production.

“Coronavirus has greatly impacted how we create and release content. Over the summer we released our first ever entirely digital issue, Evolve. This semester we were sure to include multiple options to participate and contribute virtually, while abiding by CDC guidelines for our in-person photoshoots,” said Executive Editor John Pierron.

VARIANT is currently meeting exclusively online, and the magazine’s photoshoot process has notably changed this semester. Photoshoot spaces are more open, with limited numbers of people that practice social distancing while wearing masks. Models now do their own hair and makeup to avoid unnecessary contact with others and to keep everyone safe and healthy.

“We are doing as much as we can remotely and are getting better at it each week. I am proud of my team for keeping their passion for VARIANT throughout these unprecedented times,” Salyer said. “Our fall issue will be a hybrid of virtual contribution and some in-person projects.  Whether it be online or in person, I still look forward to creating with such a diverse group of people.”