Ten of the decade’s best designed magazines, chosen by magCulture’s Jeremy Leslie

To celebrate magCulture’s tenth anniversary, It’s Nice That asked its founder, Jeremy Leslie, to select ten of the most visually striking publications from the past decade. He also reflects on the evolution and future of the small press industry.

Reflections on magCulture’s bricks and mortar store

It’s Nice That: What are your key reflections on the past ten years of the magCulture store? Any major successes or highlights?

Jeremy Leslie: I can hardly believe it’s been ten years. The shop felt new for a long time, and now it feels established—not old, but settled. That gives a comforting sense of stability, but we must stay alert and avoid complacency.

MagCulture as a community space

One early highlight was realizing the shop was much more than a retail outlet. It serves as a public space where magazine enthusiasts can connect with like-minded people: readers, publishers, and aspiring publishers alike.

Many fascinating visitors drop by, such as fashion designer Junya Watanabe, who admired our black totes so much he bought hundreds and incorporated them into shirts for his next collection.

Regular visitors include fashion professionals, DJs, opera directors, filmmakers, students, recent graduates, and magazine creators.
Visitors are also drawn by shared interests in literature, music, humor, and more.

Being a public space is incredibly freeing—a much more inspiring environment than a closed office or studio.

"The shop was so much more than just a shop. It’s a public space for magazine lovers to meet like-minded people."

"Being a public space is hugely liberating, so much better than working in a closed office or studio."

Author’s summary: Jeremy Leslie views magCulture’s store as a vital public hub that has transcended retail to foster a vibrant, creative community over the past ten years.

It's Nice That — 2025-11-06