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When Julia English joined Syracuse University’s illustration program two years ago, she was disappointed by the lack of opportunities to share her work on campus. She took matters into her own hands, and created a collaborative magazine of illustrated narratives and comics.

“I have always wanted to work with another author since that’s how the comic industry works,” English said. “I wanted to open the door for illustrators and writers to work together.”

SU and SUNY ESF writers and illustrators lead Mythos Magazine. Launched at the beginning of this fall semester, the magazine connects authors, poets and screenwriters with illustrators to bring their stories to life. In its debut edition, illustrations will accompany various works of writing. Mythos consists of about 40 students across various majors, all connected by a shared love of art.

English, Mythos’ founder and president, knew she wanted the magazine to be visually-based and highlight comics. During English’s freshman year, student magazines didn’t often hire illustrators, so she couldn’t publish her work. While more campus publications have worked with illustrators since then, English said she wasn’t satisfied with the breadth of work she was contributing.

“You’re doing supplemental illustrations that are maybe 20% of the actual content of what’s being published,” English said. “It’s fun, but it’s not the same as building your own story or bringing somebody else’s story to life.”

After gauging interest from fellow junior illustration majors, including René Vetter, Sami Siegel and Freddy Toglia, English began brainstorming the magazine’s structure. She decided on a name — combining “myth” and “magazine” for its title, and nickname “mythozine,” – and drafted a constitution to register it as a student organization at SU.

After the magazine’s first interest meeting, writers pitched their ideas and illustrators chose stories to work on. Its weekly meetings foster collaboration between writers and illustrators, which English said is one of her favorite aspects of Mythos. Here, the staff do questions of the day, introductions and plays Pictionary. At other times, they pitch stories and mood boards.

Since its founding, Mythos’ members have worked hard on the upcoming first edition. Vetter, the magazine’s vice president, said the executive board focuses on supporting members, especially those who haven’t drawn comics before. For example, he hosted a workshop teaching members how to use Procreate, a platform for online illustration, to ensure the tool is accessible.

Siegel, Mythos’ secretary, praised the magazine for preparing its members for a career in illustration. Before joining, she worried she wouldn’t have any experience when applying for jobs.

“It’s such a competitive field, and being a part of Mythos gives us more of a push into the industry,” Siegel said.

Mythos is set to gain RSO status early next semester, and will then publish its first print edition. Toglia said becoming an RSO gives the magazine access to a printing budget which will ensure each writer and illustrator is represented in its pages. Once registered, Mythos also plans to table around campus and showcase its content on screens in Schine Student Center to increase student involvement.

Toglia, the magazine’s treasurer and co-web designer, is excited to showcase the magazine’s artwork to a campus-wide audience. Also a student ambassador for SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, they hope a physical magazine displaying students’ works will boost awareness of the college’s programs.

“It would be really valuable to showcase the work we’re making and to tell students ‘Look at this product… you want to be involved so badly,’” Toglia said.

Siegel said publishing a print magazine will also help the campus community learn more about illustration. When people who are unfamiliar with artistic careers ask her about illustration, she’ll often hand them a copy of her own artwork to show them who she is and what she does.

“We want to show people, especially those within illustration, that this is a community worth investing your time in,” Toglia said.

DISCLAIMER: Julia English, René Vetter and Sami Siegel are contributing illustrators for the Daily Orange. They did not influence the editorial content of this article.

Published on November 5, 2024 at 11:52 pm

Contact: Jepryor@syr.edu