![The sixth issue of "Candid" was released in Spring 2024. The cover was designed by Kayla Allen, senior illustration and interactive design major, who serves as Candid's senior illustrator. When designing the cover, Allen set out to create something that would evoke feelings of nostalgia and tranquility. “When we were kids, we want[ed] to pretend that we are older,” Allen said. “We played pretend doing adult things, and when we are adults, we want to do things that kids do. We want things to be simple again.” (Photo courtesy of Candid Magazine)](https://usishield.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image003.png)
A student newspaper, an arts and literary magazine, what other publications could USI need? Cue “Candid,” a student-led arts and fashion magazine written, illustrated, photographed and edited on campus.
Nathaniel Tang, USI alumnus, created “Candid” in 2020. Originally, it was based on another university’s art magazine and was mainly focused on fashion.
Over the years, it has evolved into what we have today. Rob Dickes, associate professor of photography and digital imaging, is the faculty advisor of “Candid.” He said a current and future goal for “Candid” is to “create unique, artistic ads for small vendors, similar to how magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue do.”
Although “Candid” started in 2020, it only became an official USI entity last spring. This change means that “Candid” members could earn money for their work like employees at The Shield and 95.7 The Spin do if they find sponsors. At the moment, they rely on grants to pay for printing and work for free. They are also still looking for an official office space to work in because they currently meet in a classroom.
Overall, “Candid” provides an opportunity for students to express themselves and their interests.
Maxwell Wheeler, editor-in-chief, said the magazine “aims to create sources on topics that might not be covered in a traditional university setting” and that “the magazine encourages creativity and innovation, allowing students to present their ideas in diverse formats.”
In teams of illustrators, photographers, writers and format designers or as solo entries, students use various mediums such as pictures, poetry, illustrations or articles to explore a topic.
“I liked being a part of Candid because it gave me a place to see my photos in physical form,” Ethan Douglass, USI alumnus and former “Candid” photographer, said. “Having the tangible magazine gave our work a more meaningful feeling.”
Recent issues have discussed topics such as tattoos, nuclear families, the effects of family blogging, marine pollution and the desire to be perfect.
Douglass said he thinks “Candid” has changed for the better over the years.
“I hope they have figured out a good way to allow the students to make work that they really care about,” he said.
The newest issue will be released sometime between the end of this semester and the start of the spring semester. It will contain poems and photographs focused on the Greek myths of Psyche and Eros as well as Echo and Narcissus. There will also be an article about purity culture, a poem and article about what a church should look like, an article on live-action adaptations of movies and illustrations.
There are six issues of “Candid” out, with one released every semester. Copies are available for free in the Art Center.
New members are welcome to join “Candid” next semester, and the staff is looking for students from all majors. You can follow the magazine on Instagram at “Candidmagazine.in” or keep an eye out for their upcoming website.
