Patterns to Release New Edition of Literary Magazine

Keep your eyes open for the 2023 edition, releasing soon.

By MIA BELKIN and CHRYSTIE WU

Don't worry, the wait is almost over. The 2023 Patterns literary magazine will be released this June!

Patterns is an annual publication produced by an afterschool club “where kids can actively express their creativity through different types of writing and art,” club president Kaitlyn Tran ‘23 said.

The magazine takes almost a whole school year to create. “We start with the theme and then look through people's submissions based on that,” said writing director Kaylee Lam Kwai ‘23. “Especially with art, we like to see what connects to the theme.”

This year, the magazine will be based around “destiny and fate.” Students from every grade are welcome to submit artwork that goes along with these themes up until late May.

The magazine will consist of about 65-70 pages of vibrant poetry, art, photography, and short stories.

Although a lot of hard work goes into planning and designing the magazine, the club is also a fun way to connect with others.

“It’s a way for me to release my stress, but at the same time it can also be a little stressful because I want to create as much [artwork] as possible to put inside the magazine,” said Khadija Rehman ’23. “But overall, it's a good experience. Creating art that other people can see is exciting.”

“The club helps people push out their art and emotions and express themselves,” said secretary Isabella Aracho Pimentel ‘23. “It's an artistic outlet.”

Patterns also gives students a chance to get past their personal hang ups.

“I used to be really shy about sharing my writing with people, but because of this club I’m a lot more comfortable,” said Rehman. “I used to feel really anxious, but now I can do it easily without having that feeling. It definitely helped me be more confident with my writing and what I create.”

“If you want to step out of your comfort zone, this is probably a club you want to be in,” said vice president Lucas Paschke ‘23. “It hits different parts of your brain that you don’t usually use.”

“It's a very nonjudgemental place,” said Rehman. “You can talk about literally anything. It is a very supportive environment.”

So if you're ready to step out of your comfort zone and create some amazing art, look into joining the Patterns staff next year. And be sure to keep your eyes open for this year’s edition, coming soon!