Kasino A4
WeAreKasino
The Most Melancholy Magazine
Timeless themes, quality photography and insightful writing are fused together by a strict layout and a fresh attitude.
Helsinki, Finland
Siltasaarenkatu 15, 00530
Email: jm@wearekasino.com
- Category: Fashion, Photography
- Periodicity: Bi-Annual
- Language: English
- Format: 210 x 297 mm
- Circulation: 6,000
- Price: 7 €
- Web: http://WeAreKasino.com
Founded in 2005
The Finland-based Kasino A4 is known for its uncompromising style, sharp look, own voice and human touch. In the hectic mediascape, the thought-provoking and witty magazine is like lovingly made slow food – every inspiring bite is something to savour whether it makes you laugh, cry or excited.
Exclusive Interview
The things that make a good magazine: people, thoughts, style and random fun.
What is your magazine about?
The things that make a good magazine: people, thoughts, style and random fun.
Who’s behind the project? Tell us about the founders, their backgrounds and their motivations!
We were three in the beginning and even though the team has grown, we like to keep it fairly small to ensure a more intimate and immediate magazine. The founders include a photographer, graphic designer and writer, who teamed up to fuse their talents in one medium, a magazine. We get a kick out of the idea that a magazine can be its own art-form.
How do you produce one issue? How much time do you spend on it? How big is your team?
First we gather ideas, discuss the big picture and then execute the ideas. Ideas, inspiration and energy are gathered over a few months after which every issue is created in exactly one month—not because we designed it that way but because that happens every time. Our core team is four guys (plus one guy who's responsible for sales) with 4-8 regular, reliable contributors.
What have been the important steps in the life of your magazine?
The first important step was the decision to make Kasino A4. A later significant step was getting our international distribution set up. Another important phase was our first exhibition (330 Impression, 80 Moments & 1 Magazine – The Story So Far) in August 2006. In it we managed to adapt our concept into a different medium.
Which are the key ingredients for the success of your magazine?
We don't compromise.
What are the difficulties you are confronted with? What would be “the” thing to help the magazine to improve?
Money helps.
Where do you want the magazine to be in five years?
Quality bookshelves.
Tell us about your audience! Who are the readers of your magazine?
Creatives who are keen to find new ideas.
Is remaining independent important to you? Is it part of the strategy?
Ownership is not an issue as long as we can do what we want.
What’s your relationship with advertisement? Does it influence your content? Do you care about advertising-driven-editorials?
We hope to find brands that are a comfortable fit with our vision and mentality.
Do you think that magazine readers still need to watch TV?
Nobody needs to watch TV. But everyone can.
What is your relationship with your printer? Does he play a main role in your development?
At times they are the necessary evil and at other times something better.
Which magazines influenced you most? What are you looking for in other magazines?
The idea of a magazine in which Fantastic Man and New Yorker would meet is inspiring. We look for strong concepts, inspiring execution and experiences.
What do you think of your issue 01, when you look back at it?
How did we have so much there already?
What question did you never ask in your magazine but would have liked to?
The one we'll ask in the next issue.
How many magazines do you buy / get / read each month? Do you qualify yourself a maniac?
We save money by living in Finland where the magazine selection is not good. It's better now with the arrival of Kasino A4.
E-mail interview from “07.10.2006”. © Colophon2007.com – Mike Koedinger Editions SA (Luxembourg)
Publisher
WeAreKasino
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