There’s something a little bit radical about launching a new print magazine in 2025. While many publishers continue to pivot to digital, Designfully is doing the opposite by championing the tactile, the thoughtful, and the enduring.
Founded and self-funded by designer and creative director Mary Hemingway, the new biannual title builds on the mission of her platform Design by Women: to amplify the work and voices of women and gender-diverse creatives across the industry.
“The first ‘Celebration’ issue is a showcase of what Design by Women has been striving for during the last five years,” says Mary. “Future issues will expand on this – exploring the many ways women are shaping design today, and the diverse experiences that come with it.”
Mary Hemingway
Designfully collaborators
The magazine is the product of 18 months of voluntary collaboration, bringing together a network of writers, photographers, illustrators, and designers who share a desire to create something beautiful, inclusive, and rooted in community. The result is a weighty 260-page volume that Mary describes as “jam-packed with juicy content”, featuring more than 50 contributors from across the globe – from household names to emerging creatives who too often go unseen.
There’s a clear sense of visibility and celebration that runs through every page. “It’s been designed to feel generous – a space for inspiration, connection, and joy,” says Mary. The inaugural issue dives into themes of recognition and representation, drawing out stories that reflect on women’s impact in shaping creative culture. Features include interviews, essays, visual showcases, and reflective pieces that challenge how we frame success and authorship in the design world.
Although Designfully carries the visual refinement you might expect from an independent design publication, it also has a warmth and wit that keep it grounded. Its pages balance serious cultural commentary with moments of play, perhaps reflecting Mary’s belief that design is at its best when it’s both thoughtful and human.
Launching a self-funded print title is no small feat in today’s media landscape, but Designfully’s community-driven approach hints at a different kind of publishing model – one where collaboration trumps competition. Mary notes that every aspect, from editorial planning to print production, has been shaped by voluntary contributors who gave their time and expertise to bring the project to life.
“It’s been such a rewarding process – seeing so many people come together to make something purely out of passion and belief,” she says. “Everyone involved wanted to create a magazine that feels like a collective achievement rather than an individual one.”
The magazine’s ethos also extends to how it’s being distributed. The first issue is available for pre-order until the end of November, with copies expected to ship in early December – just in time for those who believe the best gifts still come printed, not downloaded.
Visually, the magazine reflects the same mix of clarity and character that defines its mission. Its design identity – developed collaboratively – pairs confident typography with vibrant imagery and tactile paper stocks. It’s a reminder that design isn’t only about aesthetics; it’s about storytelling and belonging.
For Mary, Designfully marks both a culmination and a new beginning. After five years of building Design by Women into a respected online platform, she wanted to create something tangible that could live on bookshelves and coffee tables – a physical archive of female creativity. “I’ve always loved print because it slows you down,” she says. “You take your time with it. You notice the details. It invites a different kind of attention.”
The sentiment feels particularly apt. In an age of scroll fatigue and algorithmic curation, Designfully offers a welcome pause – a celebration of design made by women, for everyone.
As for what’s next, Mary hints at future issues that will dig deeper into specific themes, exploring not just who designs, but how and why. “There are so many stories left to tell,” she says. “This is just the beginning.”
Designfully Issue 01: Celebration is available for pre-order until 30 November 2025 via design-fully.com. Copies ship in early December.
