What inspired Off the Record?

The idea for the actual magazine came around in 2017. For years, Editor-in-Chief and Founder, Camilla Johnson, felt like she never had a platform where she could share things. Most other popular webzines had age limits on who could submit and who couldn’t! Sure, she could’ve lied about her age, but that didn’t feel right, so she never submitted anything. Then she happened to be in Chicago the summer of 2017. For some reason she felt so inspired by that trip. She was at a weird stage in her life and she had no idea what she wanted to do other than start this zine. She remembers it very clearly: She was watching the sunset come down over the Chicago skyline, she was journaling at the time, and “Still Sane” by Lorde came on shuffle. That’s when she figured out the name for this project. So, all in all, you could say loneliness and inspiration from the city of Chicago inspired Off the Record.

How long was the process?

It depends on which process you’re talking about. The site you’re looking at today took a little over a year, but the original site took about three months (rest in peace, OG Off the Record). The current site took such a long time because it was up to us and only us to figure out how to make Off the Record look exactly how we envisioned it in our minds—it’s something we were absolutely determined to do. None of us are professional website developers, so the process took a lot of trial-and-error! It also took a couple of months to make sure everyone on the crew was on the same page creatively. It’s been difficult at times, but it’s really allowed us to learn a lot not only about each other, but business, too. Additionally, the crew is always finding ways to improve the site, so really, the process is never over!

Where can I find merchandise?

You can order stickers on the Google Form! There is no official Off the Record shop yet, but we hope to have one up soon. In the future, we look forward to releasing other sticker packs as well as wearable merch such as hats, socks, and t-shirts, so stay tuned!

How can I submit work?

You can submit work through our Submit page or by emailing us at otrzine@gmail.com with your name, title of work, and the attached piece of work.

What can I submit/contribute?

Anything! Art, essays, creative writing of any form, music, recommendations, playlists, recipes, etc.! You could rank your favorite characters of Glee for all we care! We’re always glad to have your work.

Who can contribute work?

Anyone! However, please be aware that Off the Record is allowed to, at any time or for any reason, reject or remove a submission from the site. Additionally, submissions that include any form of hate speech or harassment will automatically be turned away.

Can I join the crew?

Currently, we aren’t taking any new applications for those seeking to be a crew member, but we’ll be sure to let our readers know if this changes.

How often will the site be updated?

It all depends on the influx of submissions. Occasionally there’ll be a big publication date, but otherwise we’ll continue to update the site with new submissions as we receive them.

I own the rights to some of the media on the site. Can you take it down?

Off the Record does not own the rights to some of the photography and artwork published on the site. If you come across images that are yours and would like them to be removed, please contact us and we will take them down immediately.

Have another question? Drop it below!