Greys Magazine by AMYJROBINSON
all about Greys
Greys started as a passion project I launched in July 2020, showcasing a printed collection of my own documentary writing and photography, whilst also shining a light on other small businesses, creatives and writers I admired from around the world. Greys released as a “coffee table” publication which included reflections, interviews and stories set in England, Scotland, Wales, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Georgia, Morocco, America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It was written in partnership with more than 30 people from all over the globe. I produced, edited, designed, liaised with, and published two volumes of Greys Magazine between July 2020 and May 2021, which were stocked locally at the Side Gallery, Cogito Books, Forum Books and The Bound, Whitley Bay.
going online
Greys Journal, an online collection of written pieces, which featured artists Lina Gordievsky, Folkenrose, Maike Grimm, Sara Kraus, Duffy and Seth Meyer launched in summer 2021.
In Autumn 2021, I announced my interest in launching a product-based online shop called Greys Store. I reached out to, and took applications from, small businesses and creators all over the UK with the following mission statement in mind:
“We take great care in sourcing products by creators who align with our values of sustainability and slow living. Supporting Greys means you’re helping to support a dozen other independent businesses from all over the UK, bringing you a collection of handmade, small-batch items to enjoy from the comfort of your home.”
We opened in November 2021, in time for the winter holidays. The store received lots of orders and so much positive feedback upon launching. I was super proud of how it was received after carefully selecting the sellers and their products myself. I had so much fun creating a feature about each wholesaler and photographing all of the items at home in my living room.
the creative commune
Virtually connecting with creatives from around the globe, I started hosting a weekly online meeting space dubbed ‘Lockdown with Greys’ during the 2020 winter lockdown. As a group, we’d choose a word to take inspiration from and create an artist response, whether it was through painting, drawing, written prose, visual arts or music etc. The week after, we’d share our results, process or thoughts in-between meetings. It provided a supportive and welcoming space for people of different skill levels, and allows space for exploration into other mediums we may not have experimented with before.
In January 2022, I decided to set up a free, in-person, monthly event called the Creative Commune (previously Lockdown with Greys) in partnership with Rebecca from Made.UpNorth.
“Myself and Rebecca are incredibly excited to announce that we’ll be hosting a FREE monthly meet-up in the heart of Newcastle. This meet-up is for people of all ages and backgrounds, with no experience level or knowledge required. Whether you’re ready to start collaborating on a project with someone you meet, or you want to work on your own thing amongst the company others, there’s no right or wrong way to spend this time. Bring your supplies, projects, a book to read or even a games console, there’s no pressure to create something during these sessions, it’s a time for you to enjoy however you want to.”
In 2022, I also organised and facilitated creative workshops for early-career creatives, helping them with logistics, sourcing venues, setting ticket prices, marketing and selling tickets, as well as structuring and hosting the events. I also partnered with the Canny Queer Collective to run a queer picnic in the Newcastle area (pictures below).
markets
In April 2022 I began stall-holding and attended 17 markets across the NE region between then and November 2023. This was another fantastic opportunity to get involved with, I really enjoyed meeting other makers, and talking with lots of creatives about the varied products I had selected (including my own creations). I took a lot of pride in my table displays and spent a lot of time browsing my neighbouring stalls, eating food from food trucks and buying hoards of gluten-free treats from the bakery stalls.
By Winter of 2023, I believed Greys had come to a natural end for me, as I refocused on opportunities to travel and resume my documentary work. I thoroughly enjoyed running Greys, learnt so much from constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone and achieving so many things I’d never dreamed I could do. It was time to say goodbye - fondly :-)
I still have some copies of Volume Two if you’d like to purchase some, but I’ve set up a digital PDF version of both volumes so you can check them out, wherever you are in the world for free. Happy Reading!