ART Issue 24

Is it really worth it?

As I write this I’m on hour 13 of the work day and it’s not ending anytime soon. We’re on a nonstop mission to complete this issue before Zach heads off for a birthday trip to Coachella.

It’s been a long day. It’s been a long year. Zach and I have clocked about 1,340 hours in the first 3.5 months of 2022 and we’re exhausted. Is it hard? Yes. Do we fight? Yes. Do we think about stopping? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes.

If I listed all of the joy, growth, challenges, friendships and support ART has brought us, it would fill the entire issue and more. I know it’s worth it because even if this ends in a spectacular failure I would do it all over again.

We chose the theme “Worth It.” for Issue 24 to explore the sacrifice of pursing your passion. We asked contributors to reveal their cost of creating, both literally and figuratively. Many of them touched on the time spent away from personal relationships, lack of financial security and mental toll of being vulnerable.

We want to highlight the value creativity brings to the community. We want to prove that creativity is worthy of investment, unified support and a solidified space in Austin.

But we don’t need to explain that to you do we? Of course not. Our question to you is… is it worth it? Let me work it.

Pick this thing up, flip it and reverse it. Enjoy!

Almost Real Things Issue 24 “Worth It.” is an artzine packed with activities, artist spotlights, music, community updates and the latest from our ART Club community. This issue features work and interviews from 34 fantastic creators and organizations in and around Austin, TX.

Featuring

10pmtoclose, Elaine Alonzo, Art Direct, Clint Atkinson, Axuro LTD, Ryan Bataillon, Brittany NO FOMO, Cryptic Enigma, Joey Cruz, Natalie Earhart, Hailey Gearo, Felipe Gomez, The Gonzos, Corey Haynes, Hong Kong Wigs, Steph Ivelisse, Cara Jackson, Brittnee Lavender, Lisa Lee, Catie Lewis, Megafauna, Miss NASA, Moni’ye, _OF COLOR, Lauren Oland, Rhea Pirani, Anxa Robles, Xander Rudd, Richard Samuel, Jeff Skele, Ben Stallman, Ahn Hee Strain, Jay Ybarra and Zachary Zulch.

Specifications

Full color
Softcover
52 pages of fun and inspiration
4.5″ x 6″ pocket size format
Release date: 05/21/2022