A unique magazine of “animal-themed illustration therapy”. Coming out of Hong Kong, but moving to London, this is all creative escapism, an antidote to the weight of our world and some of our tired days within it. This positivity extends across pages of work from a breadth of illustrators, arranged in ways and on themes ‘to bring you smiles and laughter.’ Although there are lifestyle ideas, projects to make, interviews, and features on creatives, none of this is done in the usual way: think Love Letters and Time Capsules, Uplifting 1 Minute Games, and 24 Stories of the ‘People I Need.’

“A good illustration is a mirror to our thoughts and relieves stress – that’s why AWW exists. To bring you into fantastical worlds, an ideal place for healing through our unique brand of illustration therapy.” – Amber Fu, Editor-in-Chief

This UK-based print magazine, launched in 2011 when founding editor Caroline Rowland couldn’t find the creative living and interiors magazine that reflected her interests. It’s now become many people’s go-to for features on independent businesses and brands, conversations with makers and homeowners, calming photography of attainable interiors, and approachable lifestyle nudges towards the slow and thoughtful. This one is for nurturing yourself and inspiring your creative pursuits. Also check out their award-winning blog, as well as live events programs, like the recent session Starting a Small Business from Scratch.

“Living through a global pandemic has certainly taught us that the world needs to slow down. Pre-Covid, our lives were often racing past us as we tried to fit everything in, do more, see more. But as the world paused, it became clear that what we all really needed was to nurture our minds, our bodies, our careers and businesses and the environments around us.’ – Founding editor Caroline Rowland, Issue 10

A little gem of a magazine, Lionheart is something to sink into with a cuppa in hand (and a roar in that heart of yours). It’s been designed specifically to make you feel good, though it's more handmade than self-help. With interviews with indie creatives, essays on living a realistically good life, recipes for food and how-tos for every day, and inspiring illustrations it makes space for you. Founder Helen Martin designed Lionheart to be ‘friendly, accessible and beautiful’, and something that would leave readers feeling ‘inspired and good about themselves’. In a fractious world, this one’s a nice respite from it all.

I think my hope for each issue is that readers feel like something has opened up, that they’re a little more empowered and excited by the world and their place within it. I guess I want to create a sense of belonging – a pride – and that you have a friend in Lionheart.

— Helen Martin