Rooted in Community, Strike Magazine’s Third Issue Continues to Capture All Things Striking

by Ashley Chatmon

Since the first issue of Strike Magazine in April 2021, the student-run fashion and culture magazine has grown by leaps and bounds as it firmly plants its roots in a fertile community of young creatives.

As the name implies, Strike sets its sights on breaking conventional standards. In the wake of their third issue, Dreamland, Beauty Director Keeli Scarlett, who has been with Strike from the start, hopes to get even bolder.

“We’re always trying to push the envelope of what we did last. Whatever is trending, we want to go beyond,” Scarlett said.

This boldness is no coincidence, it’s a part of their mission statement.

“Being bold is the number one thing, and it’s really important for all of us” according to Scarlett. 

For Scarlett, their most recent issue was the best one yet. In her eyes, it was the most complete fulfilment of what Strike is meant to be.

 “It was Vogue-level in my eyes, the layouts, the concepts, the fashion, the makeup. It was all so elevated from everything we’ve done before.”

Historically, fashion magazines tend to elevate exclusive beauty standards. Another way Strike shatters what is to be expected of a lifestyle magazine is their strong resolve to be inclusive. 

“The Strike team is one of the most accepting groups. They don’t care what your body looks like. They don’t care if you have acne on your face, or you’ve never done a fashion magazine,” Scarlett said.

This is evident in their recent issue, which features a variety of skin tones and body types traditionally barred from the fashion world.

The positivity also translates to the unity that can be found within the Strike staff. 

“Everyone cheers each other on. Whether it’s the writing team or the fashion team, everyone has each other’s back” Scarlett said.

Strike Cinematographer Marysa Tuttle experienced the supportive atmosphere cultivated by the team when she modeled for the first issue, an opportunity that came at a time when she was struggling with insecurity. 

“It was a confidence boost for me…I was like, why did they pick me? But on set it was overall a positive experience. Everyone there just wants to support you.”

She was so enticed that she joined Strike as a staff member for the third issue. Through Strike she was able to discover her passions within the production world while gaining real-life practice to sharpen those skills. 

“It has helped me so much in being confident in my skills and to build on them at the same time” Tuttle said.

This confidence shines through as she decided to expand her role into creating a documentary chronicling the creation of the issue.

“It was a lot. There were some tears, blood and sweat too! But I’m proud of myself.” Tuttle said.

Rooted in supplying young creatives with a host of opportunities to gain experience in the production field, the goal of Strike is much bigger than an issue. 

It seems the key to this growing community is the intention to learn alongside each other and help the team grow.

“If someone is really good at something they’re not afraid to help someone else. I think we’re all there to learn about this kind of industry and that kind of a job…Why would I have someone struggle? Why don’t I help them so we can all come together for this thing and not have anyone left behind?” Tuttle said.

Strike releases an issue at the end of each semester. Their fourth issue, Principles of Being is available for pre-order now. To learn more about Strike visit their Instagram @strikemagazinesta.