Party with the Founders!

Who is currently leading the movement to bring the beautiful media of magazines back?

Here is your answer; Mark Bluemle, Editor-in-Chief, Executive Editor, Director of Photography, and Co-Founder of 47Magazine and Media; and Sophia Querrazzi, Editorial Director, Executive Director, and Co-Founder of 47Magazine and Media.

Bluemle and Querrazzi are driven people who not only attend school but also direct a magazine and media company, all while fulfilling art projects for themselves. They currently attend Pace University. Bluemle is a junior majoring in Communications and Media Studies who, on top of that, manages two artists, Wild Blue Yonder and Sam The Woo, and is actively building up his photography portfolio. Querrazzi is a senior studying political science and about to start her law journey as she has just been accepted to law school. She is the driving force behind creatively managing and consistently coming up with new ideas every month for every issue and photoshoot!

I sat with Bluemle and Querrazzi to discuss their journey with 47Magazine and Media, their artistic views, their friendship, and so much more!

What made you start 47 Magazine and Media?

Sophia: Originally, we created a magazine called MBPMAG, as it was more of a portfolio for Mark’s photography. As we started to expand and work with other photographers we realized we needed to rebrand. 

Mark: What she said! I wanted to include other people's work and creativity - so had to rebrand to 47Magazine! It was the best idea of 2023. 

Did you think 47 Magazine and Media would grow as big as it did?

Sophia: I think Mark always saw the full potential of 47, as for me, I have always been more focused on having fun, creating connections, and getting the chance to work creatively with so many different people. That being said- I’m so thrilled people enjoy what we have been making. 

Mark: Honestly, I am pretty shocked with how much we have been able to do in a year. We have worked with so many amazing creatives and writers; it’s always so great to meet new folks who have the same passion for making art. As I always say, never underestimate the power of some bored college students who want to make art!! 

Has working together changed your relationship with one another? Become more professional. Stronger?

Mark: I think 47 brought out other sides of us that we weren’t able to tap into before. We’ve been roommates for two years and friends ever since my first day at Pace, so that said, we’ve been close for a while. It’s been cool being able to share my passion with somebody I trust and love so much. Like any relationship, there have been tense and down moments, but we always end up just sitting down and talking it out and are fine. I don’t think I could do this with anyone else and be as comfortable as I am doing it. 

Sophia: Mark and I started out as friends, then became roommates, then co-owners of a magazine. Through these changes, we have definitely taught each other how to grow and adapt, but overall we are generally really good at separating our different relationships. I honestly would never have done anything like this without Mark, and while we fight like siblings sometimes, we still manage to communicate well and execute our ideas. I think 47 has 100% brought us closer. 

How do you go about choosing the themes or concepts for each month?

Sophia: Well… I always ask our editorial team if there’s an idea they’d like to work on or bring up at meetings. I find it so extremely important to make sure everyone on our staff feels like they can see some of themselves in every issue. Mostly though, I find inspiration in music, dreams, poetry, life events, and random things that I am then able to expand into a full concept. For example, Floral is based on all of the books and years I have put into teaching myself the Victorian Language of Flowers. I attended both a wedding and a funeral in the months leading up to our 6th issue and took note of the fact that flowers are used for so many different moments in life. It's usually easier to create photoshoot plans than an issue theme, but I haven’t run out of ideas yet! 

Mark: Happy wife, happy life. 

What has been your favorite issue? Favorite feature? Favorite photoshoot?

Mark: My favorite issue is this one and my favorite feature was Ked; I loved the campaign and shoot we did with him and I hope we can produce more feature content like that in the future. My favorite photoshoot is the glam shoot - on top of the stunning shots, it felt like the first time I kind of knew what I was doing and wanted to continue doing it. Shoutout Ashley and Sophia!! 

Sophia: Every time we make a new issue it becomes my favorite! Usually, I say floral, as that was the first issue we organized more my style, and when I really got to step into my role as editorial director and start planning shoots and creating themes. Now I definitely have to say issue 12- the photoshoots have been so fun, we have more time to do more with the shoots and it was so nice to look through our past issues in order to reference them in new ways. My favorite feature is between Wilmah, just because they’re really cool and I love their manager (Hi Brooke!), and Reagan because those pictures are so cunty and her outfit kills me. Picking out my favorite photoshoot is so hard because I try not to choose based on how the behind-the-scenes of each shoot went, but by judging the outcome. With that, The Birthday Party shoot was my favorite both in results and vibes. 

What are your favorite things to do during each issue? Whether that is the shoot, concept talk, or artistic direction.

Mark: I like the meetings. It’s fun to see everyone together and get so inspired… I also like public speaking. I love connecting people and seeing the final product from hours of planning and work - always such a great feeling. 

Sophia: My favorite part of all of this is creating all of the ideas, making pinterest boards, and presenting them to the group. I’m always really nervous before meetings but so far none of my ideas have flopped yay! I also love love love working with designers. Playing dress up is so fun! 

What or who inspires you the most artistically?

Mark: Music and my friends. I love seeing my friends who are passionate about what they do, so I always try to get their advice. Music will paint a picture for anything, so it can help me finish ideas and even come up with new ones to do! Recently, Eli from Wild Blue Yonder has been inspiring me a lot and I get inspiration from noted photographers Annie Leibovitz, Sinna Nasseri, Mert Alas, and all my friends who take pictures tbh. Creatives support creatives!!  I’ve also been super inspired by Jungle's new album and music video series; that type of artistry is just so beautiful.

Sophia: Wow this one is hard. I am often inspired by specific lyrics or poetry lines. From a fashion perspective, I’ve always admired Cher’s aesthetic, Stevie Nicks, and the iconic 90’s supermodels. More recently I’ve found a lot of my inspiration coming from drag queens who have mastered the balance between fashion, art, camp, and irony. Specifically Yvie Oddly, Sasha Velour, and Dawn give me so many design ideas. I was also a tumblr teen so some aesthetics are just engraved in my mind. 

Being two individuals who have different artistic visions, how do you manage both of your ideas and combine them?

Mark: That’s why Sophia is our Editorial Director! She will come up with the issue ideas and I will usually manage/shoot the feature. Of course, I sprinkle some of my shoot and article ideas in there, but it’s mainly Sophia's mind creating the worlds we build. Our staff is also amazing and provides and produces some great ideas. 

Being creative beings, how do you bring what you have learned outside of 47Magazine not only into 47Magazine but also into your own projects?

Mark: I’ve been doing management, marketing, and content creation ever since high school, and really got to express and elevate that in theater - I actually applied to Pace as a Marketing major because I loved working as the marketing director! With that said, I've brought a lot of what I've learned from those years into 47, and a lot of my sheets and the way I organize things for the magazine are set up like how I learned in theater; I feel like it applies because we are creating a production, but just in a different format! Many of the departments in theatre apply to photoshoots as well. I'm so excited we are starting in-person events so we can tap into a new side of productions and I’m honored and thrilled to dive into that passion with other creatives and artists.

Sophia: If 47Magazine taught me anything it’s just to go for it. There are so many people in NYC who want to work on creative projects and be involved in art. It’s so much easier than you think to expand your knowledge and understanding of art and postmodernity. 

What are things you’ve learned by leading 47Magazine that you've brought outside of the magazine?

Mark: I would say it’s helped my work as a manager for Wild Blue Yonder and Sam The Woo. Outreach is key and we do a lot of that here - never be afraid to reach out!

Sophia: I learned my public speaking class wasn’t all for nothing. 47 has also taught me how to better manage my time, cause there's always something to do! 

Is it ever hard to manage your own artist projects and 47Magazine?

Mark: For the sake of the brand I want to say no but I’ll be so real - yes 100%. Over the summer I was doing class, working with Sam The Woo and Wild Blue Yonder, but I burned out hardcore right after tour with WBY. I got so sick and couldn’t even look at my phone; I just needed to sleep. Since that, I have found a great balance between school work, band work, and the magazine. The past semester was great with the best grades I've got at Pace so far! 

Sophia: Sometimes it’s just very draining managing everyone, directing, and running around from shoot to shoot (plus everything else we do, plus just being a person). I love doing it so much though it's all worth it. We have an amazing team supporting us, I know we can rely on them to help us and make everything come together. I feel like at this point if Mark and I suddenly disappeared the team could keep everything running as if nothing changed. (shout out Jazzi and Jake ;))

There is so much good that comes out of 47Magazine, but has there ever been a moment where one of you struggled? How did you combat that?

Mark: The end of summer was a little rough for us and I was also trying to find my footing back from burnout. I trust our staff and team and they support us so much, so whenever I have to sit down and step back for a second, I know I can. Forever grateful to them. 

Sophia: I had a really rough summer. Both Mark and I had a lot going on so we really relied on our team to help us execute everything while we were otherwise occupied. We are all just trying our best (and sometimes even our worst makes an amazing issue!) 

What do you have planned for the future of 47? How do you see it expanding?

Mark: More print media and more community!!! We want to do more events and collaborate with brands and artists all over the city. I fantasize about expanding to LA and doing more stuff in the tri-state area, but for now, we are focusing on building our community here in NYC. I hope our content will also reflect that and be a little bit sharper now that we have our grounding. 

Sophia: I hope the future of 47, along with bringing back print media, will be invested in the nyc fashion scene, stepping out of comfort zones and modern trends, and creating original and fulfilling art. I also hope one day we have a platform that is a space for inspiration and activism. 

Are there any projects you are working on outside of 47Magazine for the near future?

Mark: Oh, yeah. Lots of video content and more artist editorial photoshoot content. So much of our staff is so dedicated and it’s crazy that we have grown so much that I've been able to step back and focus more on specific things for the magazine so I can also prioritize other projects as well! I love how everyone has their little jobs and everyone trusts everyone and it just flows so nicely. 

Sophia: Like personally, I’m applying to law school but creatively I’ve been slowly piecing together my poetry into a book and learning how to use a sewing machine to create more photoshoot looks. I’m also writing a dissertation type-thing on how cultural practices can be used in transitional justice methods. 

Lastly, what is a magazine that you grew up with and loved to read?

Mark: Sports Illustrated (the kid's version). I remember getting the little cards and reading the player spotlights in the car on the way to my soccer games. I do not play any sports anymore, but you will always catch me supporting the Eagles. Go birds. 

Sophia: Vogue, duh! My grandma used to have all of the fashion magazines and I would create outfits with her clothes and look through them for hours. I also loved those trashy pop magazines that spilt misinformation about One Direction all the time. 

Despite being young in their fields, they have gained a name for themselves and a name for 47Magazine and Media, where they are known in local communities and beyond. They are creatives who have used their craft to create an outlet for other artists and creatives to work on and work with.

Written and Interviewed by Veronica Anaya

Photography by Abigail Veruca and Thea Wiener

Why Women are Afraid to Age: Opinion

I know for a fact that I am not the only girl who cries on my birthday, not over happiness but out of fear. Getting older has always been something to fear for me. Since the beginning of my memory society has told women that being young and hot was all that mattered and once you hit 35 your life is over. And once we hit that age we don’t have the ability to have a personality or to be cool, hot, stylish, and anything else that is associated with youth. Honestly it has taken me until nineteen to stop being afraid to age and grow into something other than a teenager girl but how could you blame me? When it comes to media I have only ever had three examples, at least those that come to mind of older women that keep their lively lifestyles, those being Sex and The City, The Devil Wears Prada, and Golden Girls only two which center the older women. 

Besides those pieces of media that come to mind, all others revolving around older women pin them to be “old hags” or completely unhappy with their own age often having them jealous of a younger female character. We see in classic literature the archetype of young women being married off and older women struggling to have a life because they are “too old to marry” and then are seen as burdens to their family and society. Much of the media revolves around a younger age bracket it's rare to see media that strictly revolves around older women and again when there is that media it strictly revolves around one type of older women. But even then the women come face to face with ageism even in a fictional reality. The continuing of this type of media only amplifies the fears that women have of aging and continues the mentality that aging equals something to push away and stay away from as long as we possibly can. Not only does tv/film media scare us into the thought of aging but so do marketing- specifically fashion and product and pop news outlets.

The anti aging product craze is through the roof, it seems like left and right new products are emerging that claim to give a facelift with no surgery or to make every single aging line disappear within weeks or even a day. There are facials that cost way more than they should and more facial machines then I can count that are believed to limit the aging process. The first thing asked to older beautiful women is “What is your secret?” as if youth equaled beauty. Women are expected to look like a 20 year old woman their whole entire lives and to spend all the money they can to remain that way. There are women now in their early 20’s getting preventative botox or “baby botox” just to prevent the natural aging process. Women not looking older is something that is constantly pushed by society but of course those women can not win either. When an older woman does look younger and acts “young” they are seen as trying too hard to stay relevant so basically women never win no matter what we do. But that is not to say that the anti aging agenda is not heavily pushed even with that stereotype. Within the beauty world aging is seen as a negative thing: lines, texture- real skin is meant to be prevented. 

The fear of women aging goes beyond beauty/ skin; it also takes place within the work of fashion. It is rare to see a fashion campaign that revolves around an older woman though in my opinion the most influential person in fashion , Anna Wintour is an older woman. Yet that does not stop ageism in fashion. It is no secret that bodies change as we grow older. It is only natural yet, there is no diversity to accommodate these changes, and if there's a line of fashion directed towards older women the clothing has no uniqueness or is not at all fashionable. Furthering the narrative that once you grow older you cannot and will not have the opportunity to be fashionable especially if you are not in the know of fashion. And I am not saying that there is no such thing as a fashionable older woman because some of the most fashionable women out there are older. But in the fashion industry specifically in the media end it is something that is not viewed or talked of. 

Last but not least, pop news media is a major factor in why women are afraid to age. Even the women that were once idolized in the media are under constant scrutiny and being ripped apart just for aging. I remember as a child seeing magazines while in the grocery store with large red circles pointing out a celebrity woman gaining weight after giving birth to their child and comparing their looks and body to a previous older photograph. We are constantly seeing these types of criticizing articles in the media trying to “expose” celebrity women for simply growing and changing. Alongside those articles are ones that praise men for growing older. There is constant praise of “dad bods” and salt and pepper hair but the total opposite happens when it comes to women. For the men having dad bods is not seen as “letting themselves go '' as it is for women but accepting themselves and being too busy living their life with their 23 year old model girlfriends and yes that is Leo shade. The women that we are told to idolize that have the money for facials and trainers and everything else that the beauty industry try to convince us to buy face such harsh comments for aging so of course everyone else will feel the intense pressure. How could we not after everything we as women consume tell us that aging is such a horrible thing. 

I honestly think that the whole anti aging push is a load of bull designed to make women feel bad about ourselves no matter what we do. I see aging as something so beautiful and it took me until now to see it but it is the truth. You get more stylish as you grow, you make stronger connections, you become more experienced and knowledgeable and that is something I now look forward to. I hope I reach the age that my face has wrinkles and I have stories to tell of my life. It’s truly something that I believe we have to be grateful for because not everyone gets the privilege to grow into their older years. So work on those fears, change your mindset to see all the great things about growing up and changing because no matter what it is going to happen anyways so might as well go into that phase in your life with so much joy and gratitude. 

Written by Celeste Nieves

Photography by Sylvie Goodblat

CD and Styling: Jazzi Almestica

PA: Jake Pranian

PA and Video: Ben Pfeifer

MUA: Marlie Kaye

Talent: Mickayla Davis, Ariana Catalinotto, Sen Zacarias, Lucy Geldziler

Photos Edits by Mark Bluemle

Self-Care Journey: Unveiled

Hello, my self-care Kings and Queens! Let's have a real talk about how we've all slipped a bit on the self-care and mental growth game. But hey, no judgment here; I totally get it! This isn't just another mental health spiel it's a heart-to-heart reminder that we've been there, a virtual hug if you will, telling you that we've ALL been in that "I'll take care of myself later" mode and there's comfort in that shared experience. But guess what? Now's the time! Don't just turn the page – soak it in. I know for sure I've walked in your shoes, and I want everyone here to feel that sense of "I'm not alone." College life is a rollercoaster that throws a ton at us and amidst the chaos, self-care seems like an unreachable luxury.  But, oh sweet friend, it's a NECESSITY. Self-care and personal growth are your golden tickets to a fulfilling, joy-filled, and balanced life. Picture it: a journey to a life jam-packed with joy and peace. We're talking all the calm stuff – reading, affirmations, savoring the little things, embracing the joy of missing out, and mind-blowing mindful practices that even I still use. It's not just a journey; it's a transformation. It's a game-changer, sparking strength, self-awareness, and an unyielding commitment to your well-being. Buckle up, self-care superstars let's dive in and make self-care the best part of our college adventure!

SELF CARE CHECKLIST

In the dance of daily life, your self-care routine becomes the melody, crafting a harmonious symphony that echoes with well-being. It's not just about acts of pampering; it's about weaving a tapestry of daily patterns that transform your life. 

Start your day with a burst of freshness, a shower, brushing your teeth, and washing your face, your daily dose of self-love. As you conquer the morning routine, make your bed – a simple act that sets the tone for accomplishment throughout the day. Hydration is key, so keep that water bottle handy. With a sprinkle of positive affirmation, a tidy room becomes a sanctuary for a clutter-free mind. From morning to night, eating regularly, and setting goals are the anchors grounding you in your objective. Jot down a daily plan, stretch, groove to music, and prioritize tasks to conquer the day. 

Weekly and bi-weekly acts, such as laundry and a hair care routine contribute to your overall well-being. Cleaning living spaces and changing sheets bring a refreshing breeze to your environment, fostering a sense of comfort. Cleaning living spaces and changing sheets bring a refreshing breeze to your environment, fostering a sense of comfort. Dive into a good book or article, and ensure your dreams align with your goals. Because we all have that random thought while we're reading or cleaning, plan your grocery shopping. Gift yourself with a professional facial – your skin deserves it. Moving into monthly practices, reorganizing and decluttering, getting your nails done as a treat, and reviewing your finances contribute to your ongoing self-improvement. Monthly reflections prepare you for the upcoming month, ensuring you stay on track. 

On a yearly scale, updating your five-year plan, and donating or selling clothes becomes not just a decluttering habit but a transformative doing. As you manage your budget, view it not just as financial planning but as a canvas to paint the masterpiece of your dreams. Craft new long-term goals, setting them as beacons guiding you through the uncharted waters of personal growth, ambition, and fulfillment. And in the grand finale, plan a trip – not just a random location but a place of self-discovery, a time to infuse your life with excitement, purpose, and memories that linger like treasures. This isn't just a routine; it's your symphony of self-care, playing the tune of a fulfilled and balanced life. 

WHAT WE CAN CONTROL

Here's your ultimate power mantra during college: own what you can control. What are your goals and accomplishments? Boom, that's your domain. Your thoughts? You're the chief architect of that mental tower. Craft your surroundings like you're curating the coolest party playlist, and let your attitude be the life of the bash. Prioritize like a boss, react with finesse, and guard your inner circle like VIP access. Time and energy are your currencies – invest wisely in people and pursuits that light your fire. Choose what you take to heart because your emotional backpack deserves only the essentials. Your time is a canvas – paint it with smiles, indulge in activities that make your heart dance, and keep your space clean, romanticize all activities and moments in your life. What you eat, what you do, and your overall perspective – they're all ingredients in the potion of your success. So, smile often, groove to your rhythm, and remember, you're not just living life; you're curating the masterpiece of your college adventure.

SELF CARE IDEAS 

Embark on a journey of self-care, embracing a spectrum of activities that cater to your physical, emotional, mental, sensory, and spiritual well-being. Elevate your physical state with invigorating workouts, calming yoga sessions, and even impromptu concerts in the comfort of your room. Engage your emotions by reminiscing through old photos, creating gratitude lists, and connecting with friends through positive affirmations. When stress knocks, find solace in a good read, breathe deeply, or treat yourself to a visually pleasing drink. Cultivate mental well-being through creative pursuits like doodling, crafting, or organizing your space. Declare a "no meeting day," schedule mental health breaks, and plan your dream vacation for a much-needed escape. Engage your senses with activities like playing with slime, picking flowers, or indulging in a scented bath. Nurture your spiritual side through prayer, nature observation, or the creation of a vision board. Embrace uniqueness with simple joys like capturing nearby moments, enjoying a serene park, or tuning into binaural beats whether it's a night in, a mindful meal, or picking out a cute outfit just because these self-care ideas invite you to prioritize your well-being with joy and intention. 

STEPS TOWARDS GROWTH

Growth takes on different forms, from choosing inner peace and overreacting to walking away from drama, and ultimately, being your validation. Trusting yourself, honoring your needs, recognizing unhealthy patterns, and falling back in love with your life are all integral aspects of personal development. Changing yourself involves adopting powerful phrases used in life, like "nothing changes if nothing changes" and realizing that "it's never too late to start." Embrace the wisdom of "yes, there will be ruptures, but focus on the repair" and understand that "not everyone will get you – they're not your people." Engage in deep, honest conversations with yourself, remembering that self-compassion releases you, while judgment never will. Be kind to both yourself and others, give compliments, and perform random acts of kindness, acknowledging that you are unique and enough, without the need for comparison.

In developing an acceptance mindset, affirmations like "this situation is only temporary" and "I've dealt with difficulties before, and I can deal with this" become guiding directions. Recognize that failure is an opportunity for growth and that the present is the only moment within your control. Let go of stress over things you can't change, understanding that "it's okay to feel negative emotions, and you can still deal with them effectively." Embrace the notion that "I can't change what has already happened" and surround yourself with people who choose you. Ultimately, an acceptance mindset encourages facing challenges with resilience and acknowledging that deep, honest conversations with yourself are sometimes the only way to navigate personal growth.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS 

What better way to wrap up this article and connect with my book lovers than to end with book recommendations that transcend and light the flames of self-discovery? Whether you find solace in the transformative insights of Brianna Wiest's works or resonate with the poetic narratives of Rupi Kaur, these recommendations promise to be your literary companions on the journey of healing, growth, and the limitless exploration of the human experience. Happy reading!

Here are some of my top self-care and growth books:

• Bianna Wiest 

- When You Ready This Is How You Heal

- 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think 

- The Mountain is You

•  Rupi Kaur 

- The Sun and her Flower

- Milk and Honey

- Hone Body

• How to live a Soft Life: Using the power of Feminine Energy - Reemus Bailey

• Learn to Love Yourself - Alex Aubrey

Dear self-care lovers, thank you for undertaking this journey of self-discovery and well-being with me. As we guide and flow through college life, let's remember that self-care is not a luxury not worth having but a necessity that all of us deserve. May these insights and practices be your compass to a life filled with joy, peace, balance, and purpose. Your self-care journey is a symphony, and each act of kindness to yourself is a note contributing to the masterpiece of your college adventure. Take a moment to breathe, appreciate the journey, and know you're not alone. Here's to embracing the transformative power of self-care and crafting a life that resounds with fulfillment. Happy self-caring, and may your path be adorned with joy and self-love!

Written by Chloe Kaleah Stewart

Photography: Mark Bluemle

CD and Talent: Jazzi Almestica

PA: Sophia Querrazzi