Mirage Magazine Releases Newest Issue | ICY

Mirage Magazine is shining a light on the end of the semester with the release of its newest magazine issue, ICY.

A student organization at the Reed College of Media and one of eight organizations affiliated with the Student Media Coalition, Mirage allows its members to create content, coordinate photoshoots and design an entire publication to release once a semester.

Experience Mirage’s release party above. Photos: Seth Seebaugh

“Mirage Magazine gives students the opportunity to be creative while learning about their future careers,” said Kasey Lettrich, the organization’s president. This is her first semester leading the organization.

“Students are taught to write, plan, photograph, film, design and much more. There are classes that offer each of these subjects separately, but no class offers the entire process and the gratification that comes from completing a publication.”

Mirage Magazine ICY Fall 2019 cover

The newest issue of the publication is centered around the theme, ICY, and is set to release Monday, December 9 on Issuu. Copies will be available to purchase through MagCloud. This is the organization’s fifth issue of Mirage Magazine.

The team will be celebrating the release that evening at 6 p.m. in the Media Innovation Center’s Forum space, located on the 4th floor of the Evansdale Crossing. Guests will be able to read the publication while enjoying a photo wall, refreshments and stations offering face jewels and hair tinsel. The first 20 people to show up to the event will receive exclusive giveaway items from the team.

While the theme dictates the overall aesthetic of the issue, articles in the magazine discuss ableism, gift guides, the evolution of the pop star, weekend getaways around Morgantown and much more. There are also photography features on topics of HBO’s Euphoria, monochromatic looks and even the modern mullet.

“Mirage is not just fashion and beauty,” Lettrich said. “We talk about big issues that need to be discussed while still having fun with creative elements and lighter stories.”

Outside of the magazine, the organization offers networking events, training sessions and team bonding activities. This fall, team members traveled to Pittsburgh Magazine to meet with editors and tour the office space. Every spring, Mirage treks to New York City, touring five to six publications to meet with industry professionals, grow their network and obtain valuable advice regarding working and interning in the city.

Olivia Gianettino (left) and Kasey Lettrich (right)

The organization’s past leadership has worked to rebrand and organize Mirage, bringing it to what it is today. Because of that foundation, there are more opportunities for Lettrich and Gianettino to make members’ experience in the organization the best it’s ever been.

“This year, we’ve done a lot more team bonding and fundraising events that we haven’t had in the past,” Lettrich said. “We work a lot more together by making sure that every member has a say in how the magazine looks and how the theme should be portrayed.”

If you’re interested in joining Mirage Magazine, email kel0020@mix.wvu.edu. Follow the organization on Instagram (@miragemagwvu) for more information about the release.

Updated 12/12: This piece was updated to include photos from the party and links.