Patterns Club Preps New Issue of Literary Magazine
Patterns board members meet in the library to discuss what to include in this year's magazine. Photo: Tashfa Umair
By KELLY LI and TASHFA UMAIR
Looking to contribute something meaningful while sharpening your creative skills? Then Patterns Club is the perfect place for you. It is a space for writers, artists, photographers, and creators of all kinds to express themselves and see their work featured in Midwood’s own Patterns Magazine.
Paul Khanis ‘27, the photography director, said, “Rather than focusing solely on one medium, we celebrate all forms of artistic creativity, making it a diverse and inclusive environment for all students.”
Active since the 1950s and one of the school’s oldest clubs, Patterns still remains relatively unknown.
“A lot of people don’t know what Patterns is about,” said Club President Talya Olmez ‘25. “A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, do you guys make patterns and stuff?’ And I'm like, ‘No, we're a magazine.’”
“We hold various activities to encourage submissions as well as team-building,” Tiffany Dong ‘25, the literary director, said. At a meeting, participants might be given a prompt and then have to either draw a picture or write a short story or poem related to it. “We also play Animal Crossing music in the background for a fun and relaxing atmosphere,” Dong added.
Patterns provides a judgment-free zone. Emily Kovmir ‘26, the secretary, said, “Some people may be afraid to speak up and would rather express themselves through writing or drawing, so the magazine allows them to share their ideas with others easily. [The club] can increase confidence and help people learn more about themselves.”
Cristine Lopez ‘26, the layout director and social media manager, said the club seeks to expand writing “beyond the walls of a classroom.”
Exposure to literature and other students’ works “allowed me to enhance my own pieces and take inspiration,” said Dong.
In collaborative design meetings, members come together to plan the magazine’s layout and work on its look using Canva. This year’s theme, “Alternative Universe Through Trains,” was inspired by the NYC subway. Olmez designed a graffiti-style logo and an old Metrocard-style cover to match.
“I took lots of inspiration from Pinterest and used Patterns’s previous color scheme to give the logo a sort of ‘pop,’” she said. The new edition also includes themed sections such as “Photography Street” and “Short Story Parkway.” The Art Club and Photography Club have also contributed to this year’s issue.
To ensure a balanced magazine, the members follow a careful selection process. Submissions must be school appropriate, and if there are too many of one type, not all can be included. But the club is always looking for more student writing. “We struggle to get a lot of submissions,” said Olmez, “especially when it comes to poems and short stories.”
Interviews for leadership positions will begin around the end of May.
“When it comes to general members, anyone can join and contribute what they can,” said Olmez. “[Leadership candidates] go through an interview process and submit example works to the club president and vice president.”
“The making of magazines and articles is important towards our student life,” Editorial Director Wislanda Laguerre ‘25 said. “Being connected to the Midwood community, where many can share their thoughts and creativity, is important and improves the quality of school spirit.”
“Whether you’re a writer, artist, editor, designer, or hobbyist, there’s a place for you in Patterns,” Dong said.
Patterns Club meets every Wednesday period 9 in room B32E. In order to submit entries for the magazine, look for the Google form on their Instagram page, @midwoodhspatterns. They are no longer accepting photography submissions, only short stories, poetry, and artwork.