Pencil Magazine: A Print Publication Entirely in Graphite

Pencil Magazine has been introduced by Sasha Wizansky and Matthea Harvey, a print journal where every aspect—images, text, infographics, and even page numbers—is crafted using graphite pencil on paper. Established in 2012, this publication seeks to combat digital saturation by fostering analog creativity and encouraging slow reading. To date, four editions have been released: Issue Zero (Pencils), Issue 1 (Attention), Issue 2 (Eraser), and Issue 3 (Letter Writing). The submission period for Issue 4 (How-To) has recently concluded. The magazine welcomes various pencil types, excluding charcoal, water-soluble graphite, and colored pencils. Most contributions stem from open calls, with around 10-15% being commissioned. A local arts grant from Maine facilitated the project’s launch in 2024. The editorial team operates out of South Portland, Maine, and Brooklyn, NY. Each issue is accompanied by Pencil Parties, which include drawing and writing activities. Notable contributors feature artists like Karl Haendel, Robert Brinkerhoff, Jefferson Navicky, Reeena Makwana, Ellen Song, Diana Baltag, Meg Willing, and Dabin Han. The magazine reproduces all work at a full facsimile size.