Atelier Å Journal

ATELIER Å JOURNAL
Independent Creative Studio & Publishing Platform

Founded in 2015, Atelier Å Journal was an independent creative studio and publishing platform exploring the intersection of fashion, design, culture and conscious living through editorial storytelling, publishing, events, exhibitions and creative collaborations.

Beginning as a digital journal before evolving into a multidisciplinary creative platform, the project brought together artists, designers, photographers, writers and craftspeople across three bilingual limited-edition publications, exhibitions, cultural events and material collaborations. Each project explored how thoughtful storytelling could extend beyond the printed page, connecting editorial direction with craftsmanship, design and physical experience.

Å Journal — The Solstice Issue
Vol. 02
2018

SELECTED EVENTS

The Travel of Scent — Perfume Launch Party
Senses Salon
Berlin, 2019

“NO OCEANS, NO LIFE” EXHIBiTION
OFR Copenhagen
Copenhagen, 2018

PUBLICATIONS

Å Journal — The Travel of Scent
Vol. 03
2019

Å Journal — The New Spirit
Vol. 01
2017

Å Journal Launch Event
Librairie Yvon Lambert
Paris, 2019

The Story Behind Atelier Å Journal

Created at a time when conversations around conscious living were only beginning to emerge within lifestyle publishing, the platform sought to present these ideas through carefully curated editorial narratives, celebrating brands, makers and creative practices where aesthetics, craftsmanship and thoughtful production existed in balance.

Initially launched as a digital journal, Atelier Å Journal expanded into a series of three bilingual limited-edition publications, each conceived as a distinct editorial object. The first edition was published in English and Japanese, reflecting an interest in Japanese aesthetics, craftsmanship and everyday rituals. Later editions shifted to English and French, drawing from the French tradition of independent publishing and book culture. Each volume collaborated with a different graphic designer, allowing every publication to develop its own visual identity while remaining connected through a shared editorial philosophy.

Every publication was designed as a tactile object rather than a conventional magazine. Hand-bound using traditional bookbinding techniques, the books featured fabric covers finished with original silkscreen artworks created in collaboration with contemporary artists. Produced with local manufacturers and artisans, they reflected an approach to publishing that considered materiality, craftsmanship and production as integral parts of the editorial narrative. Selected cover artworks were also released as limited-edition silkscreen posters, extending each publication beyond the book itself.

Across its publications, Atelier Å Journal explored fashion, design, food, organic skincare, landscape, contemporary craft and everyday rituals through photography, interviews, essays, illustrations, recipes and poetry. While contributors came from around the world, editorial productions were developed predominantly with local creative teams, supporting more thoughtful production methods while fostering dialogue between international perspectives and local communities.

Beyond publishing, Atelier Å Journal expanded into exhibitions, events, fragrance collaborations and cultural projects that translated editorial ideas into physical experiences. Bringing together artists, designers, chefs, photographers, writers and craftspeople, these collaborations extended the publication's philosophy beyond print and created spaces for conversation, exchange and community.

As founder and creative director, Kama Krystel developed the platform from concept to execution, shaping its editorial vision, art direction, creative production and collaborations while working closely with her father as publisher. Together they developed a holistic approach to independent publishing that connected storytelling, materiality, craftsmanship and distribution.

kama

Creative Producer | Brand Storytelling & Image