Hey there! With International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month among us, we are spotlighting some powerful women creators in our community. First, we’re starting with London-based writer Jenny O’Connor. She was kind enough to sit down with us and discuss her magazine, G.URL. The publication dives into the world of female tech and gaming, filled with interviews, collaborations, and all things G.URL!
Her sheer amount of drive and talent have led her to create her dream publication. Join us as we discuss this incredible journey in a Q&A session.
What inspired you to start your own magazine?
“G.URL started as my final project in university. I’ve always been excited about creating something physical in a world where almost everything is digital. The idea of having a concrete representation of my achievements over the last three years was really exciting. Choosing to continue G.URL came from realising how much I enjoyed working on it and wanting it to be part of my career. I love being involved in every aspect of G.URL, from the writing and art to the layout, editing, and managing our social media. I also saw how much a publication like this is needed in the gaming and online community. While G.URL is a gaming publication, it also dives into online culture, which has become a big part of mainstream media through social media.”
Why did you want to focus on the topic of girl gaming for your publication?
“I really wanted to evolve people’s perceptions of a classic “gamer girl” into a more relatable image: just a regular individual who enjoys gaming as much as anyone else. I also just really enjoy gaming myself. I believe gaming is a vast industry that’s often underestimated, despite its significant size and impact. Moreover, I’m committed to addressing sexism within gaming, from the personal experiences of playing on a PC to the broader challenges faced within the industry.”
What are your biggest inspirations in the creative world?
“One of my biggest inspirations in the creative world has to be Ginni Joie, especially through her journey with Blender. The pastels and vibrant colours she uses, along with her work process, have been incredibly inspiring to me. When I first started learning Blender a year ago, her approach to using Blender as a brand new tool was super inspiring. As I myself only started a year ago. I’ve always had a love for cartoons, having grown up watching shows like Barbie and Bratz. These childhood favourites have deeply influenced my creative style, infusing it with a sense of nostalgia and whimsy. As I’ve grown, my tastes have expanded to include adult cartoons, which I adore for their ability to blend humour and mature themes with animation. This has inspired me to create something unique with my work, especially with the “G.URLS” included in my magazine. I wanted to create a magazine with a cutesy look but targeted at adults. This blend of influences—from Ginni Joie’s artistic process and the colourful world of children’s cartoons to the edgier realm of adult animation—has been central to developing my own creative voice and vision.”
Where does your love of gaming come from?
“My favourite game of all time is Chibi Robo from the GameCube. I’ve always had a big soft spot for Nintendo, as my mum only allowed us to play on Nintendo consoles in our earlier years; as it was more child-friendly. As a teen, I sought out gaming as a release from the real world and made many online friends along the way. It felt like my big escape from a lot of stress and a place to be a different version of myself that I was too shy to present in the real world. With that, it actually helped me to develop more confidence when going out and making friends. I think gaming is a great way to nurture your true personality and feel celebrated for who you are – if you game in the right circles.”
What are some of your favorite female-created publications?
“I’ve always had a deep appreciation for publications that not only entertain and inform but also challenge societal norms and champion feminist ideals. Rookie Magazine was a treasure during its time, especially the pieces by Petra Collins. Her work resonated with me deeply, blending art with a raw, unfiltered exploration of femininity and the complexities of growing up. It felt personal and revolutionary, offering a space where young women’s experiences and voices were valued and amplified. Although it no longer exists, it serves as a great time capsule for the content I loved growing up.
The Gentlewoman has been another favourite, captivating me with its elegant yet powerful portrayal of women. It’s not just a fashion magazine; it’s a narrative on modern womanhood, blending style with substance, and showcasing the strength, intelligence, and diversity of women across various fields. Its feminist approach isn’t loud but woven seamlessly into its fabric, celebrating achievement and sophistication.
Polyester Zine has a special place in my heart for its bold stance on feminism. It embraces the quirky, the avant-garde, and the outspoken, providing a platform for voices that defy mainstream beauty standards and societal expectations. Polyester is about empowerment, body positivity, and the rejection of the status quo, all of which speak to me on a personal level. These publications, with their unique feminist approaches, have not just informed my views but have also been a source of inspiration and empowerment, encouraging me to think critically and celebrate the multifaceted nature of intersectional feminism.”
What is your working process like?
“When it comes to my working process, especially in creating art, I really lean into letting ideas come to me organically. I don’t force creativity; instead, I keep myself open to inspiration from my daily life, the media I consume, and the world around me. This approach means that sometimes ideas hit me when I least expect them—like in the middle of a walk, while watching a movie, or even in the midst of a conversation. I’m constantly exposing myself to various facets of pop culture and engaging actively in nuanced conversations. These interactions are a rich source of inspiration, influencing not just my art but my writing as well. Listening to different perspectives and diving into the latest cultural trends keeps my work relevant and vibrant.”
What’s a typical day like for you as a solo magazine creator?
“A typical day for me running the magazine solo is pretty hands-on and varied. First thing, I usually make a list of what I need to get done that day. This could be anything from finishing up an article to designing a page layout. Having a plan helps me stay focused, but there’s always some flexibility for those unexpected tasks that pop up. Then, it’s on to emails. My inbox is always a mix of everything—replying to readers, coordinating with contributors, and sometimes troubleshooting random issues. It keeps things interesting, for sure. Reaching out to people and brands is another big part of my day. Whether it’s for interviews, collaborations, or just building relationships, it’s all about staying connected and making sure the magazine is always filled with fresh, exciting content. And, of course, there’s social media. Planning and scheduling posts is a huge task on its own. I try to keep our feeds lively and engaging, which means lots of creative captions and making sure the visuals are just right. So, yeah, it’s a juggle, but it’s also super rewarding. Every day brings something new, and seeing it all come together in the end is the best part.”
What are the biggest challenges that you face while making the magazine?
“The biggest challenges I face while making the magazine stem mainly from being completely self-funded and handling every aspect of the magazine on my own. This dual role of financier and creator means I’m constantly balancing the budget with the vision I have for the magazine. Every decision, from printing to marketing, needs to be carefully weighed against available resources.
On the creative side, being a one-person team means I’m responsible for everything from content creation to design, editing, and social media management. This can be incredibly demanding, as each role requires a significant amount of time, energy, and dedication to do well. The need to switch hats throughout the day can be both a logistical and a creative challenge. Handling everything alone can also sometimes feel isolating. Without a team to bounce ideas off or share the workload, it’s all on me to stay motivated and keep the creative energy flowing. This can be particularly tough during periods of writer’s block or when I hit a creative rut. However, I do really appreciate being able to be my own boss during this project.”
What are your future plans for G.URL?
“For G.URL’s immediate future, I’m super excited about the magazine’s third issue, which is scheduled for release between mid-April and May. This issue’s theme is “PARTY!” and it’ll be diving deep into everything from physical games to digital ones that bring out the party spirit. The magazine also heavily talks about fashion, music, and culture, so expect some fun rave playlists and party fits.
Looking beyond the upcoming issue, my plans for G.URL are all about growth and connection. I want to keep creating issues that resonate with girl gamers and anyone who’s drawn to the magazine’s vibe and aesthetic. Building a community around G.URL is really important to me. It’s not just about producing a magazine; it’s about creating a space where people who share our interests in gaming, fashion, and culture can connect and feel represented.
Continuing to produce G.URL independently allows me to maintain the magazine’s unique voice and vision, but I’m also open to collaborations that align with the magazine’s ethos. Expanding our reach and impact while staying true to the essence of what makes G.URL special is my main goal. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the magazine can evolve and hopefully inspire more people in the gaming and creative communities.”
How do you hope to connect even more with the girl gaming community?
“To connect more with the girl gaming community, I’m focusing on creating content that resonates with us all. It’s all about crafting stories, interviews, and features that spotlight the diverse experiences and achievements of girl gamers. Additionally, I’m looking to spark conversations within the community. Through G.URL magazine’s pages and its online extensions, I want to open up discussions about the games we love, the challenges we face, and the triumphs we celebrate. It’s about building a platform where everyone feels heard and valued, creating a space that’s as inclusive as it is empowering.”
You can check out Jenny’s iconic magazine, G.URL, on her Instagram and TikTok 💗✨.
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