Matthew Comer is a photographer and editor-in-chief who, together with co-founder and managing director Lee Barber, launched Off the Rails as a visual arts and photographic journal built by and for artists. The Manchester-based magazine has grown into something far larger than a publication — twenty issues deep and printed across 36 countries, it has become a creative agency, a streetwear line, and an events operation, all held together by a rock 'n' roll ethos that treats rebellion not as a pose but as a daily practice.
Each issue of Off the Rails reads like a group exhibition crossed with a mixtape. The magazine showcases photographers, painters, musicians, and the unfiltered energy of youth culture globally, with contributors ranging from emerging talents to established names. Issue 20, themed Firestarter, featured a cover story with electronic music artist Lucille Croft, a profile of designer Julia Clancey, and alt-pop singer Blake Rose. The magazine has also produced curated Spotify playlists for each issue, an app for immersive digital reading, and creative campaigns for brands including Nike, Levi's, Ugg, and Harvey Nichols.
Behind the swagger is a genuine commitment to giving artists a global platform. Head of design Ty Hancocks, fashion director Cal Mac, and a rotating cast of stylists and photographers create the visual identity, while Comer and Barber's two decades of experience ensure the magazine stays commercially viable without ever feeling like it sold out. Their tagline says it best: art, not adverts.
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