Every day, we (try to) make ourselves understood and visible.

We translate our experiences into forms that others can read, navigate systems that may or may not recognise us, and encounter the gaps between who we are and how we appear to the world.

Introducing the theme for Volume N°2: LEGIBLE. We’re looking for essays that examine the politics, mechanics, and cultural dynamics of being seen and understood across different contexts.

Pitches are open from Aug 14 2025 to Sept 05 2025, 11.59PM IST.

What we’re looking for

We want pieces that explore translation and legibility from your particular vantage point, and balance analytical insight with lived experience.

What do you see about how understanding gets negotiated that others might miss? Where do you encounter the friction between complex realities and simplified systems? Why are you uniquely positioned to explore this aspect of translation?

Your piece might examine:

• How cultural brands or movements make themselves understood to different audiences
• The work of translation—linguistic, cultural, or otherwise
• Moments when illegibility functions as protection or resistance
• The technologies, systems and objects that mediate how we’re “read” by others
• How different communities make meaning across cultural or generational divides

We want writing that turns outward, that uses personal experience as a lens to examine broader cultural dynamics. Your piece should include rich and careful documentation and should engage thoughtfully with the community being documented. For inspiration, check out our library.

Note: We’re particularly interested in voices from different cultural, professional, and geographic backgrounds. If you’re a policymaker, museum curator, immigration lawyer, book translator, urban planner, service designer (or any other role) and are also a good storyteller, please pitch to Patina! What matters most is the quality of your insight and the specificity of your perspective.

What we don’t want

We can’t consider pitches and pieces that have already been published elsewhere (including personal websites and other platforms). We encourage you to tussle with the theme and write something fresh.

We don’t prefer personal essays and anecdotes that are far too navel-gazey and not balanced with cultural or other objective research.

Formats

We welcome submissions in these formats:

• Narrative non-fiction (2,000-2,500 words)
• Photo or illustrated essays with supporting text
• Written conversations or interviews

We are not taking submissions for fiction, poetry and videography.

Please include in your pitch:

• Body: Your elevator pitch and proposed format that makes clear what you’re writing about, why it matters, and how it connects to larger patterns of cultural continuity (under 300 words)
• Estimated length of the piece, or scope of images
• A brief bio with relevant experience and links to writing samples
• Any images or visual elements to go with the piece

Pitch deadline: Sept 05, 11.59PM IST.

Due to the high volume of pitches we typically get, you can expect to hear back from us after 10 days from the pitch deadline. The final volume will be published in November.

Contributors will receive a special Patina writer’s kit with custom artefacts.