We Backed Ourselves

Yesterday, we stood at the window inside the U.S. Embassy, passports and doucments in hand, maybe looking confident, but nerves were bubbling under the surface.

Minutes later, we were told: "Your visa is approved."

Just like that - weeks of preparation, conversations, paperwork, and wondering if we’d done enough, were reduced to a quiet little moment of validation.

But it wasn’t really just like that. Getting here was a journey.

Independent, Not Invisible

We’re Kate and Jack, and we independently publish We Are Makers, a quarterly magazine telling the stories of craftspeople from all over the world.

When we decided we wanted to travel to the U.S. this spring to meet some of the makers we’d previously featured - and others we’ve long admired - we thought: let’s do this properly. Let’s apply for a Media (I) visa.

At first, it felt like a long shot. Most of the guidance we found was for people working at major media outlets - the kind with newsrooms, editors-in-chief, corporate structures, and press credentials. Not two people with an indie mag and a deep love for storytelling.

In fact, we were advised more than once that this visa probably wasn’t right for us.

But something didn’t sit right.

So we backed ourselves.

Putting In the Work

Over the course of several weeks, we put together a very passionate visa application.

We gathered:

• Letters of support from makers we’re visiting

• Documents proving our travel plans and editorial intent

• An overview of how We Are Makers is independently run and funded

• Proof of previous issues & the whole body of work

We spent hours refining our language, practicing our answers, and honestly… reclaiming the belief that our work counts - even if it doesn’t come with a big company name on the masthead.

The Embassy Moment

We arrived at the U.S. Embassy super early in the morning, dressed smartly, a little quiet. We’d gone over everything the night before (hardly slept that night), our intent, the packet of documents we’d built from scratch.

When we were called, we stepped forward and calmly explained who we are, what we do, and why this trip matters. We spoke about our magazine, our mission, the makers we’ll be meeting, and the purpose of the work we’re doing.

And just like that, it was approved.

We stepped outside into the London air - both relieved and a little stunned. Not because we didn’t believe in our work, but because it can be so easy to second -guess your place when you’re not part of the “big system.” When you’re independent.

What We Learned

This wasn’t just a visa. It was proof that what we’re doing counts. That independent storytelling - stories rooted in process, craft, culture, and connection - matters just as much as the headline news.

It taught us that the path isn’t always obvious, and not everyone will see your work the way you do. But that doesn’t mean you’re wrong. It just means you might have to build your own way forward.

Most of the advice out there is for the big press. The established names.
But this experience reminded us: Independent doesn’t mean invisible.

What’s Next

We’ll be heading to the U.S. in May. We’ll be sitting in workshops and sheds and studios. We’ll be listening. Photographing. Documenting. Learning. All with the same curiosity that started this magazine in the first place.

And in August, you’ll see that work come to life in the next issue of We Are Makers.

To Anyone Else Doing This On Your Own

If you’re building something with heart - a publication, a practice, a path - and the systems out there don’t seem to have space for you…

Make your own space. Back yourself. Do the work.

Because sometimes, someone on the other side of the glass will look up at you and say,

“You’re good to go.”