What we want

• Observational, candid images: feels like you walked in mid-scene.
• Images that deepen text: setting, body language, word-image interplay.
• If it’s super hot it can stand alone; if not, there needs to be a story. 
• Grit and texture: sweat, roughness, unusual POVs, intertwined bodies.
• Low production value preferred.
• Underground, unseen, weirder is better. 
• Not porn: intimacy is fine, shock not required. Voice over genitals. It’s often about what you choose not to show.
• “A bit wrong” is good. Surprise us with tension and unexpected settings.

Technical specs

• Print: 300 DPI+, TIFF preferred (large JPEG OK), RGB. Min 4000px long edge. Spreads: 3mm bleed all sides.
• Digital: 72–150 DPI, JPG/PNG, sRGB. Min 2000px long edge. 
• File naming: Name_Project_Number.ext (e.g., John_Basement_01.tiff).

How to submit

• Email submissions@heavyferal.com with a brief description, a few low‑res samples, and links.
• For large files, we’ll share an upload link.

Compensation & credit

• No payment, sorry. We don’t have the budget. 
• You’ll get full credit in print/online + physical copies if printed.

Publication & exclusivity

• Print (FERAL Magazine): roughly once a year with 6+ month lead times in most cases. Also, we have to be highly selective. We generally don’t rush.
• Online: publishes faster (days/weeks) with equal quality standards.
• Exclusivity required: work cannot appear anywhere else before we publish (including your socials/website). After publication, the work must remain exclusive to HEAVY FERAL; rights remain with the artist.

A good interview feels like eavesdropping. 

Keep it casual. Let them talk. But remember that sex could always pop up around the next corner. 

Never assume readers already know your subject or the topics you discuss.

Ask really obvious questions, like you’re 4 years old. Get them to explain simply.

If you’re interviewing a friend, fine. But make it accessible. A bad interview feels like private jokes you weren’t there for.

Ask actual questions. “You moved to Berlin in 2019” isn’t a question. “Why Berlin?” is better. 

Get specific. Avoid vague answers. Not: “What’s your morning routine?” Instead: “What’s the first thing you do before even getting out of bed?”

Not: “Like threesomes?” Instead: “Group sex, logistical nightmare or best idea ever?” Specificity gets real answers.

We’re not writing Wikipedia entries. Too much past tense drains energy. If someone’s only interesting because of old stories, you’re asking the wrong questions. Keep it current. What’s happening NOW? What do they dream about? What do they want, where are they going, what’s next??? 

Tell them to answer from the bath. While walking. On the train. Setting changes energy. Make them call naked. Or text from a cruising spot.

“Sexting” brings different qualities than talking. Oftentimes a text marathon is as good as a verbal interview. Even more candid, in some cases.

Coming out isn’t special. It happened to all of us. Rather talk about desire or visibility. What/who do they want? Why are they putting themselves out there? How does queerness shape that?

Sex is always a good bridge. It’s part of life, culture, language. Not for shock, sex changes how people speak. Any good interview might turn filthy—if they want to go there. Don’t force it. But most people love talking sex. Give them space.

Let interviews go sideways. The best questions might be accidental or in response to something they say. Stay open and vigilant.

That’s what makes it worth reading.

Length Guidelines:

• Print interviews and articles: 2,000-4,000 words. More is more, better to edit down later.
• Digital interviews and features: 800-1,500 words. People are lazy to read, so keep it punchy. 

Editing Process:

Text may be edited for clarity, length, and impact, or edits might be requested from you. It’s a collaborative process.

Visual Requirements:

• Images of the subject in their environment

• Images of relevant work/projects if applicable
• Consider environmental imagery that places the subject in context