Talisman Magazine Celebrates 50+ Years of Student Creativity

Skyline College's student-run arts and literary publication continues to showcase unique student work.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:06am

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For over 50 years, Talisman Magazine has provided a platform for Skyline College students to showcase their original artwork, poetry, and prose. The magazine, which is entirely designed and created by students, publishes a new collection each spring featuring creative submissions from the campus community.

Why it matters

In an era of increasing literary comprehension challenges and the rise of AI-generated content, Talisman Magazine serves as an important outlet for students to express themselves creatively and share their unique perspectives through traditional artistic mediums.

The details

The role of Talisman Magazine's faculty advisor has changed over the years, with the current advisor being Professor Rob Williams. Students who submit work to the magazine are eligible for prizes and the opportunity to read their pieces publicly. Skyline student Rei Dolar, who submitted an original poem titled 'The Princess' in 2025, was inspired by fairytale narratives to explore themes of societal expectation and identity.

  • Talisman Magazine was first published in 1970.
  • The magazine publishes a new collection each spring.

The players

Talisman Magazine

A student-run arts and literary publication at Skyline College that has provided a creative platform for over 50 years.

Rei Dolar

A Skyline College student who submitted an original poem titled 'The Princess' to Talisman Magazine in 2025.

Professor Rob Williams

The current faculty advisor for Talisman Magazine and Dolar's creative writing professor.

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What they’re saying

“What would it look like if a princess didn't want to end up with a prince?”

— Rei Dolar, Skyline College Student

“It is so important to platform art and writing, especially now that AI has become more mainstream and with literary comprehension at an all time low.”

— Rei Dolar, Skyline College Student

“You can always end up surprising yourself, and who knows? Your work might inspire someone else.”

— Rei Dolar, Skyline College Student

The takeaway

Talisman Magazine's continued success over the past 50+ years demonstrates the enduring value of student-led creative expression and the power of providing a platform for unique artistic voices, even in an age of technological disruption.