The third 112-page issue of Playground explores the creative industries through the lens of freedom, bringing together over 40 creatives and contributors to collaborate on a topic that extends far beyond the creative world. As more creatives choose to work independently and break free from rigid structures, it’s clear there’s a drive to escape rules, hierarchies, mistrust, and dishonesty. It felt like a conversation that needed more airtime. 

As a concept, freedom is personal and means something different to everyone. In this issue, we examine it from multiple angles:

- A special report featuring insights from creatives in over 30 countries, uncovering emerging trends and perspectives on what freedom means to them.
- An exploration of satire as escapism and alternatives to social media.
- The contrast of play and freedom and how rules can sometimes enhance creativity.
- Different states of freedom.
- Conversations with inspiring creatives: Alex Holder on bookshops and financial transparency, Yuri Suzuki on sound and interactive art, and Ola Mirecka on creativity both independently and within corporations. 

And there’s more! Dive into a ‘creative quickie’, where some of our favourite creatives share past project failures, tips for rediscovering play, cultural recommendations, curated design objects, and more.