A Call with Tricia and Terry Jones
Some people build magazines. Others build entire worlds. On a quiet Monday afternoon, I spoke with Tricia and Terry Jones—partners in life, love, and legendary founders of i-D magazine. What followed wasn’t just conversation, it was a reminder: to stay true to your principles, to nourish the people around you, and to remember that enough is often exactly what we need. We talked about work and rest, the long arc of building something with care, and how to keep showing up—with presence, with love, and with pasta.
Tricia Hello! Hugo Hello is it Tricia? Tricia Yes it is! It’s a funny thing to do this over the phone. Thanks for calling us! So you said you’ve known i-D since a long time?
Hugo Yes, because I’m originally a graphic designer and magazines are one of the reasons I really got into this whole world and i-D was always there, since I was young. I was always publishing little magazines and doing interviews because it was such a perfect excuse to approach the people who are inspiring me. About three years ago I discovered your SOUL i-D book, which I immediately loved. The entire spirit of it was an inspiration for me personally and the PRESENT project I’m currently working on.
Tricia That’s nice to hear! Where did you find the book? Hugo I think it was in the TASCHEN shop back in my hometown Cologne. I also just recently actually talked to Benedikt (Taschen) about it, because I am in the process of designing a book for him, and so we talked about PRESENT and i-D, so that was a nice full circle in a way!
Tricia Well, we love Benedikt. We worked on a lot of projects with him like SMILE i-D and the i-D covers book. It was a great collaboration. We haven’t been in touch since a while though. Whenever we go to California, where he lives, it is much focused on family, because our daughter lives there too. But also because I know that if he takes one look at Terry, he will go “Oh, I might have a project for you!” (laughs) But we are really happily retired. The great thing with Benedikt is that you only ever have to get is OK. If he says to you over dinner, Yes, I will do it — then it’s going to happen. His word is his bond. He is amazing and if you are going to work with him that will be fun!
Hugo What I find really impressive is that Terry and you are doing this together as couple and as a team since such a long time. Obviously, it is a lot of work to publish a magazine, create a whole universe, and a community out of it. And it is a challenge not to become a total workaholic while doing this, or neglecting your friends, or your health. You two seem to have done a great job, because you also raised a family and seem to have stayed positive, even in rough times. I was wondering are there any secrets, any wisdom you could share with us?
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