[2] The publication focused on history, photography, art, and design, but also included articles on architecture, fashion, science, DIY, adventure, and literature.

[7] In response to the decision to launch a new men's magazine when a large number of others were closing, then editorial director Louise Bannister suggested Smith Journal was not intended to appeal to a mass audience, but instead to a smaller group of people interested in "something they can't get on the internet.

Smith Journal's publisher Morrison Media moved production of its titles to Melbourne in February 2014 when it closed its Queensland-based offices.

"[14] According to founding editor Nadia Saccardo, Smith Journal was not created specifically for men, but was instead focused on "unexpected, accessible storytelling coupled with great photography and illustration.

[17] Thematically, Smith Journal "moves where it will and that really is anywhere; columns from aging rock-stars, photo essays, features on primitive skills practitioners and investigations into international (bee) hive heists.

"[18] For instance, Volume 25 profiled photographer Daniel George, whose portfolio consists of household items used for target practice; an article discussing the cultural re-evaluation of 1980s hair metal music; and an interview with former NASA scientist Robert Lang who now designs origami.

[19] Previous issues included interviews with American musician Henry Rollins,[20] and professional safe-cracker Jeff Sitar,[21] an historical article on Soviet rocket architect Galina Balashova,[22] and Brazil's illegal hot air balloon subculture.

"[14] Editor-at-Large Rick Bannister elaborated on this statement by describing the magazine's average reader as someone who is creative and interested in reviving old traditions such as "brewing, or making furniture, or restoring bikes.

[27] At the time of its closure in December 2019, Smith Journal had a readership of 32,000 print distribution, 13,000 e-newsletter subscribers, over 30,000 monthly average pageviews, 15,000 unique users, and 66,800 social media fans.

Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and editor Dave Eggers, author of popular novels A Hologram for the King and The Circle, contributed a personal narrative in the magazine's second issue.