The Original Magazine (also known as The Original) is a semiannual magazine covering the arts scene in Pittsburgh.^[2] Founded in 2006 by Elana Schlenker as a nonprofit organization, The Original is supported by the Sprout Fund, and grants from various departments at the University of Pittsburgh, and The Original Hot Dog Shop.^[2] Printed copies are distributed free of charge throughout the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, including coffee shops, art galleries, and bookstores.^[3] The staff, mostly students, numbers around 50.^[1] The magazine publishers hold an annual "Arts and Crap Fair", allowing local artists to showcase and sell their work.^[4]

Over 300 people attended the magazine's 2007 issue's release party.^[5] The magazine's cover and table of contents design has received awards from the College Media Advisers.^[1][3] The magazine was displayed by the Pittsburgh American Institute of Graphic Arts during CONTEXT 2007, its annual graphic design showcase.^[3] In 2007, the University of Pittsburgh Student Government named The Original the "Best New Student Group".^[3]