Don't be afraid of contacting people, even at a top magazine like Vogue. Work at a publication or two before going freelance...
What is your job?
I'm a freelance Fashion Writer.
What does your job involve?
It involves writing about fashion and lifestyle, as well as researching and trendspotting. I look out for new trends and write about those, or gather some case studies to feature in a fashion piece, or interview celebrities about their style. It's 50/50 me suggesting ideas to magazines, and them asking me to write something.
How did you get to this point in your career?
I was offered a job as Fashion Assistant at The Guardian, so I left college after two years of FPI and took the job! I worked there for two years, then moved to the Daily Telegraph for two years as a Fashion Writer. Then I did a couple of years freelance, then two years as Shopping Editor of The Evening Standard’s ES magazine. Now, I'm freelance again - and writing for Grazia, Elle, Red, Stella, London Lite and the Evening Standard - see here. I love it.
What training did you do and where?
I did a course in Fashion Promotion and Illustration (FPI) at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, which is now the University for the Creative Arts. While there, I did three weeks’ work experience at Vogue and one week on The Guardian's fashion desk.
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
The wall installations I did in Selfridges in 2007 called ‘Molly Gunn's Must Haves’. I designed them to look like magazine pages and they were up for six weeks in a prime position in the Oxford Street store! Also, I'm proud of lots of my articles - the ones that I think are amusing.
What do you need to succeed in your industry?
Determination and a good work ethic. Lots of people want to succeed in fashion journalism, but it's not all about the frills and frippery. Commissioning editors just want someone who can write well, get the job done, and file on time!
Who’s your work hero / heroine?
I have ambitions to be a novelist, so at the moment my heroes are successful novelists such as Jonathan Coe and Douglas Coupland.
What inspired you to do this type of work?
I love writing and thought it would be fun to work in magazines, as I was always reading them as a teenager.
What do your friends/family think of the work you do?
They think it's good, but when I got my job at The Telegraph my mum reminded me not to value clothes/looks too highly - good advice! She still collects my articles.
What are your tips for anyone wanting to do your job?
Work hard. Do lots of work experience so you make lots of contacts. Don't be afraid of contacting people, even at a top magazine like Vogue. Work at a publication or two before going freelance... don't go freelance straight away, as it's hard if you haven't got contacts!
Creative inspirations
My Polaroid camera
I'm always snapping.
‘What a Carve Up’ by Jonathan Coe
This is my favourite book. He’s a satirical genius.
Frank
The magazine is now defunct, but it was very inspirational when I started out.
Sex and the City!
The outfits, the chatter, the general vibe.
East London
Everything from graffiti on the walls to the London skyline to the interestingly dressed people.
Prince
All of his music is inspiring and amazing.
My Emma Hope leopard print pumps
I wear these often and they make me feel creative.
Old-school passport photo booths
I love these as the snaps are so instantaneous and unique.
Andy Warhol
My favourite is his ‘Ethel Scull 36 Times’ picture, taken in an old school photo booth.
Vintage tea sets
I love to drink tea out of a vintage cup when writing.
If you would like advice on creative careers and courses, contact a Creative Way Careers Adviser - either Matt Ball on m.ball@uel.ac.uk / 07889 001764 or Sarah Comerford on s.comerford@uel.ac.uk / 07515 051509.