Fashion Journalism

[Cicciolina]

I actually also adore Guy Trebay's writing as well as Teri Agins (Wall Street Journal) and Robin Givhan (Washington Post).

 

[LifeNatureLove]

Ahh, I didn't realize there were multiple threads on this. . . confused. . .
I agree Cicciolina, Robin from the Post is my favorite since I'm from the area and read her column the most.

 

[musegirl]

Hi guys, I've been reading this thread and have found it quite inspirational. I'm currently in my first year at Cambridge uni studying English but I'm really not enjoying the course and would love to get my teeth into something like fashion journalism. Would dropping out of uni and trying to get my teeth into a number of internships place me in a worse position? I'm really debating what to do with my life and I'd love any advice you're willing to share.

 

[rangerrick14]

I model myslef after Robin and Cathy Horyn.

 

[LifeNatureLove]

musegirl if I were you, I'd stay in university. It's been said before in this thread that most people in journalism don't have a degree specific for the field. I couldn't drop out of college because I'd like to have a degree to fall back on, it means a lot to most employers. You could always continue classes and intern at a newspaper or write articles on-line.
All in all, I'd stay in university.

 

[fashionistasista]

Hi guys, I've been reading this thread and have found it quite inspirational. I'm currently in my first year at Cambridge uni studying English but I'm really not enjoying the course and would love to get my teeth into something like fashion journalism. Would dropping out of uni and trying to get my teeth into a number of internships place me in a worse position? I'm really debating what to do with my life and I'd love any advice you're willing to share.

Dont drop out! perhaps change majors or change some of your classes to things that may interest you more and arrange to do internships through your uni.

 

[dazed&confused]

Dont drop out! perhaps change majors or change some of your classes to things that may interest you more and arrange to do internships through your uni.

Agree., don't drop out !!! now more than ever I'd say it's extremely important to have a higher education

 

[style_star]

How much do fashion journalists make, typically?

I've been trying to research journalism in general and I keep coming up with other names, such as "news analysts" and "reporters" and it talks only about reporters and journalists for things such as politics and general news. To top it off, the website I went to (which is supposed to be credible) stated that the salary is beyond lousy.

Are the chances really that slim to work as a fashion journalist and get enough money to get by? I've been reading this thread and I'm very confused and discouraged about this career option, but it's the only one which makes sense when applied to me.

 

[Strikingly Chloe]

This is exactly what I studied, fashion jorunalism, but I have yet to find THE job ....

 

[Cicciolina]

Fashion journalism is quite lowly paid, but again there may be exceptions. There aren't many positions available - I mean journalism itself is so competitive so fashion journalism is even worse. But again, as usual there may be exceptions.

 

[KindlyCuddly]

The pay is low and so are the oppurtunities to get a stable job, honestly.

 

[BetteT]

Just moved the off topic posts, about finding a career other than journalism and the subsequent talk about PR, here in the thread about searching for career options.

For more information about PR (Public Relations) there's an ongoing thread, here.

 

[katebug]

Journalism - graphics skills needed?

Hi, I'm hoping to get into journalism after I graduate. Fashion journalism would be my ideal

Anyway, just a quick question. I'm always scouring job pages just out of curiousity, and I have seen a lot of adverts for journalism related roles asking skills in graphic design and/or photography. I imagine this depends on the type and size of the publication you are applying for, but are these skills now needed?

I want to get as qualified as possible, so was wondering whether I should take some evening classes. I've heard Quark being mentioned. Is it worth learning these skills? And if so, what?
Thanks

 

[ms.jade]

Master's degree?

Do you know of any good Master programmes in fashion journalism? I'm considering to do my masters and was thinking of Central St. Martins or...? I've recently graduated from art school and would love to live somewhere uproad for a while doing someting useful - London or New York would be great

 

[dulcedeleche]

Hi, I'm hoping to get into journalism after I graduate. Fashion journalism would be my ideal

Anyway, just a quick question. I'm always scouring job pages just out of curiousity, and I have seen a lot of adverts for journalism related roles asking skills in graphic design and/or photography. I imagine this depends on the type and size of the publication you are applying for, but are these skills now needed?

I want to get as qualified as possible, so was wondering whether I should take some evening classes. I've heard Quark being mentioned. Is it worth learning these skills? And if so, what?
Thanks

I don't know about magazines, but for newpapers, you don't really need these skills if you are just a reporter/features writer. At least in the United States. But maybe things have changed?

 

[australian_girl]

anyone know anything about fashion journalism in australia?

 

[Cicciolina]

^^^ What about fashion journalism in Australia?
Regarding degrees/masters/etc, I don't think it's necessary in journalism or fashion jourmalism and from what I've seen there are many writers who didn't study journalism, but rather a liberal studies degree.

 

[Ariadne Grant]

Hi, I studied an MA in Fashion Journalism at the London College of Fashion in 2006 and I have to say it really paid out. The course basically divides in theory (sociology basically) and practice as well as some it courses like photoshop, indesign, etc.
The MA really helped my career, but my advice would be: publish. Publish as much as you can, even if its on your school newspaper or in a small publication, this way you can build a portfolio you can show to your potential employers so they can see your style. You can have great study credentials but if you arrive to an interview empty handed and with no experience is going to be much harder.
Another tip is always ask for interviews, no matter how big they are, many of them are going to say no, but eventually soe of them are going to say yes, that way I managed to interview people like Paul Smith, Phillip Treacy and Christopher Bailey. And that can really build your cv.
Good luck and always keep your eyes open for interesting stories

 

[Luxx]

^Great tip. Sometimes it can be so scary to ask for interviews but its wonderful when people do say yes.

 

[Dustcakeboy]

^^ Agreed, really great tip. This is what I've heard again and again - publish.