Careers in Fashion Publishing
Publishing vis-??-vis the fashion world typically means fashion journalism, photography, illustration and graphic design. Working at a fashion magazine or trade paper is much like working at a typical publication house. Success demands excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure deadline oriented environment. According to The Guide to New Consumer Magazines, the number of magazine launches has peaked and fallen in recent years. In 1998, over 1,000 new magazines were launched as compared to 540 new magazines during the first nine months of 2002, according to a University of Mississippi study. Matthew Rose, a staff reporter at The Wall Street Journal, has noted, "The recession, curiously, has helped would-be publishers by creating a large talent pool of unemployed writers and editors."
Jobs
Advertising: Manages client/agency contact and generates marketing materials for clients.
Consumer marketing/circulation: Handles direct marketing of subscriptions and sales of magazines at newsstands. Creates new offerings to the consumer via mail, TV or other avenues.
Writer: Follows fashion currents through editorial reporting.
Editor: Determines noteworthy trends that set the scene in the fashion world; responsible for content of the publication.
Editorial research assistant: Checks article facts prior to publication through interviews and research to verify accuracy.
Catalog editor: Oversees all content of the catalog including proofing, visual layout, and editing.
Photographer: Captures the latest fashion trends on film.
Art director: Orchestrates the visual images and the "look" of publications. Usually experienced in research, picture editing or assigning illustrations and can use software such as Quark, Photoshop and Illustrator.
The Scoop
Jobs in publishing are often glamorous, as they include exposure to famous people and exciting events. However, journalism jobs in fashion (and journalism jobs in general) are difficult to find and don't pay well. Another drawback: many fashion journalists are expected to be as stylish as the subjects they cover. Insiders from Vogue say that the magazine's employees "look like they belong in the magazine." One disgruntled source contends that the company simply hires people who have "the Vogue look." While being attractive might not be part of their job descriptions, contacts admit that there is a definite pressure to look good. This focus on appearance isn't surprising, given the fashion industry's premium on beauty.
A few of the large publishing giants include Time Inc., The Hearst Corporation, Cond?? Nast Publications and Fairchild Publications. See below for the affiliated magazines:
Time Inc.: InStyle, Entertainment Weekly, and People
The Hearst Corporation: Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, and Town & Country
Cond?? Nast: Vogue, Glamour, GQ, Allure, Lucky, and Vanity Fair
Fairchild Publications: Jane, Details, and W.
Candidates should have previous journalism experience, demonstrable creativity and a commitment to integrity. "Some of the characteristics that make a Fairchild editorial employee successful," says Dena Habinsky, associate director, "are an innovative approach to journalism along with the self-motivation for 'scooping' a story and a passion for covering fashion and news."
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