Fierce Fashion: The Road to Becoming an Editor.

Well seeing as how the reason I started this whole blog was because I wanted to have a job in fashion (specifically an Editor at a fashion magazine) I thought I might do a post on how to become an Editor. What it takes and what to expect. I read up on it and I found a few good sources of information.

Where to begin: Be a sponge. Soak up as much information about the fashion industry until you think you'll explode! Take classes or just read read read. Learn the key things like: major photographers, designers, magazine editors, models, and anyone else remotely important in the fashion industry. Do your homework!

So now that your educated, expose yourself! Freelance work for blogs, magazines, forums, websites, ANYTHING. Just get your name out there. Let people get to know you. Also, doing this is a good way of networking and making good links within the fashion industry.

Now that you've done everything above, it's time to get a job!

There are two different jobs that you can get. The first being an in-house fashion stylist and the second a marketing editor. For both of these jobs you must be very informed about all the latest fashion trends and whats coming next. You must be able to travel around the world and create good relations with all the best show rooms. You want to have the right clothes for the right stories and you want to be able to have them delivered and returned like no one wore them.

Just like in any food pyramid, you must start at the bottom and make your way through the ranks of the fashion industry. Pretty much everyone starts out as an assistant at a not-so-at-the-top magazine.

Next step? Interning. Ruth Basloe (Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan) says "There's nothing more important than to intern at a magazine during college." Another editor even says that she didnt know anyone in the business who hadn't interned at a small magazine first. Fashion editors say that when they are looking for an assistant, they want someone who already has experience at a magazine, what better way to get experience than an internship, right? Editors also look for high skill levels and genuine desire to work there, as well as drive and good work ethic of course.

Send your resume anywhere and EVERYWHERE. Someone is bound to come across it! And even if they don't have an opening they may know another magazine that does. Don't ever count anything out. A lot of internships are not paid so thats a good thing to know before you jump head first into the business.

Certain jobs in the fashion industry are not always glitz and glamour, you're going to be doing a lot of dirty work at first. Make sure you maintain a good attitude while doing this task because the first thing to remember is that "people notice even the little trivial things" an editor advises and then adds, "Also, you shouldn't kiss ass too much. Its better if people think you're cool." Zeal, in this industry, also goes a long way. One such case is that Nancy Roth (NYU Graduate) interned at Harper's Bazaar magazine, it is said that she didn't miss a single day of work even during finals. After that she was the market editor for Allure and is now the Senior Fashion editor at Mademoiselle. She is just 24 years old.

At any fashion magazine you can expect the standard cattiness from the people working there. Don't take it personally, just keep your head held high and you'll be fine. Perks? There are always perks. Some of which include: free clothes (don't get greedy), going to fashion shows in place of your boss and more!

The last and final step? Start applying for jobs at major fashion magazines! Your bound to find something, especially if you've got a good portfolio a good resume and lots and lots of experience!

I wish you all the best of luck on your endeavors of making your mark on the fashion industry! I'm trying to make it there myself and will most likely be following this process as closely as possible. Have fun! Work hard! And do your best!