Fashion Journalist

A career in fashion journalism, which may seem appealing to just about everyone interested in the world of fashion, is actually a competitive and tedious profession. It requires considerable interest in happenings related to all aspects of fashion.

Moreover, one needs to have the ability to write and research effectively. People with editing skills are generally preferred to become fashion journalists. This career is for people who have the ability to conduct candid interviews.
This career is for people who are able to form social relationships readily, and communicate effectively with all sorts of people. The job entails traveling regularly, so you must be mobile.

The job entails informing the common public about the ongoing trends in the constantly changing world of fashion. The job may involve writing, editing or even reporting. They must maintain cordial relationships with other people in the world of fashion, to have the most contacts and have access to the latest information in the industry.

Fashion journalists are responsible for preparing editorials for fashion magazines, books, television, websites, blogs and lifestyle sections of newspapers. Most fashion journalists end up working for the external media departments of designing firms. However, some opt to become freelance writers.
Many fashion writers often pair up with fashion photographers so that they can comprehensively cover everything going on in the fashion circle, with both pictures and words. Fashion journalists often interview and conduct extensive research before writing their articles.

There are a lot of privacy laws that a fashion journalist must take into account. These vary country by country, and they may limit the means through which a fashion journalist can conduct ethical or legally acceptable research.

Qualifications can be obtained at an associate, certificate or bachelor level. The majority of jobs require bachelors in journalism or fashion design. Internships are also a good thing to have on your resume while applying for a fashion journalism job.
Other qualifications include good writing and communication skills as well as having a lot of knowledge about the fashion industry.

Like most other careers in the world, fashion journalists are paid according to how experienced and renowned they are in the competitive industry. On average, Fashion designers expect to earn USD 68,000 per annum in USA. In India, with the fashion industry booming, there is a large demand for fashion journalists. The annual starting pay can be anywhere between Rs. 250,000 and Rs. 350,000 and this is likely to increase exponentially if you manage to make a name for yourself In the world of fashion journalism, and as your level of experience grows.

Life as a

fashion journalist

involves always being on the go. Once you make it big, you'll see your name being featured regularly in the most internationally acclaimed magazines and the money will pour in. Your life in the career depends largely on whether you choose to work freelance or as a staff member of a particular publication.

However, most fashion writers, regardless of who they work for, have to travel regularly. Imagine yourself going to the fashion capitals of different countries, including Paris, New York, Tokyo, Milan, Sydney and many more, to meet with celebrities and attend the most glamorous fashion shows.

There are many benefits of being a fashion journalist. Firstly there is a lot of travel involved to cover all the fashion events happening all over the world. Secondly, there is the opportunity to work with established members of the fashion industry including models, editors, designers etc.

Another perk of being a fashion journalist is the fame. With each article that is published, your name would be on top of it making the work that you do very glamorous.

To be a successful fashion journalist, you need to have contacts of every influential person in the fashion world so that you can advance your own career and do the best job possible. As a fashion journalist you should also always have ideas on how to write your next piece. Another downside is that as there is a lot of travel involved, a lot of time is spent away from your friends and family. There are also writers blocs that you can incur which might create problems with performing at the work place.

As fashion journals, magazines and editorials increase day by day, the fashion journalism industry is expected to also grow as a result. Writing jobs are expected to rise by 2015. There are freelance columnists, freelance writers, staff reporters, and freelance reporters etc, all competing for the same projects so there is a lot of completion even though the industry is expected to grow.

Fashion journalists are usually found in big cities such as Rome, Paris, Milan, New York. However they can also be found in smaller cities which have fashion journalism opportunities.