Fashion magazines...what next? HELP PEOPLE PLEASE!!?

Question

OK, my dream is to become a journalist and either write for a fashion magazine or in broadcasting. Now, I have wrote to my favourite magazines (Glamour and Marie Claire) and they have very kindly wrote back to me with some great advice...But is there anything else I can do to somehow be more involved. I can't apply for work experience yet as I am not old enough (I am 16). I have researched very hard into journalism but I really need some solid practical advice instead of this ye ye go for it stuff. I write for my school paper too. Has anyone had any experience in this area whatsoever? If so, PLEASE help me. I don't want to be where I am now in 10 years. I have a lot dreams. OK I've been rambling on for quite a while now so...please help! Thank you so much?

Answer 1

persistence is the key!
why not check out your local press for some vacancies as a casual youth reporter?once you have your foot in the door then you can show your peers what you can do and you will inevitably get a good reference, then just keep trying and putting your face about!
lots of companies take on employees if they can see that you are really interested and are willing to try as hard as you can to achieve what you want, it helps show intuitive, willing and self belief
good luck and i hope you get what you want!!

Answer 2

Being that you're 16, and writing for the high school newspaper, I would suggest maybe interning at your local newspaper. That would look good on a resume. In addition, for ever published newspaper where you have written an article, clip it, and start a portfolio. I was Editor-In-Chief of my school paper, but, I never really clipped any of my articles. Whenever I think back, I wish I would have. Try to get the editor-in-chief position next year for the paper. That adds a lot of responsibility at well. And, if you want to write for fashion magazines, I suggest getting the background on fashion. I don't know where you are located, but getting a degree at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), four campuses in California, might help you get a shoo in as well.

Hopefully, the letters you received from the magazines all had some words of encouragement or some advice on where to go from here.

Answer 3

You need to build yourself a portfolio. To begin this you need to learn about photography. Journalism and photoghraphy go together. Go out and find stories about the subjects that you enjoy. It will be your practical experience to show others this is what you are going to do, and on your own you will do it. Without help.
You will have to learn to type the journalists way. Look at magazines and news papers. See where they put the full stops. Like i am doing now. The lay out is totaly different to normal writing.
You write useing as few words as possible to get your storey over. Cutting out unecessary words like, "and" and not repeating words like i have just done. Begin by writing a quick storey, then look at it closely. Cut out as many words you can, while still getting the storey over. When you have a good portfolio, with photographs, you then show off your work to possibly obtain a position with a company. You could even sell your stuff to magazines, or news papers. When you type your stories, use A4 paper. Leave a wide margin on both sides. Also at the top. Leave a space between each line. This is for the editor to alter, add or delete words, lines, or sentences before sending to the printers. Present your work in an A4 envelope stateing your name, address, plus a few words about yourself, and your work. Plus a prepaid envelope for return of your work, if not chosen. I hope this small amount of advise is helpfull to you. There are books available to give you all the information you need ,to write and publish your work. Good Luck
p.s. I have written for magazines, with many photos published....

Answer 4

Go to UNiversity when old enough. Alot of places have community magazines/newspapers which volunteers write for, this could be an idea to add to your CV.

Good luck

Answer 5

Sorry candies. Hate to break it to ya yet: crocs were under no circumstances sought after, in type, or perhaps beautiful!!! for this reason, they gained't be in type next 3 hundred and sixty 5 days. In my oppinion, they offer the effect of being like gruesome, low-cost, rubber cloggs!!! they dont even need to be called shoes!!!

Answer 6

This site contains photography tutorials and courses for you to study at your own pace. https://tr.im/SFXEJ

To get started, all you need is a camera, whether it be the latest digital camera or a traditional film-based apparatus!

Read about what is ISO, aperture and exposure. Discover different types of lenses and flash techniques. Explore portrait photography, black and white photography, HDR photography, wedding photography and more.

Answer 7

when you will be 17 or 18 try to find guy who is writting or working or publishing such magazines,
get him to bed , have some relationship with him and here you go , you will become writter :)

it worked for many people before will work for you :)

Answer 8

You might try your local newpaper to see if you can help out there. Who knows you might just get your own column with them. Surely there are some small newspapers in your area that just might need your help. Here is some things that you should know and I think they will help you.

What qualities do newspaper editors look for?
To convince an editor you are worth appointing you will need to be able to demonstrate the following: an interest in current affairs at all levels

1. a lively interest in people, places and events
2. an ability to write in a style which is easy to understand
3. good spelling, grammar and punctuation
4. an appreciation of the part a local newspaper plays in the community
5. a willingness to accept irregular hours
6. an ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
7. determination and persistence

How do I get into the newspaper industry?

Trainees come into the industry by a variety of routes. Some are recruited directly by regional or local newspapers and carry out their basic training under the terms of a training contract. This is known as direct entry. Within this category are those who may have secured employment with a newspaper company or a group of companies who run their own training programmes.

However, most trainees are recruited after attending full time vocational training courses for post A-level students and graduates. Such courses are generally held at colleges accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). Some of these courses are for graduates only. This route is known as Pre-entry.

Direct Entry

If you have been recruited into the industry from school or university, you will be regarded as a direct entrant. Most companies will expect you to enter into a two-year training contract during which time you will receive basic training. The first six months of employment is likely to be a probationary period during which you will be able to decide whether you have got what it takes to become a successful journalist. Most companies will register you with the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and provide you with a distance learning foundation course to study.

After approximately six months you should ideally attend a block release or day release course at college, during which time you will sit the NCTJ's preliminary series of examinations. Following a further period of employment, you will have the opportunity to prove that you are competent to obtain the NCTJ's National Certificate or a National (Scottish) Vocational Qualification at Level 4.

Trainees recruited by in-company training schemes will undertake their off-the-job training at their company training centres. The NCTJ currently accredits one in-company training scheme: Midland News Association (contact Mr Brian Mason on 01902 742126). Training will be directed to the achievement of professional standards and to the attainment of a competence-based qualification.

Modern Apprenticeships

An alternative form of direct entry is the Modern Apprenticeship programme. This scheme enables employees of participating companies to undertake relevant training leading to an NVQ level 4 in Newspaper Journalism; Writing; News & Features.

A number of publishers participate in this scheme with their local Training & Enterprise Councils (TECs). Entry is open to anyone between the ages of 16 and 23 years (graduates included). You must have completed the programme by your 24th birthday. The most likely age range is from 18 to 22 years.

Mature Entrants

Each year the industry receives many career enquiries from mature people. Some editors like to employ these people because of their considerable local knowledge and their settled life style.

Over the age of 30, training is a matter for arrangement by the editor.

How to get a place

as a direct entrant reporter or photographer
Apply directly to the editor of a regional or local newspaper for employment as a trainee. Their names and addresses can be obtained from current editions of Benn's UK Media Directory and Willing's Press Guide. Copies are available at your local library under the reference section.
Pre-entry
If you have attended a full-time journalism course before obtaining employment, you will probably enter into an 18-month training contract - the first three months is likely to be a probationary period. As with direct entrants, you will still be expected to prove your competence after a period of work experience, and obtain the NCTJ's National Certificate.
Advice to applicants

Some colleges will only grant places to people on pre-entry courses if they have already been on a brief work experience placement at a newspaper. You should write to a number of local newspaper editors, explain why you think you would make a good reporter and ask if they will allow you to join their team for a few days. Try to pick a time other than June or July, when pressure on work experience places is at its greatest.

You should try to be the applicant for a journalist position who stands out as the most committed to newspaper journalism and the most able. Do not be put off if you receive some rejection letters. Editors appreciate and respect determination and persistence.

Whether you opt for the direct entry route or apply for a training course, you should be aware that those who study newspapers carefully and show a knowledge of the industry will have an advantage.

How to get a place

Send for a detailed application form to NCTJ Training Ltd, The New Granary, Station Road, Newport, Saffron Walden, CB11 3PL, enclosing 9X4 stamped addressed envelope. Suitable applicants are required to take a written test, and if successful, will be invited to attend a selection interview at the college of their choice.

Fast-track courses are run at various colleges - see separate leaflet for details.

Paying for a full-time college course (other than degree courses)

A few local educational authorities may award grants to meet part of the cost. Early enquiries should be made to local authorities, because grants are extremely limited. Before applying for a full-time course in newspaper journalism it is essential that candidates establish the financial situation. Contact the college direct for course fees etc.

Course designation

If an approach is made to the local authority for a grant, they will wish to know the full designation of the course, which is: Full-time professional pre-entry course for newspaper journalism, DES registration number 355-P600 on course list 209. It is an "advanced" course within the terms of the Further Education Regulations 1975. Applications for grants for post-graduate courses should be made to the appropriate local authority. Career Development Loans may also be available. Contact your local careers office or job centre.

Access courses

The NCTJ approves and supports a number of access courses. Contact colleges direct for full details.

Anyone who successfully completes such a course is given access to the selection procedure for the NCTJ pre-entry course even if they lack the qualifications required.

What qualifications do I need?

The entry requirement for newspaper journalism is a minimum of five GCSE passes (grades A-C) or equivalent - one of these must be in English. However, in recent years it has become rare for a trainee to come into the industry at this level. Currently more than half the recruits are university graduates and the others have achieved at least two A-levels or equivalent. Most colleges however still require two A-levels.

Equivalents

A Foundation GNVQ will have parity to 4/5 GCSEs (grades D-G); an Intermediate GNVQ will have parity to 4/5 GCSEs (grades A-C); an Advanced GNVQ will have parity to two A-levels and a BTEC "National" award is equivalent to two A-levels. There have been occasions when individuals who have shown exceptional talent but have not achieved the minimum academic qualifications have been granted a waiver. However, this is unusual.

What do I have to study?

Currently, training courses lead to a variety of qualifications. All NCTJ courses cover those aspects of law, public affairs and newspaper journalism necessary to enable a journalist to perform competently by the end of the training period. As well as demonstrating competence in these and other practical areas, trainees are expected to achieve 100 wpm shorthand.

What about press photography?

Photo-journalism, as the term implies, is a journalism-based course with photography as its foundation. Tutors will help you develop natural news sense in tune with an ability to use a camera and ancillary equipment to the best advantage; there is also a comprehensive reporter module.

The press photography course contains all the above elements without the reporter's module.

The qualities you need to be accepted on the NCTJ course and to be a photojournalist/press photographer are energy, drive, commitment, single-mindedness, personality and an enquiring mind which can look at the obvious and see something different - or better - by way of a "news line" and picture. If you are successful in obtaining a place at Sheffield College, Norton Centre, you will undergo intensive practical and theoretical training to prepare you for your career.

Qualifications required for direct entry are four GCSEs (A-C) including English. For pre-entry an additional A-level is required.

In most companies, the NCTJ's National Certificate in Press Photography/Photojournalism, or an N(S)VQ will be available after a successful period of employment. Modern Apprenticeships are also available to cover press photography.