How to juggle interning in the fashion industry, freelance writing and illustrating

Rosie Smith a Fashion Communication student who is juggling interning in the fashion industry, freelance writing and illustrating, tells us about her daily tasks, how she got into her position and what she thinks about the fashion industry.

1.Hey Rosie. We are happy to welcome you at Glam Observer today. May you briefly introduce yourself to the Glam Observer readers?

Thank you, I’m happy to be here! I’m Rosie, a 21-year-old, Fashion Communication student at the University of Brighton. I’m currently on my placement year, so I’m juggling interning in the fashion industry, freelance writing and illustrating!

2.When did you decide to work in the fashion industry and why?

I’ve wanted to work in the creative industry for as long as I can remember, probably because I come from a creative family. But, I guess my interest in fashion, in particular, came from completing an art foundation degree and specialising in fashion photography.

3.How did you get into your current job position at Fashion Scout Events?

The first Fashion Scout Event I wrote for was GFW and I got the job on an utter whim. I found the Digital Editor’s email address at the last minute, and asked if there were any assistant or volunteer spots left, with my CV attached. In a complete stroke of luck, she saw that I had some writing experience and told me that prior to my email a writer had dropped out who needed replacing and if I thought I could do it, the job was mine. Since then I’ve written for the GFW and Fashion Scout websites, and was promoted to Sub-Editor for the most recent Fashion Scout event. Working for Fashion Scout Events is an incredible experience with an equally amazing team, and I’m so grateful that I was in the right place at the right time!

4.You get to meet a lot of interesting and creative people. Who do you find the most inspiring?

I’m most inspired by family members, my tutors, and people I’ve worked with. (Shout out to Hannah Rafter, who looked after me at my Enty Ltd internship). Also, like the majority of us, I’m inspired by public figures. As a few, Alessandro Michele’s creativity,Jeanette Getrost’s illustrations, and Emma Louise Connolly’s style, inspire me.

5.How would you describe the fashion industry and what do you appreciate the most about it?

Tough question! The fashion industry is a collective of some of the finest creative talent, that allows people to express themselves through their own personal style. I appreciate that, for me, the fashion industry is a vast source of inspiration, with unlimited creative possibilities.

5.What characteristics should one have in order to be successful and unique in this industry?

I think success and having a unique identity would come with experience and challenges. I’m not at that stage but, as long as you work hard and you’re passionate about what you do, you’re giving yourself the best shot.

6.What does a typical day in your life look like?

I don’t necessarily have a typical day. If I’m interning I will be saying yes to absolutely everything and doing all I can in an attempt to make myself indispensable, which is definitely easier said than done. If I’m working at a Fashion Scout Event, I’ll be backstage staring at a screen from the early hours until the evening, with the occasional break to see who’s secretly behind @diet_prada or to get a good Instagram, whilst living off packets of ready salted crisps (oh so glam). Or I could have a day off, when I can write articles for the Fashion Scout Events’ websites or build up my illustration portfolio, with a bit of background TV obviously…currently it’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer (style icon).

7.Is it important to study something related to fashion when wanting to be a fashion writer?

I don’t think it’s necessary. I’m at university because I loved school and I wanted my education to last as long as it could, but it’s not for everyone. As far as I know, my job offer from Fashion Scout Events was based on my writing experience, and none of the websites I’d written for prior to that had even asked if I was at uni.

8.Last few words.

I’m not usually one for cheesy quotes but here are two I’ve heard that have helped me out. Firstly, it’s PR not ER. Fashion is important to us, but we’re not saving lives here, calm down. Secondly, nothing will ruin your twenties more than thinking you should have your life together already (I probably should listen to that one more and I’m only 21).

Interview by Lilly Meuser