Meet Marta Photo Editor at Vogue

When we think about working in fashion, the first company that comes to mind is Vogue. Just to make sure you know there isn’t only the editor in chief or the fashion assistants and journalists who work at fashion magazines, we are bringing you today the story of Marta Bertman Photo Editor at Vogue Ukraina. There are many different career options in fashion and by interviewing people who do different things we want to help you find your place in the industry. Marta told us how she got her job at Vogue, what a photo editor does and she shared her tips for girls who want to make it in this industry.

Enjoy it!

1.      What did you study?

I studied PR management + advertising and later Fashion Business.  I can’t say that education plays the most important role... For me, it’s more about the people you meet, the contacts you make and the experience you gain. I gained the most valuable knowledge as an intern. Desire and experience are the most important things.

2.      How did you get into the fashion industry?

This was not a deliberate decision, I just did what I liked.  I felt like a fish in the water in this industry.  The first job in fashion was modeling when I was 17, I saw the world of fashion from the inside and outside.  But I didn’t take it seriously, and after 2 years I was already working as a fashion editor’s assistant at a small local magazine.  I worked as a volunteer at fashion weeks, as an assistant in the production team.  Every year I moved on and found new opportunities for myself.

My first significant work was as Creative Director in a production team and then at a PR agency.  I was more engaged in the creative part: developing ideas for shootings and events, hiring a team, creating strategies for brands, and so on.

3.      What was your first dream job in fashion?

I think many people when dreaming about a job in fashion think “I wanna be the EIC at Vogue”. But I never thought about a dream job.  I just listened to my intuition, I did what I liked and developed it in all sorts of directions.  I accept the challenges and opportunities that life brings. I’m still learning and trying to find my perfect place.

4.      What do you like the most about your job?

Tipsy margarita after parties during fashion week… just joking 🙂 My friends think that working in fashion is parties and events 24/7, but actually it’s a really hardworking thing. Fashion week time is hell.

What I like the most at Vogue, is the people who surround me.  I feel that we are on the same wave.  And every day is a lot of inspiration. I see all the exhibitions, music, pictures, fashion shoots when collect the magazine.  What could be better?

5.      What does a photo editor do?

My main task is to choose photos that will go to the magazine.  Liaising with high profile photographers and celeb agents, commissioning photography, budgeting, clearing rights and buying licenses.  Communication with Conde Nast and other magazines.  I take care of credits.  Sometimes I help the fashion department to make choices of clothes and accessories.  I wanna be a part of a fashion department soon.

6.      What are the necessary skills to get a job like yours?

My position is not difficult to get.  The most important thing is to be fashion-aware, to understand trends to have taste and aesthetic vision.  The human factor is very important, to be able to do everything on time and be responsible.

7.  How have you gone from PR to Photo Editing?

Basically, the work was more creative than PR.  These are all related duties that overlap with each other.  at Vogue, I started from the bottom with the possibility of growth.  Now my position is easier than a creative director in a public relations company, but I feel that it’s my cup of tea and worth it.

8.      What a day in your life looks like?

 Oh I can’t sit still and I’m so terrified of being bored and not learning.

I’m interested in many things besides fashion: studying IT and programming, psychology,  and I will run my own project soon.  My day is usually divided into work, sports, the solution of some tasks related to the project and a bit of procrastination 🙂 .  I always carry with me my Moleskin, my main assistant.

9.      You have such an amazing skin! Tell us a bit about your beauty routine.

Thanks!  It’s not a secret that now the main accessory is clean and radiant skin and toned body. I can say that nothing is more important than proper nutrition and internal state.  I will say quite banal things: good sleep, water, proper healthy nutrition, sports, calm mind.  And of course, the right beauty care products with good skin cleansing.  I love masks and eye patches.  Fav salon treatments: massage, intraceuticals and hydra facial.  Minimum cosmetics.

10.   What are your tips for young girls who want to get a job in Fashion and at a dream magazine such as Vogue?

I think if you’re passionate about what you do and are talented and willing to carry out the more mundane tasks while learning, your dream is achievable. Never get into something if you’re already thinking about how to get out. My advice to people is to trust their intuition. And be kind, just be kind. 

Don’t be shy to send your CV everywhere and keep trying. Yo go girls!