I get asked a lot about what my “typical day” looks like. My answer is that I never really have a “typical day”—and I love that. I’m always learning something new, looking for a new product or trend or source, and every month, I have to chase down said sources, attend events, pull products for photo shoots, and work with our talented art directors and photographers to help style or provide direction at the shoots.
So when it comes down to it, my job entails a lot of wrangling. Details are flying fast and furious and one of the things I really love about my job—there’s always a tangible, finished product every month to show some of the work I’ve done—also means I’ve usually got a very tight schedule (and a lot of lists to keep me on track). When it comes to shoots, I’m usually getting items from a variety of sources: calling manufacturers and public relations representatives, shopping and pulling from stores, adding in props. Photo shoots are fun, but also a lot of heavy lifting—you might not realize what a workout they are! But that’s the magic of magazines, too; turning all those disparate details into something polished and beautiful, with easy takeaway hints to make life go a little more smoothly. A time-out from the harried everyday life we all lead. (I feel a little like that old Hair Club for Men ad: I’m not only a writer, but I read tons of magazines, too!)
My monthly schedule is a little more typical: first week is concepting, interviewing, and writing. Second week is pulling for shoots, third week is usually full of photo shoots and meetings and planning ahead for the next month, and the fourth week is proofing and wrapping up loose ends. There’s always plenty to juggle. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. Right?
Stay tuned!
