Magazines fall into two categories business and professional and those intended for the general public. A magazine's success depends largely on the work of its editors. There are different kinds of editors on a magazine, and their specific duties vary. On large magazines, the executive editor or editor in chief sees that the company's editorial policy is carried out. This job is primarily administrative, but the whole magazine text, pictures, captions, and headings is the final responsibility of the editor in chief. On most magazines the chief editor also expresses the magazine's point of view through editorials, which are short essays on subjects of current reader interest.
A magazine features editor ensures that their magazine is full of entertaining, informative and newsworthy articles. They are responsible for generating their own ideas within the features, commissioning work by freelance writers, proofreading and managing the work produced before releasing it to press, maintaining the profile of the magazine and networking with others in the industry gaining contacts and building a diverse network, attending meetings, conferences and photo shoots and deciding which feature will appear in which issue. Most opportunities are in large publishing companies that produce a wide range of titles. However features editors are also employed by trade magazines, specialist publishers, online media and in-house magazines.
Although it is possible to enter the profession without a degree, most new entrants are graduates or postgraduates below the age of 30. As previously stated employers place much more emphasis on work experience than qualifications therefore entrants hoping to succeed within this line of work must have enthusiasm for visual creativity, the ability to multi-task, to have confidence within themselves which will help reflect through their work, the ability to take constructive criticism, have excellent writing skills, to have a positive attitude which will determine them to keep persistent and achieve high standards and to share interest and enthusiasm with the rest of the team.
Due to journalism being such a competitive industry to enter in to, it is advisable to gain as much work experience one can, showing personal determination and interacting yourself with others, which will allow one to build a network and increase their chances of their work being published.
Many people hoping to succeed to become a features editor have already have between five to seven years of experience within other journalism jobs. Once one has been successful in being a features editor, if they feel the need to be promoted or would like to apply further in the hierarchy then the positions available would be Deputy Editor and Main Editor for the entire magazine however depending on the size of the company there are no guaranteed positions and it will take a long time for one to reach this position. A Features Editor salary can range between £15,000 to £40,000 for those who are starting out and still gaining experience. However, if one has had 10 – 15 years experience in this line of work then they can earn considerably more up to £70,000. The salary will depend on the responsibilities of the role and the size and type of publication.
Friday, 13 August 2010
Staff Writer's job role within the magazine industry
Reading a magazine without text is like eating a sandwich without bread, there would just be no purpose to a magazine without an article. Therefore within magazine industry the job role of a staff writer is highly important. Being a journalist means one has the ability to write a variety of articles, being able to pitch their idea across and being relied upon to write assignments under pressure, keeping to their deadlines. Staff Writers contribute specific content for each issue of their magazine. They may be responsible for writing certain sections found in every issue, as well as covering new stories and features each month. Sometimes they are assigned articles developed by senior, managing, or executive editors. However, they are also expected to contribute their own story ideas and pitch them regularly.
It is important for Staff Writers to understand various genres of writing and develop their own styles. Style is partially dictated by the publication, but it is also up to the writer to put his or her own stamp on it. Some writers are known to write in a narrative form, while others develop informative lists, essays, investigative pieces, columns, or profiles. Staff Writers strive to develop ideas and text that will engage and appeal to their readers. Additionally, the layout plays a role in determining the style of each story. Staff Writers may also work with designers to organise artwork and text into a format that fits the tone.
A Staff Writer must must have creative ability to perceive their own vision and write about it. In order for one to find a story idea, one must be up to date with the media. Whether the area is fashion, sport, travel or politics one must be in search about new developments. Writers search for their own stories and given an assignment they must have the ability to carry out primary and secondary research by arranging focus groups, interviews, carrying out surveys, browsing the internet, reading books, watching television and news headlines and reading the daily newspaper. In order to be a successful writer one must have contacts, therefore writers should take it upon themselves to extend their knowledge by speaking to others about the trends and happenings which will appeal to their readers, this will help develop their network of sources.
Because of their strong writing skills, advancement prospects are good for Staff Writers. They can move in a variety of different directions, depending on their interests. However there are very few magazine companies who encourage their Staff Writers to work on freelance projects. And the very few companies who allow it make sure their writers do not cause conflicts of interest and competitive material within their piece. Those Staff Writers who want to stay full-time at magazines may advance to become senior writers for bigger articles and higher pay. Others may move over to the editorial track, in mid- to senior-level positions.
To become a Staff Writer one will require three to five years of experience and a portfolio of writing clips. They need to be skilled within their speech when talking to others and have confidence within their writing and putting themselves under pressure to perform to the best of their ability and to open up. Their salary range is diverse and depends on their level of experience and the type of publication for which they work. A typical magazine would employ a staff writer for £35,970 to £60,000 whereas senior writers can earn up to £100,000 working for larger magazine companies.
It is important for Staff Writers to understand various genres of writing and develop their own styles. Style is partially dictated by the publication, but it is also up to the writer to put his or her own stamp on it. Some writers are known to write in a narrative form, while others develop informative lists, essays, investigative pieces, columns, or profiles. Staff Writers strive to develop ideas and text that will engage and appeal to their readers. Additionally, the layout plays a role in determining the style of each story. Staff Writers may also work with designers to organise artwork and text into a format that fits the tone.
A Staff Writer must must have creative ability to perceive their own vision and write about it. In order for one to find a story idea, one must be up to date with the media. Whether the area is fashion, sport, travel or politics one must be in search about new developments. Writers search for their own stories and given an assignment they must have the ability to carry out primary and secondary research by arranging focus groups, interviews, carrying out surveys, browsing the internet, reading books, watching television and news headlines and reading the daily newspaper. In order to be a successful writer one must have contacts, therefore writers should take it upon themselves to extend their knowledge by speaking to others about the trends and happenings which will appeal to their readers, this will help develop their network of sources.
Because of their strong writing skills, advancement prospects are good for Staff Writers. They can move in a variety of different directions, depending on their interests. However there are very few magazine companies who encourage their Staff Writers to work on freelance projects. And the very few companies who allow it make sure their writers do not cause conflicts of interest and competitive material within their piece. Those Staff Writers who want to stay full-time at magazines may advance to become senior writers for bigger articles and higher pay. Others may move over to the editorial track, in mid- to senior-level positions.
To become a Staff Writer one will require three to five years of experience and a portfolio of writing clips. They need to be skilled within their speech when talking to others and have confidence within their writing and putting themselves under pressure to perform to the best of their ability and to open up. Their salary range is diverse and depends on their level of experience and the type of publication for which they work. A typical magazine would employ a staff writer for £35,970 to £60,000 whereas senior writers can earn up to £100,000 working for larger magazine companies.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Photographer's job role within the magazine industry
Photography today is a highly competitive market to succeed in. In order to be a photographer for a magazine one will need to present a diverse set of skills to be able to survive within the industry. I think what makes a photographer successful is for them to add something different. I believe a photographer should carry their own style and show that through their work resulting in something unique. Photographers should be able to express their feelings through their work and emphasis their emotion to the audience, this allows the photographer to have their own personal identity.
There are more and more people wishing to be photographers therefore the demand for work is higher. So a photographer looking for work should specialise in a particular type of photography this will help the photographer market their skills and target the appropriate magazine for their work, but they must also show a diversity in style and technique and prove that they can work well under pressure.
In order to pursue a career in the competitive industry photographers must have a portfolio to present upon their interviews. Since looking at universities in which I am keen to study photography as a degree, I must present a portfolio of my best prints in an interview, first impressions are very important to the interviewer therefore the portfolio presented should be neat, annotated and full of creativity. I think photography is a fascinating subject to study and I tend not to refer to a photography lesson as a “subject”. Photography is full of enthusiasm and creativity allowing the photographer to experiment with all aspects of freedom and the portfolio should portray the journey through the development within my work.
A magazine photographer should show a diverse body of work in their portfolio and should constantly update their portfolio for marketing purposes. A standard portfolio should contain 20 digital images, including a photo story of five to seven images, and should show the style and scope of the photographer's skill. Tailoring the portfolio for certain editors or magazine types is a good idea when meeting with editors. For example, if a photographer would like to freelance for Sports Illustrated, his portfolio should show example images of sports action and a diverse number of sports. The portfolio should be both online and in print, so the photographer may send out links to his work ahead of time and then have the work on hand when meeting in person with a potential editor.
Magazine Photographers capture the visual effects that accompany the articles in their publications. Whether shooting high fashion models, victims of torture, war-ravaged landscapes, natural wonders, or simply ordinary people, they are responsible for the photo shoots that bring these stories to life. They use their artistic vision to tell the story behind the words and give readers more information to interpret the articles’ meanings. Unlike newspaper photographers, who often complete several assignments in one day, magazine Photographers often work on broader deadlines. Since magazines often are published weekly or monthly, Photographers usually complete one or two assignments per issue. Sometimes Photographers will go on location for magazine photo shoots. This may be to an exotic tropical locale or to a small town where the interview subject for the article lives. Other times, photos are taken in a studio near the magazine’s offices.
Photographers run the photo shoots from start to finish. This can include scouting locations, deciding what equipment to use, and hiring models. Furthermore, subjects for photographs must sign releases that they agree to have their pictures used in a magazine. Photographers may obtain these signed releases, sometimes working with the subjects to feel comfortable with the process. Once the photos are taken, Photographers process the film. This process is often performed digitally, using computer disks. Photographers may send the images digitally back to the studio or magazine headquarters from on location if necessary. They work with photo editors to edit and make decisions about which shots will work best with the stories.
Without the pressure of breaking news, magazine Photographers can often focus more on the art of their photography. Setting the scene for a shoot is very important. When photographing people, it is important for Photographers develop good rapport with their subjects. The ability to put people at ease comes into play as Photographers build relationships and enable people to open up. Photographers also make use of lighting, exposure, shadows, and other features to convey the right mood for the shoot.
Photographers within magazines may have specialties such as fashion or nature photography or work as generalists. They usually complete assignments as handed down by the photo editor, art director, or creative director, but they may also play a role in brainstorming ideas and deciding which assignment to take. Many Photographers work on a freelance basis. They may work a variety of shifts and hours that often include evenings and weekends. Travel may be a big part of the job, or none at all, depending on the size and scope of the magazine.
The photographer should be creative and flexible, with a good eye and a strong artistic vision. As visual storytellers, they must be able to read an article and develop a sense for the right accompanying image. They must be able to shoot a variety of coverage while managing tight deadlines. Strong communication skills enable Photographers to work with writers, editors, and subjects effectively. This natural rapport, particularly with article subjects, is reflected in the emotion captured by their work.
Furthermore, they need the technical skills to back up this artistic vision. Photographers must be able to use both digital and regular cameras, know how to expose film, edit, and use a darkroom. They need to know how to expose film and balance colour, along with other technical processes involved with film development and editing. Photographers must understand the role of light and its challenges, adapting to different conditions. In addition to understanding how to “soup” their film with darkroom chemicals, they must also know how to process a raw digital image into a JPEG file. Computer programs for editing such as Adobe PhotoShop are also needed.
In order to gain experience and succeed with a qualification in a photography, photographers may take courses in a variety of fields, including art, photography, and photojournalism. Journalism course work helps Photographers to see their role as visual storytellers and may help them learn to write captions and share their experiences behind the photograph. It is essential for magazine Photographers to have training in photography. Photographers still must understand and know how to perform the darkroom process. Good Photographers must know how to both operate digital cameras and also develop pictures by hand in order to learn the craft.
Most professional photographers take a college or university photography course to develop their technical skills, although experience and contacts are also important for building a successful career. Colleges and universities offer a wide variety of full and part-time photography courses at all levels from beginner to advanced. Qualifications range from City & Guilds courses to foundation degrees, BTEC HNDs or degrees. Higher-level courses usually require A levels or an equivalent such as an art foundation course or City & Guilds diploma for entry.
Courses that offer industry contacts and work placements are especially useful. Some HNDs and degrees include the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) Licentiateship qualification, which is highly regarded by employers. You should check course content and entry requirements carefully. Finding work as an assistant photographer is a good way of gaining experience, building your portfolio and learning on the job. You will need a keen interest in photography and good basic technical skills.
There are more and more people wishing to be photographers therefore the demand for work is higher. So a photographer looking for work should specialise in a particular type of photography this will help the photographer market their skills and target the appropriate magazine for their work, but they must also show a diversity in style and technique and prove that they can work well under pressure.
In order to pursue a career in the competitive industry photographers must have a portfolio to present upon their interviews. Since looking at universities in which I am keen to study photography as a degree, I must present a portfolio of my best prints in an interview, first impressions are very important to the interviewer therefore the portfolio presented should be neat, annotated and full of creativity. I think photography is a fascinating subject to study and I tend not to refer to a photography lesson as a “subject”. Photography is full of enthusiasm and creativity allowing the photographer to experiment with all aspects of freedom and the portfolio should portray the journey through the development within my work.
A magazine photographer should show a diverse body of work in their portfolio and should constantly update their portfolio for marketing purposes. A standard portfolio should contain 20 digital images, including a photo story of five to seven images, and should show the style and scope of the photographer's skill. Tailoring the portfolio for certain editors or magazine types is a good idea when meeting with editors. For example, if a photographer would like to freelance for Sports Illustrated, his portfolio should show example images of sports action and a diverse number of sports. The portfolio should be both online and in print, so the photographer may send out links to his work ahead of time and then have the work on hand when meeting in person with a potential editor.
Magazine Photographers capture the visual effects that accompany the articles in their publications. Whether shooting high fashion models, victims of torture, war-ravaged landscapes, natural wonders, or simply ordinary people, they are responsible for the photo shoots that bring these stories to life. They use their artistic vision to tell the story behind the words and give readers more information to interpret the articles’ meanings. Unlike newspaper photographers, who often complete several assignments in one day, magazine Photographers often work on broader deadlines. Since magazines often are published weekly or monthly, Photographers usually complete one or two assignments per issue. Sometimes Photographers will go on location for magazine photo shoots. This may be to an exotic tropical locale or to a small town where the interview subject for the article lives. Other times, photos are taken in a studio near the magazine’s offices.
Photographers run the photo shoots from start to finish. This can include scouting locations, deciding what equipment to use, and hiring models. Furthermore, subjects for photographs must sign releases that they agree to have their pictures used in a magazine. Photographers may obtain these signed releases, sometimes working with the subjects to feel comfortable with the process. Once the photos are taken, Photographers process the film. This process is often performed digitally, using computer disks. Photographers may send the images digitally back to the studio or magazine headquarters from on location if necessary. They work with photo editors to edit and make decisions about which shots will work best with the stories.
Without the pressure of breaking news, magazine Photographers can often focus more on the art of their photography. Setting the scene for a shoot is very important. When photographing people, it is important for Photographers develop good rapport with their subjects. The ability to put people at ease comes into play as Photographers build relationships and enable people to open up. Photographers also make use of lighting, exposure, shadows, and other features to convey the right mood for the shoot.
Photographers within magazines may have specialties such as fashion or nature photography or work as generalists. They usually complete assignments as handed down by the photo editor, art director, or creative director, but they may also play a role in brainstorming ideas and deciding which assignment to take. Many Photographers work on a freelance basis. They may work a variety of shifts and hours that often include evenings and weekends. Travel may be a big part of the job, or none at all, depending on the size and scope of the magazine.
The photographer should be creative and flexible, with a good eye and a strong artistic vision. As visual storytellers, they must be able to read an article and develop a sense for the right accompanying image. They must be able to shoot a variety of coverage while managing tight deadlines. Strong communication skills enable Photographers to work with writers, editors, and subjects effectively. This natural rapport, particularly with article subjects, is reflected in the emotion captured by their work.
Furthermore, they need the technical skills to back up this artistic vision. Photographers must be able to use both digital and regular cameras, know how to expose film, edit, and use a darkroom. They need to know how to expose film and balance colour, along with other technical processes involved with film development and editing. Photographers must understand the role of light and its challenges, adapting to different conditions. In addition to understanding how to “soup” their film with darkroom chemicals, they must also know how to process a raw digital image into a JPEG file. Computer programs for editing such as Adobe PhotoShop are also needed.
In order to gain experience and succeed with a qualification in a photography, photographers may take courses in a variety of fields, including art, photography, and photojournalism. Journalism course work helps Photographers to see their role as visual storytellers and may help them learn to write captions and share their experiences behind the photograph. It is essential for magazine Photographers to have training in photography. Photographers still must understand and know how to perform the darkroom process. Good Photographers must know how to both operate digital cameras and also develop pictures by hand in order to learn the craft.
Most professional photographers take a college or university photography course to develop their technical skills, although experience and contacts are also important for building a successful career. Colleges and universities offer a wide variety of full and part-time photography courses at all levels from beginner to advanced. Qualifications range from City & Guilds courses to foundation degrees, BTEC HNDs or degrees. Higher-level courses usually require A levels or an equivalent such as an art foundation course or City & Guilds diploma for entry.
Courses that offer industry contacts and work placements are especially useful. Some HNDs and degrees include the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) Licentiateship qualification, which is highly regarded by employers. You should check course content and entry requirements carefully. Finding work as an assistant photographer is a good way of gaining experience, building your portfolio and learning on the job. You will need a keen interest in photography and good basic technical skills.
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