In just five days time I will begin my work placement at brand new fashion, art and culture (quarterly) magazine, Sketchbook. Available on demand online through MagCloud.com, the the October 2009-born publication is the brain child of independent fashion and design enthusiast, Wafa Al Obaidat. The 24-year-old Bahraini born editor started the magazine with a dream to realise the endless design and fashion talent that can be found in London and the world wide.
The magazine has a relatively small team, from what I have come to understand and their blog indicates that it's rather an "all hands on deck" type of publication/ team - which is something I'm really excited about. I'm hoping that I will be set to work and become just as involved as other more permanent members of the team in organising interviews, writing blogs and accompanying other journalists on interviews and at exhibitions.
I have decided to change me blog so all posts will now be found under this blog title rather than the old one. This is mainly due to the fact I am changing my research question, having had some time to think more about where I am going and what would be more appropriate. Since the publication is a quarterly, I have found that Sketchbook relies heavily on their blog, which is updated and added to at least three times a day. They are also a fan of Twitter and have their own facebook page which acts similarly to their Twitter account. Last week they launched their Pop Up shop on Newburgh Street, just off Carnaby Street, where (for the next couple of weeks) they will be holding discussions and talks by stylists, designers and journalists from the fashion and media industry.
One of their recent discussions held last week was on one of journalism's most heated topics: the changing natures between online and printed creative matter. Personalities present at the shop were design writer and avid Tweeter Adrian Shaughnessy, fashion blog pioneer Susanna Lau (more popularly known by her pseudonym Susie Bubble), Stylesight.com trend director Sandrine Maggiani and fashion publication mastermind Becky Smith. The discussion was chaired by arts journalist Clare Acheson.
It is here, at the pop up shop, where I will be working to start with. Though I was previously told by Wafa in an original email that I could work at the magazine for a week, I am hoping that my hard work, eager nature and ability to adapt well in new environments will mean I can work at the magazine for another week or more. I would love to work at Sketchbook for at least four weeks if possible.
Anyway... So my new research question is going to be: "How is the success and development of an new independent publication driven?"
It sounds as if this will be a really interesting placement and case study Fiona, which puts you at the cutting edge of changes in the publishing industry but also at the heart of the debate around them. I think you were right to change you question in light of what you have learnt about how Sketchbook is using web 2.0 and its PopUpShop (which sounds really innovative). Not sure you have got the wording of your question quite right as it might be difficult for you to define 'success', particularly with such a new publication, but the thinking behind it is sound and it something you have time to consider. Well done for commenting on Connor's blog. It's good to see you supporting one another. Anne
ReplyDelete