Careers in Fashion Journalism
Find out about the types of jobs you could pursue in fashion journalism. Read on to learn more about career options along with salary and job growth information.
What Is a Fashion Journalist?
<p>Fashion journalists cover news, trends and styles from the world of fashion. They may contribute articles to print and online publications, or present segments on television shows and online broadcasts. They may provide content for a specifically fashion-focused media outlet, or provide a fashion component for other publications. Like other journalists, fashion journalists are required to research and write up stories that will interest their audience, requiring strong communication skills and a knowledge of the industry. Fashion journalists may need to work with other people in the world of fashion, such as photographers, designers and advertising representatives.
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<p>Some of the careers in fashion journalism include writers, reporters and editors. Learn more about these options by reviewing information from the following table.
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<table border="1"><tr><td></td><td><b>Writer</b></td><td><b>Reporter</b></td><td><b>Editor</b></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree</td><td>Bachelor's degree</td><td>Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td>English, journalism, marketing</td><td>English, journalism, communications, marketing</td><td>English, editing, journalism</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td>Writing, communication, attention to detail, computer literacy</td><td>Interpersonal, writing, objectivity</td><td>Detail oriented, creativity, editing knowledge, communication</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td>9% growth*</td><td>6% growth <i>(for all news analysts, reporters, and journalists)</i>*</td><td>5% growth*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$67,120*</td><td>$49,300 <i>(for all news analysts, reporters, and journalists)</i>*</td><td>$63,400*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---WhatKindsOfJobsAreAvailableInFashionJournalism">What Kinds of Jobs are Available in Fashion Journalism?</h3>
<p>You might find work as a staff writer, reporter or editor for a fashion publication. In these roles, you could be responsible for researching, writing or editing articles that go into a magazine. You might scout new trends or report breaking news in the fashion world.
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<p>After gaining some experience in the field, you might become a managing editor, senior editor or editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine. Though specific responsibilities for each of these positions vary by employer, common duties include content and layout oversight of an online or print publication. An editor-in-chief may have final say on all articles, advertisements and photographs that appear in a publication. Some managing or senior editors are expected to supervise an editorial staff.
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<h3 id="section---HowCanIFindWorkInTheField">How Can I Find Work in the Field?</h3>
<p>Fashion journalism is a competitive industry; metropolitan areas like New York or Los Angeles may offer more employment opportunities for aspiring fashion journalists than smaller cities or towns. In some cases, you might be expected to work your way up through a company's ranks; you could start out as an intern before becoming a writer or editor. If you find work as a freelance fashion reporter, you might pitch story ideas to fashion publications and complete them on your own time.
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<h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfEducationWillINeed">What Type of Education Will I Need?</h3>
<p>Fashion publications may prefer to hire employees who've completed a bachelor's program in English, journalism, communications or marketing. A bachelor's program in journalism might provide you with the skills necessary to research, report and write news articles.
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<p>Earning a bachelor's degree in fashion could provide you with an overview of the fashion industry and an understanding of new and developing designers or trends. You might be interested in declaring a major in journalism and a minor in fashion design to gain a thorough academic background in both subjects.
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<h3 id="section---WhatCanIExpectToEarn">What Can I Expect to Earn?</h3>
<p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report specific data for fashion magazine journalists; however, editors earned a median annual salary of $63,400 in 2020, according to the BLS (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). During the same year, writers and authors earned a median annual salary of $67,120. The BLS noted that news analysts, reporters, and journalists earned a median annual wage of $49,300 in 2020.
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<h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3>
<p>If you are interested in working in journalism, you could also consider becoming a general news reporter. This is largely the same job description as for a fashion journalist, but will involve writing stories on current affairs and events as opposed to fashion trends. You may also want to become a professional writer or author, providing original content to entertain an audience, whether in the form of blog posts, articles or books. Many writers and authors work freelance positions and contribute to many different publications at once. If you studied marketing, you may want to consider becoming a marketing manager or advertising sales agent and working to promote a product or service. Those who are interested in fashion may want to seek out advertising positions within fashion and clothing companies.</p>