Understanding the Media Industries – Magazine
For this research I am looking and analysing the following job roles within the Magazine industry. This will allow me to also decide what I need to do and what I want to progress into in the future.
Editor
Art Director
Picture Editor
Photographer
Staff Writer
Editor
Within the Newspaper or Magazine Industry, there are many levels of editorial staging. Once journalism or research for articles has been completed, the task falls to the “Sub-Editor” or other times known as the "layout editor," "design editor," "news designer," or more so in the past "makeup editor” to select the vital pieces of the “puzzle” and fit them together, constantly checking with the Chief Editor, or other times known as "editor-in-chief," "executive editor" or just "editor”, to make sure that their workings are correct and up to standard expected. The Final Editor is “responsible for developing the product to its final release” essentially he trims off what’s already been done and makes sure there is absolutely NO false information and makes sure that there could be no possible reason for a reprint. The editor has to “Set the Standards” for the product before release as well as keeping the staff busy or “keeping them motivated”. The Editor also has a substantial input in the budget of the production, “In concert with the publisher and the operating committee”, essentially the Editor Runs the newspaper and has a considerable amount of influence on its content and what goes on within the company.
A lot of the time, Editors who are working for other companies will work for business’ or “Nonprofit companies” who “provide services such as proofreading, copy editing, line editing, developmental editing, editing for search engine optimization (SEO), etc”.
Editors do not need many qualifications, im assuming however that math’s and English are needed, but to my understanding, you need them both to get anywhere now’ a days. According to a Blog I've read editing just requires Experience and Work experience.
What education is needed to become an editor?
Answer
“While most employers or clients prefer (and some require) an editor to have at least a Bachelor's Degree in English, there is no official educational requirement to become an editor. Your knowledge of the language with regards to proper grammar, syntax, punctuation, and style are most important. Work experience also fortifies an editor's resume, especially when he or she does not have an advanced or professional degree.
If you can convince your potential client or employer to hire you based on your abilities and experience it is not necessary to have a college degree to become a successful editor.”
After finding a website and employer known as WebWasp I found out exactly what an Editor needs to be aware of…
A sub editor has to have to check that:
The writing is technically accurate
The English is clear, well written and in the appropriate style
Ensuring that the purpose of the tutorial is clearly explained
The assumed knowledge of the users is correct
The layout is clear and in the appropriate style
Layout and use of language is in the appropriate style
The sample files are accurate
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_education_is_needed_to_become_an_editor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Editor
http://www.webwasp.co.uk/odds-ends/work.php
Art Director
The art directions and publishing editors work together to create a concept which is then used for pages and sections inside a magazine, newspaper or other such publication. On their own though they both do something completely different, the art director is “responsible for the look at feel of the publication” whilst the Publishing editor is responsible for the textual content.
“Art directors oversee the artistic design of advertisements and print materials. they also oversee the filming of television commercials. They are the decision makers who are responsible for the quality of the finished product. The art director chooses a photographer, an illustrator, models, and any props necessary for an ad. If a print ad comes back from the printer with an imperfection, the art director is responsible for retouching it. In advertising, the art director is not only responsible for the "look" of an ad but is also part of a creative team responsible for developing the very concept. An art director and a copywriter (who writes the ads) may decide on an advertising concept together. Then they determine how the ad will look and what it will say.
To create a "print" ad—one that appears in a magazine or a newspaper or on a billboard—the art director creates a rough layout using a computer. The layout shows where the copy will go, which fonts and colours will be used, and what the picture will look like. At this stage, the layout must be approved by the client. Once a rough layout for an ad is approved, the art director uses all the resources of the agency to produce the finished ad.
Work begins in a large, open work area known as the bull pen, where the art director supervises a team of artists who work up the rough layout of an ad, refine it, and put it together on the computer. Assistants scale photographs and illustrations to the proper size and decide on the typeface. They run the copy and the photographs through the computer programs to create the pages as they will appear in print.”
Education and Training Requirements
Budding art directors should begin by putting together a collection of their best work or “portfolio”. There are a number of ways to get the necessary training to be an art director. In high school, students should take courses in art, mechanical drawing or drafting, and photography. Further education may include a program at a two-year college, a four-year college, or a special art school. Some two-year colleges offer basic courses in layout and paste-up. Four-year colleges offer degrees in fine arts. A number of art schools across the country offer thorough training in graphic design, including courses in design, layout, and photography. To be accepted into an art school, applicants typically need to present their portfolio.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_director
http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/115/Art-Director.html
Picture Editor
In alignment with preset guidelines set by the guild of photo editors, a picture editor, commonly known as a photo editor is a Professional (sometimes photographer) “who collects, reviews, and chooses photographs and/or illustrations for publication”. Ares which picture editors works are listed below;
Websites
Books
Magazines
Newspapers
Art Galleries
Museum catalogs
Corporate Products – Catalogs and Annual Reports
In choosing photographs and illustrations, picture editors take into account their publication’s standards, needs, and budget. They commonly use software like MAGIX Photo&Grafic Designer, the height of photo editing software today.
More information on MAGIX Photo&Graphic Designer is on the link below;
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Magix-Photo-and-Graphic-Designer-software-manipulation-5599
Once the Picture Editor has been briefed on what he needs to provide, he makes a list of the tasks needed to be done, a list is provided below of the tasks and other such eventualities the Editor needs to consider;
finding the appropriate image (mainly sourced from on-line image banks or using established picture libraries and archives);
liaising with the client ;
dealing with licensing and copyright restrictions;
negotiating the terms and conditions of the contract and the fee;
keeping records, storing images and undertaking necessary administration;
using IT skills to edit and manipulate images and navigating online search facilities;
commissioning photographers to provide new images.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picture_editor
http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/picture_researcher_editor_job_description.jsp
Features editor
Usually Most opportunities are in large publishing companies that produce a wide range of titles, therefore, a magazine features editor has to ensure that their publication is full of entertaining, informative and newsworthy articles.
Editing needs done below.
features editors are also employed by trade magazines, specialist publishers, online media and in-house magazines. Examples of such magazines are
The responsibilities of the role can include: generating ideas for features, commissioning work by freelance writers, editing and proofreading, managing writing staff and liaising with artists and photographers.
Magazine features editors do not always need specialist knowledge of the subject they cover, unless the content is highly technical, although an interest in the subject is usually expected
Typical work activities
The role will vary according to the size of the publication and the nature of its content, but responsibilities will typically include:
§ overseeing the layout, appearance and content of feature articles;
§ generating ideas for features with writing staff;
§ commissioning articles from freelance and in-house writers;
§ managing writing staff and freelance feature writers;
§ editing and re-writing articles, some of which may be rejected or returned to the writer for revision;
§ overseeing artwork, design and photography for the features section of the magazine;
§ attending photo-shoots;
§ organising meetings with writers and artists to discuss ideas for artwork, layout and features;
§ negotiating payments with freelance writers;
§ dealing with legal matters;
§ selecting feature articles for each issue;
§ sending out briefs to writers which can include word count, deadline, fee and writing style;
§ proofreading all pages before going to press;
§ raising the profile of the magazine;
§ networking with others at industry events;
§ assisting other staff to meet their deadlines.
http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/magazine_features_editor_job_description.jsp
Photographer
Photography is divided into two categories, Professional Photography and amateur.
Professional photographers use their cameras to capture photographs for money, amateur photographers take pictures for pleasure.
Photographers are also categorized based on the subjects they photograph. Some photographers explore subjects typical of paintings such as landscape, still life, and portraiture. Other photographers specialize in subjects unique to photography, including street photography, documentary photography, fashion photography, wedding photography, war photography, photojournalism, and commercial photography.
A professional photographer may be an employee, for example of a newspaper, or may contract to cover a particular event such as a wedding or graduation, or to illustrate an advertisement. Others, including paparazzi and fine art photographers, are freelancers, first making a picture and then offering it for sale or display. Some workers, such as policemen, estate agents, journalists and scientists, make photographs as part of other work.
Photography doesn’t require many qualifications to get into, a lot of work experience is needed however, and the skillset website indicates that to get into photography, a lot of research will have to be carried out. They suggest that taking a degree in a specialist subject such as Botany, Art History or Geology will give you a good knowledge upon how to find and construct a base for your research.
http://www.skillset.org/photo/training/article_5194_1.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographer
Photographer – job description and testimonial
http://www.skillset.org/photo/careers/photographers/article_3273_1.asp
http://www.skillset.org/careers/case_studies/article_5297_1.asp
“The work is varied, exciting and highly stimulating - it is also extremely competitive. That said, those who can demonstrate an ability to interpret ideas and stories through original and emotive photographic images enjoy strong career prospects.”
Advertising Photographers produce images that are used to demonstrate a marketing idea in response to a brief given to them by a client, a designer or an advertising agency. Advertising Photographers produce photographs for use in both local and national advertising. Some work is carried out on location, but mostly done in studios, using studio lighting, props and accessories. Some Advertising Photographers specialise in producing well-lit product shots for use on packaging, point-of-sale advertising and in catalogues. These so-called ‘Pack' or ‘Pack Shot' photographers are often salaried studio employees, working standard hours, five-days a week, with all the benefits that regular employment offers.
“Producing high quality photographs to a tight deadline and exacting client specifications can prove stressful. Advertising and Editorial Photographers should therefore be organised, practical and creative, with a calm, friendly attitude. They must be highly motivated and self-confident in order to promote themselves, and should continually update their presentation portfolio. They need to understand the principles of composition, and have an appreciation of shape, form, colour and tone.”
No set academic qualifications are required to work as an Advertising or Editorial Photographer, with career advancement based largely on portfolio, track record and reputation. There are many excellent college courses around the country which provide a sound technical grounding, as well as access to work placement schemes. The Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) offered by the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography) has a good reputation with employers. The PQE has traditionally taken the form of an additional year's course following on from a Higher National Diploma (HND). Today it is often incorporated into a three year degree programme. Eight colleges and universities in England and two colleges in Scotland currently offer the PQE. Many practitioners start out by assisting an established photographer and learn on the job. Employers may support work-based qualifications, such as Apprenticeships and NVQ/SVQs. Photo Imaging NVQ/SVQs are currently available at levels 2, 3 and 4. Membership of the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP), the Association of Photographers (AOP) and the Master Photographers Association (MPA) may also be beneficial. The BIPP and the MPA offer a range of qualifications that enable a candidate to benchmark their skills against other successful practitioners working in the industry.
MARC MARNIE
Marc Marnie, of Stagefright Photography, is a freelance arts photographer who has designed his own studio at home in Edinburgh.
In your own words, briefly describe what your job involves.
I’m a freelance photographer, working principally in the creative arts: music, theatre, dance etc. I also work on a lot of community
projects. I take on corporate work when appropriate, but have the luxury of being able to turn down work from organisations whose
policies I don’t agree with.
Can you describe a typical working day?
There is no such thing as a typical working day, which is one of the reasons I love the work I do. But let me describe a recent day. I was
contacted by a local theatre company who urgently needed pictures of an actress for a show that was still being devised.The actress
and the show’s marketing staff turned up at my home studio and, with no details about the play other than the title, and the fact there
would be a lot of water on stage.We shot what was needed in under an hour.The actress very kindly agreed to be dunked in a fish
tank for the shoot and the photos turned out as we’d hoped; fresh and a little different. Ironically, by the time the show was performed,
almost all water references had been written out, but the images were oblique enough to cover that eventuality!
What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
Meeting and working with so many different sorts of people and being able to choose which jobs I accept. I also enjoy being able to
create something that is interesting and gives a different perspective on what people might normally see.
Are there any aspects of the job which you don’t like?
Waiting around – I always carry books to read. Particularly when I’m out on location as I like to arrive early to see where I’ll be
shooting beforehand.
Because of the nature of press and PR campaigns, it can often take time to be rebooked by companies.You mustn’t take this personally
as they tend to come back eventually, it’s just the nature of the business.
The only other downside is finding out what a tough boss I am to work for.
What type of assignments/projects do you work on?
I especially enjoy working on community projects which is where my focus of work has been recently. I have also worked extensively
with ‘special needs’ theatre groups and organisations promoting racial equality and social inclusion. It’s means a lot to me to have the
opportunity of working with groups who have a positive effect on society.
What are the typical working hours?
There are no typical working hours. Since music gigs and theatre shows take place in the evenings I often work in my office/studio
through the day and then go out to jobs in the evenings – til late! So it’s often very long hours; 14-16 hour days are common. On the
other hand there are many days when no work comes in, so being freelance is a bit of an act of faith.
What level of pay could one expect?
It’s hugely changeable and depends on each job and the subject. Some jobs can be well paid, but many aren’t at all. You try to balance
your earnings throughout the year to cope with the quieter times and, above all, be working for the love of it.
How did you reach the current point in your career?
That’s a good question, but difficult to answer. Certainly not by design. As an exhibiting artist it’s important to give no consideration of
being at any ‘point’. If you start considering your reputation then I think your work suffers. As a working photographer, in common with
anyone trying to make a living, there is no feeling of arrival; just one of constant travelling.
What makes someone suitable for this kind of work?
A great deal of patience, optimism and a strong sense of self to withstand rejection. I also think of myself as having a cloak of invisibility
when I work.That way I get the shots I really want to capture, rather than what the subjects think I’m looking for.
Ok. If I wanted your job, how would I go about it?
By falling into it accidentally.The other method, the ‘game-plan’ method would be to approach theatre companies and musicians and try
to develop a mutually advantageous working relationship with them.They may not have a budget, but the experience you will gain is
invaluable and you have just started ‘networking’... and you never know where that might lead.
How did you get into the industry?
My induction involved me being thrown in at the deep end, photographing named bands at the Glasgow Apollo, punk bands in pubs
and theatre companies in small arts venues.This meant learning, on-the-job, to get good results in low lighting & difficult surroundings.
What training and/or education have you found most useful in progressing your career?
Other than practical experience? Photoshop.
Have you undertaken any further training?
I learned HTML in order to create my own website quite a long time ago (in internet years). Photoshop has become the new
darkroom, so I continue to learn that as a replacement for the many darkroom skills that are now all but obsolete.
What formal qualifications do you have?
A driving licence, which is essential to my work.
Are they necessary for everyone?
Even a driving licence is not essential. Further education would not be a huge deterrent to obtaining work, but it certainly isn’t essential.
In your experience, what are the best ways of promoting and marketing your skills?
Word of mouth is, for me, the most important form of advertising. Personal recommendations are mostly how I secure work.The web
is also a key tool to providing additional information on who you are, what services you provide, what you’re trying to achieve and
indeed, what you have achieved.
How do you make sure that you keep up with current developments in your field?
It really is ad-hoc. If a need arises and I think it’s relevant to me at that time, then I will embrace it.
Are there any skills you feel you need or want to learn?
Though I have mentioned it at least twice already, I have never been very good at ‘networking’, even though most of my business, and
repeat business, comes through word of mouth. As a photographer you not only sell your product, but also yourself as the best person
for the job. Personal and social skills are hugely important.
Does your work require you to be multi-skilled – if so, what are the most essential areas?
Absolutely – without a doubt. On location you have to think of many things at once; what you want to achieve and how you want to
approach it.You’re dealing with people, with their own egos, agendas & pre-occupations and trying to make it an enjoyable experience
for them. On top of that, technical equipment (operation & malfunction) and health & safety issues need to be taken into consideration.
And lastly, contingency planning, or ‘Plan B’, means you often need to think fast, even if it’s only due to a change in the weather! All the
while this is going on in your head you have to keep up a dialogue with the subject – ensuring they’re at ease.
When you first started, did you undertake any work experience – if so, how did you arrange it?
I didn’t undertake any kind of work experience though I had a brief encounter with college.
What advice would you give to others seeking work experience?
Be determined to learn and build on your knowledge, whilst keeping an open mind. Be prepared to make mistakes – you learn more
than by remaining within your safety zone. Lastly, be enthusiastic and passionate and you will get so much more from the experience.
How do you find out about available work?
Although I have 2 agents, I still find most work myself via contacts and word of mouth from past clients. Most of my work is within the
areas of music, theatre, and voluntary arts. I like to develop long term working relationships with my clients (particularly in theatre,
where trust is very important).
What advice would you give to someone wanting to broaden the range of work they are getting?
Again, word of mouth is essential in being recommended or contacted for work. But getting out there is also necessary for building
relationships with people and letting them know the kind of work you’re interested in. For example if you’re not seen at relevant events
it’s easy for prospective clients to overlook you, or to assume that you’re too busy to take on work, or that you may not be interested
and that it’s not worth contacting you. Perception is important in ways that you may not realise impact on you.
What was the best career decision you ever took?
Not to follow my natural abilities and become a professional sportsperson.
What has been the best piece of luck for you?
My philosophy is that we create our own luck by being positive and ‘going’ for things. My luck is in having a family that allows me to live
by my philosophy.
How has the industry changed since you first entered it?
Photography has become accessible to so many more people than it has been previously, which is, I believe, a good thing.The downside
is that, similar to desk top publishing, when everyone has the tools they also tend to believe they have the skills.
It is also sad that, along with technological changes, often comes an increased political paranoia. Suddenly parents were prohibited from
photographing their kids in a school play, now there are even more extreme moves toward only allowing accredited photographers to
photograph in public.
How do you balance the demands of your professional life and your personal life?
My office is based at home and I carry a camera with me most of the time. It’s a huge part of my life and we, as a family, work round it
to a large extent. It’s just part of our lives.
Has anyone or anything particularly inspired you?
Most people I’ve photographed inspire me in some way. Portraiture is a crash course in individuals, everyone has a story to tell and it’s
a privilege to be some sort of conduit for that.
Did you have any careers advice available to you?
Yes, but only in the area of sport, since I didn’t take up photography until later.
What advice would you give to someone whose career needed a kick-start?
I was once told the photographer’s maxim should be ‘f/8 and b/there’.You can think about it all you like, but if you don’t actually take
the photos….you are nowhere. Above all though: Believe in yourself.
Venture Photographer
Town / county:
Kent
Salary / rate:
J13-16K + bonus
Job type:
Full Time Job
Job description:
Venture Photography is the market leaders in Lifestyle Photography, with over 60 studios in the UK and abroad. We produce customized pieces of art with impecable customer service. We are looking for a junior photographer to join our creative Canterbury Team.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Duities include: Full Photographic Process- customer facing through to digital retouch.SalesDigital RetouchingAdmin
Skills, Qualifications & Experience Required:
Photographic Qualifications preferable.Studio Experience, including basic lighting knowledge.Photoshop (CS3)Sales experience preferable but not essential. Must be a good communicator, and comfortable working with children.
Benefits:
Full Photographic Training given including Venture DiplomaBonus Scheme in PlaceExcellent Career opitunites within the Venture Brand
Company:
Venture Photography
Phone number:
01227450222
Website:
http://venturephotography.com
E-mail address:
canterbury@venturephotography.co.uk
Company Background:
Market Leaders in Lifestyle Photography. Produces cutting edge personalized pieces of portrait art.
Above is a vacancy available for a photographer, found on the following link:
http://www.bestphotographers.co.uk/jobs-vacancies/venture-photographer.3
editor – job vacancies and info
