Quirky and Quaint

It's finally May, and that means it's time to seriously put my head down in the books. While the panic of dissertation and last minute assignments linger overhead, there was still time to listen to Justin Quirk give us some post university advice on Friday.

An old-school print trained journalist, Justin has worked for many creditable publications including the Guardian, The Times and Soho House's quarterly journal, HOUSE. Coming in to speak to a gang of fashion marketing and journalism students, his main points of topic were to always be adaptable to change and to think critically.

Justin Quirk talking to fashion marketing and journalism students about the industry

Whilst some say that print media is a dying breed, Justin is evidence that it is the total opposite. Currently the editor of Supplement Magazine, a new publication devoted to contemporary culture in its widest sense, he's experienced the changing journalism climate with the rise of online. Justin said, that where once a clear difference with editorial (the creative) and commercial (advertising) existed, nowadays, "those divisions have gone completely". He adds with the internet "we are far more culturally aware".

Naming Red Bull as a brand that is a perfect example of this, he said that they have perfected the filter between the customer bridge and content creation. They think in an agile way, and are essentially, a bit of everything. We as young, urban consumers are valuable to brands.

Off the back of this, Justin says, "critically think about culture and connecting readership" because "creating culture is a psychological hurdle". He adds, "Find things that are interesting and communicate that to people".

Such is considered normal in London to work ridiculous hours as an unpaid intern in exchange for so-called 'real-experience'. "Giving your services for free is a slippery slope" he said when asked about what he thinks of working for zero fee. Justin, who started working for the Guardian while he was still in university, said "to contact as many people as humanly possible" about opportunities, even if it's to meet them for a cup of coffee to sell yourself and skills.

Justin has also kept freelancing. "Coming up with ideas is the hardest part" he says. When pitching an idea, three questions should be asked:

Why is this story interesting?

Why is this story right for the title?

Why should you do it?

"No ideas are wasted, even if the editor does knock it", he says reassuringly.

Speaking about personal blogs, he adds, "If you're doing it for free, do it for yourselves".

"Think of yourself as a brand", Justin says. Whilst receiving criticism can be daunting, if you want an employer to hire you, he recommends to make your blog as professional as possible because according to him, "your ideas have to work visually".

Another tip he offers is to show brands or people you are interested in their work. An example of how to do this he says is to "really collaborate with others who don't have your skills". By doing this you are essentially doubling your contacts.

Discussing the time he interviewed the "charming" Jude Law in his hotel room, and in my mind I'm imagining Hugh Grant in Notting Hill claiming to be a reporter from Horse & Hound, he says to "stay clear of celebrities and cover people starting their career, rather than at the end."

"You are your first audience", says Justin. People are always going to need to know about culturally exciting things.