signature magazine

Signature

Issue 1Careers

Jan 2011 £3.95

First Issue

Contents

6. Editors Letter 8. Contributors 10. Art +Drama = Party 2011! - Whitechapel Article

12. For every cloud... - Inspirational piece

22. Charmaine Ayden - Graduate Interview

32. Word on the Street - High street and vintage style

46. Correct me if i’m wrong - Photoshop article

54. Opportunities - Fashion Jobs and Internships

Editors LetterWelcome to the first issue of Signature magazine, for the youthful, creative and the curious, itching to

develop their own signature style.

We are the inspirational guide that every fashion student searches for through the abundance of tear outs in magazines and we have your key finds all wrapped up in one place. We see that images are not just about beauty and recognise a vision into exploring new grounds, telling

engaging and influentia=l stories in new ways .

We at Signature magazine can relate to the need for a helpful friendly hand as we have been there, done that got the up all night, worked all hours t-shirt! So ease the stress a little and have a

flick through on that much needed coffee break, fuelling that need for inspiration...looks like procastination just got educational.

Each issue will focus on a certain topic, with this first issue surrounding careers. Okay ...so I can guess what you are thinking...not another lecture on where your life is heading. Quite the contrary, this issue provides you with advice, guidelines and cutting edge photography to help get you where

you want to be, with a few extra bits thrown in for good measure.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Charmaine Ayden, a successful Fashion Communica-tion graduate, find out how to follow in her shoes. Also we have photoshop guidelines, an uplifting

spiritual piece and exciting internship opportunities all in this one magazine.

We hope that Signature gives you that extra spark to let your imagination flow into your projects and endeavours but also leaves you wanting more. We are your comfort blanket. Until next month...

Good luck and best wishes!

Sarah Taylor

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Contributors

Scarlett WestonStylist‘Word on the Street’Signature trait:Scarlett is a naturalist at styling and is extremely passionate about her work.

Tess AshwinHair & Make Up Artist‘For Every Cloud...’Signature trait:Tess is a culinary wizard.

Kaylie RowePhoto Assistant‘Word on the Street’Signature trait:Kaylie has the ‘gift of the gab’.

Jordan NaylorHair & Make Up Artist‘Correct Me If I’m Wrong’Signature trait:Jordan is a very lovable character and is always up for a good time.

Danielle AllenLocations Manager‘Word on the Street’Signature trait:Danielle has an addictive jolly nature.

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Lauren WoodIllustrator‘Front Cover’Signature trait:Lauren always says what she is thinking.

Katie McCornishModel‘For Every Cloud...’Signature trait:Katie has a very similar image to Kate Middleton but has a certain edge about her.

Charlotte CrosslandModel‘Correct Me If I’m Wrong’Signature trait:Charlotte has a down to earth approach on life and a dry sense of humour,

Katie ClarkeModel‘Word On The Street’Signature trait:Katie has a cute likeable personality with an eye catching smile.

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Art + Drama =

PARTY 2011!!Words: Sarah Taylor

“Where’s the best place to go tonight? “ “I’ve heard The Whitechapel Gallery is sup-pose to be amazing!”

The Whitechapel Gallery ‘s Art Plus Drama Party is the night out this new year that will be flavour of the month for creative individuals and leading figures in fashion, art, film and theatre to come together to raise money for the Gallery’s Education and Commu-nication programme. The prestigious fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar is the official media partner for the event.

“ Whitechapel Gallery Director, Iwona Blazwick OBE, Art Plus Chair, Mol-lie Dent-Brocklehurst and Harper’s Bazaar Editior-in-Chief Lucy Yeomans invite guests to enjoy an evening of live performance, art and drama.”

The Whitechapel Gallery’s Education and Community works with over 3000 children and 30 diverse community groups each year. A good cause and a great night out, where if last year is anything to go by will include glamor-ous guests such as Kate Moss.

Tickets are pricey at £145.00 each (£125.00 advance booking price!) but the rewards and glamour are so worth it!

John Stezaker29th Jan 2011 - 28th March 2011 @ The Whitechapel Gallery

www.thewhitechapelgallery.org

John Stezaker29th Jan 2011 - 28th March 2011 @ The Whitechapel Gallery

Situated in what is now known as London’s vibrant cultural and artis-tic hub, the newly transformed and redesigned Whitechapel Gallery is very fitting for its location, playing a role in London’s cultural land-scape, the gallery is an interna-tional touchstone for the culturally minded. A year after its expansion, The Whitechapel Gallery is quickly reasserting itself as a pioneer for being a vibrant, holistic centre of contemporary and world class art.

With previous inspiring talks such as the Art of Fashion with influen-tial designer Marios Schwab and up and coming events such as this, it is for sure a new one to put on the map for students as well as cul-tured individuals. As well as these privileged extras you can have the enjoyment of the actual exhibi-tions all year round and better yet all for free!

The Whitechapel Gallery as regu-lar collaborations with the likes of Harpers Bazaar and Elle Magazine providing a fashionable edge and energy to the gallery. The combina-tion of modern and contemporary art, inspiring fashion designer talks, drama parties and educa-tional resources makes the gal-lery a space for local, national and international audiences to engage with creativity, imagination and interactive learning.

For more information on The Whitechapel Gallery and to buy tickets for the Art Plus Drama Party see: www.whitechapelgallery.org

This is Tomorrow 9th Sept 2010 - 6th March 2011 @ The W-hitechapel Gallery

www.whitechapelgallery.org

For every cloud....

Photography and Styling: Sarah Taylor

Hair and Make-up Artist: Tess Ashwin

Seeing something beautiful:

All designs are N

orthumbria student

unfinished fashion designs.

“You can choose to blame your circumstances on fate or bad luck or bad choices, or you can fight back. Things

aren’t always going to be fair in the real world. That’s just the way it is. But for the most part, you get what you give.

The rest of your life is being shaped right now, with the dreams you chase...The choices you make and the person you decide to be. The rest of your life is a long time. And the rest of your life starts right

now!”

- One Tree Hill

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...watch out for that silver lining

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Cha

rmai

ne

Ayde

n- Signature spoke to Charmaine Ayden 22, who re-cently graduated Northumbria University with a BA (Hons) in Fashion Communication. As she is now working at WGSN as an Image Assistant we catch up with her as she talks about her story to success, university life and lifetime ambitions.

Interview: Sarah Taylor

Photography: Charmaine Ayden

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“I love the new generation of style icons, Pop-py Delevigne, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Jameela Jamil and surprise-surprise Alexa Chung. I have affec-tion for classic style that encompasses a grunge edge.”

If you could describe yourself in three words what would they be?

Imaginative, Geeky, Clumsy

What is you most successful project to date and why?

I produced an Ethical Fashion Manual (The Future Fashion Buyer’s Handbook) for my FMP; the project enabled me to encompass my passion for Sustainable Design, Human rights and Journalism. The finished publication successfully incorporated photography, illustration and text to educate a University audience of the importance of ethical purchasing practices.

What would you say is your very best personal achieve-ment?

Undertaking a Journalistic Role for Northumbria University in the African Country of Zambia.

Zambia 2009 was an HIV and AIDS orientated project that aimed to combat social myths in Africa, whilst developing better communities through sport and recreation. During my time in the country I worked and taught in rural com-munities to develop an understanding of sexual health education.

Throughout my time in Zambia I gained close personal friends, and developed my written, and verbal communica-tion skills. The project was unlike any other experience, and helped reinforce a passion for aiding developing countries.

Do you have a style icon?

I love the new generation of style icons, Poppy Delevigne, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Jameela Jamil and surprise-surprise Alexa Chung. I have affection for classic style that encom-passes a grunge edge.

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What would you say are the key ingredients for success at university?

Creating a network of friends, tutors and industry contacts that can aid your development throughout the duration of your degree.

When studying at Northumbria University where did you tend to look for inspiration?

Newcastle is a hive for creative and inspiring individu-als. Obviously destinations like the Baltic Art Gallery provide for motivation, but I preferred people watch-ing in the endless café haunts. I have special memories of The Butterfly Cabinet and the café/bar at Tyneside Cinema.

Do you think there is a good selection of maga-zines and other material out there to guide and inspire fashion students?

I feel design students should become more aware of the extensive Fanzines that are available to them. Fan-zines are often written by other creative individuals, therefore providing an opportunity to network within the design industries.

In addition I believe that Fashion Students shouldn’t exclusively read ‘Fashion Magazines’; instead they should accompany this with enjoying interior, archi-tectural and environmental publications, therefore broadening their creative and cultural knowledge.

When you were studying at university, would you have been interested in purchasing a student fashion magazine with content such as:

• Photoshop techniques• Up and coming art and fashion events• Street Style• Cultural and Environmental Issues• Interviews with successful graduates, lec turers and professionals within the fashion industry• A careers and internships section

I think that I would have found all of the above very beneficial, particularly a section relating to careers.

Did you take part in any internships whilst study-ing at Northumbria?

Internships were an essential part of my develop-ment while studying at Northumbria University. They provided me with a realistic impression of the fashion industry, and gave me the opportunity to sample a diverse range of careers paths. During University and since completing my degree I have worked at:

Asos Drapers MagazineAcadiaThe Daily ExpressVogueGlamour MagazineHeat MagazineCloser MagazineTatty DevineLondon Fashion WeekSassi and Rainford PR

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“The project was unlike any other experience, and helped rein-force a passion for aiding developing countries.”

Do you think that they helped with your own personal devel-opment and finding a job that you wanted after university?

Internships provided me with a realistic viewpoint of the fashion industry, and the hard work that is needed to succeed; I tried to gain a diverse range of placements in order to cement my under-standing of varied opportunities. Education/ a degree is just one element involved in deciding a career path, it’s important to also network and sample the ‘real world’. The majority of fashion em-ployment opportunities are not advertised, so internships provide a chance to ‘network’ should a position arise.

Where do you work now?

WGSN, Image Assistant

What roles does this job involve?

Researching and monitoring current trends through catwalk and in-store imagery.

How did you get this job?

During University I had sent my CV to potential employers, stat-ing my previous experience, the degree that I was studying, and the concluding date of my course. WGSN responded with some possible opportunities that were due to arise, and asked if I would like an interview. The rest, as they say, is history….

Is working in the fashion industry what you expected?

I expected hard work, long hours and passionate people, and that’s exactly what I’ve got at present.

What are your favorite aspects of it?

Meeting original and inspired people everyday.

What is your ideal professional role?

My dream role would be to work for ABOVE Magazine, a pub-lication dedicated to the progression of ethical and sustainable fashion.

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Word On The Street

Photography: Sarah Taylor

Styling: Scarlett Weston

Photo Assistant: Kaylie RoweLocations Manager: Danielle Allen

Opposite page:Coat: Vintage

S carf: Polo Ralph Lauren £70.00

Both Pages:Jumper: Zara £25.00

Trousers:Topshop £38.00Belt: Vontage

Boots: River Island £44.99Ear Muffs: Urban Outfitters £14.00

Both PagesJacket: Topshop £55.00

T-Shirt: H & M £12.99Scarf: Miss Selfridge £16.00

Jeans: H & M £19.99Boots:River Island £44.99

Both Pages:Coat: River Island £79.99

Playsuit: Urban Outfitters £45.00Tights: Urban Outfitters £15.00

Boots: Stylists own

Cape: Topshop £80.00Jeans: H & M £19.99Boots: River Island £44,.99

Both pages:Cardigan: Topshop £45.00

Blouse: Urban Outfitters £38.00Leather shorts: Topshop £50.00

Shoe Boots: Stylists own

Words and Photography: Sarah Taylor

Words & Photography: Sarah taylor

Hair & Makeup Artist: Jordan Naylor

let me fade away...- Don’t let your favourite image go to waste. Let the magic wand erase those unwanted shadows away, - -Reveal a crisp white background. Duplicate the original layer 2x, position-ing new layers and scaling down to suit. - Reduction of opacity are key to creating this effective reflec-tion.

blur my vision...- First you need to pick a background that is quite simple yet has bold colours and create a new document to chosen size. - Cut your model out with your preferred tool of choice, I used the magnetic lasso tool for this, now place the model on the new back ground. - Scale to fit and merge the layers together- Duplicate this layer.- Whilst on new layer we want to create a radial blur, Filter>Blur>Radial Blur. Choose desired vanishing point and zoom.- The elliptical marquee tool is your next friend to remove the blurry face, select and feather to avoid ugly harsh edges.- Now dupllicate this layer and to make the lines stronger we need to use go to Filter>Sharpen>Unsharp Mask.- Use the elliptical marquee tool again to draw a circle rond half of the zoom area Select>Inverse>Delete.- It’s now time to use your imagination and play around with contrast and brightness to get the job done! Flatten the image and voila!....an energized new image is found.

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sketch me up...- A great effect if you can’t draw for toffee! Trick your friends with your newly artistic skills- Layers are the key to this effect, all 4 of them. We have the back ground layer, tone, outline and texture.- Now lets get on with creating your own sketch activate the texture layer (the one on the top of your layers palette) Go to Filter>Sketch>Graphic Pen. Adjust settings until happy and OK it.- Hide the texture layer, now onto the outline layer....we want to create the pen-cil effect so to do this go to Filter>Stylize>Find Edges, have a play around with brightness and contrast until satisfied.- Onto the third and final effect - the tone. Go to Filter>Artistic>Cutout play around with the tones with your three sliders and OK it once happy. - Let’s make all three layers visible again and reduce the opacity of the top layer by half, lets add a linear burn to that- why not! Essential blending.- Flatten the image and there you have it you just became a pretty good artist in just minutes!

Various Positions - IPC Media

IPC Media that’s titles include InStyle, Marie Claire, Wallpaper, & NME amongst others is currently advertising on their website for speculative applications. Using the e-mail address given below you can be sent an up to date list of all of their current vacancies across this wide range of titles.

Please note: This position is as advertised on the IPC Media website, Signature can therefore not guarantee availability. Please check the compa-ny’s website before applying

Vacancy Type Speculative Applications Company IPC Media Web-sitewww.ipcmedia.com Hours Not Known Location Not Known How to applyTo be sent a list of current vacancies please send an e-mail to IPC Media via the following address [email protected]

Opportunities

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Work Experience - Conde NastConde Nast take on a number of work experience candidates in most departments in London. However, in general, they are only able to offer a maximum of two to three week, full-time, unpaid placements in the editorial departments, and they tend to get booked up well in advance. They advise people to write at least six months before the time you are free to do work experience.

The volume of applications has meant that they have had to make it an absolute rule that they do not accept anyone until they are doing some form of relevant further education, i.e. a university degree.

Please note: This position is as advertised on the Conde Nast website, Signature can therefore not guarantee availability. Please check the compa-ny's website before applying

Vacancy Type Speculative Applications Company Conde Nast Websitehttp://www.condenetint.com Hours full time Location London How to applyAs a result of the volume of applications, these requests are not han-dled by the Personnel department. All applications for work experience placements please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter in the post to the Managing Editor of the magazine which particularly inter-ests you. This information is in the masthead of the magazine.

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