#shinebythree | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

azahwrote · 7 years ago

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This is my first blog post, titled Sixteen. Ironic. I have a blackhead mask on my nose and chin. Today is the first of January, 2018. Less than 24 hours ago was new year’s eve, which I had spent asleep in regards to a couple episodes of KUWTK. The time right now is 3 pm and I’ve just reminded myself to take the meat out of the freezer before my mother comes home. The sun is asleep and it seems that the clouds can’t hold the rain any longer. It’s humid and the skin above my brows is drenched in droplets of sweat, unready for another acne attack. It will rain, and when it does, I will turn my jazz tunes on.

The non-sense on your screen are of a sixteen year old girl who prefers to remain unnamed. She starts a blog to excuse herself from doing her winter-break homework. Tragic. She has exactly eight days to analyze one-hundred-and-five questions of subjects she mostly hates, and yet, here she is – her face mask too dry and her limbs plastered with mosquito bites. Almost unattractive and not her best appearance, but naturalistic and at a boiling state of peace procrastinating procrastination around herself.

The rain has poured. She turns on her jazz music like she even likes jazz. These are one of the things she does to keep her out of her comfort zone, and to make herself seem and feel more aesthetic and dreamy.

Two nights later, she wishes she had finished this excerpt from her never-ending afternoon thoughts. She wishes she had spent more time doing the things she likes and things she’s good at. It has been a trick she uses to delay her performance in completing homework – if you can’t bring yourself to finish your homework, then at least do something that’ll benefit you. You see, this confused teenage high-schooler hopes that her doodles, sketches, paintings, photography, short videos and poetry might bring her somewhere someday and that all the procrastination she does now will contribute to her bright future as a creative director or so. But, boy, is she wrong. Even after spending half of her life snapping shots and editing pictures for the gram, her notifications will remain dry as always. Don’t get her wrong, she appreciates the occasional I love your work dm’s and the OMG QUEEN comments from her friends, but she still feels her creative self can go further in the gram business than just occasional compliments and believes she has great visionary potential to help her start her creative-directing career. Nonetheless, regardless of the fact that she cant even pass 200 likes on Instagram, in her heart are still hopes of well recognition and endless requests of endorsements from well-known brands to supply all her with all her basic needs until she turns 25, at least. Sometimes she almost feels underrated for her multi-talented presence and the art she showcases on her feed. Some part of her is always ready to let go off her efforts and give up, because she knows there is obviously more to life than being a public figure on Instagram and #ad posts to keep her wardrobe exclusive and free, and that a creative career doesn’t start from Instagram.

This particular sixteen-years-old dumpling has bigger dreams than just being an Instagram public figure, obviously. She dreams to be a successful and independent daughter by the age of 23, applying her creative skills in a job she loves, freshly graduated from a reputable university, living in a small modern apartment in a big city while visiting her parents often. Her job preference is not a nine-to-five job in a cubicle doing analytics, it is a job where she can create, illustrate, communicate, and design, a job which takes her all over the world with a different destination every week (only because she’s never had a different destination every week, realistically she would be exhausted and spend more time catching up sleep and getting high on jetlags). In short, she desires the things Margaret Zhang seems to be doing on her updated Instagram feed and her ShineByThree blog, like creative consulting high-end brands, creating short-film ads for Chanel and Louis Vuitton, freelance writing for Elle, etc.

Other than sketching, photography and all that artsy creative stuff, this procrastinating blogger-to-be likes languages too. Her multicultural background of being raised in two countries, three cities and six different schools for the past 12 years guided her through an unceasing journey exploring all the different culture and picking up different foreign vocabulary every time entering a friend’s house. A constant voyage through culture has given her numerous friends from different corners of Earth, yet very little connection. That is her problem. An anonymous figure is great at making friends as she is outgoing, carefree and lit, but she is horrible at keeping connections and messaging her friends every evening to make sure they’re in touch which is why even after six school replacements, she only receives “omg girl lets skype i have some TEA” messages from exactly three people – along with another three responsive contacts on Snapchat. She feels she has enough friends to keep her updated on juicy dramas going on in her last home, but not enough connections and conversations to expand her friends circle and update her chances of doing things other creative sixteen-years-olds do, like creative collaborations and experimental projects, or just as simple as going to the movies.

At this age, you could classify this teenage frame we’ve been talking about to be quite…antisocial. She stays home on weekends and doesn’t get invited to parties, but she’s still happy. It’s what she prefers anyway. After having moved to a new juvenile delinquency of a society one-and-a-half year ago, her disappointment at the lack of manners and etiquette of the community in her surroundings have helped matured her perspectives and advanced the prudential quality of her response to life. The people in her current school think she is an awkward outsider, which in this case, she is – because she has absolutely no idea on how to end this blog post which resulted on her going on and on when she should’ve stopped on the third paragraph making this waaaaaay more of a rant than a first blog post. It feels awkward, like she had just met someone and she’s muddling on how to greet them, a hug or a handshake? So, uhhhh, thank you for reading. Good morning.

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jameswilliamsqut · 8 years ago

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SOCIAL MEDIA AND FASHION: BLOGGERS AND MEDIA PROFESSIONALS

INTRODUCTION

The media industry, along with the rest of the world, is changing rapidly with the introduction of technology. During my career as in fashion journalism, specifically as a creative director and contributor of a magazine, there will be many challenges to identify. Considering the rise of freelance journalism and the fusion of many different media platforms, the industry is on the cusp of a complete evolution. This article will analyse three key elements that will affect a career in fashion journalism and methods to which they can be rectified or capitalised upon. These elements are digitisation of media, innovation, and ethics in media.

DIGITISATION

Fashion is arguably the most constantly evolving industry. It is a world where something is ‘in’ one week, and is considered a crime to fashion the next week. Fashion journalism is similar in nature; it is subject to trends as equally as the fashion industry itself. Though, there is a greater change on the horizon. Denim is back in and print media is on its way out, the fashion journalism industry is subject to the same issues as the rest of the world of media: digitisation. Print media has become less and less influential in a world that is becoming more reliant on technology. Thus, it’s important for a publication to keep a strong online presence to remain relevant. In doing this, one is likely adhering to the idea of media convergence. Media convergence is an aspect of digitization where the fashion journalism industry can benefit greatly. Media convergence can be defined as the act in which media content, communication platforms, and computer networks connect and cooperate. It is largely credited as a result of the internet’s inception and the digitisation of the media (Flew, 2016). Interestingly, fashion journalism is quite unique in its conversion to digital media, as opposed to, for example, sports and broadcast journalism. Sports and broadcast journalism’s conversion to digital content is an effort to keep up with an ‘instant world’. These forms of journalism have adapted to a 24-hour culture where deadlines have been replaced with live feeds. Fashion journalism, however, has had to adapt in a different way. Fashion journalism isn’t required to share news instantly to a widespread audience. Rather, it is required to deliver specific content to separate demographics on different platforms. In a world where anybody can create a blog and critique and produce fashion content, it requires a great deal of consideration to stand out and make a name for yourself. Working with multiple platforms, be it social media, print, television, etc. is a useful strategy and would be referred to as media convergence. Media convergence has seen partnerships with media heavyweights to work harmoniously for the growth of both brands. An example of this is the “Break the Internet” campaign which went viral largely thanks to social media icon Kim Kardashian. The campaign grew Paper Mags social reach exponentially, increasing the unique visitors to their website, PaperMag.com, from approximately 500,000 per month to 16 million (Bazilian, 2014). The chief creative officer, Drew Elliot, explained that the cover was intended to establish themselves digitally. The issue featuring Kardashian required an additional 35,000 copies to be printed which serves as a testament to the power media convergence may hold. Paper Mag continues to relish in the idea media convergence with a web series called “Paper Penthouse” which brings musicians to a suite where they sing acoustic versions of their songs. This could be considered an attempt of media convergence as Paper Mag is extending their content to a new platform, in this case YouTube, and increasing their content coverage to encompass music. Another example of media convergence is with the distribution of Vogue Magazine. Vogue’s first issue was in 1892 as a weekly newspaper and today has an online magazine, books and documentaries in addition to their monthly magazine. Another example of media convergence in the fashion industry is with Gucci’s 2016 short film “Gucci Stories: The Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice”. The film showcased the fashion labels clothing in a creative manner which garnered hundreds of thousand views. This project combined film, fashion, and music, which creates a sense of trustworthy creativity.

These examples of media convergence are important to my career in fashion journalism as it displays the impact it can have on the popularity of a publication. Media convergence is beneficial to my career in fashion journalism as having a strong presence in multiple platforms of media creates a sense of legitimacy and professionalism.

INNOVATION

Since the inception of social media, journalism has irrevocably changed. Innovation is described as a new combination of existing ideas, competences, and resources (Sternberg, 2017). Innovation is not to be confused with invention as invention is considered the creation of a tool whereas innovation is the use of a tool. For example, Wi-Fi is an invention and Facebook is an innovation as it is a method in which Wi-Fi, the invention, has been used. Social media, like Facebook, has created a platform in which anyone with an interest in fashion has the opportunity to make a contribution to the industry. Social media has the power to birth strong fashion figures and an example of this is blogger Margaret Zhang. Zhang runs a website called ‘shinebythree’ and since her beginnings in 2009, her photography, style, and creative direction has been employed by various publications such as Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, to name a few (Zhang, 2014). Zhang’s career started as a blog which celebrated a hobby of fashion and has since evolved to what it is today, boasting close to 1 million followers on Instagram. An example can be made of Zhang’s career as it symbolises the evolution Instagram and other social media platforms have triggers in fashion journalism. These platforms allow one to create and exhibit their work, in this case their fashion and writing, and garner a following. This form of freelance journalism is, I believe, crucial to the progression of journalism and the fashion journalism particularly needs to adapt.

According to brandwatch.com, 96% of fashion brands are on Instagram. This shows the prevalence a tool like Instagram now has in the fashion industry and the significance this innovation has. However, social media has created a forum in which trends are shared rapidly and have the ability to spread like wildfire. This means that the power to dictate fashion is being shared. Where traditionally trends would have been created by designers and publications, the power has now been distributed to a third party which is social media personalities, or influencers, and bloggers. This third party has become increasingly being targeted by marketers to promote and sponsor brands and products. Despite the lack of credibility this party may hold, it is still a segment of social media that is considered, to an extent, respectable fashion media. The social sway of this party is incredibly powerful and it would be irresponsible as a media professional to disregard the opportunity for celebrating fashion in such an accessible mode. Thus, to work alongside respectable fashion bloggers and social media influencers is an effective tool as it can allow for a sense of audience engagement and raise content awareness.

ETHICS

Ethics in fashion journalism is a peculiar topic. The ride of freelance journalism – in particular, fashion blogging – has created a lack of ethics in journalism. With freelance journalism and unfiltered blogging, there are fewer powers keeping the journalists in check. Fashion journalism has a responsibility to keep the fashion industry in check and hold it to ethical accountability. Essentially, it is required to act as a sort of fourth estate to designers. However, with the availability to write articles and be treated as an esteemed journalist, the ethics of journalism have more or less been put aside in the fashion segment. The lines have been blurred between editorial and advertising. For example, being targeted by marketers, style bloggers who are deemed fashion journalists are given products to promote. In journalism, there are a number of obvious ethical issues such as plagiarism, fabrication, and deliberate distortion (Sternberg, 2017). Paid promotions by companies are common place on platforms such as Instagram and the influencer being sponsored is required to endorse the product which could be construed as fabrication as it rejects the idea of transparency. In journalism, a writer is required to be unbiased and transparent in their writing. While influencers are obliged to speak positively about a product they are being employed to endorse, it blatantly rejects the ethical issue of unbiased writing. Though this is mostly applying to style bloggers and not magazines, with the digitisation and convergence of forms of media, it can be easy to slip into biased representation. Thus, in my career as a fashion journalist, it is integral to remain fair and just in publication.

Another point of ethics that is important to my career in publication is equal representation. In an industry that has historically been dominated by a specific type of model, a broad representation of essential to adapting to modern fashion. As fashion journalism is less focussed on written content as most other forms of journalism, it relies heavily on photographic content. Within this aspect of fashion, it is incredibly important to display racial, physical, and gender diversity. Popular media has glorified a certain type of human and it is an ethical duty to help change that. Fashion media has a unique function in mass media as it can mould and dictate what is considered ‘beautiful’ and ‘desirable’ thus is it a responsibility in my career to attempt to change it. In a similar facet of ethics, it is also important to credit the right people in fashion. Cultural appropriation become a conversational topic, especially in fashion. It is sometimes compared with cultural appreciation and it comes down to an ethical representation of culture. For example, when taking inspiration from a cultural item, it is an ethical duty to source the articles from the origins and credit the respective artisans.

An ethical dilemma that has become more prevalent with the rise of style blogging is the verification of information and trustworthiness of reports. The internet has given a voice to anybody who chooses to speak and with this comes the opportunity to spread false information. Miscommunication and misinformation in social media has become common place and this is not parallel to a journalist’s duty. As a contributor to fashion media, it would be a duty to adhere to the codes of ethics and produce only factual, relevant content that is unbiased and fair. In doing this, it is beneficial to my credibility as a journalist, as well as ethical and beneficial to the reader to maintain a strict dedication to valid content.

CONCLUSION

To maintain a strong career in the fashion media industry it is quintessential to remain open-minded and progressive to both fashion trends and journalistic trends. It is important remaining in line with the journalist’s code of ethics as well as incorporating new social ethics to my work, otherwise it could discredit my work as a media professional. Media convergence is a quintessential aspect of any media professionals career longevity in today’s societies overindulgent nature and to remaining present with competitive media. The third important point is to embrace innovation rather than neglect it. In this case, it means working with the ever-growing population of freelance journalists and fashion bloggers as the likelihood of their presence becoming less influential is slim. With these points in mind, I hope to be successful with a career as a creative director and contributor for a fashion magazine.

Bibliography

Brazilian, E. (2014, November 14). Paper Magazine Chief Dishes on the Huge Impact of Kim Kardashian Cover. Retrieved from ADWEEK: http://www.adweek.com/digital/paper-magazine-chief-dishes-huge-impact-kim-kardashian-cover-161449/

Saltzis, K. (2016, June 1). Breaking News Online. Retrieved from Leicester Research Archive: https://lra.le.ac.uk/bitstream/2381/10440/3/K%20Saltzis%20-%20Breaking%20News%20Online%20-%20Journalism%20Practice%20Special%20Issue.pdf

Sternberg, J. (2017). Lecture.

Zhang, M. (2014). About. Retrieved from shinebythree: http://shinebythree.com/about/

Flew, T. (2016, May 17). Media Convergence. Retrieved from Encyclopaedia Britannica:https://www.britannica.com/topic/media-convergence

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