Senior Contributing Fashion Editor & Menswear Stylist, HERO Magazine/Ellison Lee
What made you choose Middlesex University?
I chose Middlesex as it was one of the few universities that offered the kind of course (fashion styling) that I wanted to do.
What attracted you to your course and made you apply?
The course gave you the chance to explore and experiment with other areas within fashion so that you could determine exactly what field and area of expertise you wanted to go into.
What aspects of your course did you enjoy most?
The most enjoyable bit was the final major project as this was where you got to set your own brief. I chose to create my own menswear magazine. I did all the styling in the photo shoots, produced the editorial, articles and layouts, and also sourced the clothing and photographers myself. I also got 500 copies of the publication produced for circulation.
What were the facilities like at your institution?
The facilities available gave us endless opportunities. These included a laser cutting machine, film studios with editing equipment, photo studios and 3D workshops, to name just a few.
What is your fondest memory of life at Middlesex?
My fondest memory would have to be the end of year show at the Truman Brewery and the accompanying mixture of feelings. Having successfully completed three years of study, we were celebrating the end of something and also seeing the results of all our hard work.
What one piece of advice would you give to a prospective student interested in studying at Middlesex?
It would be to explore all areas of the course and then really focus on what you enjoy the most. Being in the creative industry can be difficult so you must really enjoy and have the drive to do what you do in order to succeed.
How did your course and time at Middlesex help you get to where you are professionally today?
I think knowing what I wanted to do really helped me get the most out of my time at Middlesex and my course. My tutor introduced me to a contact who gave me my first assisting job, which in turn lead to a string of events that lead up to me securing my current position.
Can you give an example of a time when you put the things you learned at Middlesex to practical use?
This would be every day. The knowledge I acquired at university, combined with making mistakes along the way and learning form them has helped me develop professionally.
What made you choose the industry you work in and what are its pros and cons?
For me it's pure passion and enjoyment. As I said before it can take time and be difficult to get to where you want to be in the creative industry in general, so you must be good and enjoy what you do in order to be in it for the long run.
How did you get your first foot on the career ladder?
My first foot would be when my tutor became aware it was styling I wanted to go into and put me in contact with stylist Frank Strachan who at the time was Fashion Editor of Attitude magazine and also stylist to Girls Aloud, Westlife and the Saturdays.
What has been your defining career break or highlight to date?
I couldn't pick one as being asked to be Fashion Editor for HERO magazine was one, but also being signed and represented by Ellison Lee agency was a huge step in my career.
What are the top three tips you would give to current students and recent graduates who are looking for a similar career to yourself?
Be patient, everything takes time.
Work hard, the hard work will pay off in the end.
Do something you enjoy, we work more hours than we do sleep or do anything else in life, so you might as well do something you enjoy.
What one piece of advice would you give to the 17/18 year old you?
Do not worry so much.