Harvey James
FASHION WRITER
Software and Technology
The journey so far has been difficult. It began with work experience at ShortLlist magazine (RIP), off the back of that I was recommended by the editor for a part-time job at a men’s lifestyle magazine Gentleman’s Journal. This gave me the confidence to believe it could be a viable career. I’ve been freelancing ever since, working around my other job modelling. I’ve been building contacts (PRs/journalists/editors, etc.) while at events, or over email (by pitching and generally introducing), and recently I’ve been broadening out, delving into subjects that fascinate me. Since lockdown, I have also gained a couple of commercial fashion clients to help steady the ship.
Despite the positives, it’s important to be honest and it has been a journey plagued with doubt, uncertainty, and loneliness. But with each commission I feel more secure in the industry I love so dearly. I owe a lot to the wonderful weekly gig with the British GQ fashion team.
AM - 7:30 AM wake up. Coffee. It might be a writer’s cliché, but I am obsessed. I once watched a 40min video on how to brew V60. It’s actually quite sad. Anyway. Coffee and then emails. They usually end around the same time (about 8:30 AM), then I’ll get working. That will be A) writing an article, if I have a deadline upcoming. Or B) going through my ideas for pitches, researching, browsing the internet and drafting up emails, and deciding which publications the piece will be good for.
PM - It’s super important to get out of the house, socialise and do some exercise. I try to fit this in just before lunch (12-2 PM). This is integral for warding off the isolation and loneliness inherent with working from home. 2-4 PM is good for reading or admin since my brain isn't as sharp as it is in the morning. 4 PM onwards is for going back over work done earlier, checking emails again, prepping what’s to be done the next day, and/or going out to see friends/going shopping for dinner/getting ready for brand events, etc.
- Just chat with people. Make connections with people: editors, stylists, other journalists, artists, bus drivers. Be inquisitive and be nice.
- Don’t be afraid to send off emails, they don’t matter nearly as much as you think they do (to you and their recipient)
- Write things down, no matter how stupid, you can always polish or discard, or it might inspire a different angle to something you’re already working on.
MY WORK
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