New Fashion Pubs Speak to Parsons Class

Written by Fashion Publishing | Apr 10, 2012.

by Kate Neary, AAS Fashion Marketing

Tenisha Anderson and Rachel Yeomans in Fashion Publishing

If there is one thing that Parsons ensures it never lacks, it is the never-ending stream of inspiration offered to not just students but teachers and staff alike. Having only been a part of the Parsons family since this past August, I am consistently taken aback with the amount and quality of special events, talks and guest speakers presented to me on what feels like a daily basis. So it was with no surprise that my enthusiasm and motivation were both elevated by two very special visitors to my Fashion Publishing class this week. Tenisha Anderson of Qlix Magazine, and Rachel Yeomans of The Working Wardrobe, a multi-platform “magazine suite” for the woman in the workplace, took time out of their busy schedules to spend time answering questions, providing support and, above all, amping up our creative minds.

With the world of digital media taking over the publishing industry, it is a breath of fresh air to come across the unsung heroes who both embrace new functionality, as well as hold tight to the beauty of print. Their backgrounds are a story heard echoing through the halls of Parsons, especially told by students on the AAS program. They found themselves missing something from their everyday lives with so much focus on the 9 to 5, and went on a hunt for their respective creative outlets. Both Tenisha and Rachel (supportive BFF’s, by the way) started their fashion publications as blogs with ‘started’ being the operative word. The goal for both women, who were catering to very different markets, was always to create print publications. And both have succeeded, continuing to push the envelope with innovation and content.

We all have to be honest with ourselves about this industry. We all have to admit that there is risk and there is an expiration date but it is what we do in the meantime that makes the mark. Qlix innovates the way in which print is read and distributed, describing itself as the ‘Cracker Jacks’ of fashion magazines, offering the quarterly publication in a series of readable posters that feature short essays and stunning fashion editorials. The Working Wardrobe functions as a website for the everyday woman who does not want to lose sight of her personal fashion in the workplace, and is supported by a strong social media effort as well as an annual print publication. Tenisha and Rachel are realistic about how far their work could reach and also about what challenges they face. Though it is the passion that always wins out and has elevated these editors.

Here are some tips if you are looking to start your own publication (whether print or digital):

- Make sure you are paying attention to both the business and creative sides of your work.

- Never forget that your content comes first. It can be very easy to get distracted by numbers and over-commit yourself in the process of wanting to get your name out there.

- Friends and networking contacts are there to help you. Look to them for advice and even some creative contribution.

- When it comes to social media, it isn’t about how many followers you have but about the level of engagement.

Thank you Tenisha and Rachel! (Click on their names to follow on Twitter.)