I love interviewing journalists, as it’s a career I have a real interest in and for all of you aspiring journalists out there, it’s so beneficial to get as much advice as possible. Lara Lain works at Look Magazine, as well as writing her own fashion blog . I am a fan of her blog, and enjoy reading her daily posts about fashion, beauty and events she attends, so thought I might be in with a chance of interviewing her. Here it is-
How did you begin working for Look magazine?
I had a meeting with the HR dept and they said they’d let me know if anything suited to me became available. About 10 days later I got the call about the LOOK position – very lucky timing! I had worked at other mags and papers before and interned etc.
Did you know from the very beginning that you wanted to work in fashion journalism?
Nope! I wanted to be a professional Show Jumper when I was little! I decided I wanted to get involved in the media when I was in my 3rd year of uni.
I love your blog, and I’m an avid reader. What inspired you to start up your own blog?
Ah, thanks for visiting my blog! I worked on two blogging competitions through work and the second one inspired me to get really stuck in to my own blog. Bloggers like Llymlrs and primarktoprada inspired me to have a go myself!
What is the most rewarding thing about running a blog?
I really appreciate how much extra freedom in my life my blog has given me. It’s like my own little world that I can do what I like with and share it with others too. I love ‘meeting’ new bloggers and tweeters too.
What one aspect of your blog do you think enabled it to become as successful as it is?
Hmm, I don’t see my blog as successful but I am pleased that it seems to be quietly building in readers and followers. I know people are interested in me because of my job but I hope they read my blog because they want to find out more about the things I like to share too.
I think the fact that I update it regularly is helping as readers know they will be something new to see each day.
What tips would you offer someone who wanted to follow in your footsteps (whether at Look Magazine or running a blog)?
Work; work really hard in education first then intern lots until you’re ready for a paid position. If you don’t go to uni start interning at 18.
Blog; do what you like, it’s your blog, take inspiration from others but make your blog your own and enjoy it!
Have you met anyone famous whilst working for Look? If so, how did you react?
I’ve met quite a few and I can’t think of them all now to be honest! I met Katy B at Wireless festival on the weekend, I love her, she’s ace. I was just my normal self (probs just extra smiley;) when I spoke to her.
I am an aspiring journalist, hoping to one day work for a bestselling magazine such as Look. What tips would you give me to get into the industry/ what qualities do you think are necessary for such a job?
You need to keep your head down and get as much experience as possible. Do any job you can that will help you until you get where you want to be. Qualities wise; be kind and be prepared to be snowed under with work once in a while as it get’s mega busy!
Thank you ever so much to Lara Lain, who answered my questions and if you haven’t already – take a look at her blog. As it’s one of the few blogs that inspired me to set up my own, and so I’m very pleased I began reading. Hopefully one day my blog will be as great and inspiring as hers!
What do you think of my interview? Would you like to be a journalist? xx
