I began this project with inquiries about how a magazine is created, start to finish. I wanted to know what went on behind the scenes, from choosing what content to focus on, how to lay it all out in a unique and personal way, and finally, how to publish the final product. As an editor, writer, photographer, art director, and then how to pull it all together to tell a bigger story. I also wanted to know more about the people, roles, and the collaboration process that goes into making them. Immediately after walking into the W office, I knew I would fit right in. My experience at W answered all the questions I had and provided me with so many opportunities to enhance my experience there. 

While interning full-time, I designed a magazine called BY GRACE. During my internship, I rotated through each department (accessories, fashion, stylists, editors, writers, art directors, marketers, PR) and developed a complete understanding of the magazine as a whole, both in print and digital formats. I spent time interviewing, writing, taking photographs, and figuring out a way to put them together cohesively. I believe I set myself up for success with a consistent schedule, responsibilities, and deadlines of my own, all while being immersed in the magazine world. I surprised myself many times throughout the process of making BY GRACE. My work transformed a lot over time. I was consistently inspired to try new things and play around with the order. I am proud of my personal growth and especially the relationships I made with the teams I worked with at W. 

The most challenging part of my senior project was making the edit to the final magazine. I had so much content, but not everything fit as well together. I wanted my magazine to have a narrative and reflect me as I am in this moment. I was so excited by the freedom to create that I wandered outside of the boundaries at times and ultimately couldn’t include everything. 

I feel satisfied with the way I put myself out there, both during my internship and in the process of creating my magazine. I’m so pleased with myself and how my project came together. I surprised myself in the best ways. I shared how I see the world through my photography and the intimacy of moments of my city, friends, and family. I wrote more vulnerability and truthfully and, as a result, produced writing I’m most proud of. I now feel this project transformed into an extension of myself.

Before beginning this project, I knew I wanted to be creative, whether in fashion, writing, photography, or all, simultaneously. Still, I hadn’t had the opportunity to try before this occasion. This experience has deepened my perception of self; I have seen how I thrive when working on a passion project and things that excite me creatively. I have now solidified my dreams and goals for myself and my work in the future, and I’m excited to keep pushing myself, taking risks, and surprising myself. 

The hardest part of this adventure was leaving my internship. Over the course of 6 weeks, I had grown strong relationships with my coworkers and had adjusted to the schedule I had made for myself. My senior project flew by, and I wasn’t ready to leave it all behind. I had to tell myself that this was only the beginning, and I’m now more excited than ever to begin the next phase of my life and dedicate more time to my specific interests and passions.