So far this week, I’ve met with different designers and store owners in New York, started research for my Knightly News article, and begun to outline my magazine. I’ve decided on using the computer program “Bookwright” to create my magazine, as I can garner experience putting together a digital editorial piece of work. I also spent a significant amount of time making an instagram for my magazine (the handle is @sustainablefashionloversmag ) as a paper-free way to share aspects of the publication. Additionally, I’ve decided on a general outline and layout for this edition of the magazine. It will consist of:
- A table of contents
- Letter from the editor
- Sustainability and why it matters
- Vintage and Thrift in NYC
- Highlighting 3 different shopping experiences (1. Unearth Vintage, 2. The Manhattan Vintage Show, 3. TBD)
- 3 New York Bases sustainable designers (Designers TBD)
- Article: On Overconsumption and why “not shopping” matters
- Interview with Grace Jung
The greatest challenge I’ve had with compiling this magazine so far lies in my own self doubt. I often find myself comparing my work to that of others. I’m worried that this magazine won’t be “good enough” or compare to similar fashion magazines that have been executed in Senior Projects past. I keep reminding myself that the writers and editors and photographers who have done things that are great didn’t do them in hopes of fame. These works of art or writing were executed because their creators cared about them. I’m trying to remind myself that if I care about what I’m doing and put my all into it, I’ll be satisfied regardless of the outcome.
As far as documenting my experiences go, I’m in full photojournalist mode. Between my visits to The Manhattan Vintage Show and Tailored Industry (a company that sustainably produces 3D knitwear), I’ve gone through at least five rolls of film in the last week. I’ve been shooting on an Olympus Stylus 120, which uses 35mm film (I’ve been shooting at either 400 or 800 speed, with a mixture of b+w and color film). I’ve also started a practice of carrying around a small notebook that I’ve dedicated to all things senior project. In this notebook I have everything from magazine ideas (e.g. a rough sketch of a cover design) to the notes I took on the documentary I watched which enlightens viewers on the horrors of fast fashion, to any notable comments and quotes from fashion professionals I’ve spoken with thus far.
Another update from this week: I learned how to use a sewing machine! I’ve made and altered garments before, but exclusively hand stitched pieces. One thing I love about my project is not only the manual skills I’m improving on, such as sewing, but also learning how to organize information so anyone from any part of the world can understand it. While sustainable fashion is a niche, I’m acquiring analytical and organizational skills (both in a figurative sense like organizing information but also quite literally organizing my own time and meetings) that can be applied anywhere.
It’s been a very satisfying week, and while I see some challenges consisting of staying calm and organized and working through anxieties and imposter syndrome ahead, the model of senior project is working very well for me, and I’m excited to see what the next couple of weeks bring.