So, you want to get into fashion writing. I get it. The gowns! The makeup! The endless fluff pieces on which celebrity dog breed is the most fashionable.
It’s all so glamorous, right? Well, as a freelance writer who makes his living in the industry (and lives to tell about it), I can assure you that being a fashion writer isn’t all it’s cut out to be.
If you want to make it as one in New York City where the competition is fierce you’ll need more than a sharp eye and an appreciation of pink-haired celebrities.
You’ll need creativity, determination, and maybe even a little bit of luck. Still interested? Good! Here are some tips for getting started:
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Set up a dedicated workspace for improved productivity |
| Prioritize your mental health through writing |
| Generate more leads on Upwork for better opportunities |
| Embrace freelancing opportunities for Gen Z and Millennials |
| Excel in data entry freelancing for the manufacturing industry |
Wake Up At 6 am
It is possible to get ahead of the game in New York City, one of the most competitive metropolises in the world. Setting yourself up for success requires waking up early and getting a jump start on the day.
If you are not a morning person and need help waking up each morning, try setting an alarm for a week or two weeks before your first freelance assignment comes in so that you can acclimate yourself to getting up early and going through your routine before work begins.
Working as a freelance fashion writer in the bustling city of New York can be thrilling, but it’s essential to have a dedicated and organized workspace. Our comprehensive guide on setting up a dedicated workspace for freelancing offers practical tips to boost your productivity and unleash your creative potential.
Try Waking Up At 6 am Every Day For A Month
If you’re still having trouble with this step, try this method: set your alarm as usual but instead of hitting snooze after five minutes (or however long it takes), get out of bed immediately and do something productive while everyone else is still asleep!
Drink A Green Smoothie
For a quick, refreshing, and healthy snack that tastes good and will keep you going all day, try drinking a green smoothie. You can make your own or buy one at the grocery store, either way, it’s worth it for the boost you get!
To approximate a green smoothie at home without having to spend money on an expensive blender like Vitamix or Blendtec (which also have their perks), consider using a NutriBullet.
The NutriBullet is compact, easy to use without any fussing around with complicated settings and buttons, and runs on AA batteries so there’s no need for an outlet! Plus:
They come in different sizes depending on how much liquid capacity you need. I own the 16-ounce model but am considering upgrading to 32 ounces because I love my daily dose so much!
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Walk Your Dog While Watching The Sunrise
One of the greatest pleasures of living in New York City is that it’s possible to walk everywhere.
Whether you live alone or with roommates, if you don’t mind walking the extra mile or two on your commute, this can be an excellent way to save money and get a good workout in at the same time.
To make things even better, why not take your dog with you? Dogs love being outside as much as their owners do and they’ll certainly appreciate getting some fresh air and exercise especially if they’re used to spending most of their time indoors.
Plus, taking your dog for walks allows him or her to explore new places together (and maybe even meet other pets). It’s also a great bonding experience for all involved!
As for writers: Taking long walks helps clear your head so that when it comes time to sit down at your desk again later in the day or evening, everything seems clearer and easier than before;
Ideas flow more freely now that all those creative juices have been released from storage into circulation once again.
Stop Being So Goddamn Sensitive To Criticism
If you’re trying to make it in the world of fashion writing, you’re going to need a thick skin. It’s not always easy to see your words published and shared with the masses.
The key is not letting criticism get you down take it as a learning experience and move on from there. There’s no need for emotional attachment when it comes to getting your work out there!
That said, don’t be afraid of criticism it can help shape your style and bring more depth into your writing by having an open mind about how others perceive what you’ve written.
If someone doesn’t like what they read, ask them why! They may have some useful suggestions that could improve upon future works from yours truly (or whatever).
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You Can’t Write Anything That Anyone Wants To Read Until You Learn How To Write Something That You Want To Read
The first step to making it as a freelance fashion writer in New York City is in learning how to write something that you want to read.
You can’t write anything that anyone wants to read until you learn how to write something that you want to read.
This is the most important thing any aspiring freelancer needs to understand: you must be your audience because no one else will be interested in what it is that you have written unless it aligns with their interests, passions, and expertise.
When I was starting out writing about style and fashion on my blog, I didn’t give a lot of thought to who my target audience was or should be because at this point I wasn’t thinking about an audience at all.
But as soon as I exited college without any job experience under my belt (or even a diploma), I realized quickly just how hard it would be for me to get hired by an established outlet without any credentials whatsoever.
Especially since many publications hire interns from Ivy League schools only (and these are typically unpaid positions).
Learn How To Use Twitter Effectively And Be Funny So That People Want To Follow You
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to learn how to use Twitter effectively.
You should always have a clever username, but your name can’t be too long or complicated since it has to fit within Twitter’s 140-character limit.
Keep in mind that most people will see your username in their feed and that they probably won’t scroll past it. If you’re going for something funny or catchy, make sure it’s memorable so people will want to follow you!
Using hashtags is also important because they help other users find relevant content and give them an idea of what type of content they’ll be getting from you (i.e., fashion writing vs poetry).
For example, if someone searches for “#menswear” then any tweets with “#menswear” in their caption will pop up as part of the search results. As far as I’m concerned though just go ahead and use ALL THE HASHTAGS! Let’s get those analytics up there!
As far as using @replies go don’t be afraid of them either! When someone replies directly back at one of my tweets by mentioning me with @[my username] then all their followers see that interaction between us both; which means even more exposure for me 🙂
This way I also know who follows me without having to check each profile manually every day thank God for technology these days!! However…if someone writes “@[another user]’s” comment instead then only THEIR followers see this interaction between us both -___-.
Make Beautiful, Professional Twitter Headers, Even If They Take You Hours On Canva To Make
A good Twitter header can make the difference between someone opening your profile and scrolling right past it, so don’t skip this step!
The first thing people see when they visit your Twitter page is your header image. This must be eye-catching, but also reflects the kind of work you do.
Do a little research on what kind of headers other fashion writers have used in the past you’ll find they’re usually colorful and fun while still looking professional.
How do you come up with such an appealing design? For starters, try using Canva to create your Twitter header (and bio!) since it’s free and easy to use for beginners like myself.
If you want more customization options than are available there (which I highly recommend), then check out Canva’s premium subscriptions starting at USD 8 per month for access to their most advanced tools like Layout Designer or Image Search+.
In addition to making sure that everything about yourself on social media looks cohesive (including any photo edits).
Being consistent will help build trust among potential clients who might otherwise be wary about hiring someone who doesn’t already have much work under her belt yet.
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Be Instagram Famous, With An iPhone Like Grid Layout And A Fun, Catchy Bio. A Good One Is “I’m From The Midwest But I Live In NYC Now” Or “I Love Coffee And Target”
The most important part of your Instagram bio is the bio itself. It should be short and to the point, with a fun, catchy tagline that sums up who you are in one sentence or less.
A good one is “I’m from the Midwest but I live in NYC now” or “I love coffee and Target”. This grabs people’s attention because it paints a picture before they even click on your profile which is especially important since Instagram doesn’t allow for longer descriptions in its bios.
Your photo should have an iPhone-like grid layout (that means no more than three photos) and focus on one theme or style think #ootd (outfit of the day), #photooftheday, or #foodporn!
Always Carry A Notebook (Moleskine!!!) Around With You Everywhere, You Go Just In Case You Have An Idea For An Article
While you’re out and about, always keep a small notebook in your purse or bag. If you have an idea for an article, write it down. If you hear a great quote from someone, write it down.
If someone says something hilarious, hilarious enough to be quoted in an article someday but right now just hilarious enough to make you crack up so hard your coffee comes out of your nose, write that down too!
If you’re going on vacation or visiting friends or family who live far away from New York City for the weekend.
Take all of those notebooks with you so that when inspiration strikes (and it will) there will be plenty of paper ready to go to get started writing and finish what could potentially become another published piece on this website!
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Conclusion
Hopefully, this post has given you some practical tips for making it in the New York City freelance fashion writing scene. Freelance writing can be just as rewarding (and sometimes even more so) than working a regular 9-to-5 job.
You get to choose when and where you work, set your hours, and build relationships with people all over the world. With hard work and dedication, anyone can make it as a freelance fashion writer in NYC!
Further Reading
Glam Observer: 3 Absolutely Necessary Steps to Become a Freelance Fashion Writer Short Description: Learn the three essential steps to kickstart your career as a freelance fashion writer from Glam Observer’s insightful guide.
Carreira MKTP: How to Be a Freelance Fashion Writer Short Description: Carreira MKTP’s article delves into the intricacies of becoming a successful freelance fashion writer, offering valuable tips and advice.
Rafal Reyzer: How to Become a Freelance Fashion Writer Short Description: Explore Rafal Reyzer’s comprehensive guide on the steps and skills needed to carve your path as a freelance fashion writer.
FAQs
How do I start my journey as a freelance fashion writer?
To start your journey as a freelance fashion writer, focus on building a strong writing portfolio, identifying your niche within the fashion industry, and networking with potential clients or publications.
What skills are essential for a freelance fashion writer?
As a freelance fashion writer, essential skills include exceptional writing ability, a keen eye for fashion trends, understanding the target audience, and adaptability to various writing styles.
How can I find freelance fashion writing opportunities?
You can find freelance fashion writing opportunities by exploring job boards, networking within the fashion industry, pitching ideas to fashion magazines, or joining freelance platforms specializing in writing gigs.
How do I set my rates as a freelance fashion writer?
Setting rates as a freelance fashion writer depends on factors like experience, complexity of the project, word count, and the client’s budget. Research industry standards and consider your expertise while determining your rates.
How can I build a strong online presence as a freelance fashion writer?
Building a strong online presence involves creating a professional website or blog to showcase your work, actively engaging on social media platforms, and contributing guest posts or articles to reputable fashion websites.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.