OUGD603 / Intern Magazine / The North To South Pilgrimage Of The Young Creative

Responding to a call for submissions for intern Magazine, I proposed an article named ‘The North to South Pilgrimage Of The Young Creative’, a discussion based upon my own experiences as a student from the North of England interning within the capital. The article would directly relate to the target audience of intern magazine;

‘intern is a bi-annual independent print publication for and by the creative youth. Our opinion is that an ongoing debate about internships is a necessity. Since 2013, we’ve provided a contemporary platform for the discussion, at the same time showcasing the work of emerging young creatives for whom the subject is of critical importance.

Through a variety of perspectives we host a balanced, unbiased and frank discussion. Enabled by our open submissions policy and strong ties to the creative industries, intern strives to communicate the importance of thoughtful recruitment to those at all levels of all industries.’

The hope for such an investigation into my own circumstance would better inform my postgraduate plan within the creative industry while simultaneously satisfying my desire to practice journalism and create industry contacts.

‘I am to write a 1500 world article discussing the socio-political factors that place students from outside the capital at a disadvantage, with the intent of creating a greater dialogue between the creative industry and students, the article is to identify the inequality derived from demographic in the hope of identifying resolutions and considering the future of the Northern creative industry’

The proposal was met with response from intern’s feature editor, Andy Bennett.

Payment was discussed and agreed before any work was to take place.

A deadline of the 19^th of October for a detailed structure of the article was given.

An editorial direction was given; to focus upon ‘the social, economic and attitude effects of the geographical differences’ in an objective manner.

The article would be a reflection of my own research into the contexts of demographic and their influence upon opportunity within the creative industry for both professionals, under and post graduates.

Research began with several statistics and facts of the creative industry by region, information provided by GOV.UK. This evidenced the basis in which the discussion would be based upon.

 The Investigation was to focus upon the three strands;

·      Why do people feel they have to move to the South to get opportunities in the creative industries?

·      Once in the South, how does the experience differ for those from the North than it does for those already from the South?

·      What alternatives are there to this pilgrimage? Mention Manchester/Leeds/Glasgow/Edinburgh as alternative cities, as well as solo routes.

Further research involved interviewing numerous professionals, educators and students, these included:

Valerie Palmer – Head Of BA Graphic Design @ Central Saint Martins

Design By Duo – Design Studio

True North – Design Studio

Two Times Elliot – Design Studio

MUSHPIT – Magazine

The Beautiful Meme – Design Studio

The Designer’s Republic – Design Studio

Build Studio – Design Studio

Nicola Thompson – Designer

Tasmin Curry - Filmaker

Josephine Platt – Freelance Writer @ DAZED, i-D, Polyester

Harrison Park – Graduate

Lottie Molloy – Printed Textile Student

Sally Hornby – Photography Student

Joe Boyd – Illustration Student

Interviewing such a diverse range of practitioners developed my network within industry drastically, a brilliant way to start conversation and build bridges.

The presentation, format and order of the research I had undertaken was defined by intern’s ‘house style guide’ – a guideline to ensure consistency throughout the publication, this was the first time I was aware of such guidelines within publishing.

A second draft was due on the 27^th while a final deadline of the 30^th of October was then set to have a completed draft. The deadlines were met and a week was planned until the 7^th for editing and finalizing the article.

On the 11^th of November, I was notified the article was no longer required;

‘Having reviewed our features for the forthcoming issue, and assessed the

North-South Pilgrimage article further, it looks as if - unfortunately -

we're going to have to leave it out of the issue. This is a real shame,

but comes as a result of prioritising other features at this time.’

A payment in gratitude or a ‘Kill fee’ was offered and taken. This was the first time I had experienced a ‘Kill fee’ while also making me aware of the business aspects of being a creative practitioner, lessons that are to be worthy in the future; the commissioning of work does not necessarily mean payment in full.

Thank you to intern magazine and all contributors.

Notes:

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