Dazed and No Longer Confused

Katie Scott
​IVM

WOW BLOG This half of the year has been an introspective theatrical play. I have discovered, rediscovered and  I feel new in many ways - new experiences, new opportunities and new aspirations. My take on design in this technologically driven landscape has completely reformed with my introduction to magazine publishing and the technical / communication issues I have experienced as a creative hustler. The riches haven’t come as of yet but good experiences and positive manifestations have outweighed the rags.


Expanding into editorial work as an editorial assistant intern writing and researching at Dazed Magazine, I have gained opportunities working in a more speculative design role than before. Having a breather from commissions and freelance work and taken time to explore myself as an observer / broadcaster off discussions coming from the creative landscapes - has allowed me to reflect hugely on my role as a designer, my portfolio and my plan as I see commissions and news pieces enter the Dazed offices and enter new heights through its influence. Which is nothing short of motivating as I am beginning to truly understand the business. 


About to enter the next stage of my placement entering a new team at AnOther Magazine (one of Dazed’s multiple platforms), I can state that my time with Dazed Beauty has been challenging (bleak at times…interning is not glamorous) and most importantly has revealed to me the weight and responsibilities a small team has to take on in order to take the spotlight of Rankin and Jefferson Hack’s publication. All of this has made me woke to what it is I need to do and the attitude I need to refine in order to get into these doors as a paid commission or in years to come evolve into a role as a creative director. And in honest hindsight, it no longer seems as daunting as it did before but a lot of work has still to be done.


While taking on an unpaid role I have also realised the time it is we take for granted. Full time and unpaid I have learned how to delegate my time so squeeze in commissions and balance a part time job. This has made me understand the sacrifices you have to make in these early years of a career and beyond that. At peace with this, I am now entirely committed to keep paving my way, work late hours for little money and do this without forgetting my value when paid opportunities are on the way. This mindset has become somewhat second nature. 


Reflecting on this year and the intentions I wish to set for the rest of the year and 2020 - I want to take this energy and use it to focus on expanding my practice into moving image. Having drafted the treatment of my first mood film and reaching out to funding I feel confident in taking my next steps into my next (very ambitious) self initiated venture.