The last decade a combination of economics and the rise of social media caused mainstream fashion magazines to struggle.

Old publishing models are no longer appropriate as the reach of bloggers and influencers seems bigger and easier to measure. Popular Instagram and TikTok accounts are run like the old commercial magazines and homepages of fashion brands look like magazines. However, small independent publishers are flourishing because of their unique formula. Last year brands like

Patta an Bottega Veneta published print magazines with an independent feel as part of their communication strategy because “print reaches where the algorithm can’t” as stated in Business of Fashion, October 8, 2024.

Magazines behaving like brands and brands behaving like magazines: these are exciting times in publishing! No one knows which way we are headed, but one thing is clear: Editorial Thinking is a competency that can be used beyond the world of publishing.

In this minor we  go back to basics: the physical magazine. It is the perfect tool for learning to work, think & act as an editor. A paper magazine needs an added value for consumers to spend money on it. It must be produced with care: once at the printer there is no turning back.

In this minor you create a new issue of Garment Magazine, have it printed and develop a strategy for launch. We dare you to add something to the magazine stands, as the world is not waiting for another me-too-product. We believe in learning by doing; you will brainstorm, conceptualise, style, write, design, print, translate to online and launch. And all of this you work in teams, as a magazine is the result of different disciplines joinging forces. The program is split in two parts. During the first you will produce a trial issue for a fashion magazine. In the second you will work cooperatively with 35 students to get the magazine 'out there'!

The learning objectives of this minor are:

• The student can think and work in an editorial manner and develop content ideas for fashion magazines (& brands).
• The student can create innovative content for a fashion magazine in writing, visualisation and/or design.
• The student can create a concept ideas to differentiate a set media brand in the marketplace.
• The student can decide on forms that fit the magazine concept.
• The student can communicate own strengths and weaknesses in editorial thinking & working, and is able to back thisup with portfolio work and a Process Book.
• The student can perform in a team and gets the best out of their work by cooperating with team members.

This is a Reality School Programme, which means that deadlines are real life deadlines so commitment is essential.

Ideally, students need demonstrable experience in publishing, graphic design, writing, visualisation and/or fashion (portfolio). It is important that you can work with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign. In addition, basic knowledge of both Fashion & Publishing Industry is an advantage.

Lastly, the student must be able to understand, interpret and discuss in English. The student must be able to read, write and speak fluent English.

Will be published in the study manual.

Contact hours change per week depend on the work process, the development of your products and the availability of (guest) lecturers. We assume you are available 40 hours per week - you will need this time to produce your work. This includes contact hours.

Components, study points and deliverables (assessments):

- Editorial Content  9 ECTS Professional Product

- Fashion Magazine & Publishing 6 ECTS Professional Product

- Editorial Thinking & Branding 15 ECTS Portfolio Assessment

Resits take place during the minor.

Questions about the minor?

Contact Frank Wijlens via f.j.wijlens@hva.nl

Questions about the Kies op Maat procedure?
Contact Eunice Williams via Resultsandregistration-amfi@hva.nl

Applications will be processed in order of receipt signed learning agreements.

Costs: 

On average students spend between 50 and 150 euros on magazines and production.

Additional information:

https://www.garmentmagazine.com/minor