With over five years of experience in Journalism LCF short course student, Doina wanted to expand her knowledge and experience in producing innovative styling content. Having recently relocated to London she felt LCF was the best place to kick start her new journey. She joined the Editorial Styling and Creative Direction Short Course and told us all about it.
Editorial Styling and Creative Direction
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I am from Republic of Moldova and have a journalism background, but I have been passionate about art and styling since I was a child.
I have lived and breathed fashion ever since I was in high school, where my major subject was art. I created paper dresses for school concerts and draw still life sketches until five o’clock in the morning to make sure I achieved the best possible results. At the time, I developed an eye for art, beauty, and style, and continued to cultivate my skills by reading everything I could find about this industry.
Whilst at college, I received an offer to start full-time work as a journalist for a local magazine, I decided to pause my undergraduate studies. It was the beginning of a five-year journey, during which I organized photo shoots and styled numerous looks, assisted the editor-in-chief and edited the ‘Fashion and Trend’ section of a magazine, styled models on runways, created look books for multiple brands, and helped them to enunciate their identity. During this time, I established an online style and beauty platform and developed a team of six members. It was a breath-taking experience that allowed me to nourish my skills and collaborate with talented photographers, models, and designers.
I then relocated to Frankfurt and I joined a luxury retail store where I was responsible for generating ideas and creating engaging content for the company’s online presence.
What was your motivation for choosing the Editorial Styling and Creative Direction course?
My immense passion for producing inspiring and innovative styling content, love for art and visual storytelling. I felt the need to expand my horizons, perspectives and my vision about styling and art.
Why did you choose to study at LCF?
As I recently moved to London I’m planning to grow here as a stylist and editor, there is no better place to start your journey than at LCF. It’s one of the top universities in the world, which means you will have the best education and experience.
What did you like most about the course?
It’s hard to choose. I liked everything about it, especially I liked John - the tutor. He is an amazing teacher with vast experience who is ready to share everything he knows. He is so dedicated and passionate about his work and connects instantly with his students, trying to understand them and help - it’s simply inspiring. Also, this course was attended by such talented and incredible people from all over the world - Belgium, China, Spain, Emirates, USA, UK. We instantly connected and became friends very quickly. It was extremely sad to say goodbye.
What was most challenging about the course?
To keep up with John :) It was a lot of information combined with hard work in the studio. Sometimes I wish I had more time to prepare the styles and outfits for the main shoots, but fashion is also about being fast and work in a demanding environment, which we all experienced.
What new skills have you learned on the course?
The ability to see things from different perspectives, to see the beauty where other people can’t see it. I developed an analytical eye and improved my technical skills.
How will the short course at LCF impact on your career?
Let’s see, I am also curious :) Now I know exactly where to start and how to approach other people from the industry. I am very confident about my point of view and identity as a stylist and can't wait to apply everything I learned.
What advice would you give someone thinking of taking this course?
Be like a sponge! Absorb everything John says, shows and teaches you. Be present and involved every second.
Who would you recommend the course to?
To those people who are truly passionate about styling, and not afraid to come out of their comfort zone and look at things differently. Also, to those who feel sometimes lost and not sure about their career path, this course will definitely help them to have a clear vision about their style, preferences, identity and career path.
Keep up to date with Doina's work as a stylist: @doinatapordei
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