Lucy Stephen
Senior ManagerSenior Manager Boden Mini and Menswear Catalogue
Are you a graduate? If so, what did you study?
Yes, Writing and Publishing and Journalism
Brief description of what you do.
I manage the creative teams (shoot producers, art directors and graphic designers) for the childrenswear and menswear catalogues.
What is a standard day for you?
It can range from outfitting meetings (creating an outfit for the shot), location meetings (determine the locations for each shoot on a given season), film sign off meetings (post shoot edits chosen to go into catalogue) concept brainstorms and sign offs (graphics design layout ideas) planning, proofing, looking at repro pages, managing team.
What skills have you come to rely on most in your position?
The ability to juggle lots of things at the same time, and being a diplomat as so many people are involved in the processes, and sense of humour.
If you had to pick one positive and one negative aspect of your job what would they be?
Positive - It’s a creative environment, working with creative people and every day is different.
Negative - It can be frustrating as there are a lot of people in the sign off procedure and we don’t always agree.
How did you get into your role?
My degree had an element of desktop design and I learned Quark. First job was production assistant and I created POS and recruitment advertising, and produced catalogues and marketing materials. Then moved to an agency where I was senior account manager with various large clients producing websites and catalogues. Joined Boden as Production manager so learnt the post production and print buying element and was offered my current role as a new job created by the Director for mini and menswear catalogue photography. So I sort of fell into it and had to create a new department which was a great learning experience.
Do you do any type of networking? If so, what?
I have gone to Le Book events. Also it’s quite a small industry so I am aware of various printers and repro houses, plus other clients from my agency days.
Is there any advice that you would give students looking to get into your field?
I came through an unconventional route and was in the right place at the right time. But if you want to get into shoot production or art direction do some work experience and see some shoots. Start as an assistant for a production company or client or photographer. Collect tears and ideas so you have a good stock of creative influences to work up for stories.
