From 2020-2021, I served as the Head Articles Editor for Garnet & Black, the style magazine of the University of South Carolina.
Ella Lukowiak
Garnet & Black aims to challenge the status-quo and amplify voices of the underrepresented and underserved. It is a hub of unique perspectives that are constantly evolving as life at USC unfolds.
From style pieces like "A World Full of Purses" to more difficult reads that put social, mental, and physical struggles to writing, Garnet & Black is a space where opinions make their soap-box stand, creative stories and style-shoots find eager eyes waiting, and the happenings of Columbia see promotions on both the screen and the sheen of the magazines scattered around campus.
Life as Head Articles Editor — Full Production Cycle Edition
The magazine produces content on a biweekly production cycle, aiming to publish 10-15 articles a week — plus some photo, video, or social media projects.
Monday I
- Full G&B staff meeting — includes breakout sessions with each team
- Review pitches submitted throughout the week before and narrow down several dozen ideas to 10-15 short and long-form story ideas
- Assign stories to writers
- Write a report to executive staff on what to expect for the cycle
Tuesday I
- Reach out to individual writers to discuss their specific story
- Schedule meetings & calls with writers who need more direction
Wednesday I — Sunday I
- Check in with writers throughout the beginning stage of the cycle
- Coordinate with Photo and Video, Style, and Social Media teams to pair creatives together on topics
- Act as liaison between contributing staff and executive staff
- One-on-ones with writers
Monday II
- Managing staff and Executive staff only meeting
- First drafts due
Tuesday II — Wednesday II
- Read through each article, make suggestions based on style, voice, narrative, and qualitative elements of the story
- Submit a personalized review for each story
- One-on-ones
Thursday II
- Second drafts due
- Copyediting and final touches
Friday II
- Final drafts due & sent to copydesk
- Review pitch form submissions
- Submit report to executive staff
Saturday II — Sunday II
- Copydesk polishes each article
- Media teams adds artistic elements and accompanying pieces
Articles are published on Monday I of the next production cycle.
Other Duties
- Selecting articles that qualify for the quarterly print edition of the magazine
- Interviewing and hiring to fill niches & create a well-rounded group of writers
- Writing original articles myself
Print Editions as Articles Editor
Garnet & Black MagazineFollowthis publisher
Garnet & Black MagazineFollowthis publisher
