DANICA OSLAND | BOOKINGS EDITOR at VOGUE AUSTRALIA
What did you study at FBI and what internships did you complete?
I studied the Certificate IV in Business. I loved the internships FBI had to offer! I interned for Ellery, Carla Zampatti, Stylerunner and Vogue Australia.
What was your career objective when you enrolled at FBI and did that change along the way?
I knew I wanted a career in Fashion however, I didn’t know what exact part of the industry I wanted to be in. I came across FBI and noticed the wide range of subjects and internships they offered and they all appealed to me. I tried a bit of everything and by building relationships whilst interning a job I could only dream of was offered to me. Being a producer never even crossed my mind but the role is perfect for me and I couldn’t see myself anywhere else.
What is the best thing about working in the fashion industry?
I love working in a forever changing, fast paced industry. It is so inspiring working with creative and talented people on a daily basis.
What skills have contributed to your success in your current role?
Having a hard work ethic, learning how to communicate professionally with colleagues and having confidence within the workplace.
What is your career highlight so far?
I have had a couple of highlights but they all stem from landing a job at Vogue Australia. Doing a September cover shoot with Nicole Kidman in Uluru, shooting Kim Kardashian at a beautiful secluded beach in Booderee National Park and lastly working with Mario Testino, shooting 5 consecutive days in iconic Sydney locations.
Describe a day in the life of a Booking Editor?
Where to start! Every day is different, and every day I learn something new, things that you can use in any job or life situations. Being in Bookings/Production is a lot of organising, communicating and numbers. We are normally producing many different shoots at the one time and they could be happening all over the world. It is about finding and booking locations, photographers, models, celebrities, hair and make-up etc.
I also do all of the cost tracking, cost forecasting and budgeting for the editorial side of the magazine.
Leading up to a shoot once we have chosen a location, it is my job to foresee any problems that could arise or would restrict us from getting what we need. I would need to communicate this back to the stylist and photographer so they can work around any issues. This is to ensure the shoot day runs smoothly.
What parts of your job do you find most challenging?
The part I find most challenging is working on different time zones around the world. We could be producing a shoot in New York, London or Paris and it sometimes gets to the point where you are taking phone calls and replying to emails at 2am in the morning to match up with their business hours.
What advice would you give to students trying to get into the Fashion industry?
Say yes to every internship opportunity that arises. You never know who you will meet and where it might take you. Always have a good attitude, use your initiative and be enthusiastic.
