Francesca Bassenger - BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism
LCF BA (Hons) Journalism graduate Francesca Bassenger's iPad app, No Borders Magazine is now live on the Apple Store. No Borders combines all the things you love about print magazines such as – features, reviews, interviews, event coverage and stunning photojournalism with the usability of an app. Browse by latest content or by topic to personalise your reading experience.
Why did you choose to study Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion?
I had wanted to go to the London College of Fashion since I was 14. When it came to applying for universities, I didn't apply anywhere else. Originally I had my heart set of Fashion Design, but when I was accepted on the journalism course I decided that I would prefer something with a stronger emphasis on academic learning, as well as the creative side of things. I never went to my Fashion Design interview in the end.
What was the mix of theory and practical learning on the course?
There was actually quite little theory based learning, most of the skills were taught through getting out there and doing them. Things like interview techniques and adobe suit design skills were developed in a practical way.
How were you taught on the course? Are there a lot or lectures or is it a mix of smaller tutorials and workshops?
For the first two years the structure was predominantly lecture based and group work. In third year we were almost entirely taught in one to one tutorials or small groups. At that point though, you need more focussed attention so it was definitely beneficial.
What industry experience did you have on the course?
In second year we had a term where we did group projects for P&G and presented to them at the end. We also had internships in second year, which were invaluable. I can't tell you how much you learn in those few weeks.
Other than that though, it's mainly up to you to find things to do in your spare time. I contributed to a couple of online magazines because it was easy to do from home and fit around uni and working.
How much emphasis was placed on digital technologies?
There was definitely more than I expected. We were taught not only about writing for the web, but also how to make websites and blogs. Laying out our work using Indesign was also encouraged. At the same time though it depended on how much you were interested in that sort of thing. For a lot of people it wasn't their forte and that was ok, as long as they could get the basics. I actually really enjoyed that part of the course more than any other so I always tried to learn the more technical bits because it interested me. I'm just a geek I guess!
Why did you choose to do an app for your final project?
The timing seemed perfect. Interactive tablet publications were just starting to emerge but it was such unknown territory that nobody seemed to be getting it quite right. I wanted to try and find a solution or at least a step in the right direction to one. It was a pretty exciting challenge.
I also wanted my project to be something I could continue after university. With print mags, the printing costs are so extortionate and distribution is so hard that it would be almost impossible. With an app, your content can be seen by people all over the world, can be updated whenever you want and published immediately. I also wanted to do something to make me stand out from my classmates, I didn't feel like I was the best writer or the best concept person, or the best anything really. I could do layout and techy stuff though, so I played to my strengths.
I'm also a massive Apple fan.
What are you hoping to do next?
I'm hoping to get the app sponsored so I can pay for further development. It's up and running at the moment but it certainly hasn't reached its full potential yet. Ideally I would like to run the app full time as a profitable business, but that's not something that happens over night.
