#IndustryInsights: Adam Gaffey
This week we're chatting with media powerhouse on the rise, Adam Gaffey, the editor in chief and creative director or MFI magazine.
How did you first get into the fashion industry?
I started working in fashion over two years ago when I began producing content for a fashion television channel. I was working in a photography studio too at the time before I began Men’s Fashion Ireland. That’s also where I first met my now co-director, Michelle Walsh and our fashion editor, James Butler.
Can you describe a typical work day?
As an editor, a typical work day for me usually involves a lot of communication and production work. We are constantly creating content for both the quarterly magazine and the website, so it’s non-stop really when it comes to editing, emails, photo shoots, meetings and the odd celebration of course.
What motivates you?
There are a lot of things that motivate me in life but when it comes to work, learning is what motivates me really. That’s what’s so great about what I do; I get to meet new people all the time and that’s a blessing.
How do you integrate social media into your role career as a fashion creative?
I think it’s important to have some sort of social media presence as a representative of our brand, although I do feel that social media and the internet is over-rated and over-used. So I've been spending a lot less time online lately.
What has been your biggest career achievement to date?
I think one of the biggest moments for the MFI team so far was the Secret Garden event we held back in September as a part of the Dublin Fashion Festival. We had set designers who were working with ivy vines for two days, music producers, dancers, amazing models from NotAnother Agency and Assets Model Agency, and it was a huge success. It was packed and we were completely overwhelmed with the support we received that night. Hopefully we’ll have more events in 2016.
Have you any advice for people thinking of entering the industry?
I think the only general advice that I could offer somebody is to find your niche, focus on that, and believe in what you do. It takes time to gain credibility in certain areas of the industry, but once you set goals for yourself and take a logical approach, anything is achievable.
Is there anyone that influenced you to take this career path?
I was mostly inspired by the international fashion scene and the level of production from various magazines. I'm a big fan of Rollacoaster Magazine and Dazed & Confused and there were a lot of other great magazines around Dublin too, like Cult Magazine and Thread Magazine which influenced me.
Where do you hope to see yourself / your business in 5 years?
I can’t even imagine where we will be in five years. A lot can happen in that amount of time.
What is your pet peeve about working in the industry?
I don’t actually have a pet peeve about working in fashion to be honest. I enjoy every minute of what I do. The challenges, the creativity and the positive energy from the people who are surrounding me.
What do you do to relax and unwind after a long day’s work?
Mostly I’ll chill and watch a bit of American Horror Story or some of my DVD Box Sets like The Wire. That’s one of my favourites.
The Winter 2015 Issue of MFI Magazine is out now and available to buy here: http://mfimagazine.com/shop/mfi-issue-12/
YM