MISC_ Magazine Interview

Recently, we interviewed a UCA Alumni, Joey Birch, who has started his own fashion magazine. We asked him about post-graduation life and his advice on life starting out in the fashion industry...

I’m Joey Birch, a visual creative and the founder of MISC__ Magazine. I studied Fashion Journalism at UCA, the final project of which was my magazine ‘MISC__ Magazine’. MISC__ is a magazine that focuses on bringing sustainability to streetwear. I created it after feeling like something was missing within fashion publications.

How is life after graduation treating you?

Life after graduation has been interesting. Super fun, but interesting. It’s been a huge challenge trying to find my feet and my own path while also trying to earn money and live at the same time. That’s to say, post graduation life has been a bit different from what I was hoping. It’s certainly been a challenge but I know the work will pay off.

As many of us know, starting your own business after graduation can be really difficult and time consuming, how do you manage keeping your dream alive but also keeping a realistic look on your career right now?

100% it can be, and is, difficult but you just have to remember where you started. While as much as I said previously that this has been a challenging time since uni, it’s also been incredibly humbling and eye opening.

I always say if you love something enough you’ll make it work. And that resonates in all areas of life. So in this case, in terms of my career and my work, I love doing what I do. As challenging as it is and as much as it can feel like a massive uphill struggle at times, there’s so much to enjoy with the journey. If you just keep going you will ultimately get there.

I think being realistic is a great trait to have at times. For instance right now I’m working at Waitrose full time trying to add to savings and live (I was incredibly broke after graduation) while doing my projects on the side. This isn’t my final destination but I understand that it’s a crucial step I have to take in order to fulfil my future plans.

This being said, something I get told a lot and I tell others is don’t under sell yourself. Too many times I'll be feeling like I need to get the validation from others that my work is good or that I'm doing the right thing to get where I want to go but ultimately, there are no right answers. If you love what you are doing that will speak volumes in the work you produce and how much you enjoy your experience.

It’s a matter of taking things a step at the time and knowing that if you keep working towards your goal you will get there. Enjoy yourself!

How do you find collaborating with other student and brands? Do you have any tips?

I can’t recommend collaboration enough. I don’t think there is enough of it if I’m honest.

While you’re at uni or even following uni, collaborating with fellow students is a great tool. There’s so many talented individuals, all with their own skill sets and interests plus you can meet new people, make new friends in the process and create more!

When it comes to collaborating with brands, that can be a little more tricky but that doesn’t mean you should pass it off. A huge tool you already have is social media. You can literally drop a DM to someone or a brand at any time and (hopefully) have a chat with them, learn new things and even collaborate on a piece of work.

This is actually tried and tested as well. I still don’t believe it happened at times, it was when I wanted to interview Kish Kash for the first issue of MISC__.

I had two interviews that day already but saw he was helping at an event for Air Max Day.

I dropped him a message on Instagram not expecting anything from it. But if you don’t ask you’ll never know, right?

Turns out I was in luck, a simple message I sent the night before resulted in a great interview with Kish Kash, an individual who is a legend in the sneaker industry and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

So in essence, collaboration is great. The more you do early on, the better you’ll be going onto future projects in your career and with general communication, confidence etc. Most importantly you have more fun! If you’re looking to collaborate with a brand or certain individuals just message them, what have you got to lose?

What was your aim when you started developing your magazine and have your ideas or goals changed?

My aim was to bring a fresh perspective on modern ‘streetwear’. Being a huge fan of the culture, I feel that everything, even down to the term streetwear, has become oversaturated and it’s lost its real meaning. I wanted to create a publication that goes against the ‘Hypebeast’ culture of showing off how much you can buy over decent style and authentic brands with a meaning.

Streetwear is about street style, it’s a subculture with so much heritage at its roots. The sense of consumerism and fast fashion is something that has just taken over much of fashion and unfortunately streetwear too. I think I can speak on behalf of a lot of people when saying that I’m tired of these ‘How Much Is Your Outfit?’ videos and overpriced print t shirts.

More importantly, MISC__ tackles sustainable fashion within streetwear. While some brands try to pursue sustainability, there is still a long way to go. I wanted to produce a publication that shows people that sustainability isn’t something that should put you and, if anything, you can actually have more fun with streetwear by going down more sustainable routes such as thrifting etc.

In terms of my ideas and goals. The foundation is very much still the same. I’m currently planning and working on issue 2 and future content, looking to build a team to really get the ball rolling.

Do you have any advice for fashion or arts students in general who are graduating this year and facing the "real world”?

Stay positive, it can seem daunting to begin with but this is the start of your journey. If you feel lost or confused that’s okay. Use that as a tool to spur you on!

Stay true to yourself. Something I find is that I compare myself to other people on social media a lot of the time. It’s great to look up to people and gain inspiration but ultimately it’s your life and your story. Follow your gut and do what you love.

Most important thing is enjoy this time. You’ve earned it. Take everything a step at a time, you’ll get to where you want to go.

MISC_ Magazine - Joey Birch

Alexandra Alice Hodgson