Author of ‘Sweet Paul: Eat & Make’ and Editor in Chief of Sweet Paul Magazine. I’m chasing the SWEET things in life!
WHAT LED YOU TO START WORKING IN DIGITAL/MEDIA PUBLISHING?
When I started the magazine I wanted to do it just online, as it was easy, doable and didn’t cost as much as printing. The cost was definitely a factor. After a few years, I launched the printed magazine, but we always kept an online edition. I feel it’s important to have a strong online presence so today we host the online edition with ISSUU and I am very happy with them and what they offer.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
I work from home so my day is very chill. Coffee, CNN, walk the dogs, answer emails, write, photograph etc. I always try to end my workday at 4 pm as I work to live, not live to work. I close my office door at 4 o’clock and just try to do something else the rest of the day like movies art, fashion etc. And of course, going out to eat, it’s after all research.
WHAT’S YOUR WORK SETUP LOOK LIKE?
My team and I work mostly on Google, chats etc. as I find it very easy. I chat with the rest of the team on Google; it’s so awesome because we are not in the same office, and that’s how we keep connected.
I’m a total slave to Instagram. It’s the first thing I look at in the morning and last thing before I close my eyes.
WHAT DO YOU DO OR GO TO GET INSPIRED?
Take a bath…honestly. I come up with my best ideas in the bathtub and I always keep a notebook and pen next to the tub.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF WRITING OR QUOTE?
My grandmother always said, “You go through life easier with a smile on your face and light baggage”. She was one hell of a smart woman.
WHAT IS THE PASSIONATE PROBLEM YOU ARE TACKLING AT THE MOMENT?
The same as everyone else. The media world is changing day by day. It’s harder to get revenue in, and you will have to offer much more than just an ad page. There is video, social media, events etc. Always something new to learn.
IS THERE A PRODUCT, SOLUTION, OR TOOL THAT YOU THINK IS A GOOD MATCH FOR YOUR DIGITAL PUBLISHING EFFORTS?
Issuu.
Their platform is easy, looks good and works well for us and the readers.
We used someone else before and I find that Issuu just gets it and all the small publishers.
ANY ADVICE FOR AMBITIOUS DIGITAL PUBLISHING AND MEDIA PROFESSIONALS JUST STARTING OUT?
Well, honestly you have to ask yourself if you really want to do it!! It’s not as easy as it looks. You also need to take a very good look at your product and figure out if the world really needs it. What makes you stand out. Also is your product free or do you charge?
Once you have done all that and you still want to do it, find yourself a good host site that’s easy to use for you and easy to operate for your readers.