What Have I Gotten Myself Into?

What have I gotten myself into?
That’s the question I’ve been asking myself since I began working at my new job. You
see, I’m a copywriter, and for the past four years or so I’ve mostly written copy for
fashion and beauty brands. I’ve composed copy for websites, catalogues, marketing
initiatives, just about everything for which you can imagine.

Now, I am The Man, I will freely admit that. (I’m humble, too!) But, despite my bio’s
proclamation that I am somewhat of a “dandy,” I am by no means a fashion guru. I’m no
Robert Verdi. I couldn’t tell you what was hot during New York Fashion Week nor could
I name the winner of last season’s Project Runway. Thought it all truly fascinates me, I
am not at all immersed in the world of fashion.

I am, however, a damn good writer, and it was my experience, talent, and competence
that convinced my new employer to give me a shot. Not my predilection for Robert
Graham shirts, for which we can blame my stint in South Beach’s nightlife scene during
the mid-2000s. Ugh. But I digress. If my new employer has enough faith in me to get the
job done, why am I having doubts?

What have I gotten myself into?

My employer is a well-known online retailer of luxury fashion brands. Every day, some
of the most expensive, luxurious brands find their way to my desk: Gucci, Fendi, Marc
Jacobs, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, and Lanvin, just to name a few. And, admittedly,
at times the designs are a little too cutting edge for my Uniqlo/H&M sensibilities.

As mentioned earlier, I’ve done this before. In my previous job I composed copy for
children’s clothing, and before that I was copywriter for a designer toy company with an
apparel line based on their uniquely artist aesthetic. I’ve also done freelance work for
brands like Maybelline and Giorgio Armani. Yet the garments and products I wrote about
were relatively simple: t-shirts, jeans, the occasional party dress. They were nowhere near
as chichi or luxe as the items I face these days. I’m lost in a world of sweetheart necklines
and snakeskin platforms.

Thankfully, I’ve a bevy of fashion savvy friends and associates (including the lovely
Dana of two + seven) who have been more than willing to help me find my way in this
savage, beautiful territory. Their knowledge and experience (and infinite patience) have
proved invaluable and I am supremely thankful for their assistance.

I’m excited about the opportunity I’ve been given and I plan to make the most of it. It’s
definitely already been a learning experience, and I’m positive that it will only help my writing skills improve.

So again, I ask … what have I gotten myself into?

Nothing I can’t handle, baby.

-Jay Fingers

Jay Fingers is a freelance writer, blogger, and journalist. He has contributed to print and online publications including Billboard, soulhead, and Skin & Ink. A self-proclaimed “dandy, alcoholic, and playboy,” he grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and lived in Miami where he worked in the nightlife industry for several years. His debut novel, GUESTLIST, is set for release in early 2012.

Let your fingers do the talking… Contact Jay:

www.jayfingers.com
www.facebook.com/jayfingerswrites
@jayfingers