Unraveling Measure

By Measure Student Directors

Measure is a multimedia digest that is dedicated to the development of the fashion magazine at Marist. More than just a magazine, Measure produces a wide range of content, including the podcast ‘Measure Unmuted’, a website which includes digital articles, fashion spreads, as well as multiple social media channels. All of which are producing fashion-related content to give our students a voice on industry and pop culture topics.

Our brand’s motto is “How do we measure up?” This phrase continuously encourages us to evolve and grow as a brand. This year, specifically as we produce Vol. XIII, we have been spending extra time on how we can change this launch from our past year's standard. Working to rebrand while also maintaining our main image. Incorporating new promotions, launch processes, changing our traditional cover, and even our teams. As we anticipate the launch, here is a behind the scenes from our student directors. We asked them what has gone into the magazine production process for their teams and some things you can expect from Vol XIII!

What can people expect from Measure this semester that hasn’t been done before?

A major difference is our decision of what to put on the cover, you will find we break from the traditional Measure format. We are unable to reveal more information than that, so you will just have to wait and see!

Our launch party will feature many different revels including the cover star, our cover photo, the riveting promotional video, and of course the magazine itself. In addition, we will be hosting an Industry Launch in New York City. An exclusive event where industry professionals and alumni are invited to see Measure and meet the faces behind it as well as the release of our promotional video and with some unshared video content from our photoshoots.

EIC: So many people rely on you on a daily basis, what do you specifically do to make sure that everyone feels their requests are heard and accomplished?

OK: Because Measure is such a collaborative class, I’ve learned how important it is to delegate effectively and make sure everyone has clear responsibilities. While many requests come my way each day, I stay organized by keeping a very detailed to-do list and prioritizing tasks, so nothing slips through the cracks. I also make it a point to be highly responsive and accessible whether that means answering questions quickly, checking in with team members regularly, or making sure concerns are addressed in real time. Most importantly, I want Measure to be an environment where everyone feels comfortable communicating their needs and asking for help. I believe strong leadership starts with making people feel heard and supported.

Website: What is something you’ve learned from maintaining and revamping the website; what was your favorite aspect of the website’s revamp?

VT: Website management has been a trial-and-error process. Researching other websites, watching videos on functions to implement and simple codes to run to ensure it’s a user-friendly experience. Sometimes these methods work and other times it will take longer to get it right. Putting time and patience into the revamp has been key as this is my first time running a website. Figuring out these functions on my own has in the end been a rewarding feeling. As for maintaining the website, delegating work, and having a set uploading schedule has been key when collaborating with the rest of my team, editorial, and socials on articles and fashion shoots. My favorite part of our revamp has been incorporating videos, and our changing banner to the site. It has helped make our website look professional and engaging for viewers.

Fashion: How has having two directors changed the process in planning shoots?

LC: Traditionally, in the past, we’ve only had one student director in charge of the Fashion Team. The Fashion Team has always been the largest team on Measure because we’re responsible for planning all the photoshoots featuring senior designs. 

This year, Sam and I stepped into that role together. Instead of having one person lead every decision, we had to learn how to share that leadership and stay constantly aligned. Having two directors was especially helpful during shoots, which can be chaotic, especially this year with so many senior designers and more models at each shoot. We were able to divide responsibilities, whether that meant one of us focusing more on the creative direction while the other handled logistics and organization on set.This became even more important because we had nine photoshoots this year instead of six last year, which increased the workload and pressure. Having two directors allowed us to manage that scale more effectively while keeping each shoot organized and true to our vision.

Production: Magazine production is deadline-driven, how do you manage tight schedules?

KB: Magazine production moves rapidly; managing tight schedules requires much time management, structure, and flexibility. I stay organized by using calendars and tasks lists; they are fundamental to prevent last-minute stress and to reach deadlines in a timely manner. Time management is key to success. Focusing on priority tasks first and setting scheduled goals reduces procrastination and increases overall productivity. Communication is also super important, I make sure to be in active contact with the team so that everyone is on the same page, aware of deadlines, and prepared for any changes. It is important that everyone is on call to make any last-minute changes that may arise during the process. In magazine production, unexpected layout adjustments and edits are common, being ready to adapt is essential. By staying adaptable, structured, and proactive, this ensures that all elements of the magazine come together in a consistent and timely manner.

**Photographer** l Lauren Uliana
**Digital media**: Where did you draw inspiration from for this year's promo video?
JA: The digital media team wanted to create a story that highlights the everyday student and their creative passions. Sometimes students become overwhelmed and burnt out, which can lead to a “creative blockage,” something many of us can relate to. In the video, we follow a fashion student who enters a “dream state,” a concept developed by the team to represent an alternate reality of what our dreams could look like if we fully leaned into them. Ultimately, the message is that in order to keep pursuing our passions, we have to dream louder. Measure became our team's way of representing the bridge between dreaming and doing.
**Social Media**: With social media trends shifting overnight, how do you make sure to keep up?

SS: Considering the speed at which the social media landscape changes, it's been important to approach trends as a team effort to stay current. Each person on the team brings in a different perspective based on what content shows on their own feeds and personal communities, which helps us stay aware of what’s emerging. That said, I’m intentional about being selective. Not every trend aligns with Measure’s identity, and I don’t think a strong brand should feel like it is constantly chasing what’s popular. I would rather focus on narrowing down trends through the lens of our brand values and aesthetic, and only adopting the ones that feel authentic and enhance our existing voice. The goal is to stay relevant without losing originality. By doing so, our content still feels distinctly “Measure,” not simply reactive to the algorithm.

Creative: The role of creative director is new, how trailblazing it for those to follow after you?

MS: It has definitely been an honor to be the first student Creative Director for Measure. It has been a lot of trial and error, trying to figure out what to focus on, and where to put my attention. This role is rooted in a lot of collaboration with other teams, which has been a very cool aspect. I have loved seeing everything get pieced together, especially across different platforms. I have learned a lot taking on this role, and I am excited to see how it grows throughout the years. I hope that upcoming directors can take what I have done and develop it even further.

Editorial: New articles are constantly being written; how do you find a fresh new angle for them?

LU: It is important to me that Measure stays on top of what is going on in the fashion world while finding a way to tie back to Marist. I would say we are able to maintain freshness because of our unique Marist perspective. However, I am always looking at other fashion digests as a point of reference. Publications like Interview, Systems Magazine, and the CR Fashion Book are always sources of inspiration. Fashion journalists on Substack have been of great guidance as well. Journalists like Louis Pisano, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, and Brenda (who’s username is brendaawareness) are consistently putting out topical and informative content that has often become a catalyst for pieces we can put a Marist perspective on.

Public Relations: How does your team balance fueling Measure’s brand identity to be authentic while also enhancing it?

MR: As the first student Public Relations Director and Team for Measure, my team and I have looked at what Measure has done in the past and tried to keep Measure's voice and brand identity while diligently brainstorming new creative, eye-catching ideas. Our brand is built on a student-driven voice, creativity, and a strong connection to campus culture, so those elements guide every decision we make. Every year Measure has some sort of campus launch. In years past, we would typically release our cover star and our promotional video. This year we get to launch our full magazine, promotional video, cover and cover star, and editorial videos taken from photoshoots. On top of this, Measure will be hosting its first Industry Launch event where Industry professionals will be in attendance. My team and I think this will enhance Measure's overall network. This year we also aim to reach potential partnerships with local Hudson Valley brands to help contribute to our launch events.

As a team, we balanced concepts by setting clear brand standards while encouraging creative freedom. We worked to clearly convey Measure's voice and values, keeping our message consistent and authentic. We also pushed for innovation: new ideas, new platforms, and new ways to expand our reach. Since that foundation is strong, we are able to enhance the brand without losing what makes it unique.

It was Coachella, It was 2016