Armed with a degree in fashion design, experience as an assistant designer, and some big ideas for the publishing world, Bria Lear released the first issue of Framework magazine in May 2012. Fast forward to just one year later and the all-digital lifestyle magazine is still going strong and growing with every issue, and Bria still does virtually all of the writing, editing, and designing herself. With inspiring cover girls like presenter Tamara Taggart and actress Jodi Balfour, along with engaging fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content, Framework proves that magazines can still succeed in the digital age. I got in touch with the super-busy EIC to see what life is like when you’re at the helm of your very own magazine.

Style Nine to Five: What are some of the most important things to have in place before launching a publication?

Bria Lear: You absolutely need to know who your audience is. While this might evolve over time, knowing your reader’s lifestyle, interests, values, and taste will dictate so many important decisions for your business, and ultimately help you grow a strong, recognizable brand with a loyal readership.

SNTF: What are some networking tips for aspiring editors and fashion writers?

BL: Get out there and be curious about people. Genuine interest in other people and what they do will get you far. I’m not the type of person to go up to someone I don’t know and introduce myself out of the blue, which is why I love social media. Twitter makes it so easy to connect with anyone and everyone, and it takes the awkwardness out of meeting people in person. I can’t count the number of times people have introduced themselves using their Twitter handles, and I think it’s fantastic. If there’s someone you’re dying to meet, start interacting with them via social media, and once you’ve established a rapport ask them to meet for a coffee. Nine times out of ten, they’ll be thrilled to chat with you. (Also, a sincere, heartfelt compliment never hurts!)

SNTF: What are some of the benefits of producing a digital magazine (vs. print)?

BL: Besides the much higher cost of print, we are also able to be more eco-friendly and can adjust our editorial plan quickly to reflect any great ideas or leads that pop up unexpectedly. Spontaneity is a beautiful thing! We don’t have to work months ahead to meet print deadlines and we don’t have limits on page numbers, which means I can publish larger spreads, more photos, and create a publication that is beautiful on every single page. It’s also a lot easier to connect every part of our brand—from the blog to the social media channels to the magazine—offering readers and advertisers a comprehensive, completely connected experience.

SNTF: Describe a typical day as the Framework EIC.

BL: With so many things on the go, I try to stick to a daily schedule to keep me on task and organized. When my alarm goes off at around 7:30 I scroll through Instagram and check out my Twitter feed (more as a way to wake up my brain than actual work). I always cook a good breakfast, either a smoothie or toast and eggs, and then I spend the majority of the morning working on blog posts and social media updates.

Once Twitter and Facebook are updated for the day, I go through my emails and try to respond to the most time sensitive first. I’m also using Evernote throughout the day to keep track of any ideas for blog posts, store links to articles I want to read later, and cross things off my virtual to-do list. Having a place to store all those random thoughts makes it much easier to focus on each task.

The afternoon is usually spent organizing features and articles for the monthly magazine issues, editing submissions, product shopping, and creating layouts. I try to schedule any meetings around lunch or at the end of the day so they don’t interrupt my workflow. I try to squeeze in a quick yoga session a few times a week, and in the evenings I’m often catching up on more emails and setting up blog posts. And I’m also cooking delicious dinners to post on Instagram! Some nights I’m out networking at media events, or getting cozy on the couch with the latest episodes of The Bachelorette and MasterChef.

SNTF: What are the biggest challenges and the most rewarding parts of being an editor?

BL: One of the biggest challenges is balancing the business and creative sides of the magazine. It’s also hard to say no. I could easily make each issue 200+ pages with all the great ideas from contributors and amazing people to feature, but I have to remember that at the end of the day this is still a small company, and I alone will be creating the layout for each of those pages. It can take full days to finish just one of the bigger features.

The most rewarding thing about what I do is seeing the final result of each issue and hearing the excitement from Framework’s readers, contributors, and featured women. It’s amazing to know that you’ve inspired someone, whether it’s to change up the pillows in their living room or take a leap to change their career. At the end of the day, the relationships and connections I’ve made through Framework are priceless.

By: Sara Constantineau, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle.

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