Browns - Week 6

My last week at Browns followed the same template as all the others. Stock had to be shot, sorted, uploaded and returned. We had another stylist test, who again, did not have the right style to represent the Browns' woman, so there will be more trials to follow.

The past 6 weeks at Browns have taught me some interesting life lessons. I know what it takes to run a web studio for a high-end fashion retailer, and what is needed to outshine competitors to keep customers coming back to shop. I also learnt that I need to do a job that keeps me constantly moving and is not repetitive. I yearn to be creative, and bounce off my team's ideas, see new places and meet new people. I like to be challenged on a daily basis in my job. But, I am not everyone, and not everyone wants to do what I do, some people want to do graphic design and web editorial and I would never discourage that, only encourage, it just isn't right for me.

I would highly recommend interning at Browns for anyone who is trying to decide whether to apply. The staff are all lovely, within the studio, stores and dispatch. Everyone has been willing to help and made me feel at home. They all want to share their stories and have a good time, while delivering the customer service and products needed by a world-renowned fashion retailer. I will take many good things from my time at Browns, and look forward to using them in future roles.

Browns - Week 4

Having a 4-day week meant output was very slow at Browns last week. We only shot stock on one day last week, which cause a large call for the concern the day before when we had to arrange a last-minute model call in. We managed to everything shot and some extra, which was met by a huge sigh of relief.

To make output figures higher and reach full potential at the studio, the team need a second stylist to allow stock to be shot and all other admin tasks done effectively. After many applications, finally trials started last week. A girl who currently works for Browns, but in dispatch, had her trial in the studio on Friday. Asked to work out two trend boards, and style 10 pieces with our model; Claire had a successful trial and everyone enjoyed working with her. So, now we just have to see how the other trials go!

A few intermittent weeks of output have meant I don’t feel like I am fulfilling my capability. I have yet to touch a camera or style clothing, and a, saddened by this. With a few weeks left to go, I feel it will run much the same for the remainder of my time here. Originally I was meant to complete an 8 week placement at Browns, but have reduced it down to 6 weeks due to the fact that I don’t feel like I am learning as much as I could be.

Browns - Week 3

Another week at Browns has seen me settle into my role as ‘chief’ intern (being the one that has been the longest) and complete much of the same roles as have been given to me from the beginning.

Last week was a slow week in the studio, with model cancellations, internet/server problems and the long weekend meaning that output hasn’t been the greatest. All new stock was shot on a whirlwind day on Wednesday, and left us with Thursday to clear up everything before our days off.

Most of my week was spent correcting copy errors and uploading new pieces to the website, while Adam wasn’t shooting. After much discussion over model arrangements within the company and with agencies, Adam was able to arrange a good model package on Friday, which saw four wonderful girls come for a casting. They were all great for the job and after deciding who he liked, we now must play the waiting game to see if their availability between them allows us to set up a consistent flowing shoot rota.

Hopefully this week will pick up once we gain a full-time model and see us produce the highest studio output we can.

Browns - Week 2

My second week at Browns has seen me develop the tasks I worked on last week, and establish a more solid roll. 2 new interns joined me, and then 2 old ones left at the end of the week, which means we are now a set of 3 to work in the wed studio.

There is an ongoing problem with finding a model who is able to work full time in the studio, allowing to run at our highest output, meaning that last week we were very low on shooting new stock. 2 out of 5 days were shot on, therefore there is a back log going into this week.

Last week taught me what it takes to keep a website running for such a renowned fashion hub, and hopefully they will be able to overcome the growing hurdles.

Browns - Week 1

So my first week of working at the Browns web studio on South Molten Street was not what I expected, but still in a good way. On arrival I was introduced to the permanent team and other interns, and then showed around the Browns’ locations that i’d call home for the next 2 months.

Each day has gone in a similar fashion. I arrived and go to ‘The Yard’ to collect new stock that needs to be photographed for the website. Once the stock has been checked off in the studio, we steam it and hang it up to be shot when the fitting model arrives.

If I am not sorting new stock, you will find me behind a computer working with the copywriters on the back-end of the website. We have to make sure that every item has the write description and details before it goes live on the site for customers to see.

Once Adam (in-house stylist) and the photographer have photographed the new stock, it needs to be measured and all fabric/care instructions noted, so that the copywriters can include this in each item’s text.

At the beginning/end of day, we take all new stock that we are done with to the relevant store to put away; Browns South Molten Street, Browns Focus or Browns menswear, where we again, check it all off and put it in the stock room in it’s correct place.

When there is no model in-session, sometimes accessories will be shot by Anders (product photographer) all day at the accessories studio, or the time is used to catch-up on perfecting the website.

When taking on this internship, I expected to be doing more photography/styling with the team, and not so much staring at a computer screen. But, all experience is good experience, and I have already learnt things that I did not know before. Hopefully, as the weeks go on, I will be doing more hands-on work in the fields I am most comfortable and interested in. But, e-commerce experience at Browns will be invaluable on my CV, and I look forward to seeing what more the next 7 weeks has to offer.