Amy Campbell is a Writer and Features Editor at Esquire Australia

This week I wanted to interview a person I know our community will aspire towards. Amy’s a pro. Both online and offline, she epitomises a get-shit-done persona. I am constantly in awe of her work and the amount of content she seems to produce effortlessly. For the budding journalists out there, this one’s for you. Over to you, Amy.

What do you do for a living?

I'm a writer! The features writer at Vogue and GQ Australia to be more precise.

Take our Saucettes back to the start, how did you forge a career in journalism?

I didn't get into the fashion design degree at RMIT, which was a blessing in disguise because I would've been a woeful designer! Journalism (also at RMIT) was a plan B of sorts, which I chose because I loved to tell stories. At uni I gravitated towards the softer feature writing classes and when it came time to do an internship (interning was mandatory in my degree, but even if it's not in yours I 10000% recommend doing some form of work placement if you're in the position to) I applied to a bunch of fashion and culture magazines. I was obsessed with magazines and refused to believe they were a dying art form. Not much has changed!

I also took a gap year in the middle of my uni degree, saved up my $$ and did a study abroad subject at Central Saint Martins in London. It was called Fashion Communication. This was a real eye-opener in terms of international industry standards (they take their fashion media seriously in Europe, and it's competitive!) It was so invaluable, in terms of informing what level of work I wanted to strive to do, that I'd tell anyone to go there and do the same in a heartbeat. Once we can safely hop on aeroplanes again, of course.

What did you learn during your internship that still sticks with you today?

I remember an editor replying in all caps to a very elaborate email I'd sent her, saying something to the tune of: DO NOT SEND BUSY EDITORS LONG EMAILS, THEY DO NOT HAVE TIME TO READ THEM.

Lol!!! I was mortified, which is probably why it's stuck. I now realise there is some truth to it. But if I ever have to explain this to an intern, I'll be sure to use sentence case.

What has been a notable setback in your career? How did you overcome it?

I moved to America after I graduated uni to try work and intern some more, and while I was there I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The diagnosis came one month into what was the internship of my dreams at the (now defunct) Man Repeller, and I had to pull the pin on it all and come home for treatment. It was scary because I didn't know if/when I'd be able to go back, or how long treatment would even drag on.

Thankfully, after a few months, the prognosis was good and I was able to start looking for work again. I had a fair bit of anxiety putting myself out there after that whole experience but I think I just forced myself to sit down, write the cover letters, send the follow-up emails and hope for the best. I got an interview at GQ a couple of months later.

What has been the proudest moment in your career?

Earlier this year I worked on the most multifaceted project I've ever done for The Australian (I do some arts and culture writing there too). I put together an 'exhibition' of art by 50 of Australia's most exciting emerging artists, (check it out here!) and something like 12 of the artworks sold as a result of the story. I think I was so engrossed in making the spread look good and submitting it on time, the fact it might actually encourage some sales hadn't even occurred to me. So that was a proudie for sure.

Favourite person you’ve had the chance to interview?

It's funny because often my favourite interviews aren't with the most famous interview subjects; they're the interviews with people that turn into these really rich, robust conversations that challenge or expand my own worldview (which then hopefully challenge/expand the worldviews of anyone who stumbles across my work!) I feel like the interviews I've been fortunate enough to do with Taika Waititi, Bruce Pascoe and Hermès' men's artistic director Véronique Nichanian fall into this category. And Charlie Hunnam, actually, but he's very very famous! Chris Hemsworth was also lovely.

What has been the best career advice you’ve ever received?

My first freelance writing gig was with Fashion Journal, where I was edited by the incredibly talented Giulia Brugliera. Around that time I battled a bit with writer's block because I just wanted everything I wrote to be perfect (impossible, right!?) Anyway, there was one story I was really struggling to transfer from my brain to the page coherently, and Giulia recommended writing it as if I was explaining the topic to a best friend. Whenever I feel my writing beginning to feel a bit contrived, I revisit that advice — it's amazing how much more conversational and flowy (and fun!) It can make your writing.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

My mum! She's the most generous, empathetic, endearing and encouraging person I know. Every time someone tells me I'm becoming more like her I smile.

What does being comfortable in your skin look like to you?

I think it looks like genuinely enjoying every part of yourself—your brain, your body and your character.

What have you struggled with over the last year?

I'm writing these answers as Sydney descends deeper into a Covid lockdown and though I'm trying my hardest to remain optimistic... there are moments where it's tough.

What are your coping mechanisms?

Exercise, long runs mostly. Phone calls with friends and family. Reading fiction (I'm halfway through Rachel Cusk's new novel — can recommend if you're currently looking for some form of escapism!)

What changes in your life are you currently going through?

At risk of sounding insufferably corny, I feel like I've met some people and had some experiences this year that have introduced me to new and different parts of myself (learning to surf is one example, though I'm still working on my consistency!). I'm enjoying getting to know these different sides of Amy.

Top five things currently sitting in your shopping cart?

After months of mental gymnastics I finally gave in and bought the shearling-lined Boston Birkenstocks. No regrets. I'd really like to save up and buy an artwork by one of the artists I featured in the exhibition — I'm obsessed with Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran's figurative idols! I'm pining for a Frison Knit. I need some new shampoo and conditioner. Also, if the budget were no budget, I'd put a downpayment on a little studio/office space close to home.

Skincare products currently in your vanity?

I use a few aesop products — my skin drinks up their fabulous face oil, and if I pair it with the lucent facial concentrate serum I can usually expect to catch myself in a reflective surface exhibiting a gentle glow. Otherwise I'm pretty basic. A bit of sunscreen and some Bare Minerals complexion rescue and I'm good to go.

What’s next for Amy?

It's difficult to say in this current climate, but I'm hoping to work on some bigger feature stories for the back end of this year. Watch this space! I think there's a lot of creative momentum in Australia and NZ right now, especially in the digital/creative start-up space — I'm excited to follow and write about it (of course).

Images — Supplied by Amy Campbell
Words — Interview by Liam Sharma

Amy Campbell