Since 2011, the born-and-raised British Columbian has satisfied her sartorial preoccupation as FASHION Magazine’s Western editor. Previously, Joy Pecknold indulged those interests as a contributing editor to Splendora (now Joyus) and Vancouver editor of Vitamin Daily. Her professional extracurriculars include travel blog editor for Kiwi Collection, and contributor to MONTECRISTO Magazine, NUVO Magazine and BC Business. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her outside, hiking, surfing or snowboarding.
Joy Pecknold
Twitter: @joypecknold
Instagram: @joypecknold
Did you always want to be in the media? If not, what other careers were on the horizon?
I wanted to do it all: actor, artist, singer, director, dancer, crime scene investigator. Writing seemed like a way to dabble in a little bit of all my interests, to satisfy my curiosity for everything.
Where would you like to be five years from now?
The most basic: Write. However, wherever you can get published, get published. If you want to get work you have to have work, and a good word from those you’ve worked for.
Any advice for people getting started in your industry?
Be prepared to work. The industry is much more public and popularized than it used to be, with stylists getting their own TV shows and editors snapped for street style blogs, and it makes it all appear incredibly glamorous. Of course, it can be very glamorous, but it’s still a job, and one which requires a lot of schlepping and long hours. Be committed to the process, which is the bulk of it, not just the final, flashy product. Show up on time, be willing and able and do good work, and those more glamorous opportunities are more likely to present themselves.
What are your favourite media outlets, not including your own?
The Tyee, Guardian, Economist, Gentlewoman, Surfer’s Journal, Vanity Fair.
Best interview you’ve ever had?
The lengthier one-on-ones I’ve had with up-and-coming local designers and artists. You have time to build rapport, there’s rarely any ego and their answers aren’t tired because they haven’t been Q&A’d to death yet. Many of the well-known Canadian-born designers I’ve talked to have been absolutely delightful—Jason Wu and Erdem Moralioğlu come to mind.
Worst?
I haven’t had any train wrecks yet, but Leandra Medine of Man Repeller was a surprise dud. She has such as great sense of humour, but she seemed completely disinterested that day. I get it though, we can’t all be funny and bubbly all the time.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
“You can do it.” Ha, really. Failure isn’t the enemy of success, it’s not trying. I think a lot of creative people are plagued by self-doubt. More often than not, I’m my own worst enemy. I mean, doesn’t mean whatever you decide to do will come easy, but you’ve got to take a step if you want to go anywhere.
What rule(s) do you live your life by?
So don’t let the fact that it’s one of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People turn you off, but “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” I feel a lot of discord and disaster can be lessened or avoided by choosing to listen first. That goes for work and life.
What’s the most important tip you can give PR pros?
Know who you’re pitching. Also, there’s a lot going on, but don’t send emails every day. It’s like the “don’t cry wolf lesson”. If you make too much noise, there’s a good chance you won’t be heard when it really counts.
Best experience you’ve had with a PR pro? We love to hear about #wins.
There have been many, too many to pull out one win. It really just comes down to good people who are good at what they do.
I hate?
Apathy.
I love?
More than I hate. Here some random things: nature, art, magazines, karaoke, dancing, sleeping, shoes, coats, patience, passion, curiousity.
Reading?
A few books at once. Cristina Nehring’s A Vindication of Love, Alain de Botton’s How to Think More About Sex (how’s that for a provocative title—you’re Googling it now, aren’t you?) and Veronica Roth’s Allegiant (and after this I’ll be done with my dystopian teen fiction phase).
Best place on earth?
I love travel, so that’s a tough one, but every time I fly back into Vancouver, or I go back to where I grew up on Vancouver Island, it’s confirmed that British Columbia is my most beautiful place in the world. I’m not sure that’ll ever change.
Dinner guest?
Can I have two? Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. I should just probably pick one more to make it a symmetrical foursome: Ryan Gosling.
Hero?
There are so many incredible people who have done incredible things, but it’s the folks closest to me—my family and friends—who’ve had the deepest impact on me. Cheesy and true. Also, all the funny women in the world.
Favourite app (or whatever you are downloading these days)?
VSCOcam. I’m a little obsessed with snapping and editing photos. It’s a welcome break from words.
Pool or ocean?
Ocean, no question. Surfing being one of the many reasons.
Voicemail or email?
Email. I’m horrible at checking voicemails, and that’s probably because I hate it. The only voicemails I really like are creative birthday messages.
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