The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

Episode #21 with Melanie C Grant

August 11, 2021 Hosted by Akin Season 1 Episode 21
The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast
Episode #21 with Melanie C Grant
Show Notes

On today's episode, I chat  with  Melanie about her fascinating career working in the field of photography, including commissioning photographers, art directing, the importance of following the brief to the letter,  challenging editorial and advertising shoots, setting up a photography agency, the business of photography, being diplomatic with clients, editors and journalists and the minefield of copyright and imagery in the digital age.  We share anecdotes from our careers as picture editors and what the future holds for the role.  Whether you're trying to break into the industry as a photographer or already established, you'll pick up a lot of information from this episode.

I also discuss with Mel her position as a Luxury Editor, photoshoots and exquisite works of art, and what her favourite pieces of jewellery.  We talk about her book which is about jewellery and art; mentoring, and most importantly, her approach to living life and a few of the quotes and affirmations that continually encourage her.

Melanie Grant has been a journalist for over 20 years having worked at The Times, The Financial Times, The Independent, The Guardian, The BBC and now The Economist where she is the Luxury Editor of 1843 Magazine, their lifestyle sister publication. Her first book on the jewel as art entitled Coveted: Art and Innovation in High Jewelry was published by Phaidon in Oct 2020 and in her spare time she gives talks at institutions such as The Science Museum, The V&A, The Gemological Institute of America, The Association of Art & Antique Dealers, Phillips, Christies and The Goldsmiths' Company on jewellery and luxury. She also writes for Vogue, Vanity Fair and Tatler and is a guest lecturer at Central Saint Martins as well as a guest crit leader at the Royal College of Art. 

For more information about Mel and how to contact her, you can reach her via DM on Instagram. But make sure your message is brief and concise, as she has  thousands of messages sent to her daily.


Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!

I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.

If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at theswingingpalmtree@gmail.com.

Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ!