Q&A Interview with Cheryl Adam

Q1: Darkly Magazine has carved a unique niche in the fashion world. How did the concept for Darkly Magazine originate, and what inspired you to focus on the darker, edgier side of fashion?

Cheryl Adam: The concept for Darkly Magazine was born out of a desire to explore the intersection of fashion and the darker aspects of human experience. I’ve always been fascinated by how fashion can express not just beauty, but also the complexities of emotions like melancholy, rebellion, and mystery. There was a gap in the market for a publication that didn’t shy away from these themes, and that’s where Darkly found its place. We wanted to create something that resonates with those who appreciate the art of fashion as a means of exploring the shadows, not just the light.

Q2: What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in maintaining the magazine’s unique identity in an industry that is constantly evolving?

Cheryl Adam: One of the biggest challenges has been staying true to our vision while adapting to industry changes. The fashion world is incredibly dynamic, with trends shifting rapidly, and it can be tempting to follow the mainstream to stay relevant. However, Darkly Magazine’s strength lies in its distinct voice and aesthetic. We’ve had to balance staying current with ensuring we don’t lose the essence that makes us unique. It’s a delicate dance between evolution and authenticity.

Q3: Darkly Magazine is known for its bold, avant-garde editorials. Can you walk us through the creative process behind curating an issue, especially since much of your content comes from submissions?

Cheryl Adam: Darkly Magazine thrives on collaboration, so our creative process is quite unique. We don’t have a dedicated in-house team of photographers or stylists; instead, we rely heavily on submissions from talented creatives around the world. Each issue begins with a thematic concept, and we put out a call for submissions that align with that theme. We receive a wide range of content, including fine art, digital art, photo manipulation, and more traditional photography. As submissions come in, we carefully review them to see how they fit into the narrative we’re crafting. It’s like piecing together a puzzle—each contribution adds a different layer to the story we’re telling. We’re always amazed by the diverse interpretations of our themes, and it’s that diversity, combined with the blend of different artistic mediums, that gives each issue its depth and richness.

Q4: That’s a lot of work, and I assume now that you get more and more submissions to your magazine. How do you manage the influx of content?

Cheryl Adam: It is indeed a lot of work, and as Darkly’s reputation has grown, so has the volume of submissions we receive. We’ve developed a robust review process to manage this influx. Our team carefully reviews each submission to ensure it aligns with our themes and aesthetic. It’s a time-consuming process, but it’s essential to maintaining the high standards our readers expect. We’re fortunate to have a passionate community of contributors who understand and embody the spirit of Darkly, which makes the selection process both challenging and rewarding.

Q5: What advice would you give to photographers, fashion designers, makeup artists, and other creative individuals who want their work featured in magazines like Darkly? How can they create a compelling series of photos to submit?

Cheryl Adam: My advice to creatives who want to be featured is to focus on storytelling. A great series of photos isn’t just about beautiful images—it’s about conveying a narrative or emotion that resonates. Start with a strong concept that aligns with the magazine’s theme, and build your shoot around that idea. Pay attention to details like styling, composition, and mood, and make sure everything supports the story you’re trying to tell. Originality is key; don’t be afraid to push boundaries and explore new ideas. Once you’ve created something you’re proud of, the next step is to ensure your submission is professional. Include a well-written statement that explains your concept and how it fits with the magazine’s theme.

Q6: How do they submit their work to Darkly Magazine?

Cheryl Adam: Submitting to Darkly Magazine is straightforward. We regularly post open calls for submissions on our website and social media platforms. These calls detail the themes we’re focusing on for upcoming issues, along with submission guidelines. Creatives can submit their work through our submission page on Kavyar, ensuring they follow the guidelines provided. We review each submission carefully and select those that best fit the theme and aesthetic of the issue. It’s a highly competitive process, but we encourage all creatives to take a chance and share their work with us.

Q7: As Editor-in-Chief, how do you decide which trends or themes are featured in Darkly Magazine?

Cheryl Adam: We look for themes that challenge conventional fashion narratives and resonate with our audience’s desire for something different. I’m constantly inspired by art, music, and cultural shifts, and these often inform the trends we explore. We avoid trends that feel fleeting or superficial; instead, we focus on those that have a deeper, often darker, underlying message. Our aim is to feature content that not only looks good but also sparks conversation and introspection.

Q8: In today’s digital age, how has social media influenced the way Darkly Magazine connects with its audience?

Cheryl Adam: Social media has been a powerful tool for us. It allows us to engage directly with our audience and gauge their reactions in real-time. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are particularly effective for showcasing our visual content, which is a huge part of our identity. We’ve also used social media to create a community around the Darkly brand, where followers can share their interpretations and experiences of our themes. It’s not just about promoting the magazine; it’s about building a dialogue with our readers and creating a space where they feel seen and understood.

Q9: What advice would you give to aspiring editors who want to create a magazine with a distinct voice like Darkly?

Cheryl Adam: My advice would be to stay true to your vision and not be afraid to take risks. Creating something with a distinct voice means you’re not going to please everyone, and that’s okay. Find your niche and focus on what makes your perspective unique. It’s also crucial to build a strong team that believes in the vision as much as you do. Collaboration is key, but so is knowing when to hold firm on your ideas. Lastly, be prepared for the hard work—editing a magazine is a labor of love, but if you’re passionate about it, the rewards are worth it.

Q10: Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future of Darkly Magazine? Any exciting projects or themes on the horizon?

Cheryl Adam: We’re constantly pushing boundaries, and the future of Darkly Magazine is no exception. We’re exploring new ways to blend fashion with other art forms, such as film, to create immersive experiences for our readers. Additionally, we’re excited to be working on apps that will enhance how our audience interacts with our content. These apps will offer unique features that go beyond what traditional print and digital formats can provide, making it easier for our readers to engage with our themes and content on a deeper level. Without giving too much away, I can say that our upcoming projects will continue to challenge the norm and invite our audience to see fashion through a darker, more complex lens.

Conclusion:

Cheryl Adam’s leadership at Darkly Magazine is a testament to the power of staying true to a vision while embracing innovation. Her dedication to exploring the darker side of fashion and her commitment to providing a platform for diverse artistic voices have made Darkly Magazine a standout in the industry. As Cheryl and her team continue to push the boundaries of fashion publishing, it’s clear that Darkly Magazine will remain a beacon for those who seek something beyond the ordinary in fashion and art.

Follow Darkly Magazine on Instagram @darklymagazine #darklymagazine for a chance to get featured!