How Joe Zee Went From Fashion Student To Yahoo Editor in Chief

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It shouldn't come as a surprise that Joe Zee was here in SF yesterday, given that he's the Editor in Chief and Executive Creative Officer of Yahoo Style. Yet his quick trip wasn't to Sunnyvale, but to Academy of Art University, where he discussed his editorial career in fashion journalism. Simon Ungless, the School of Fashion's Executive Director, led the discussion that weaved through Zee's various stages from FIT student (he wrote all the articles and styled all the photos for the school's magazine) to landing at Elle Magazine (by always asking and writing letters) to switching from print to digital. His rise through the ranks is a story of determination and hard work ("Say yes to everything!"). And even if you weren't one of the students listening in on the talk, there are still some Joe-isms for you to takeaway.

On seeking out professional opportunities:
"If somebody says no to you, you are in the exact same position as you are right now."

On the legitimacy of digital content:
"It's all about reach. If a blog reaches more people than a magazine, then that blogger has certainly proven they're just as influential as a magazine."

On celebrating the new generation of talent:
"This generation can do multiple different things and is celebrated for it!"

Joe's enthusiasm is infectious, and his excitement for fashion is unexpected in an industry veteran. We can't wait to watch Zee apply the same attitude toward his goal of turning Yahoo Style into a brand that utilizes ever-changing media. While we wait, he'll probably be writing letters and making phone calls to make the seemingly impossible happen.
· Academy of Art University [Official Site]
· Yahoo Style [Official Site]
· Will Katie Couric Up the Ante on Bay Area Red Carpets, or Work for Yahoo! From Home? [Racked SF]