With its sleek lines, detailed interviews, and intricate pictures, it’s hard to believe that UT’s first full-fashion publication, Spark, is completely student based. I spoke with co-founders Ian Milan and Autumn Ashley for an insight into the amount of work and dedication it takes to run an online magazine, while prioritizing an academic course load and planning for their future careers in fashion.

Originally meeting in an acting class, Milan and Ashley are two different people that share the same driven spirit and mulch-faceted grasp for adventure. In combining their skill sets and ambitious characters, the pair focused on two things: building a platform which aimed to creatively showcase both the abilities of their peers, and illuminate talent within every aspect of the local fashion scene.

A full issue timeline which chronicles Spark’s editorial progression can be viewed here. The timeline displays a steadfast flow of professionalism capable of standing with any market competitor.

Though the concept of each photo shoot and design layout varies, an aspect that remains unchanged in every issue is its unique ability to run without a budget, led solely from the surrounding resources and kindness of the Austin community.

Milan’s uninhibited nature and social persona made for straightforward access to locations for photographs and the promotional use of clothing and accessories; on the other hand, Ashley’s employment with the Wilhelmina Brown Agency opened doors to a freelance cooperation of local models hoping to amplify their portfolio.

As both Executive Editor and Graphic Designer of the magazine, Ashley learned to utilize campus resources early on. By obtaining a laptop from the College of Communication, she found the editing software needed to improve the overall aesthetic of Spark.

Now an alumni as of December 2011, Ashley remains career oriented and plans on moving to New York in February. With the guidance of her faith and family, Ashley remains intent on keeping the collaborative and helpful spirit that she encompassed within her time at Spark.

“Just roll with the punches,” she stated, in regards to the aggressive world of fashion. “Eventually they’ll stop punching, and see that you’re not fighting back”.

In addition to a résumé that includes writing for the local section of Miss A and serving as Intern Leader for Austin’s own Tribeza magazine, Ashley created a website, Arsenic + Lace that focuses on her unique approach to style, and acts as a platform to display her photography portfolio and graphic design work.

With a strict policy of Spark being solely composed of students, Ashley has taken the time to train her successor at the publication, and looks forward to the upcoming months. She's keeping an open mind and heart unfazed by fear.

Like his co-founder, Milan is a risk taker who takes pride in the magazine vocalizing a safe haven for creative freedom and artistic expression. “I [want to] turn fashion on its head,” he tells me as we discuss plans for Spark’s upcoming photo shoot set to begin next week.

Along with his Photographer/Head of Production, Chris “Quit” Nguyen, Milan has pushed every limit within himself to create enticing scenarios for each specific layout. For instance, in our conversation, he recalls shooting at 7 or 8 different locations in one day, and hopes this photo session (set in parts of South and East Austin) will focus to “challenge the norm” of fashion journalism as a whole.

Bold in speech and action, Milan admits that confidence is something we grow into with experience. “As I got older, I found my voice,” said the Editor-In-Chief, who credits Spark for aiding him in “[becoming] braver than [he] already was”.

“You create the world you [want to] live in,” he stated. And by maintaining a thirst for innovation at the center of both his personal and professional life, Milan is currently preparing to leave UT for a major career change, and promises this next issue of Spark, scheduled for release on February 15, will serve as his “best one yet”.

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To find out where Ian plans to go next, be sure to read the forthcoming publication of Spark at http://thesparkmagazine.com.

For further information, Spark is listed under the Student Organization Database as Student Fashion Cooperative.