Alabama Heritage Intern Danielle Castille proudly shows her first published column in the upcoming Alabama Makers department. As an Alabama Heritage intern, this semester I have the amazing privilege to have my first piece of work published professionally. When Dr. Reynolds offered me the opportunity, I jumped at the chance. I knew much planning and scheduling would go into making the article come to fruition. Once it was decided that my article would be an Alabama Makers department piece, it was easier for me to narrow down about whom I would be writing. Luckily for me, it was the fall semester and the Kentuck Festival of the Arts was a couple of weeks away. Sara Martin, the Alabama Heritage marketing director, suggested I take a look at the festival lineup for a possible subject of my article.
After some Google and Facebook searches, I settled on an artist named Royal Miree. The main reason I chose him was because of the kind of artwork he produced: hand-fabricated metal sculptures. Sara helped me find out more about him and how to contact him.
Miree and I were able to settle on an interview day and time. It actually worked out perfectly that he would be showcasing at the Blue Light Art Show in Leeds, Alabama. I would be able to see him in one of his natural surroundings: interacting with customers and describing his craft. I was also able to take pictures of his art show space. I took my laptop to transcribe the interview. It was very casual and conversational, which helped questions flow that I had not previously come up with.
Upon concluding the interview, I wrote the first draft of my article while the atmosphere of the art show and details of the interview were still fresh in my mind. The next day I edited my first draft. I repeated this process a couple of times before sending my final draft to Dr. Reynolds. She was able to give me notes and critiques on the order and including more details if possible. This process included one to two more edits.
As for photos for my article, I was able to use some of the ones that I took at the art show. Miree also gave me permission to use the photos on his website. But I did need to get documented consent for the use of the website photos. I also inquired as to whether he had any photos of himself he would like to be included in the article.
This was basically the entire process of my experience with conceiving, implementing, and drafting my first professional piece. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait for my next opportunity.
Miree and I were able to settle on an interview day and time. It actually worked out perfectly that he would be showcasing at the Blue Light Art Show in Leeds, Alabama. I would be able to see him in one of his natural surroundings: interacting with customers and describing his craft. I was also able to take pictures of his art show space. I took my laptop to transcribe the interview. It was very casual and conversational, which helped questions flow that I had not previously come up with.
Upon concluding the interview, I wrote the first draft of my article while the atmosphere of the art show and details of the interview were still fresh in my mind. The next day I edited my first draft. I repeated this process a couple of times before sending my final draft to Dr. Reynolds. She was able to give me notes and critiques on the order and including more details if possible. This process included one to two more edits.
As for photos for my article, I was able to use some of the ones that I took at the art show. Miree also gave me permission to use the photos on his website. But I did need to get documented consent for the use of the website photos. I also inquired as to whether he had any photos of himself he would like to be included in the article.
This was basically the entire process of my experience with conceiving, implementing, and drafting my first professional piece. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait for my next opportunity.
Author
Danielle Castille is a senior majoring in public relations from Birmingham, Alabama. She plans on pursuing a job in editing or publishing when she graduates in May 2017.
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