The Q&A; Blogging Sessions: Gary Kingsnorth of ‘The Style King’

For the second post of The Style Examiner’s ‘The Q&A Blogging Sessions’, a series of interviews with bloggers that I admire, I have interviewed Gary Kingsnorth, the author of the blog The Style King.

Q. Why and when did you start your blog?
A. I launched the website in March, 2012. I had been thinking about it for a couple of years as I wanted to work for myself and there seemed to be a gap in the market for a website dedicated to men’s style although there is a lot more competition now!

Q. What are the topics that you cover the most?
A. Usually anything related to men’s fashion and style; it could be anything from a news story to an interview.

Q. How do you find stories and ideas for your posts?
A. Usually via PRs or just things I see out and about which I think could be cool. I was previously fashion director of a men’s style magazine so a lot of PRs tend to send me stories.

Q. How often do you publish posts?
A. I keep making a schedule but never keep to it, usually whenever I have time to upload stuff. I try and do at least one a day.

Q. How many people work with you in your blog and what do they do?
A. Just myself on a day to day level, but I have about 3/4 contributors who write stories and sometimes we work with a photographer if working on a shoot.

Q. How would you describe your average reader?
A. Anybody male or female who is interested in men’s style. It is very hard say who the reader is as I don’t like to pigeon-hole people.

Q. Do you write for other publications? If yes, which ones?
A. Sometimes. In the past, I have contributed to the Daily Telegraph, FHM, Global-Blue and BA-highlife. I work more as a creative director these days.

Q. Have you developed any partnerships with brands because of your blog? If yes, tell us more about those partnerships.
A. Yes, I have worked with various clients producing content, shoots or films for the website. These have included Ted Baker, Agnes B, Paul Smith Jeans, Hackett, Levi’s and most recently I produced a newspaper for Ben Sherman.

Q. Do you consider yourself a blogger, a journalist or a publisher?
A. All of the above!

Q. What do you think of the comments by people who regard blogging as a form of communication that is not to be taken seriously?
A. I don’t really pay much attention to what people think; I just do my little thing and if people like it then great! The world has changed and we need to change with it, online and print can easily live side by side.

Q. What are your future professional plans?
A. To continue developing the site, produce content for clients and develop the publishing side of the business. I guess we shall see where it goes, I am just happy to be doing something I enjoy.

Q. What was the nicest thing that anyone has ever said about your blog?
A. Ha, I have had a few compliments, which is always nice. I wish I could do more, but financial restraints hold me back!