I am Crystal McClory, a creative and digital marketing specialist with extensive experience across travel, lifestyle and cultural storytelling. Former senior editor and creative lead with a strong background in content creation, copywriting, campaigns and brand voice. I am highly organised, proactive and detail-focused, with a passion for travel and storytelling.

Crystal McClory

PRO

I am Crystal McClory, a creative and digital marketing specialist with extensive experience across travel, lifestyle and cultural storytelling. Former senior editor and creative lead with a strong background in content creation, copywriting, campaigns and brand voice. I am highly organised, proactive and detail-focused, with a passion for travel and storytelling.

Available to hire

I am Crystal McClory, a creative and digital marketing specialist with extensive experience across travel, lifestyle and cultural storytelling.

Former senior editor and creative lead with a strong background in content creation, copywriting, campaigns and brand voice. I am highly organised, proactive and detail-focused, with a passion for travel and storytelling.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Writer/Content Creator at Crystal McClory Ltd
January 1, 2001 - Present
Copywriter, content creator, travel writer, newsletters, ad sales and social media manager. Art directing, commissioning and producing fashion shoots and handling budgets. Planning, managing and briefing creative teams, presenting ideas, researching concepts and trends and meeting deadlines. Fashion, lifestyle, talent, still-life, interiors and commercial campaigns for online, e-commerce, print, in-store, social and video shoots. Booking studios, sourcing locations, liaising with agencies, client interaction, planning, preparing call sheets and invoicing. Troubleshooting and problem solving in pre-production and on set.
Freelance Marketing Manager at Abbotts Travel
March 1, 2022 - January 1, 2026
CMS website management, writing brand-appropriate copy, content creation, researching, adding images and publishing posts, sharing to database via emails, newsletters. Copywriting, editing and proofreading client testimonials and staff blogs. Social media management generating community engagement, responding to Google reviews. Writing travel blogs and editorial articles also published in Absolutely magazine. Creating and updating Google Docs and Sheets. Marketing, collaborating with clients, suppliers and affiliate brands, magazines and advertising sales. Skilled in photography, travel logistics and travel itineraries.
Freelance Contributor at Absolutely Essex and West Essex magazines
October 1, 2022 - Present
Travel Writer - several articles published: Costa Rica, Cape Fahn in Thailand, Koh Samui, Barcelona, Kenya Safari, Andalusia, France, Ibiza, Diani Beach, Comporta, Ischgl, Palm Springs, Thailand, Los Angeles and Paris.
Freelance Creative Producer & Shoot Co-ordinator at M&S Food
May 1, 2024 - October 1, 2025
Shoot coordination, pre-production, creative input, producer and logistics for Celebrity Ambassador social shoots, videos and photography, and events (including Dawn French, Kelly Hoppen and Katherine Jenkins). Sourcing locations and studios, creating mood boards, call sheets, organising teams, liaising with agents, stylist, props and hair and make-up.
Freelance Art Director at Amazon.com
May 1, 2015 - March 1, 2018
Managing and briefing team of photographers and stylists on multiple sets in e-commerce fashion studio. Responsible for team direction and morale, selection review of imagery and editing using Capture One.
Picture Editor at Imagista
April 1, 2014 - December 1, 2020
Collaborating with creatives to curate imagery and visuals.
Freelance Retouch Manager, Press Look-books at M&S
May 1, 2017 - February 1, 2019
Retouch management for press look-books, etc.
Creative Manager, Photography & Styling at CRYSTAL McCLORY BHS
September 1, 2015 - May 1, 2016
Production of all editorial content, product presentation and campaign imagery; art directing shoots; commissioning photographers; styling; set build; makeup; selecting edits.
Freelance Art Director & Fashion Director at Terri Manduca Agency
November 1, 2010 - May 1, 2022
Represented as Freelance Art Director & Fashion Director; overseeing shoots; managing creative teams; liaising with buyers.
Fashion Editor at Matches Fashion
November 1, 2010 - March 1, 2011
Overseeing, art-directing, organising, commissioning photographers, producing luxury fashion and still-life shoots; managing the creative editorial team; planning weekly schedules; proofreading and sub-editing; liaising with buyers for bi-annual magazine and digital content.
Contributing Fashion Editor at Intelligent Life & 1843
July 1, 2010 - February 1, 2019
Contributing fashion editor; styling shoots, collaborating with creatives; contributing fashion editorial content.
Contributing Fashion Editor at Phoenix magazine
August 1, 2014 - December 1, 2015
Contributing fashion editor; editing and styling content.
Freelance Senior Online Stylist at Thread.com
March 1, 2013 - March 1, 2015
Online styling for Thread.com; styling & art direction.
Freelance Senior Online Stylist/Art Director, Stills/Video at Net-a-Porter, Mr Porter & Outnet
January 1, 2013 - July 1, 2015
Managing stills and video shoots; art directing; overseeing team.
Contributing Fashion Editor at Wallpaper* and bi-annuals Spruce and Maxim Fashion US
January 1, 2001 - April 1, 2003
Contributing fashion editor; editorial contribution.
Fashion Editor and Associate Editor at Arena and Arena Homme Plus
June 1, 1995 - December 1, 2000
Organising and producing shoots; art directing; styling; attending catwalk shows; international shoots; building excellent industry contacts and maintaining client relationships.
Consultant and Location Guardian for film and photo shoot locations at Location Works
August 1, 2019 - July 1, 2022
Locational consultancy and guardian services for film and photo shoots, coordinating access, logistics and permissions.

Education

BA Hons in Fashion Design at University of Central England
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Foundation Course in Art and Design at Newham Community College, London
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
'A' levels in Art and English Literature at The Beal High School
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026

Qualifications

Creative Writing Course (Writers in Residence & Stand-up Comedy)
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Other, Software & Internet