Video Storytelling

Sex Symbol Magazine

In a Nutshell
Edited short- and long-form video content for independent music publication Sex Symbol Magazine.

The Challenge
In the summer of 2025, I joined Sex Symbol Magazine as a video editing intern. Sex Symbol aimed to set itself apart through videos that felt both relevant and authentic. Its content ranged from artist interviews to video essays exploring the music industry. My job was to transform raw footage into engaging narratives that reflected the magazine’s identity.

My Process
I learned how to intersperse primary and B-roll footage, color-correct clips, incorporate motion graphics, clean voiceover tracks and balance background music and dialogue. I established an asset management system in Google Suite to manage a growing volume of content. 

I was given significant creative control, which allowed me to develop a stronger sense for audio-visual storytelling. Sometimes, the unexpected and unplanned moments in a video were the most interesting. Leaving in these unpolished scenes created a tone of sincerity that fit the magazine’s identity. 

As the company grew, I adapted to new standards, including an editing constitution and quality assurance checklists. By the end of my internship, I could intuitively craft videos that aligned with the magazine’s vision: polished and punchy, yet intimate. 

Results

• Edited short and long-form content with a combined total of ~40K views across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube
• Advanced from intern to paid lead video editor based on quality of work

Reflection
Strong editing requires more than just technical proficiency. Knowing when to cut and when to leave something in requires judgment that can only be developed with experience and stakeholder feedback. This lesson enabled me to take on greater responsibility as the magazine’s lead video editor.