Lyla Johnston

2 June 2021

I’ve been a professional photographer for four years now, with my work being featured in many big publications and even on the telly! But I’ve always had a knack for writing, and even my teachers at school said that it was the perfect career path for me.

Being unapologetically fat, queer, autistic, working-class and without any formal education, I’ve found it very hard to get my foot in the door of any sector, let alone the creative industry.

Fortunately, Indi & Marianne at Creative Lives in Progress believed in me and gave me a chance as an editorial assistant!

Not only is CLIP genuinely one of my favourite websites, but working there is going to be a massive confidence booster for me.

I may have made my own chapbook last year, but this role will get me contributing and pitching, which I find quite daunting.

Fortunately, my natural curiosity and creative flair will win out and get me making some wonderful content! When my time at CLIP comes to an end, I’m planning on getting my NCTJ.

When not editorially assisting, I’m writing horoscopes, anticipating Eurovision and believing that Phish Food is the answer to all of life’s worries.