Delish.com‘s Senior Editor, Lindsay Funston, dishes out more than tasty recipes–she gave Ed tips and tricks on what it’s like working for web and just how important networking really is. Being surrounded by food every day may get messy at times, but as they say, “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the (test) kitchen!”
Did you always know you wanted to work with food?
I always knew I wanted to work in magazines. I got an internship at Real Simple the summer after graduation (my ticket to the big city!), which happened to be in the food department. I loved eating food–I just didn’t know how to cook it. I got a crash course from some amazing food editors and realized food was a topic that interested me, and had great perks! After Real Simple, I wrote food features for Martha Stewart’s Whole Living (RIP), O, The Oprah Magazine, and Fitness. But I didn’t really start developing recipes or food styling until I lost my job at Fitness when it closed, and knew a career in print was no longer for me. I started playing with food and taking pictures in my kitchen and launched a food blog, which ultimately got me my job at Delish.com.
What is it like working for web instead of print?
As much as I love print, web feels so much more relevant to my life. My friends read my stuff now! Web feels spontaneous and nimble in a way print can’t be. I also always wondered who was actually reading my print stories. Who did they affect or even influence? I don’t have to wonder that with web. I see the thousands (sometimes millions!) of people who want to try something I’ve made–or think it sounds utterly disgusting and aren’t afraid to say so.
What is a typical day like?
We have photo shoots three days a week, so it often starts with a stop at the grocery store for last-minute ingredients. Then, cooking begins in the test kitchen. For the next several hours, we’ll cook and food style those recipes for pictures our photographer takes. We eat a lot, laugh a lot, and listen to a lot of hip-hop! And all that cooking means that the day ends with the not-so-glam part of the job: dishes! However, I’ve never dreaded coming to work. I actually enjoy my time in the office and test kitchen, thanks to the people. We have a very tight-knit team. Yes, we are surrounded by food that we make all day. That’s definitely a perk, but also a drawback. We all keep joking about the Delish 15!
Give Ed some food inspiration. What’s your go-to snack?
My desert-island food would probably be chips and guacamole. My go-to snack is avocado toast on crusty sourdough. I definitely couldn’t imagine life without avocados.
What is your favorite piece you’ve published for Delish.com?
I did a detox lemonade video around the holidays, which was my baby because it’s a drink I always make for myself. But we weren’t sure if it was too healthy for Delish.com readers. Turns out, they loved it. I’m proud that thousands of them had a taste of my go-to!
What advice do you have for aspiring editors, especially when it comes to networking?
Make yourself an asset and be helpful! Also, don’t take edits personally. It’s a weird job to feel like you’re getting graded all the time, but it comes with the territory. Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and be a true team player. And networking is important! Never turn down coffee with anyone. I’ve gotten amazing gigs (including this one!) from getting a drink with people who I barely know. Be a “yes” woman.
What is your secret for taking Instagram-worthy food pictures?
Oh, so many! Natural light is my golden rule. When in doubt, shoot it directly overhead looking down on the plate.
Since cooking is your job, literally, do you ever order Seamless?
I love cooking–and feel honored I get to cook for a living–but being in the test kitchen all day means the last thing I want to do is cook when I’m home. I don’t resort to takeout every night, but my Seamless order is Indian food. Always. However, I recently made quinoa fried rice as a healthy take on fried rice, so I’m really into that as a healthy, quick dinner. I also love to make avocado pesto! I’m a pesto and avocado nut, so combining the two makes me endlessly happy.
Last question! What’s your favorite family recipe that’s been passed down to you?
My grandma Adele’s classic lasagna.
From Ed’s Guest Blogger: How to Look Stylish at Work Events
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