Highlights from my time at COWGIRL and True West magazines
If you read my last post, you may know that I’m currently in a job transition. After almost two years, I’m leaving Modern West Media (a.k.a. the publisher of COWGIRL and True West magazines). This was my first job out of college that gave me more experiences than I thought I’d ever have. Needless to say, while I’m excited about my new ventures, I’m a little emotional.
I wanted to reflect on my time at Modern West Media and highlight some of my favorite COWGIRL and True West moments. Cue the waterworks.
My first day of work, when I started as an intern
My first digitally published article
Our publisher Ken gave me this story and asked me to write it up—my first blog. Semi-daily blogging adds up; I’ve written almost 450 since then. You can read my first article here: Campfire Cowgirl: Why ‘Smoked Marshmallow’ Is The Newest Hair Color Trend
My first rodeo: RFD-TV’s The American at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
(Well, really my first rodeo was the semi-finals the night before, but that doesn’t sound quite as cool.)
My first trade show: Dallas Western Apparel & Accessories Market
Visiting RFD-TV Ranch in New Mexico…via their private jet
Lunches out on the town with my co-workers
Have to make a note on this caption. It’s from the song “Wagon Wheel.” And I’m next to a wagon wheel. Just making that clear.
The clothes
I went in modern and came out contemp cowgirl. COWGIRL’s advertisers are much too generous.
Taking photos of Bob Boze Bell
True West’s Executive Editor is not only a lil’ cutie, but a heck of a painter, a knowledgeable historian, and one of the most kindhearted men I’ve ever met. Sometimes I’d have the pleasure of taking his photo for social media. Here, he was promoting the arrival of his book The Illustrated Life and Times of Geronimo.
My first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
In the western world, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is what would happen if the nation’s biggest football fans gathered in one place for the Super Bowl and wanted to dress to the nines. NFR is exciting, glamorous, and totally crazy.
My co-worker Jenna and I road tripped from Phoenix to Las Vegas last December to cover the first weekend of the Wrangler NFR. One of my favorite memories from that weekend were my on-camera interviews, my first one being with western entrepreneur Alexis Bloomer whom I met and then immediately interviewed in a bathroom (it was the quietest place at the Wrangler party). I also interviewed Debbe Dunning of Home Improvement and Debbe Dunning’s Dude Ranch Roundup, Amy Wilson of Western Roundup, Senior Director of Marketing for Wrangler North America Holly Wheeler, and country singer Jenna Paulette. Those interviews can be found on my fashion portfolio page.
With rodeo and trade show coverage, the event wiped us out! Jenna and I talked the whole ride to Vegas, but we were so tired on the way home that we barely said a word. Worth it.
Visiting Nashville
Jenna, our boss Ken, and I flew to Nashville to shoot country stars Maddie & Tae for our March/April 2020 cover just a few weeks after we came back from NFR. Last December was busy, busy, busy, but we made it out with some great content and even better memories.
My buddies
Isn’t it the worst when you don’t have pictures with your friends? Merilee and Stacey, I’m talking to you!
In the words of Michael Scott:
“The people that you work with are just, when you get down to it, your very best friends.”
I could go on for a while here. My experiences at COWGIRL will stay with me for a lifetime. I may be moving on, but if you think I won’t be at Bob Boze Bell’s next art show or keeping up with COWGIRL’s fashion shoots, you’d be wrong.
Thank you to the entire Modern West Media team for the kindness, generosity, and amazing experiences.
COWGIRL
COWGIRL Editor and Publisher, True West COO and Publisher Ken Amorosano
Bookkeeper and Operations Lucinda Amorosano
Soon-to-be Digital Marketing Manager Jenna Link
Content Creator and Graphic Designer Merilee Raynor
Advertising Director Callie Tice
Brand Managers Geena Marcuzzo and Alex Morcom
Former Brand Manager Joe Rolak
Former Digital Marketing Manager/Fashion Editor Bethany Reed
Former Social Media Manager Stacey Lorton
COWGIRL bloggers Chris Enss, Katie Armstrong, and Emily Fought
True West
Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell
Editor Stuart Rosebrook
General Manager Carole Compton Glenn
Regional Account Directors Sheri Riley and Greg Carroll
Production Manager Robert Ray
Former Graphic Designer Rebecca Edwards
Former Marketing Assistant Christine Lake
True West bloggers Marshall Trimble and Mark Boardman
