Meet Rebecca Cuthbertson, a fashion communications graduate from Heriot-Watt University. Rebecca’s FMP is inspired by the lives of sex workers, exploring stereotypes throughout the ages. “I created a publication entitled "Honey Pot" made up of interviews, photoshoots and graphics work based around feminism and sex work and how they are linked,” says Rebecca. “For my portfolio work, I did 6 shoots all based around different misconceptions in sex work which will take the form of a book.” Read more about her work below.
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
Throughout my time at Heriot-Watt I learned a lot about the importance of having a narrative in your work, telling a story and researching thoroughly to figure out the best styling, location and model to fit your theme was very a very valuable skill I took into my fourth-year project.
What was the starting point of inspiration for your final project?
My publication topic entitled "How empowering is sex work to women?" and portfolio was based around how sex workers are seen in the public eye based on how they really are. I am fortunate enough to know a lot of people in this community so I started off doing interviews with women who were doing SW on the side, as the main job or just as a hobby and see how they thought feminism was viewed in the SW industry. I have always been interested in this line of work and the different reasons people have for being in it so I think it was a natural interest of mine to base my Honours project on it.
What form does it take?
I created a publication entitled "Honey Pot" made up of interviews, photoshoots and graphics work based around feminism and sex work and how they are linked. For my portfolio work, I did 6 shoots all based around different misconceptions in sex work which will take the form of a book.
How has it evolved from your initial ideas and what have you learnt along the way? (300 words)
Starting off I was looking into feminism and sex work in a broad sense and then found links to them and the "Playboy era" which helped narrow down my focus and where I wanted my publication to go. I was very interested especially in women who have online sex work jobs like Onlyfans or Cam Girls so I steered my focus into that and conducted 3 interviews with 3 different girls all using Onlyfans but with very different paths to get there. From my own research, I learned a lot about the Third Wave of Feminism and how crucial it was to the livelihood of sex workers in that time and how it is still so relevant in the online world of sex.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away? Do explore any topics like diversity, sustainability or politics in your work?
I think the topic of online sex work is something that my generation is so desensitised to but not a lot of people actually know the ins and outs of it - while it is a welcoming, diverse and wonderfully open place there can also be dangers to it, affecting girls self-esteem and the issues of underage girls wanting to make quick cash off their bodies. I am very open about this and want the takeaway from Honey Pot to be that you can go down this path and still be a self-respecting woman but to know this is a tough industry to get in and out of.
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
The issue of diversity in the fashion industry especially on big fast fashion companies social media is always something that needs changing. Seeing the same models on every website and Instagram is shutting out a wide range of beautiful and different skin colours, bodies, genders and I strive to help change this issue.
What is your plan now that you have finished your BA?
Currently I am looking to have a career in Social Media Management, working with Influencers hands-on and helping brands become more open and diverse.