André Claudio

André Claudio, '21 began his journey in journalism at Longfellow Middle School in Lorain, where he was a news anchor. He was yearbook editor at Early College High School in Elyria. As a journalism major at Kent State, André served as an editor of A Magazine.

Today, André lives in New York City and works for Fairchild Fashion Media, writing for its publications Rivet, Sourcing Journal, and Women’s Wear Daily.  

André says that his high school media experience provided him with lifelong skills including interviewing and photo editing abilities. Despite being primarily a writer, he sees photo editing as an invaluable skill he learned in high school. André emphasizes the importance of diversifying skills in journalism, including mastering new software and editing tools, to stay competitive in an evolving industry. 

A highlight of Andre’s work is interviewing celebrities such as Omar Apollo, Fletcher, Julia Fox and Storm Reid. These conversations, whether via Zoom or occasionally in person in New York City, allow him to immerse himself in contemporary culture, build connections, and write compelling stories. A bonus perk? Attending concerts for free before writing event recaps.

Andre encourages students to explore journalism and media, even if the field seems intimidating. He underscores the enduring need for journalists as storytellers on the front lines of breaking news. He advises young journalists to expand their skill sets beyond writing, embracing multimedia tools to stand out in a competitive market. His key message: pursue your passion for storytelling and don’t let challenges deter you.