Get to Know Abby Silverman, Digital Creative Director at Cosmopolitan

By: The Making it in Manhattan Team

Bold in style and career moves, Abby Silverman is full of advice – and we’re ready to share it with you, too. If you don’t recognize her from her incredibly entertaining and informative Tik Toks, Abby is the Digital Creative Director at Cosmopolitan. Throughout her career, Abby has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion and publishing – and she’s only getting started. Plus, her impeccable taste and affinity for vintage handbags (hello, us too!) is majorly swoon-worthy. Read on to get to know Abby and her New York journey!

Growing up, did you always have an interest in fashion?

Yes! I always loved putting together interesting outfits. My mom used to say that I wouldn't leave the house without looking perfect from head to toe (even if my look included 4 different ponytails sprouting out of my head)!

Where did you go to college and what did you study?

I went to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and I double majored in creative advertising and graphic design.

What was your first job out of college and how would you say it impacted your career?

After graduating from Drake, I interned at Minneapolis Saint Paul Magazine before landing my first gig in New York City as a freelance Designer at Victoria Secret Limited Brands. I definitely believe my role at Victoria Secret positively impacted my career as it was my initial foot-in-the-door and first step at making my dream life in New York a reality.

You grew up in Minneapolis and ultimately moved to NYC in 2013. What advice would you give to someone right out of college hoping to move to the city?

The industry is extremely competitive now more than ever so I recommend taking advantage of the resources you have to start building your personal brand. Leverage your uniqueness and what makes you different than others. For example, if your goal is to be a writer, start writing samples on your own you can share as examples in a future interview. If your goal is to be a photographer, start taking photos and posting on your socials etc.

Additionally, if your ultimate goal is to eventually work in New York, take advantage of opportunities closer to home and in your local city. You can use these internships and experiences as resume builders and building blocks to eventually land a role in NYC!

What did you wear to your first interview?

I was a freelancer for my first few years working in New York City so I went on A LOT of interviews and can't pinpoint exactly what any of those outfits were. However, I can remember one of the outfits I wore to one of my three interviews for getting my job at Cosmo! It was a white motto faux leather jacket from Zara, a white blouse, loose fitting snakeskin printed trousers and silver booties! I remember the digital director at the time walked by me when I was in the lobby and said she liked my jacket and I could not get over it.

Could you walk us through your career journey a bit? From Victoria's Secret, to InStyle to W Magazine, how did you ultimately become the Digital Creative Director at Cosmo?

There are many different paths you can take to become a creative director. I personally grew into this role based on a foundation of graphic design. I started as a junior designer and worked my way up the corporate ladder from designer to senior designer to art director to creative director at some of the largest publishing companies in the world. With each of the roles I had, I took on new challenges, more responsibility and always pushed myself to seek out new skill-sets to get to the next step. A pivotal time in my career is when I started getting experience directing photoshoots and managing teams on set as senior designer at W Magazine. I drove the creative on some huge branded content shoots with Coach and Maybelline, which were great resume builders in landing my job at Cosmo!

As the Digital Creative Director at Cosmo, what does your work entail?

I lead and manage a team of brilliant creatives consisting of art directors, visual editors, motion designers, illustrators, graphic designers and a staff photographer. My team is responsible for creating the visuals across the digital and social platforms at Cosmo. We have a daily content schedule where we are fulfilling the art requests from all the different editors across fashion, beauty, entertainment, lifestyle, astro, video, news, features and sex and relationships. These requests can be as many as 20 to 50 in any given day. Additionally we are working on visuals for big celebrity profiles, beauty and fashion shoots, and deeply reported features. I drive the direction across the brand and strategize for all of these initiatives. Along with all the editorial initiatives we are engaged in, I also lead the direction of special marketing programs with brand partners and new product launches. For example we just launched a Cosmo wine, a new line of Cosmo merch, and a Cosmo perfume. It's super exciting, no day is ever the same!

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before starting your career, what would it be?

Always advocate for yourself and speak-up in meetings. If you don't ask for more, whether it's compensation, a promotion, or new responsibility, you're not going get more! In the early stages of my career I was hesitant to share ideas in meetings for fear of rejection or people not liking my ideas. At the end of the day people want to know what your POV is on things and it helps establish what your value is and what you bring to the table, so don't hold back, share those amazing ideas or someone else will!

You have such a fun, unique sense of style! Where do you look to for inspiration?

I browse resale sites for inspo such as Vestiaire Collective, The Real Real, Tradesy and so many more. I love vintage jewelry and clothing because you can find amazing unique pieces that no one else has! I also love the thrill of thrifting, It's such a high finding a fabulous piece for a good deal! Additionally, I find lots of inspiration on social media: Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. And I love traveling, I always find new style inspiration when exploring a new place.

Who have been your biggest mentors in the industry, and what is the best advice they have ever given you?

I haven't had one specific mentor within the industry but I have reported to a lot of great bosses over the years from whom I've learned so many amazing things.

And a huge shout out to my dad! He has always pushed me as someone who also works in the creative industry. One thing he has always said is that you need to be ready to pivot at any moment. Which is so true in our industry now more than ever!

As a busy woman on the go, what are three things you never leave home without?

A giant bag of makeup (glam girl forever), my phone (which is basically an extension of my body at this point), and a purse (preferably vintage designer!)

Where do you hope to see yourself and your career in the next 5 to 10 years?

I could see myself as the creative director of a big fashion or beauty brand or growing into an even larger role in the publishing industry. I would also love to start something of my own, I have lots of ideas, more to come on this.

What advice would you give to people hoping to one-day follow in your footsteps?

It only takes one yes, so don't focus too hard on rejection because it happens to everyone. Also, anytime you're getting criticism, do not take it personally, it's an opportunity to grow. Most importantly, BE NICE, you never know where the people you meet along the way will end up!