Jehneva Scarlett‑Hoo on Finding Creative Confidence Through Practice and Perspective

Which course did you enroll in and why?

I come from a non-traditional background, having spent several years working across creative, commercial and client-facing roles while nurturing a long-standing interest in fashion, culture and creative direction. I’m particularly interested in the intersection of lived experience, storytelling and creative strategy and how personal perspective can inform meaningful creative work. 

I enrolled in Vogue’s 5 Days of Creative Direction course to gain a clearer understanding of what creative direction looks like in practice across disciplines and industries. I was particularly interested in how ideas are shaped, communicated and executed and in learning directly from lecturers with a wealth of experience.   

There is no greater place to learn about a subject that I’m so deeply passionate about than the singular authority in fashion, Vogue. 

How has the program contributed to your growth, either professionally or academically?

At present, I’m focused on developing my voice and practice within creative direction, using writing to reflect, document and articulate ideas. Following the 5 Days of Creative Direction course, I launched a website as a space to house my work, explore the themes introduced during the program, and speak to my experience as a creative with AuDHD.  

I now have a greater understanding of my own creativity and the aspects of creative direction that are most aligned with the direction I’d like to take going forward.  

What was your day-to-day experience like?

The course was thoughtfully curated, and I gained a lot from each day. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshops that allowed us to bring the information we’d received to life. The combination of theoretical and practical application was well suited to my style of learning. 

After completing your first course, what inspired you to continue with another?

After completing the 5 Days of Creative Direction course, I felt genuinely inspired—the course ignited my purpose and creativity. I decided to return for Vogue’s 5 Days of Fashion Business.  

I wanted to balance the foundation I developed in the Creative Direction course with commercial depth and understanding, because I believe the two work in tandem. In many ways, it also reflects my duality as both a creative and strategic thinker. 

Can you share examples of assignments from each course that you particularly enjoyed?

Across both courses, I particularly enjoyed the moodboard assignments. They gave me a tangible way to express my inner thoughts and acted as a visual mind map, which suits how I naturally process and communicate ideas.  

I also thoroughly enjoyed the photography aspect of the Creative Direction course. I consider it one of my more untapped creative skills and being able to explore it in that environment was very exciting. 

What were the most valuable skills you gained during the courses?

The Creative Direction course gave me the opportunity to explore fashion through my own lens and become comfortable expressing my unique perspective—which is challenging for someone with high-masking neurodivergence. It was a liberating experience.  

The Fashion Business course provided me with what I consider to be the “scaffolding”—the structure behind creativity that allows it to grow, thrive and ultimately see commercial success. Together, the courses gave me both the language and architecture to think about creativity in a way that is both expressive and sustainable.