Category: Art

  • Studio Visit: Emily Millichip

    Studio Visit: Emily Millichip

    For a while now, we’ve been wanting to visit Emily Millichip’s studio. We met this Edinburgh based designer at the Stitch Lounge and really liked her aesthetics and the bright fabrics she uses in her designs.

    Emily’s studio is based at the Art’s Complex, which used to be a colossal office space now converted into studios for local artists, designers and start ups.

    We spoke to Emily to find out what inspired her to become a fashion designer and know more about her favourite places in Edinburgh. Read the interview after the photos.

    When did you first start designing? Also, who or what inspired you to become a designer?

    I started designing in my early twenties, mainly through an extreme hatred for all of the clothes that were in the shops. Things have improved in the UK but for a while there seemed to be a misconception that the country was populated by 16 year old supermodels. I was really into the style of the 1950s and was ordering clothes from California. Eventually I thought that it would be cheaper and easier to learn to make the clothes myself. It was also probably the result of getting a ‘proper’ degree and doing a string of horrible jobs in admin. I decided I needed more colour in my life and waved goodbye to being able to pay my rent on time.

    What do you draw inspiration from?

    I am inspired by high trash, interesting people, crazy grannies, reading, adventure, music and cheap red wine. When I have time I look at personal style blogs as I find them much more relevant than fashion magazines which bore me to death. I also like to go on solo camping trips and get drunk on rum and concoct new plans around the campfire.

    When you’re designing, what woman do you have in mind?

    I am always designing for myself. I tend to imagine an amazing scenario I want to be in and then go about making the outfit I would need for such a scenario. This involves a lot of imaginary trailer parks and trips to Mars. Frequently it involves ridiculous Hawaiian prints, silver sequins and pink wigs. In reality though I have mostly made some great outfits to go and buy milk from the shop.

    Tell us about your favourite places in Edinburgh.

    My favourite places in Edinburgh are all of the beautiful old graveyards, Portobello Beach, little old man pubs and anywhere in Leith. Leith is amazing. Why would you want all of the dignified grandeur of the New Town when you could have the chaos of Leith?

    www.emilymillichip.com

  • Places: SHOPIQ

    Places: SHOPIQ

    On our last trip to Wroclaw we discovered SHOPIQ – a new addition to Wroclaw’s creative scene. The shop selling works of Polish photographers, books and vinyls is run by Natalia and Ernest Dec.

    They tell us a little bit more about the concept behind SHOPIQ, Wroclaw, and work of which Polish photographers they like and follow.

    Shopiq on Future Positive (2)

    Shopiq on Future Positive (1)

    Shopiq on Future Positive

    Tell us how the idea for SHOPIQ was born?

    Ernest: We’re both photographers and taking photos is what we do in life. Apart from photography we love travel, discovering new places, meeting new people and staying at home for a longer period of time just to slow down a little. We started to think about the concept of SHOPIQ many years ago.We dreamed about creating a place that we always look for when discovering new city space. Then, the name was created, which from its definition supposed to mean a place where works of art can be bought. Then, we found the space where we’re based; not too big and just perfect to start a new business. And that’s how SHOPIQ was born – a creative space which opens itself everyday to meet with photography, graphic design, painting and music.

    What do you like about Wroclaw? Is it a creative city?

    Ernest: Wroclaw is one of the most ‘westernised’ cities in Poland due to its location and influences.

    Everyday we meet open, friendly people who creatively approach their everyday life and business. It’s the people that create places, if they give away some positive energy, the city gives it back in return. Wroclaw is a very harmonious city when it comes to this and the city gives you the opportunity to spread your wings.

    Work of which Polish photographer do you follow and like?

    Ernest: We have quite a few interesting photographers here in Poland and you can now hear about Polish photography more often. Many interesting publications and create projects are developed. We always like the work of Sputnik Photos, Bartek Pogoda, Filip Ćwika and other artists featured at SHOPIQ.

    www.shopiq.com.pl

    Congratulations to Winston Struye for winning the Creative Portsmouth book giveaway! 

  • Reaching Your Inner Artist

    Contrary to popular belief, artists aren’t freaks of nature or unusual in our society. Indeed, everyone has an inner artist just waiting to burst out when they finally discover their talents. With that in mind, this article will highlight just some of the techniques you might want to follow if you plan to uncover your skills and become an artist that people respect. As with anything else in this world, you should always follow a path that works for you. So, there is no obligation to try any of the techniques mentioned in this post. They are just here to provide some inspiration and point you in the right direction.

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    Consider an art-related educational course

    There are many full and part-time courses available for people who want to reach their inner artist. In most instances, you just need to get in touch with local schools and colleges and make some inquiries. However, there are also lots of art groups that pay for influential speakers and offer some form of art education. So, take a look at all the options on the table and then work out which is right for you. In some situations, you might spend your days drawing life models or something similar. Still, there are many different types of art, and so it all depends on which niches tickle your fancy.

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    Find work in an artistic industry

    Getting a job in an artistic industry can seem impossible if you don’t have any skills or experience. However, there are some roles for which your talent could be enough to gain the attention of the employer. For instance, you might think about contacting local tattoo shops and asking if they require an apprentice. You’d have to invest in tattoo equipment, and you might not earn much cash during the first few months. Still, that’s a fantastic way to get your foot in the door and work towards your goals. While some people think tattoos are less than artistic; they’re a brilliant option when you’re just starting out.

    Network with other artists

    Creative people need to bounce ideas off each other if they want to hone their skills and improve. For that reason, it’s essential that you take the time to network with other artists in your local area. Maybe there are some social groups you could join that contain lots of like-minded individuals? Perhaps there are some bars of cafes in town where local artists tend to hang out? Your goal is to make as many friends as possible who have the same ambitions and levels of creativity as you. If you struggle to do that, try meeting people using:

    • Social media
    • Internet forums
    • Local colleges
    • Art exhibitions

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    Exhibit your work as soon as possible

    At some point, you will create enough original artwork to host an exhibition. You can usually do that at libraries, colleges, or art galleries in your home country. Some people even decide to try something different. It’s probably wise to avoid charging too much before you build a decent reputation. However, that process will enable you to earn some money from your talents, and you might even sell a few paintings too! If you can’t find anyone willing to display your art; you just need to think outside of the box. Plenty of people exhibit their work on the street or in unusual places with great success. So, think outside of the box until you think of a concept that will work for you.

    Take criticism and learn from it

    All artists have to deal with criticism of their work. Sometimes those reviewers will say some hurtful things, but you can’t let them get you down. You just need to learn from their comments and try to impress them the next time around. However, you should begin that process as soon as possible. So, when you organise an exhibition, it makes sense to invite local journalists or art writers to the show. That way, you should get a mention in their publication regardless of whether they enjoyed your talents or not. When all’s said and done, all publicity is good publicity!

    You should now have a decent idea about the best ways to reach your inner artist and turn your life around. Art is one of the most critical elements in human development, and it holds a special place in most people’s hearts. You just need to tap into their emotions and say something original with your work to ensure it gets as much attention as possible. While you don’t have to become a controversial artist, nothing is wrong with speaking your mind through the pictures you create.

  • Claire Sambrook: Creative Portsmouth

    Claire Sambrook: Creative Portsmouth

    Claire Sambrook is a photographer and a lecturer in Creative Technologies at the University of Portsmouth. She is also involved in a number of creative projects happening around the UK including Creating Balance Project with Anglepoise. Claire also curated Creative Portsmouth, a guide exploring the creative elements of the city through its people, community, businesses and students. 

    Claire talks to us about her background, why she chose to settle down in the UK’s only island city and why creative industries flourish in the city.

    Could you tell us more about your background and how you got involved in all the creative projects in the city. I saw that you used live in London, what made you to move to Portsmouth?

    Claire: I went to art college in Swansea and Cardiff and dabbled in lots of disciplines including stained glass, set-design, screen-printing and then settled on photography because it enabled me to capture moments and control light. In London I spent many years learning the craft and specialised in large format photography and studio lighting. I moved to Portsmouth because of the location – it is the UK’s only Island city. Growing up by the Gower coast in Wales was wonderful and Portsmouth was a good compromise.

    I have been aware of how much the creative profile of the city has grown especially in the past few years it has a real strength which is built upon a community that has started to believe in itself. There are great support networks like Strong Island, Portsmouth Creative Movement and a constant influx of creative and talented students at The University of Portsmouth that are helping to promote and raise the creative offer. We also have working artist studios like Art Space, Clay Station, the soon to be opened Neon Studios and Coastguard Studios. Aspex Gallery and space gallery at the University always have a constant stream of emerging local and national artists. International creative superstars like design studio I Love Dust and artist My Dog Sighs also call Portsmouth home. Other people and businesses to mention – Anglepoise UK, Southsea Deckchairs, The Caravan Gallery, Climax Games, Jeannie Driver, Pete Codling, Karen Ryan and numerous photographers with national and international profiles like Andrew Whyte, Russell Squires, Matt Sills and Paul Gonella.

    Whilst teaching at The University of Portsmouth I wanted to work with local artists, designers, businesses and collaborate with students to try and aid with their skill set and employability profile. This started by working with Southsea Deckchairs and 25 creatives each being given a chair to design. The chairs then went on a tour around the city making the location part of the final photograph.

    Other projects I have run include Bike Stand Designs working with Portsmouth City Council and the designer Wayne Hemingway, Love Your Bike Portsmouth – an exploration into bike customisation with designer Ben Wilson, Visual Libraries – putting sketchbooks into libraries in UK, US and India and then the production of the Creative Portsmouth book. Working with I Love Dust and supported by The University of Portsmouth I wanted to explore the different elements of the city by talking to and promoting the work of creative practitioners, businesses and students. I also worked with community group Strong Island on The Round Tower exhibition featuring 60 local artists and designers, Primary an Phoneography exhibition and lastly the Creating Balance Project with Anglepoise UK and 20 local artists, designers and photographers.

    The Creating Balance Project has been a wonderful experience because we launched it as part of The London Design Festival and it was also chosen to be part of the Icon Design Trail and V&A seminar programme. Collaborating with industry, education and community has been very rewarding each providing support and encouragement leading onto future projects and deeper relationships.

    Could you tell us more about Portsmouth? Why is the city so great for creatives? What does it offer and how it supports the industry?

    Claire: Portsmouth is on the south coast of England just over 100 miles from London. It has a strong maritime history, is a naval port and home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the recently opened Mary Rose Museum. As a result of this history the city has been at the forefront of industrial innovation and design with Marc Brunel’s first mass produced production line at Block Mills in the naval dockyard, it’s shipbuilders and craftspeople.

    Creative people are drawn to the area due to the heritage and location. Living and working by the sea has so many benefits to the creative mind – a place to think and walk, cycle, run. Room to breathe.

    I am always on the look-out for unusual buildings, their history and what stories can be told. So many creative people strive to find these haunts to set-up in business and show off their studios surrounded by the sea with an ever changing multi-cultual population.

    My love of all things creative and a ‘doing’ attitude has never really stopped. I am always open and curious to numerous methods of creating and fascinated by processes. My photography is now more documentation in approach I love to gain insights into working methods and expose the detail in the process.

    My old dog Twm was also featured on the cover Seasick Steve’s album ‘You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks’ with Steve having found the photo on my Flickr set. I lost Twm last year and over the years took over 3,000 photographs of him. He was a huge part of my life inspiration and fuelled my obsession of photography and exploring the city on our walks.

    clairesambrook.tumblr.com

    creativeportsmouth.wordpress.com

    @create_up

    For a chance to win a copy of Creative Portsmouth simply comment below & let us know what is your favourite creative place in the city you live in. Don’t forget to login with your email when you leave a comment so we can contact you in case you win! Good luck! – THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSES! THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION!

  • Bookshelf: Intern Magazine

    Bookshelf: Intern Magazine

    Intern Magazine has finally launched and we’ve just received the first issue. The magazine aims to showcase work and talent of those interning in creative industries, and initiate a debate about the intern culture around the world.

    The magazine received a lot of positive press since its editor-in-chief, Alec Dudson, launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the project, and already stimulates long overdue discussion around unpaid internships.  Have a look at our interview with Alec Dudson in which he talks more about the idea behind the magazine and what inspired him to start the project.

    www.intern-mag.com