Misinfluential the first issue
Misinfluential
With thanks to.. Model: Jenny Moran, Jess Chappenden Makeup Artist: Jess Chappenden Illustrator: Emillie Branford @lilstickmen Interviews: P.J. and Craig Fairbrass Words: Micky Collins [Sevenoaks FC Manager]
Editor: Lauren Collins Photography: Lauren Collins Art Director: Lauren Collins
From me to you... Misinfluential is a culmination of multi talented individuals, producing a free platform to express, identity and creativity. A celebration of the arts and their influencers. I hope that my Zine reaches out to you, inspires you and injects a provocative style into your life, adding spunk and sass to each day to day activity. Carry me around with you in your handbag, read me whenever you need some oomf. Let me be your best friend, your lover if you wish.
LGrace x
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A Delicious Love Aaffair A story that embarks on the addiction between man and food. The love affair expressing seduction and lust.
I am addicted to her Memories of her buzzing around my swelling brain, drooling in anticipation. A dull hum of the neon canary lights glaring at me, from the place where she is kept. Salivating, I cannot contain myself knowing she will be within my touch in just a matter of moments. I feel the sweat dripping from my brow as I mumble the words in to the intercom, declaring my demand for her. I can almost taste her.
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Leaning down into her, my lips land on the luscious outer shell as I sink in, releasing the moist, tender sting to my mouth. I bite my mind goes wild, itching for more my heart pulsating through my shirt. Her juices drip to my lap. Her oily coating, inviting me to taste.
This isn’t the first time I have eatenhere, many times I have been in this exact spot, most evenings I am regular, sometimes mornings. Eating her for breakfast is such a delight. But tonight its cold, the windows are steaming as my temperature rises. Salty, fluffy goodness swallowed in one gulp, the perfect accompaniment to my evening’s meal. So thin and slender, golden and crisp. What’s not to love?
Model: Jessica. F Wearing Mcdonalds. Photography by Lauren Collins. Makeup by Jess Chappenden.
I cannot help myself, I get the urge and it will not subside, I must satisfy my cravings. Now I feel satisfied, there is nothing left but the coarse, crumpled wrappers in the foot well of the car. They look up and ridicule me; they carry the stains of my cravings. swallow the last of my chargrilled dream, and then the guilt hits me, smack in the face.
There it is. My affair with meat, my Big Mac love. I have to end it, put it away, but not now. Right now, I have to drive away and not look back, back at my Mac.
Meeting with P.J.
Long slender legs, stunning bone structure and a heart warming personality. That is all that can be revealed of model P.J. Exclusivity demands for anonymity! LC: When were you first scouted and what were your initial feelings to this?
PJ: I was first scouted in 2013 on the tube in London, when I was 15 years old. Initially I thought it was a crazy guy trying start a conversation with me - but once he explained where he was from, I understood. At the time I was with my friends so I felt a little embarrassed, but they were really excited for me. Thinking back now it felt really lovely that someone had approached ME! Doors had opened to an opportunity that looked really cool.
LC: What are your views on the modelling industry? PJ: That’s a tricky one to answer! I think the modelling industry has a lot of attention around it for good and bad reasons. Not all the ugly rumours are as severe as they are told to be. I have heard the stories of people being told their measurements are too big etc. It’s even happened to me. This sort of attention around size can of course be dangerous as there is always the risk of a person internalising it, leading to an obsession with weight even eating disorders. However, for me, I have mostly only had great experience, like any industry, there’s nice good people in it but there’s always the very rude/insensitive people. I think it’s an exciting industry to be part of. What I will say is the perception that modelling is ‘glamorous’ is completely wrong. Of course it is a cool job, but there are parts to the industry I would call the complete opposite to glam. This glam lifestyle is what the elite class of models get to experience (supermodels) whereas for the rest of us it’s just a job - like the rest of the world earning money for a living.
LC: How has modeling influenced your lifestyle?
PJ: I think it’s been good for me health wise, I looked on my health app on my phone the other day and in one day of castings I walked 16,872 steps! It does keep me active which is great. In terms of social, I found it really difficult at first, sometimes I still do, to make plans with my friends. In this industry everything is so last minute. I can never be given a set work schedule for the week, because things are constantly changing. So when friends ask when I’m free I can give them a rough time but never be certain Although they are always understanding if I have to cancel or rearrange.
LC: Tell me the best and the worst thing you have experienced being a model?
PJ: The feeling seeing the pictures from a shoot released. Something that sticks out for me was when my first ever editorial was published. I went to a special magazine shop in London on the day it came out to buy it, was so crazy! I felt so proud and almost didn’t believe that was actually me IN A MAGAZINE!! (Got a little teary) Fashion week castings have got to be the worst. Its a crazy time where everything runs on last minute decisions, which means no one has time to look at models as ‘humans.’ It’s about who is going to look right, not what their personality is like. This is definitely the most brutal side to the business. I was at a Burberry casting from 11am-8pm, whilst they eliminated girls in rounds. I got to the very end round, met the designer walked for him, and unfortunately I got the ‘ok you can go’ response (code for complete rejection.) It can be extremely demoralising and make you feel not good enough, sometimes I have to really pep talk myself, when I start thinking negatively, but its hard to constantly have to remind yourself, ‘its not personal.’
LC: Who influences you with modelling?
PJ: I follow some famous models on Instagram, but I actually wouldn’t say they influence me. In fact I try not too be influenced by them, they are not an accurate representation of what the industry is actually like, for the 99% of other models. They’re more celebrities than supermodels. I have times where I feel very unsuccessful because I have been comparing myself to these people. There are a few that I love though. Rosie H.W, she’s cool because she’s used modelling as a platform to release her various collections and comes across as much more accessible and down to earth. I find this much more inspirational for young women, shedding a positive light on the industry.
LC: Many people know the modelling industry, as being ‘cut throat and tough’ is this true? PJ: As a general concept yes its very cut throat. It’s all about looks and clients don’t beat around the bush. If they don’t want to use you, they won’t give you a lovely explanation explaining why, they will just drop you. You definitely have to develop a tough skin, which I have had to do. But for the majority of simple jobs such as shoots, ecom and fittings, this statement wouldn’t be true. Most people I’ve worked for/with have been so lovely and I have really enjoyed myself. So for me thisview is a bit of a sweeping statement. It’s definitely not as bad as the general perception.
LC: Has modelling influenced your fashion choices?
PJ: I never used to be that in to fashion, but now I invest so much more time and money into what I wear and what I look like. It’s a great gateway for other interests and passions. Day to day I just go for jeans and a cute top or jumper. I always wear heeled-boots though; I have got into a habit of wearing them constantly. Recently I bought a shirtdress from Calvin Klein, over tights and boots I think this look is interesting with a casual spin.
Interviewing such a good friend about her amazing achievements and her joruney throughout the modelling industry, is a very insightful story. The influences of the modelling industry carry very strong impacts on individuals lives, sometimes positive and sometimes negative. I think that the influence P.J has had in particular are very positive. Allowing herself to be aware of the negative and expose herself to these harsh surroundings but emotional remain behind a closed door. There are many positive infleunces such as her knowledge and access to fashion. But at the end of the day, the modelling industry is a very influential place to work it is all down to the individual.
@lilstickmen
A collaboration between myself Lauren Collins and illustrator Emillie Branford. Words and illustrations combined to document the influences of eachother.
What influences you, I ask nineteen year old fine art student Emillie Branford. “There are many things that influence my artwork, ranging from music, sounds and aestehetics of ordinary, yet colourful objects. However what influences me most is my own behaviour and emotions. I find that with art I am able to use this, as a vessel to create a visual form, of feelings that manifest inside of me. Whether that be joy, anguish or a sense of disassociation. These emotions and feelings can then influence me, to either become stronger or weaker. Creating a different outlook on things, not only improving myself, but the consumer too.�
When I study the three artworks, I feel a sense of inspiration. The watercolour, gradiented strokes influence my creativity. Reminding me to always keep my mind open, to new things, but not block out past ideas. Everything is evolving. The strong dot patterns brings a nostalgic wave, taking me back to the younger years of finger painting. When my mind was free; like a sponge. “Power to influence those who are too weak to influence themselves.” This quote reads very simply, but with so much depth. I have once felt weak, with no inspiration, deflated and flat. Others, are there to build you up. Positivity and encouragement makes us grow. I can relate these illustrations to periods in my life, of self doubt, of pride but most importantly a time where I was growing in to the person I am today.”
Fashionable Health Keeping fit and active is so relevant in todays society. But with social media platforms such as Instagram it is hard to see the truth behind the healthy lifestyles. Social media is influencing our lives with negative connotations and false hope.
Health is taking the fashion industry by storm, the influence of fitness in fashion is over whelming. With athleisure wear spreading like the plague and the amount of fitness influencers increasing by the second. But is this healthy lifestyle a fashion statement? Has this ‘health kick’ influenced our lives? And to what extent? As a frequent Instagram user (uploading approx 2 photos a day and refeshing my feed 20 times a minute), I can’t help but notice the increase in popularity for health. I am not talking health in a way of looking after your organs and having regular check ups to the doctor. I am talking about having a ‘healthy lifestyle’. After copious scrolling through pages upon pages , it is clear to see that to maintain one of these healthy lifestyles one must photograph plenty of green smothies, upload a few gym selfies and snap perfectly presented acai bowls, even if I don’t have the intention of eating it? Social media is an excellent way to market a product, to advertise yourself to clients, even to distribute your opinions and views. But the downside is it is not always the truth. Online you can be whoever you want to be. Hiding behind a screen, editing apps and an instagram handle. Many people are jumping to this ‘health kick’ lifestyle probably to gain their ‘summer bodies’. But they are not actually commited to training with a meal plan, fitness regime, making changes to their body. They are simply photographing fashionably healthy items, for other people. To impress. The influence that social media has on health can be a very negative impact. A fake way of living, even creating a false ideology of health. Social media influences us in a way that we can only change ourselves. The way people view others online, what people view online and what they do with that information or implied message is completely up to them. So it is evident that a healthy lifestyle should not be something that is researched about via Instagram or any other social media platform. With influential figures being paid to promote products that actually do nothing, or make you worse. Instagram is one not to trust when it comes to healthy living.
How hygge are you? In a depressing world of negativity and cold, bring warmth to yourself and inflict your life with hygge. You can even drink coffee in a hyggeligt way.
The rain is pounding like a fist, on the window, protecting me from the thundering February weather. I sit immersed at my window seat; immersed in a lifestyle so radically happy it gives me butterflies. I think to myself, “here I am sat wrapped in fur blankets, wearing woolen socks, sipping on a scorching concoction of milk and chocolate, reading about what I am subconsciously doing, every day.” Author and Founder of “The Little Book of Hygge” Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, spent years studying the magic of Danish life. He believes that “hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with people we love. A feeling of home.” These themes and emotions are explored in great depth answering questions such as ‘How can one be hygge?’
The first thing it discusses is how to initially pronounce the word. A word that no one knows or understands, the element of mystery is there to pose interest, and boy does it! Hygge-‘hoo-gah’ is the correct pronunciation, I can practically hear you whispering it. Upon reading the first half of the book I felt myself subconsciously acting upon their imperatives. The act of lighting candles became a nightly ritual; I drank more peppermint tea than I thought possible (I don’t like coffee.) 86% of Danes associate hot drinks with being hygge “Live today, like there is no coffee tomorrow” is a mantra they live by. Which is totally understandable when you reminisce on the feeling of the first sip, gliding down your throat, providing a warming hug to your insides.
The components for one to be hyggeligt are very straight forward, good company, comforting food, low lighting and of course a roaring fire and lots of hot drinks. Personally I feel fully committed to this lifestyle, it is something that I have been taking part in without even knowing the correct name. I am a sucker for anything cosy, and I live for nights in by the fire, at my boyfriend’s country farmhouse. Meik Wiking took me on a journey of warmth and gratitude. I feel myself sitting calm in a navy, dust filled seat, staring out the window of the metal box as the world goes by. The gentle, sun rays carry me to and from university. I take this half an hour as my time for reflection and appreciation. Warm yellow rays break through the naked trees, bouncing off the icy waters, rippling with joy as the sun illuminates the canvas. This is my favourite time of the day - I am so hyggeligt.
Hygge is a concept intricately structured and cautiously designed, to promote ones happiness. It illuminates my mind. I find it fascinating that happiness can be measured, Wiking explains that Danes are so happy because they invest in their relationships. According to the World Happiness Report commissioned by the United Nations “…happiness varies more with quality of human relationships.” The study concluded that the more satisfied with your relationships, the happier one would be. This made me think, if you are arguing with someone are you truly happy, day to day? The book ends with a quote from Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States, “Happiness consists more in small conveniences or pleasure that occur every day, than in great pieces of good fortune that happen seldom.” Enjoy the little things in life, savouring those insignificant moments. Lifting your spirits, and living in the moment. Now I am off to see my mum, maybe I will bring hot chocolate.
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“"Uniting and becoming one is the aim of a team."
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Jenny Moran wearing Sevenoaks Town FC scarf. Photographed by Lauren Collins. Makeup by Jess Chappenden.
“"Let the colours influence your mind"”
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Get inside Craig Fairbrass Six foot three, award winning British actor. He has starred in over forty feature films, including the lead roles in fifteen independent films in the UK and the US. An in depth interview revealing the naive and vulnerable side to Fairbrass. Something that is not always shared through the media.
LC: Who influences you the most in everyday life and why?
CF: I would say circumstances and whatever the future brings. I’m the type of person that cant live without chasing a goal, was always a dreamer but those thoughts got me where I am today. I’m constantly striving and visuaising what I want out of life.
LC: How did you first get into acting and what age were you? CF: I first got into acting purely down to my obsession with films and thinking ‘I CAN DO THAT.’ Watching some of the great, strong male actors like Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, John Wayne and Kirk Douglas. After getting expelled from school at 15 my English teacherwho had a soft spot for me, encouraged me to audition for the National Theatre youth company, I won a place and was bitten by the bug, It was first real experience of acting and I realised I would try and make a go of it. This is what I wanted to be.
LC: What were some of your very first jobs and how did they go?
CF: My first tv job was ‘Big Deal’ a Sunday night BBC show and my first feature film was a gritty British thriller called ’For Queen And Country’ - I starred opposite Denzel Washington.
LC: At the start of your career who inspired you the most with acting and how?
CF: Everyone I ever met growing up was always very positive about me becoming an actor. Especially past drama and English teachers. But above all I knew deep inside, call it gut instinct, but I knew it was going to work. I added up to a lot physically and my look as a young man worked.
LC: How did acting influence your life when you first began?
CF: It gave me a massive insight of what was beyond the village gates. I grew up in S.E London, all my mates were going to Millwall and had normal jobs in the mundane 9-5 trap. But I had discovered a whole new world of people and places and instinctively decided this was the life I wanted; it was a dream. All of my mates reacted in different ways, one comment that has stayed with me all my life was when a close mate said “people like us don’t become actors.” That drove me even more and I made it happen. I remember the first time I went to Hollywood l looked up at the sign and always knew I would someday be here part of it.
LC: As an actor what is the ‘role’ that you usually play does this reflect you as a person?
CF: Because of my physical presence and looks I’ve always played either the villain or the hero, never in between. Secretly I love playing villains as they are usually the star of the show. Being a Londoner you can easily become type cast, thats never bothered me as I was steadily cutting a nich for myself.
LC: Do you think when playing a character it can influence your life and how?
CF: That depends how intense the role and the story line is, aswell as how long filming is for. Usually its all about who can pretend the best. Saying that when you are working long ours and shooting lots of scenes, like when I was in Eastenders, it does become extremely intense. Constantly learning lines did make me a bit snappy.
LC: If you ever find yourself loosing inspiration / motivation when playing a part what do you do?
CF: I have lost motivation in the later years when I have had quiet periods. The self dowubt creeps in and you start feeing sorry for yourself and questioning everything. Actors always worry, will they ever work again when they have no work. You have to slap yourself out of it, clear your head, dig deep and think positive. But remember just how lucky you are.
LC: What is your message to the youth of today’s generation?
CF: Don’t let anyone put you off “If I can do it anyone can” As Stallone once said to me “ look in the mirror, see what you have to sell and sell it”
LC: Where is your acting career at as of now?
CF: My career currently is pretty good. I have a strong presence in independent films with two leads in two movies due out this year ‘London Heist’ and ‘Rise of the Footsoldier 3’ and I’m preparing for the co- lead in the the film ‘The Trainer,’ directed by Hyena’s Gerard Johnson.
Influence is a strong word and this case it is used in a particularly apt sense. Fairbrass, has had strong influences throughout his life. Whether that is from drama teachers at school, or the role itself he may be playing in a Hollywood film. He stays true to himself and doesn’t allow the acting industry to influence his existence. He grounds himself and maintains a positive outlook on every hurdle he may face. This shows that he treats his influences with a filter, he filters out the bad influences and negativity and holds on to the positives and the uplifiting vibes.
The female infleunce
Equality, a word that frequently arises in todays society. But who knew the modelling indsutry had such little understanding for the concept. Women are dominating, earning almost ten times the amount that a male earns. But why? Equality between men and women is highly injected, into every industry within today’s society. It is the modern way of life and the world is evolving to a position, which can benefit both genders in an equal way. If only this could be reflected within the modeling world. A world that is astoundingly indulged in perfection, the act of air brushing, being skinny and having that ‘right look.’ It is clear to see that women dominate the modeling world. They are influencing designers, to relate their work to a muse, their lover. Women are extremely beautiful creatures, that many photographers and designers are in awe of. They hold a vision of their muse that must be reflected in either the advertorials or the runway. They have grace, elegance and charm influencing both men and women. But why are women the dominating gender in the industry? According to Forbes magazine, recently retired Gisele Bündchen earnt over $47 million in 2014, however the male equivalent Sean O’Pry earnt just over $1.5 million in 2013. This is an enormous difference that I can’t comprehend! 14
Larry D. Woodard, president and CEO of Graham Stanley Advertising, said the reasons are similar to why men’s sport is a much larger industry, than women’s sport. This is well reflected when it comes to fashion, women are involved in a way that men just cannot commit. Females respond in a much more acrive way to fashion imagery. Men being very dissmisive and single track minded. Women generate emotions and empathies towards certain imagery. Females are a huge influence through the fashion industry it is no surprise they are the dominant gender here. The female domination of the fashion industry is compeltely understandable and very expected. Men are just not at the same level of devotion that women are at with fashion. It is a state of addiction.
had
LGrace