NAKED APE Creative Work-Life Balance for Dummies.
June 2021: Scout Season
Creative Work-Life Balance for Dummies. Naked Ape is a monthly reminder for creatives who need to give themselves a break. Welcome to the community of state-of-the-art human beings, giving two fingers to burnout, perfectionism and working unnecessarily hard.
WELC OME TRoo PER
THE NAKED W SCOUT LA
8
6
GER N E V A SC HUNT
14
SELFREFLE CTIO N
1o
id's Lizzie Re
FREYA WYSOCKI
28
ABLE N I A T S U S E SELF-LOV
34
CONT ENTS
E COoKI SEUR S I o N CoN
44
N DARRE ICK D D A H S
54
PASSING NOTES
64
KEI
MAY
E
6o
KAYES HA CLARK E
66
CERTIFIED SCOUT
7o
WelcOme trooper! My own experience of “scouthood” started at age seven, when I begged my mum to let me become a Brownie Guide. Initially, I only joined so I could wear the funky brown skort, dip malted milk biscuits in blackcurrant squash, and get in on all the gossip that went down in the church hall on a Thursday night after school. That, and I’d heard on the grapevine that the enrolment ceremony involved a “magic pool” and being the centre of attention for a whole three minutes. I was sold. But surprisingly, it ended up fulfilling much more than that. It led to making friends with similar interests, flinging myself head-first into every activity (puppetmaking, baking, wink murder – you name it, we did it), and getting back in the car at eight o’clock with a smug sense of seven-year-old pride. I wasn’t so proud about hyperventilating on a high ropes course fifty feet in the air as the other girls stood in the forest in hi vis, sniggering at the hard-hatted chicken on the tightrope. But even then, the sheer relief of finally getting to the other side felt pretty satisfying.
6
You’d think the notion of scouthood would just get left behind in your younger years, in a rosy haze of childhood memories. But quickly you realise that adulthood is a wilderness of its own, and this time you don’t have a scout leader to fight the bears for you. You swat away mosquitoes disguised as weekly food shops and piles of dirty laundry, and then out from the bushes jumps an unexpected boiler breakage. The high ropes course is replaced by the high expectations of unreasonable clients, and the high standards that you – often unnecessarily – hold yourself to. And while a first aid kit is always beneficial, you can’t put a plaster on creative burnout. The fundamentals of being a good scout are quite simple. Really, they’re just the fundamentals of being a decent human being. Be friendly and considerate (don’t be a dick). Be loyal (don’t be a dick). Have self-respect and respect for others (don’t be a dick to yourself, and don’t be a dick to other people). Make good use of time and be careful of possessions and property (don’t be an idle dick or a reckless dick). And yet sometimes we get so swept away in survival mode, and the blinding pressure that we lay ever so thickly on ourselves, that we forget to stop and go back to the handbook. So, ‘Scout Season’ is an ode to simpler times, and simpler ways of thinking. It’s a reminder that the inevitability of being human is the regular cycle of taking a few risks, losing your bearings, and giving yourself sufficient time to recoup in order to scramble back onto the track again. We also wanted to give you an excuse to feel a little bit nostalgic, moderately childlike, and really proud of yourself for even the smallest things you achieve this June – because that’s what scouthood is all about. But whatever you do feel throughout the month, have a go at writing it down on the pages we’ve left for you – survival notes, if you will. Finally, we’ve decided to create the Naked Scout Law, which you’ll find on the next page. Take note of it, and keep reminding yourself of it, especially if you ever feel a bit off-route. And if you’re up to the challenge, sign it at the bottom. Don’t worry, there’s no small print. Or is there? And with that, I pronounce you a member of the Naked Ape troop. Now, on you go, and follow the trail.
7
8
A NAKED SCOUT: 1.
Doesn’t cross their boundaries Because that only leads into dangerous territory. They lay them down and stick with them. They mark them clearly for others so they know not to cross. Start with bunting, and if that fails, upgrade to an electric fence.
2.
Takes breaks (and enjoys them)
3.
Trusts their instinct
4.
A scout is useless when tired. They make silly mistakes. They spend hours picking up sticks only to realise they were the wrong kind of sticks. And then they spend hours moping about it. Don’t be like that, it’s annoying. Get some rest and halve your stick-picking time.
Humans are wired to survive, so the body acts accordingly. So, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it.
Remembers their strengths before their weaknesses I don’t know about you, but when I think of snakes, I think about how good they are at strangling their prey to death. I don’t think so much about their inability to juggle. Focus on your strengths. Everybody else does.
5.
Celebrates the smallest of achievements (even the tiny ones) Be proud of everything you achieve. Showing up to scout camp is enough. Anything after that is an added bonus.
Signed:
9
A BIT OF SELF-REFLECTION Don’t keep it all in your head – chances are, you’ll probably forget. Note down anything that might help you later. Who knows what you might uncover by the end of the month?
10
TIMES I GOT A BIT LOST
HOW I FOUND MY BEARINGS
11
THINGS I'M PROUD OF MYSELF FOR Don’t be shy, and don’t be modest. Anything you’re proud of yourself for achieving this month, no matter how big or small, get it written down here.
12
EVEN MORE THINGS I'M PROUD OF MYSELF FOR
13
THE NAKED APE
14
R E G N SCAVE HUNT
Do yo u ever feel li sure h ke you ow? W need e l l, this to cle anyw is one ar you here y big hi r head ou wa nt to nt. Yo , but y stop a u nev ou’re er kno nd go not for a w wha w t you’ alk. G ll find o .
15
Running water. 10 points.
Premium water. 20 points.
17
Evidence of hunting. 50 points.
18
Source of food. Po ints dependent on brand, of course.
19
10 points. Bonus 5 points if there’s one left.
20
Something sticky. 10 points. Don’t touch. 21
Camera-shy bird. 60 points.
22
600 points if th ey say ‘cheese’.
23
Prehistoric cave paintings. 1000 points.
25
JUST GO Mental scavenger hunt
A walk amongst nature. Or just a walk anywhere. To the corner shop. Around the block. Evidently, it’s not always picturesque, but what does that really matter? Chances are, you have twenty minutes to shuffle around without causing a life-or-death situation. And chances are, you won’t come back feeling worse off than you started – unless you stood in something questionable somewhere along the way. If there’s anything that will persuade you, it’s that science is on your side with this one too. Walking can boost creative inspiration and improve ‘divergent thinking’, the ability to come up with multiple solutions for one particular problem. Sounds alright, doesn’t it? Often, it’s the choice between taking a well-deserved break after hours of hard graft, or continuing on with the hard graft when you’re running on dwindling brain power. So, here’s a better scavenger hunt for you – one to prove just how helpful a walk can really be. Whenever your instinct tells you it might be time to stop, step outside and see what you can come back with. And even if you return with just one ticked off the list, isn’t that better than not going at all?
26
I Came back with... A clearer state of mind More energy A happier mood
A change in perspective
A brand new idea
A bit more confidence A much needed change of scenery
A blister
WEAR BETTER SHoES
27
28
FREYA
WYSOCKI
Freya Wysocki is a Manchester based artist, whose work mainly consists of tufted rugs and wall hangings. She aims to inject a sense of humour and unease into mundane situations with her brilliantly bizarre signature style, which she began developing throughout lockdown. In between creating work in her studio, she works part-time in a cafe, and hopes to eventually turn her artwork into a full-time job.
What got you into making textiles and launching your shop? I have always been interested in textiles and have found ways to incorporate them into my work. Before COVID, I was in an art collective called TV Babies; we made films and installations. Due to COVID, it became very difficult to work together – this meant I had more time to focus on my own practice. I was naturally drawn to textiles, and throughout lockdown I developed my style and decided to try and make a living out of it!
Artwork & Images Provided by Freya Wysocki
Your art has such a distinctive style. What inspires you when creating new pieces? I have always been drawing the world around me, and through doing that I have developed my style. I particularly like to draw things that I find strange or unusual as well as everyday occurrences. My inspiration comes from all sorts – but mostly drawing, reading and my daily life.
29
How long does it usually take to make each piece. Do you enjoy the process? It varies a lot depending on the complexity and size of the design, but for a large rug, between ten and twenty hours. I really enjoy the process! It is my favourite way to make my ideas come to life. How do you keep yourself motivated and interested in creating? Does it come naturally, or do you have off days? I definitely have off days! Especially during lockdown it has been hard to find inspiration. It usually comes in bursts – and when I least expect it, which can be annoying. I keep myself motivated because I love what I’m doing and would love to be able to do it full time, and quit working at the cafe! Do you ever experience perfectionism when it comes to creating artwork? I am such a perfectionist when it comes to my work, but only when I’ve finished a piece. I’m a sucker for rushing things, and then get frustrated at the end when it isn't perfect. However, I’m learning to slow down, and to really consider each stage of the process. What are you looking forward to doing in June, once the restrictions are lifted? I am excited to see my family and be able to travel again, to go on a road trip.
You can find more of Freya’s work here: Website: freyawysocki.com Instagram: @freyawysockiart
30
31
32
33
she’s back on her feet. 2. One of her rugs being in an exhibition – ‘In Manchester’ at the Saul Hay Gallery, organised by Cotton On. 3. Making it through such a difficult year!
Three things Freya’s proud to have achieved recently: 1. Moving into a studio in April. She moved out of her old one at the beginning of COVID, due to financial uncertainty, but now
LIZZ IE REID'S
SUSTAINABLE
SELF-LOVE Self-awareness is a priceless skill – and one that can be pretty tricky to master. But with her whole creative practice centred around self-perception, Lizzie Reid’s ability to examine her own habits has become remarkably second nature. Translating the intangible psychological experiences that we go through into illustration, poetry, and educational workshops, she aims to question why emotion overrides logic, particularly when it comes to our treatment of self. Lizzie Reid is an incredibly multi-faceted creative. Her work involves a range of practices, including illustration, workshop design, campaign design and poetry. At the time of our conversation, she has two exciting workshops coming up with Real Creative Futures and Culture Mile – and is hugely appreciative of being invited to work with a host of admirable people and organisations throughout her career.
34
Self-perception lies at the core of everything she does; it’s a topic that she’s been unpacking since her final year of studying illustration and visual media at UAL. Realising that most of the work that she’d been creating was purely for the tutors and the grades instead of for herself, she took a year out to focus on placements and internships. After organising several exhibitions across London exploring social issues such as gentrification
35
Artwork & Images Provided by Lizzie Reid
36
and political power, and suffering a very big loss in her family, she returned to complete her degree in a new headspace. “I had just fully embraced the fact that this life is for the living. This life is for you alone, and you have to dictate what that looks like.” Here, she began her year-long exploration of one complex question – ‘who am I?’ – diving into the deepest parts of her identity, to the most surface-level. “Where am I now, where do I want to be, and how do I get there?” As the project progressed, these were the questions that Lizzie naturally found herself asking, causing her to think more strategically when visioning her future. It was from here onwards that Lizzie noticed that this critical conversation around self-perception, especially when it comes to our attitudes to work, just wasn’t being had. “There were so many practical conversations in terms of how to organize your finances or how to write an application form. But I just kept thinking – there’s something more at the core of these topics that is just not being touched on.” With her business mind, Lizzie looked towards SMART goals and possible frameworks to help her achieve her targets, but the ambiguity of the term ‘attainable’ became a frustration. She began to recognise that, realistically, it can’t always be this straight-forward. Whether it be a chronic illness (like Lizzie’s experience with lupus), mental health problems, or any other personal circumstances – individual experience was rarely accounted for, when really, it has a huge part to play in setting objectives that we can actually achieve. “We put ourselves down for not being able to
“If we could work out why we don’t necessarily meet those targets that we’re setting, then we give ourselves a better platform in order to try again and reach those goals in a more realistic way.” achieve a goal using these parameters, and I felt like that wasn’t realistic, and it wasn’t fair. If we could work out why we don’t necessarily meet those targets that we’re setting, then we give ourselves a better platform in order to try again and reach those goals in a more realistic way.” So, after a few years of contemplating, Lizzie began piecing together the Expectation Management Workbook. Expectation management, as Lizzie describes, focuses on mental and physical availability, as well as emotional capacity, to achieve the work targets that we set for ourselves. “The reason I’ve needed to set these limits with myself, and understand my expectation management, is because I work very, very hard. And I’m obsessed with work – I love what I do. I’m also obsessed with results and seeing something grow into something bigger.” Starting right at the root, she began to question herself on her beliefs of what hard work looks like. How had she even formed these beliefs? Had she adopted them from her
37
parents, and from the people she surrounds herself with in her communities? And this idea of working herself to the point of stress and strain – was it the only way of getting to where she wanted to be? Lizzie decided the likely answer was no, judging by the number of different ways people end up reaching success, especially considering that “success” is just a concept with countless definitions. I ask Lizzie if she notices how her own availability, motivation and energy levels fluctuate throughout the weeks and months. And to no surprise, she has been paying very close attention. The first stage comes at the end of the month. She always spends a few days organising the month ahead, so that she’s clear of her upcoming priorities and goals week-by-week. Last month, before getting through this task, she noticed how
38
much her stress levels had risen. “It’s not that I should’ve done it earlier or anything like that. It was just that my body, or my brain, was very aware of the fact that we were just about to go into something which was a bit less organized.” For Lizzie, it’s just a matter of being able to recognise that same feeling again in future, rather than trying to change a situation that will inevitably return. “It’s just saying, okay, by the end of the month you’re going to feel like this. That’s okay. You will put it out – and then you’ll feel so much better for it!” Throughout the working week, Lizzie has identified a pattern in her emotional availability which has massively improved her ability to plan her time in her favour. Every other Monday, she starts the week with therapy, and sometimes this leaves her needing emotional recovery time, as she describes it, giving
herself the space to reflect and take it easy for a couple of days. “Just like when you have a physical injury, the next day you wake up, it might still be a bit sore, so I make sure that I’m accounting for that.” However, experiencing these feelings has led her to an empowering realisation, because as soon as Wednesday comes, she’s always revitalised and ready to chat. So, if you’re organising a meeting with Lizzie, it’s likely that it’ll be on a Wednesday, just like it is on the day of our conversation. This is now her designated communication day – a time that she can rely on to be on top form. “It’s amazing, and it means that I’m not trying to factor in so many different things. I know it’s not going to be a waste of time on my part or their part. It’s flowing really nicely.” Finally, by Thursday and Friday, as the weekend rolls around, the boost of energy she senses motivates her to get stuff done.
“I think sometimes our bodies react in a way that we can’t immediately understand what it’s trying tell us.” Like so many of us working in creative industries, validation for our passion is crucial to keep Lizzie feeling energised. Hearing back from people who interact with her work helps to keep her moving forward, and much of this she gains through conversing with her followers on social media. When I first
discovered Lizzie’s work, I was stunned by her honesty on Instagram. Nowadays, it’s not all that often that you can scroll through your feed without doubting the transparency of the content that you’re soaking up. But Lizzie uses her platform to hold herself accountable and to remind herself to practice what she preaches. Following her on Instagram gives you frequent chance for a meaningful discussion, and honest, self-reflective updates on new insights she’s uncovered, all dispersed amongst a vibrant host of artwork that dives deep into the concept of self-perception. And in doing this, she has enabled herself to build an authentic relationship with her online community. Still, she knows the importance of striking a balance between virtual validation and the exhilaration of a face-to-face conversation. “Obviously engagement takes a while to happen on social media. So, it’s about making sure that you know that not all of your eggs are in that basket, and you’re having conversations about potential jobs, campaigns or collaborations – outside as well as through the screen.” Eventually, we arrive at the divided topic of work-life balance. For Lizzie, highlighting the nuances of ‘work’ and ‘life’ is key to realising that it’s not as straightforward as it’s sometimes made out to be. Work doesn’t just involve the job itself, but also the added responsibilities of professional development and admin that have to be done in between. Similarly, life comes with its own kind of admin – at some point you have to wash the dishes before you can get to the fun. “It’s not just these two split things. There’s layers in each, and all of those things need balance. So, I think [work-life balance] exists, but I don’t think it
39
looks like a really pretty picture.” Regarding her own, she reveals a huge improvement in her ability to switch off from work and be more present in her personal life over the past year. “Because of the situation, work-life balance has been very much thrown in our faces. I think we’ve learnt to value the smaller things a lot more and realise how something could just be taken away.” Before the pandemic, Lizzie wasn’t overly familiar with having a weekend off from work and struggled to take her brain out of ‘work mode’ when seeing friends and family. However, after making a conscious effort to break the habit for the past six months, she’s now finding it “incredible”. “It’s become very, very apparent that the one relationship you need to work on, and be the most reliant on, is the one that you have with yourself,” Lizzie says, as our conversation moves itself perfectly on to the theme of sustainable self-love. This term was what
initially intrigued me about Lizzie’s work. Throughout this turbulent year, we’ve been caught in a torrential downpour of wellness and self-care techniques that we’ve been told will alleviate all our problems. But how do we sift through the ones we just find superficial and ineffective, in order to decipher which of those are worth our time?
“It’s become very, very apparent that the one relationship you need to work on, and be the most reliant on, is the one that you have with yourself.” Lizzie came to focus on ‘sustainable self-love’ after finding that she was engaging with so much advice that was fed to her by media, that most of it just felt shallow and passive. “I would find myself just feeling guilty, like I’d let myself down. I was trying to engage with self-love in a way that was being presented to me, but not being able to keep up with it consistently.” She got in touch with the owners of Ksoni, a natural and sustainable hair care brand, to propose a campaign that would enable them to join forces and start a conversation that wasn’t being had. They asked their followers to join the discussion to discover their personal definitions of ‘sustainable self-love’. It even ended up going international, with yogis across the US and Jamaica taking part in the campaign to provide their own perspectives.
40
41
Ksoni x Lizzie’s Lines
“Unless you make it for yourself, it’s never going to be perfect. “ All in all, the campaign revealed that for selflove to be sustainable, it has to come from within; there isn’t a blueprint or a rule book to rely on. “Nothing is ever going to be one size fits all when it comes to this kind of reflective work, and I think that unless you make it for yourself, it’s never going to be perfect. The only way you can make something work for you is by trying loads of different things, and then knowing it’s okay to let it go. Don’t beat yourself up too much about it.” While working in creative industries comes with an abundance of shared joys and frustrations, the fact is, individual experience plays such a key role in determining what will bring you happiness and fulfilment. Following someone else’s path to achieve these goals
42
is as effective as copying the answers from a classmate who’s sitting a completely different exam. And slowly but surely, once you begin to study your own paper closely enough, you just might start to uncover the answers that are right for you.
You can find out about Lizzie’s work and her upcoming workshops here: Website: lizzieslines.com Instagram: @lizzies_lines
43
3. Eating healthier. After a recent lupus flare up, she’s been making sure to eat more foods that are good for her.
Three things Lizzie’s proud to have achieved recently: 1. Creating space to produce artwork for herself in a more natural way. 2. Managing how much energy she gives to other people.
44
ALRIGHT, MATE. Terry here. Right, so there’s a bit of a weird story behind this one. Me and a few of the lads were at the pub last week. Nothing daft, just having a few beers. Then, almost out of nowhere, Wes said he thought cookies were overrated. I was having none of it. Things did end up getting a bit heated and the landlord threatened to bar us. But The Crown’s our local (and we’re already barred from the other one in town) so we had to put our differences aside and settle on a bet. If I could impress the lads with some home-baked cookies, Wes had to give me a tenner and stop mouthing off about them. Long story short, I got my tenner. So, I thought it’s only fair to share with you the two banging recipes that led me to sweet, sweet victory and four jäger bombs. Get ready to share these with all your mates. Our Nan loved ‘em as well, so maybe package one up for yours too.
45
P'NUT BUTTER CUP filled cOokies!
So with this one, I was a bit selfish. I went for peanut butter cups because, when I was brainstorming, I’d had three doner kebabs in a row that week and was trying to prevent severe salt withdrawal. But this recipe works well with pretty much anything – so feel free to fill it with your favourite spread (bar mayonnaise), Oreos, marshmallows, compliments, false hope, maybe all the profanities you held in at work today. Whatever works for you. It’s probably a pretty wise idea to choose one of the alternatives if you’re allergic to nuts. You know, just putting it out there so I don’t get sued.
46
47
48
WHAT YoU NEED TO GET • • • • • • • • • • •
• •
226g unsalted butter softened 90g creamy peanut butter 150g sugar 150g brown sugar (tightly packed) 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 380g all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cornflour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 340g chocolate chips (whichever ones you like best) 16 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
WHAT YoU NEED To DO
1
Put the Reese’s Cups in the freezer. You want them to harden so you can stuff them into the cookie dough easily later on.
2
In your mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugars until it’s all light and fluffy. Make sure you scrape the sides of the bowl.
3
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat them until well-combined.
4
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5
Gradually add the flour mixture to the batter. Stir it very carefully at the same time until it’s all completely combined.
6
Then, stir in all the chocolate chips. I prefer dark – strong, just like my arms.
7
Put the dough in the fridge to chill for half an hour. You want it pliable, not proper sticky.
8
Take the chilled dough out of fridge and Reese’s cups from freezer, and take the peanut butter cups out of their wrappers.
9
Scoop the dough by heaping 11/2 tablespoon-sized spoonful and press the peanut butter cup sideways into the center. Scoop more dough, as needed, and form around peanut butter cup until it is completely concealed.
1o
Roll it into a round ball and place on a wax-paper lined baking tray. Put them back in the fridge for 15 minutes.
11
Preheat your oven to 190 degrees, or 180 if you’ve got a fan one, and line the cookie sheets with parchment paper.
12
Place the cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on cookie sheet and bake them for 14 minutes – or until the edges are just beginning to turn a little bit tangoed.
13
Give them a bit of chance to cool before serving – burning your mouth would be a bit embarrassing, wouldn’t it?
14
Bon appetit. Alright, this could’ve gone with the last step, but 13’s just plain bad luck and I’m not willing to risk it.
49
*gluten free*
S T I U C S I DISCO B This one’s for the coeliacs and the sensitive stomachs. When I planned this recipe, my inspiration was simple – you can’t polish a turd, but you can roll it in glitter. Many gluten free bakes I’ve tried have been drier than Gandhi’s flip-flop, so I prepared for the worst. But much to my surprise and delight, these turned out proper nice. I’d even go as far as saying you couldn’t tell they were gluten free. I am aware that’s a bold statement to make, so don’t hold me to it. Just cover them in loads of icing and you’d never know.
50
51
52
WHAT YoU NEED TO GET For the biscuits • • • • • • •
380g gluten-free flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 200g white sugar 170g butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs
For the icing • • • • • • •
30g cream cheese, softened 60g butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 65g icing sugar Something for piping thin black icing Grey/black food colouring Edible glitter
WHAT YoU NEED To DO
1
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
2
In a bowl, beat the white sugar, 170g butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract together.
3
Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
4
Mix the butter mixture into the flour mixture, then roll the dough into a ball. Wrap that in cling film, and put it in the fridge for an hour.
5
Preheat your oven to 165 degrees celsius.
6
Roll your dough onto a lightly floured surface and start cutting them into circles. I went freehand because I didn’t have cookie cutters and I didn’t want to buy
7
them either. Then, arrange the cookies on a baking sheet.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until the edges start to brown. Cool them on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
Beat the cream cheese, 60g butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract together in a bowl until smooth. An electric whisk would be ideal but if not then you’ll just have to put in some elbow grease. Slowly beat the icing sugar into the cream cheese mixture until the icing is all smooth.
1o
Add in the dark food colouring to the icing, little by little, until it’s a light silver colour. I’d take it slow if I were you. Bling them up by throwing a load of glitter in there, and mix it all up.
11
If you’re good with your hands (like I am) then have a go at this. Using something for thin black piping, draw on some disco ball lines, just like what I’ve done.
53
54
Darren Shaddick
Based out in The Sticks of the South West, Darren Shaddick works as both a freelance illustrator and in-house at arts venue Exeter Phoenix. Since graduating from Plymouth Uni in 2016, he’s clocked up an impressive list of clients like Polo Ralph Lauren, giffgaff and Bandcamp. So here he is, telling us a bit about himself, his work habits, and how the pandemic gave him the chance to combat perfectionism over his art. What does your typical work week look like, as an in-house illustrator and freelancer? Typically, I spend three proper nine-to-five days between Tuesday and Thursday working in-house, currently from home. On Mondays, Fridays and in the evenings, I work on freelance projects, and personal projects as well. What are the main rewards of the job? It’s very rewarding to receive emails from potential clients wanting to collaborate, it’s a nice feeling when there’s somebody out there that wants to work with you specifically. Also, I like to look back at previous works of mine and appreciate the progression of ideas and skills over the years. And the main challenges? I find the admin side of freelance work to be a challenge; it’s something I really don’t enjoy, but it’s always a relief once it is done. And it’s important to be up to date with the financial side of things, to have an understanding of where you’re at.
55
Illustrations by Darren Shaddick
What does ‘work-life balance’ mean to you? Making sure you’ve given yourself enough guilt-free personal time, to not think or worry about work. You said in a recent interview that you feel less held back by perfectionism now. Why do you think that is? At the start of the year, I had found myself with a lot of spare time, due to the pandemic. To tackle this, I decided to try something new. I took on a fifteen day drawing challenge, in which I had to post a themed drawing on Instagram every day. I was determined not to miss a day, so regardless of how the drawing looked, I posted it. This was useful to push my work into new directions and create illustrations that I would never have made
56
otherwise. I was feeling like some of my work was getting overworked prior to this, as I was too precious. Letting that go a bit has helped me create works that I feel more content with, and feel more natural and immediate. How do you relax and de-stress? I do find drawing for no purpose quite relaxing and I’ve been getting into cooking quite a bit. Also, I’m looking forward to hiking amongst nature a bit more in the summer.
You can find more of Darren’s work here: Website: darrenshaddick.co.uk Instagram: @darren.shaddick
57
Three things Darren’s proud to have achieved recently: 1. Learning how to have more fun creating works. 2. Finding a creative job in Devon. 3. Getting better at animation.
58
Whatever you put he re, make it shit on purpose. No crossing or rubbin g out. You have 2O seconds.
59
KEI MAYE 60
Kei Maye is an educator and creative consultant from London. She’s been involved in the creative industry since the age of fourteen, having started out in web design, and going on to gain a degree in Graphic Design and Visual Communication. Having experience in both creative and education roles, last year Kei launched her creative e-learning platform, Creative Champs, which helps freelance visual creators with their development and business practice. Recently, she decided to quit her job and go full-time with her side hustle.
Illustration by Maisie Benson for Creative Champs
You’ve previously worked in education and as a freelance illustrator. What was it that made you launch Creative Champs? Creative Champs has been a work in progress for the last few years behind the scenes. I had previously created a resource called Print Plug, but this didn’t allow me to provide nearly as much as I really wanted to. I then stripped it all back and started from scratch, using both my creative and education sector experience to create a learning platform designed to help visual artists, designers and creative business owners. You mentioned in one of your podcasts that you now like to record them from your bed. How much has your approach changed in the last year regarding where and how you like to work? The first six episodes of the podcast were recorded in a studio, but then we were launched into lockdown. After realising it would be literally ages before things would be anything close to ‘normal’, I realised I would have to get innovative and work with what I have. I live in a full house with a lot of people, so sometimes there’s a bit of background noise. When I record under the covers, it makes it easier to block it all out. I also feel ten times more comfortable talking when I’m physically comfortable and cosy in the comfort of my bed. It just makes the process a lot simpler – just how I like it. You’re constantly providing such valuable advice to other creatives – do you ever feel internal pressure to create as much content as possible? Thank you! There are times when I worry if I’m not churning out as much as I should be. But, I’m getting heaps better at prioritising quality over quantity and making sure that I’m putting my needs first. Lockdown forced me to discover new ways to self-soothe and take care of my wellbeing; part
61
of this has included not being so hard on myself and realising that it’s okay to take a few days off to reboot! If anything, it’s necessary. ‘Work-life balance’ can be a dividing topic for some. What’s your opinion on it? We all require different amounts of rest, we all have our ‘power hours’ at different times of the day and we all have our own individual factors we need to consider. As long as we’re making sure that we are trying our best to maximise our output during our power hours (the times of the day where we feel more energised) while also making sure we are giving ourselves time to refresh and restart, I think it’s all gravy. Absolutely no two peoples’ working life looks the same, so it’s all about what works for the individual. You’ve previously labelled yourself as a “recovering workaholic”. Have you set any boundaries around your work and personal life that are making a positive difference? I’ve really had to learn to curb this because it was reaching the point where I was getting migraines and my eyelids would twitch for days. I deal with a great deal of anxiety, especially since going full time self-employed, so I’m having to keep a watch on that, and set automated systems in place to make sure that I don’t always have to be present in order for things to get done. I no longer respond to emails at weekends and I take my monthly cycle days off, as I suffer with Endometriosis. Also, I set myself no more than three tasks on any given day, and I don’t add any more on if I finish them early. These tweaks have definitely helped me to strike a balance and get some rest while also meeting deadlines.
62
What do you do when you’re feeling unmotivated, uninspired, or just unable to work? I literally stop working. I’ve learned that it’s absolutely pointless trying to force myself to work when I’m not in the mood. I end up creating sub-par results that need a tonne of amending afterwards, so I just save myself the aggravation by listening to my mood and my body. If I’m feeling unmotivated, it’s usually because I’m either sad, hormonal or tired. I don’t force myself to work under these circumstances anymore. Usually within a day or two, I’m back on the horse. Once lockdown restrictions are fully lifted, what are you most looking forward to doing? And do you think your work habits will change at all? I’m looking forward to hosting in-person events, going to events and having movie nights with friends. I reckon my work habits will remain the same as it’s hugely adaptable.
You can find Kei and Creative Champs on Instagram here: @creative.champs @kei_maye Podcast: Creative Champs
63
company. 3. Helping visual artists and designers price their products and services with her own pricing formula.
Three things Kei’s proud to have achieved recently: 1. Carrying out workshops for creative students at universities. 2. Quitting her job and setting up Creative Champs as a limited
PASSING NOTES Psst. Here’s your next challenge. Make another scout laugh. The page opposite is waiting to be filled. Post it to us, and we’ll pop a random one inside your next issue. Who knows what you’ll find out? Tell them about your most embarrassing moment in vivid detail. Tell them about your first kiss. Tell them about the worst film you’ve ever watched. Tell them what you texted to your ex the last time you were drunk. Tell them about your teenage fashion sense. Tell them why your favourite karaoke song is your favourite karaoke song. Tell them about the worst date you’ve ever been on. Tell them about your famous party trick. Tell them how you found out the tooth fairy wasn’t real. Tell them your game plan for surviving an apocalypse. Tell them anything you want, just make it funny. This activity is completely anonymous. That way you can tell them anything you want without worrying about the consequences. The only three conditions – nothing too disturbing, nothing too disgusting, and no names. Stick to the rules or it’s getting binned! Off you go. Post it through our letter box: Naked Ape 7 Falmouth Road Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 5NS
64
KAYESHA
66
CLARKE
The ultra talented Kayesha Clarke is a 24-year-old fashion photography graduate turned clay artist living in London. She began working full-time on Other Beings, a weird and wonderful collection of clay sculptures, since the first COVID lockdown of 2020. Her work has since been stocked in Atika, London’s biggest vintage store. You opened the Other Beings shop last year. What got you into it, and what inspires you when creating new beings? At the moment I make clay art, using air dry clay and oven bake polymer clay. I’m always looking for new mediums to work with, and during lockdown I had nothing else holding me back, so I decided to try working with polymer clay making small faces and characters. Back when I started, I based my beings on the people, and whatever else I found, around me. Now I take the approach of making organic shapes and allowing that to direct what I want to create. Which parts of being a small business owner do you find the most stressful? I get stressed about social media – I feel very overwhelmed with having to share what I’m doing on a regular basis. I work very well with just making and sharing when I’m finished. And the most rewarding? Having people buy my work, and returning customers. That is one of the best feelings, knowing someone wants more of what I create.
67
Do you experience fluctuating motivation? If so, how do you deal with it? Yes, all the time. Some months I can make between twenty to fifty Beings. Other times I can barely make ten. I’m not sure if I deal with it very well – I try not to push myself into making for the sake of it.
100% affects my mood. I struggle working in places where there is no plants, and it’s one of the main reasons my work space now is amongst lots of plants. It helps me stay grounded, but also allows me to escape for a few minutes if I need to clear my head.
What does ‘work-life balance’ mean to you, and how would you rate your own? It means being able to see friends, self care, and not working all hours of the day or night. I’d rate my own a solid 2/10! I’m very bad at my work-life balance. But, my balance is a lot better now, compared to when I first started. I now force myself not to reply to emails on weekends, and only make Beings and interact with people until around 8pm, so I can shut off and, if nothing else, cook dinner before bed.
You can find more of Kayesha’s work here:
Has the past year of the pandemic changed the way you view work and life at all? Yes, definitely! Prior to the pandemic, I was working in a plant shop and a photography studio. Now I’m working for myself as my own boss! It’s definitely given me more confidence, and I have a lot more faith in myself now. How do you relax and de-stress? Walking my dog, visiting garden centres and plant shops, and watching YouTube or Netflix as ways to relax – along with a glass of red in the evening, and ordering or cooking good food. But I’m definitely trying to find more longlasting ways to help. Your flat is absolutely covered in plants! How long have you been collecting, and does your working environment affect your mood? I’ve been collecting for around four years. It
68
Website: other-beings.co.uk Instagram: @other_beings
69
the next few months.
stockist. 2. Moving into a bigger space. 3. Something really special that’s in the works, to be revealed in
Three things Kayesha’s proud to have achieved recently: 1. Having just been approached by another
CONGRATS! You’ve made it to the end of the month. Well done for any changes you’ve made, adventures you’ve been on, people you’ve seen, new things you’ve tried, habits you’ve formed, breaks you’ve taken, compliments you’ve paid yourself, cookies you’ve baked...
It doesn’t matter how big or small the list is – what counts is that you’ve actually tried. So, the final step of this month is to recognise your achievements and certify you as a true Naked Scout.
If you were to sum up the whole month, what have you achieved?
70
71
72
CHECK POINT! Time for a final mental check-in. How are you feeling now? If all good, then off you go! If something’s really not feeling right, don’t ignore it. Always consult your GP if you’re concerned about your mental health and wellbeing. And here’s a few places to go, should you ever need them:
Your Registered GP Book an appointment
Mind UK Infoline 0300 123 3393
Samaritans 116 123 jo@samaritans.org
Switchboard 0300 330 0630 chris@switchboard.lgbt
Men’s Health Forum www.menshealthforum.org.uk
73
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY.