Ugly Duck Issue One

ISSUE 1 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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Photograph by Claire Barker

Editor - Jack Mitchell Deputy Editor - Daniel Peacock Creative Director - Leanda Channer Head of Graphic Design - Chirag Ratilal Marketing Director - Nikki Adeluwoye Head of Research - Elliott Wright-Clarke Advertising - David Thomas Director - Lorraine Brown Cover: Zuhatz - Crow [Acrylic on Canvas]

UGLY DUCK MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY WAKE UP!, THE ALBANY, DOUGLAS WAY, DEPTFORD, SE8 4AG THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN UGLY DUCK MAGAGAZINE DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE EDITOR, PUBLISHERS OR THEIR AGENTS. © COPYRIGHT WAKE UP! 2012 ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES REGARDING UGLY DUCK MAGAZINE AND WAKE UP! SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO DAVID THOMAS, INFO@WAKEUPNOW.CO.UK, [020] 8692 4446 EXT. 272 Sponsored By Head For Business, Caroline Forbes Award & Supporting Change & Impact Fund

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The Brandof Long

As far as branding goes ‘Long’ couldn’t be more perfect, and if you have to ask about the length of their tops, well, it really is lost on you. London is seen as somewhat of a Mecca for fashion, along with Manchester, it leads the way, with trend setting individuals triumphing over the chosen apparel in such cities as Liverpool. It therefore seems somewhat apt that Long should begin its short, but relatively successful existence here.

Having formed in 2008, the partnership of Gareth Emmett and Rhys Dawney had quite a clear understanding of what they wanted, a lifestyle brand. Rather than just selling clothing and saying “good day” to their vivacious customers, they would channel their energies into forming a more meaningful and evident brand loyalty.

Club nights have been a vehicle for raising Long Clothing’s profile so that it is now one of London’s, no scrap that, one of the UK’s, most exciting youth brands. The business formed simply enough. “We both liked over-sized clothing and clean, simple design,” remembers Gareth, “We didn’t really have a plan we just knew we wanted to start a brand and that was the drive.” Perhaps naivety played a part initially, “Everything with setting up a brand is hard and it doesn’t get any easier,” he confesses. A problem not helped by the pair’s lack of prior experience or indeed knowledge, “Neither of us had any experience actually! I learnt to screen print about a week before we set up the brand,” admits Gareth, “I just threw myself into it!”

While maybe not the best way to set about things his honesty proves quite endearing,

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and his lack of experience is certainly made up for by sheer drive and self-motivation.

The screen prints available through Long are simplistic yet novel; their initial design ‘ȟ’ [yes, that is a triangle] set the benchmark for a line of tops which have proved to be consistently pleasing to the eye yet minimalistic in style. “We do it for the love.” A surprisingly pure motive considering the speed and strength with which the brand has taken off. “At first we were living with the stock all around us, in bedrooms, dining rooms, and even our parents’ house,” tells Gareth, “we now have a stock room which is less fun but less chaos too.”

The brand’s initial and most prolific hurdle, getting noticed, was achieved through their website, online store and some ingenuity at trade shows. A company called ‘Margin’, based in London, helped the pair obtain orders from several small stockists and today Long clothing is available through 50 outlets spanning fifteen countries. Not bad going considering at least half the company only learnt to screen print a week prior to launch! The pair now employs various staff to help with the creative process, “Other than official collaborators we like to keep everything in house,” but remain consistent in both design and ethos, offering a lifestyle not just a t-shirt.

Words by Jack Mitchell

See Long Clothing at longclothing.com

LONG

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Interview by Nikki Adeluwoye Keisha Henry: facebook.com/zekelove Purchase her Jewellery: ustrendy.com/zeke Follow Zeke on: twitter.com/ZEKEspeaks

Keisha Henry is the sole mastermind and creative talent behind the forward thinking fashion and design label Zeke. Armed with a simple manifesto; to create unique pieces of jewellery for the eco-conscious female, Zeke utilises paper and other natural materials to hand make desirable eco-friendly pieces.

UD: Keisha, why did you decide on the name Zeke?

K: The name ZEKE is from the name Ezekiel which means ‘God will strengthen’. I knew from the beginning I wanted the name to represent the process of my design and my passion. I was initially going to use my name to represent me but I see this business as an extension of myself so it had to be called something different. From time to time you will find me personifying ZEKE as though it were a baby slowly growing... as that’s how I see my business: a growing process.

UD: What first inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

K: I have always wanted to make jewellery but was never vocal about it. What pushed me to start making my thoughts and ideas become a reality was when I went away to Peru to volunteer... I saw how people made something out of nothing.

UD: What was your biggest challenge while starting up Zeke Designs?

K: My biggest challenge was facing whether my jewellery would sell. Currently they are made from paper, I thought that I am taking a huge risk as people may not approve, but I was shocked as well as relieved that many people like what I make. One thing I can say is it’s good to take a risk... well sometimes!

UD: How come you opted to use recycled materials for your designs?

K: I currently use recycled paper. I used it to prove that you could make really creative and wearable items.

I wanted to challenge individuals on how effective a design can be without being concerned with what the initial material is. It is also eco friendly. I plan to use other materials at a later date.

UD: What type of support did you receive for your venture?

K: Support came from family, friends and Head for Business. Head for Business helped me greatly to push forward my ideas providing useful information and resources. I am grateful to Head for Business for encouraging me.

UD: Which celebrity would you like to see sporting your jewellery?

K: I want Rihanna to wear my jewellery. She is one of the many trendsetters of the 21st century. I think that is one of my personal goals... I have got this far so I believe she will wear a ZEKE at some point! Fingers crossed!

UD: What does the future hold for Zeke Designs?

K: Future plans are to really get ZEKE out there. Launch a men’s collection and basically follow my slogan which is ‘Eat. Sleep. Drink. Design’. It explains my passion for what I do. I am constantly thinking about ways to improve or create new and exciting designs.

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ZOE MURPHY S

temming from the cheeky seaside getaway of Margate, Zoe Murphy is a young, talented and clever individual.

Having studied Textile Design at Loughborough University, she graduated with a first-class degree and an a impressive catalogue of work. Zoe’s final year had seen her selected to represent the university, exhibiting work at the New Designers showcase in Islington.

Self-employment is a dream for many, but Zoe admits it wasn’t a planned move, “I always wanted to live off of my own energies as I work very hard at most things I do. I didn’t expect it to be so soon though.” During her year of graduation she was seeking employment overseas to broaden her knowledge of a varied and inspirational industry. “In the meantime the work was taking off in a big way and people wanted to place orders” Zoe informs us.

Her work, a fusion of seaside kitsch and 50s chic, sees vintage pieces of furniture transformed from dull and drab scrap, to bright, covetable design classics.

Perhaps her most recognisable collection, and as Zoe confesses, “definitely my most successful design,” are the Margate Drawers. The drawers see colourful vinyl prints, inspired by Zoe’s hometown, transform ordinary, somewhat dated furniture. The contrasting colours offer a brightness to the pieces, invigorating otherwise dreary furniture with a touch of seaside charm. The collection began life as a closing year undertaking Zoe explains, “My final project at university was, I decided, to be a recycling one.”

With a self-proclaimed passion for reuse Zoe wanted this to be at the core of her graduation show. “I found that my hometown, Margate, was an ideal muse for this approach,” she tells us, “it is a place that was in need of some ‘re-loving’ itself.”

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Zoe admits interest in her work escalated following her inclusion in several graduation shows, “Most interest was from the ‘TalentZone’ exhibition I was in at Tent London.” An event which proved to be a great launch pad for the young designer, “Once your work is seen by the right people you just need to keep up a consistent profile,” she advises. “Things have just grown and grown since then. Three years on and I’m still keeping up!” she exclaims with a smile.

Being shortlisted for the ‘New Designer of the Year’ award at New Designers ’08 saw Zoe finish an apparent third, with only the top two places being awarded prizes. However,

while awards may so far have eluded her grasp Zoe continues to gain recognition, with her work currently stocked at Liberty London. Her creations, available in stores as far afield as America and Egypt, typically attract a marginally older clientele, as Zoe admits, “It fits their price range.” Zoe’s three years of trading have seen impressive sales, her Margate Drawer collection alone is soon to see its 100th piece both made and sold. “They’re relatively high end pieces and take a long time to make,” she explains, making this achievement all the more notable. If an award was needed to substantiate this young artist’s success it is surely imminent, but in the meantime she seems to be doing everything right.

Zoe highlights Margate as her main inspiration, “There is so much colour everywhere!” she exclaims with a smile, “The people here, including me, have a very certain character I think.” Margate is a real “1950s resort” she adds, “which became a hotbed for mods and rockers in the 70s.” The town offers “Glamour, grunge and different social histories everywhere, to me anyway” confesses Zoe. Since its popularity in the 1970s the town has struggled to attract the masses, but Zoe’s enthusiasm to promote this vibrant and varied town is both endearing and infectious. A workshop she recently ran demonstrates such, with a group of local fifteen year olds being treated to an insight into screen-printing and other aspects of her work. The prints the youths created demonstrated aspects of Margate, taking inspiration from the town and being influenced by Zoe’s own enthusiasm. The work has since been used to decorate a pop-up shop the artist recently occupied in the town. Zoe’s interests stem further than her hometown and she is keen to promote the area of work she is in as well as her own creations, “The stigma that comes with the creative/artistic industries is a really important issue that can be used to highlight other things,” she passionately tells us.

Speaking of young people’s interest in the arts Zoe acknowledges, “A lot of young people where I live feel success means being part of an institution, and failure means not having a 9-5,” a more universal problem than perhaps Zoe recognises, one implanted [purposely or otherwise] by a lot of educational institutions as well as parents. It is understandable that parents would suggest a coventional job for their child considering the supposed security it brings. “What I really enjoyed about the time I spent with the students” reveals Zoe “is letting them know that you can have a fantastic career in alternative industries AND be really successful.”

She highlights that some of the most entrepreneurial and successful people she knows are designers, curators or something equally diverse. While undeniably passionate about her work, Zoe stresses, “Being able to keep work

‘

separate from home life is quite important to me, as there is always a danger of the

I work every hour of the day but LOVE what I do, and that is what is most important to me.

work taking over everything else.”

An acknowledgement which, coupled with growing interest in her work, led Zoe to seek a larger work space after she had spent an intial six months working from the garage adjoined to her home. Two and a half years on Zoe is once again seeking larger premises, “I might be taking on some employees soon” she adds. Testament to both her work ethic and the quality of the pieces she supplies, whilst also highlighting the potential that can flow from avoiding a nine-to-five work pattern, “having a passion and working hard/cleverly at something will get you further than any company promotion will,” Zoe says with both hindsight and conviction.

With her interest in textiles and furniture arising at a young age, Zoe recalls using “the cheapest of cheap Ikea furniture” to re-design her room at fourteen. She built on her experience of making dolls house furniture and curtains as a cheaper alternative to buying them, using paper cups as chairs amongst other things. With admiration for designers outside her own area of expertise, Zoe appreciates a wide and varied body of work. “I always love and respect pieces that I couldn’t do myself, or that aren’t in my style,” she explains.

Highlighting such works as Lucian Freud paintings, Holly Fulton dresses and Saul Bass posters with admiration, “I never wish I’d made them, but I would LOVE to own them” [the work not the people that is]. Zoe continues to work with the same drive and determination as when she first set out, “Each new piece of furniture and textiles proves to be an improvement on the last,” a journey that began life

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ZOEMURPHY without financial support. “I never applied for any funding or grants as a graduate, although I should have, as there are a lot.” A point of which one should take note, if funding is the only thing stopping you turning an idea into a viable business.

“Instead I worked very hard on generating sales, spent a lot of time promoting and making,” she explains, adding “and got a teeny tiny personal bank loan when the business started growing and I needed stock for a show.” Zoe personifies the way that success can be achieved via an unconventional route. Considering the high-end price of a lot of her work Zoe has done remarkably well, especially if one acknowledges the present financial crisis.

Away from the high-end products and bespoke pieces Zoe currently works on, she is keen to expand her range, “I hope

to find time to start doing pieces for smaller stores, making and designing ranges that are more appropriate for boutiques.” “And then?” I hear you ask, well this diligent yet seemingly inexhaustible artist promptly adds with a chirpy tone, “I have a range of jewellery that I make but have never promoted so would like to bring that into my main product line.”

Words by Jack Mitchell See Zoe’s work at zoemurphy.com

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In association with Channel 4

TRANSGRESSIVE rECORDS

I

n an industry rife with competition, the music trade can be tough on all involved. Often the most important person in the process, the artist, is overlooked. Step up Transgressive Records, formed in 2004 by Tim Dellow and Toby L [seventeen and eighteen respectively at the time] and armed with a clear set of beliefs, the pair set about improving the process for the artists involved.

Toby L’s passion for music had manifested itself through the creation of rockfeedback.com, an online music magazine he began as an overly enthusiastic fifteen year old. One of the first independent online music-magazines, it rapidly expanded into running club nights, producing a show screened on Channel 4 and MTV across Europe, and hosting stages at festivals. A decade on, the site has a hugely impressive back catalogue, having showcased the likes of Bloc Party and the Libertines through their club night, interviewed everyone from Patti Smith to the Beastie Boys, rockfeedback. com continues to operate to its original

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strap line “a new view on music’. Whilst continuing to offer an open-minded, freshness; rockfeedback.com has seen Toby L hand over his captaincy. However, partnered with Transgressive Records the site still sees regular input from both himself and Tim. Tim Dellow was studying English and Film at King’s College, London at the time he and Toby met.

Bloc Party’s Kele was also at King’s and had previously been introduced to Tim via a math rock message board, so the pair were “connected through music” acknowledges Tim. It was at a Bloc Party gig where Tim and Toby first met, the pair clicked instantly and almost as quickly set about righting the wrongs of the record industry. Backed by their resentment of the business in which their favorite bands were either not being heard or treated fairly, they set about making a label that was both “ethically sound and musically groundbreaking.” Tim admits both he and Toby were “so excited by the concept of releasing bands we didn’t really appreciate the magnitude of the task

ahead of us. ”The Subways were the duo’s favorite band at the time and their first release under the name Transgressive Records, a name that derives from a concept Tim had been studying in Film. An extreme form of filmmaking, its manifesto centered on the idea of transgressing the boundaries you tend to set yourself in work. The label operated with no budget, just the drive and compassion of people eager to promote their work, “it had a lot of appeal and meaning for us” states Tim. The generosity of Tim’s Dad, teamed with a chunk of his student loan provided the intial funds. Transgressive Records’ first releases were limited 7” vinyl. Tim remains modest around the issue of the company’s early success, “if you’re enthusiastic, know your stuff and make achievable promises that you actually keep, people and artists will often give you that first chance to help out and get involved.” Helped only by the contacts Toby had acquired through rockfeedback.com the duo began trading as a label. With no parents or family

Photograph by Dave Ma

in related industries Tim states clearly “we’re following our own path so we can make things better for the future.” If one thing is to be learnt from Transgressive Records’ success, it is that hard work is needed “Don’t give up… you make your own luck… they’re clichés for a reason” states Tim. Also quoting the old “if at first…” chestnut Tim notes, “some outcomes only make sense after a certain period of time,” acknowledging that some decisions are favourable to your cause, others not so much. “Make the best of each situation” says Tim, things may go wrong but it is important to pick yourself up and find an alternative solution. This is sound advice considering the fact that Transgressive Records does a rip-roaring trade. Clearly, the ‘age of the record label’ isn’t dead.

Tim states “There are more opportunities for great artists now than ever before.”

One must address the issue of file-sharing though, an act that has been making it increasingly difficult for both new and existing artists to make a living through their artistic offerings. While it could be argued that modern technology allows for

new talent to be showcased for free, the working life span is short at best.

For musicians to continue working and releasing new music, fans need to consider themselves “patrons for the artists they care about and contribute financially,” Tim firmly proposes.

Transgressive Records, now six years old, continues to stay true to its original ethos, something Tim places down to the transparency with which they make decisions with their artists.

Not masking the crap means that both parties know exactly where they stand. If this article isn’t already too full of clichés, honesty is indeed the best policy. While file-sharing is undeniably a problem financially for artists, recent years have seen independent labels such as Transgressive Records compete well against larger more established entities.

The approach taken by Tim and Toby has attracted artists from overseas and allowed the pair to work alongside other labels, trading artists’ work, allowing it to be released through the proper channels both abroad and at home.

“Transgressive is a music company based on a small group of individuals and artists that enables artists to thrive in a challenging and shifting landscape” says Tim, challenging the question of Transgressive’s late arrival to the industry.

“We’re pushing all sorts of different business models” Tim insists, assuring us that the artists they care about will be secure and protected in terms of both their art and finances. Think whatever you like about free downloads, the truth of the matter is, if you want to continue hearing stuff by your favorite artists, you’re gunna have to scrape the corners of your pocket from time to time, brush off the dust and pay for it!

Words by Jack Mitchell transgressiverecords.co.uk

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Photograph by Jordan Smith

Photograph by Jack Mitchell

RAPHAELBLAKE

Interview: Elliott Wright-Clark Photograph: Jack Mitchell

H

aving studied at the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, twenty-year-old Raphael Blake has already clocked up some serious career miles. With a CV highlighting studies in visual arts, radio station work, spoken word poetry and employment by one of the world’s most influential music companies; this young talent is certainly no slouch. We met up with the seemingly tireless Raphael in the gardens of Deptford’s Albany Centre for an open chat in the early summer sun.

Raphael recalls the first time he ventured to the Albany at the tender age of sixteen.

Raphael Blake: I was part of the youth forum. I put events together, did marketing, programming and generally helped run the summer arts season.

I was then able to bless the stage with work that had been created in various workshops. That’s where my journey began.

Ugly Duck: And where has this journey taken you?

RB: I was doing spoken word and poetry all across London; I’ve done stuff like the Shoreditch Festival, Lewisham People’s Day and numerous events in London’s cafés and bars. I won some competitions that gave me both cash prizes and media coverage, it was a really great insight and outlet for my creative side. I then studied electronic engineering at college for two years.

UD: A bit of a variation from where you are now then?

RB: Yeah, I went across the road [from the Albany] to Midi Music. I remember thinking on a whim, “I want to see what goes into creating your own magazine.” I wanted a way that I could get my poetry out there, to different outlets, so they sent me down to Live Magazine and from there I went behind the scenes at Dubplate Drama. I covered it in the magazine, wrote some poetry and made a video for them too.

UD: And from there to Sony Music Entertainment?

RB: Yeah, that was meant to be a nine month placement. With only nine months I had to get networking, I was in the queue one time at lunch and said to one of my colleagues, “Yeah, my placement is coming to an end,” to which they responded “Oh no, we thought you were permanent!”

Things then began to get busy and soon it became apparent that they needed someone to continue giving them a hand. So, it was then that they decided to extend my contract by an extra four months.

UD: Sounds positive, the placement proved a smart move then?

RB: Yeah, I’m now at an independent music company doing the marketing and promotions for a producer named DaVinChe and a singer called Cleo Sol. I’m also a music consultant; whereby I find up-and-coming unsigned talent or independent talent attached to indie labels and distribute their music to people that make TV advertisements, video games and films.

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RAPHAEL BLAKE

UD: Nice, so what part of your work do you get most enjoyment out of?

RB: I can definitely say that I’m enjoying everything that I’m doing, which feels nice to say. It’s a lot of juggling, I do a seven day week, there is hardly any chill-out time and if you want to relax it has got to be late in the evening or early in the morning. You’re just knackered the next day. You can hardly function; walking around like a zombie! But it’s all in the name of getting your hustle on, you know?

UD: How are you enjoying working for an independent company?

RB: If you work in a major [record company] what I’ve noticed is that, “you’re in this department and this is what you do. Forget about any ideas that relate to that department, this is you and this is what you’re meant to do, stick to it!” Whereas if you’re in an independent, as I am now, if you’ve got ideas about anything, you can bring it to the table. You don’t need to go to a line manager, and the line manager doesn’t need to go to the VP, that then goes to the Senior Vice President, that goes to the head of the company for him to say “hmm… not really sure.” So yeah, it’s good being at an independent company because your ideas, your opinions, they are really valued.

UD: So you prefer the independent company?

RB: Working in the corporate environment, you pick up a lot of good habits and best practices for work. For anyone that is doing independent work I think developing your own type of structure and your own way scheduling definitely goes a long way. In terms of what you bring to the table, as long as you can say, “yeah this is my idea,” don’t just talk about it, put it on paper, have a structured plan for it, a timescale and targets, then nobody can really step in and say, ”Well, no, I think you should do it like this,” and ‘’Well, no, this is going to happen, then this is going happen, I’ve already thought about it so don’t worry, cheers anyway.” Plan your work and work your plan.

UD: Nicely put, talking of planning, what’s on your agenda?

RB: With the projects I’m working on, with DaVinChe and Cleo Sol, I’d just like to be able to say this is what I contributed to the project. To be able to have that down on paper and be able to say, “Whilst I was there I made a difference.”

I’m really passionate and enjoying what I’m doing. I’ve got a really good network in place and if they can assist me in bringing my ideas to life then that’s really good. It’s a blessed situation to be in.

UD: So networking is a vital part of proceedings?

RB: I personally think every business you’re in is definitely a ‘people’ business. You can’t operate a business without dealing with people, so once you can master the art of dealing with people and understanding them, then you can go and apply yourself to any field. As long as you can deal with people and pick up things quickly you’ll always be alright.

Blog: Raphaelblake.com Email: info@raphaelblake.com

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Photograph by David Henry Thomas

Photograph and makeup by Rebecca Hales // Model Chanie Munn

dough.” From the taste of the ‘Banofee Toffee pancake’ he served up for Ugly Duck, and the queue which had amassed come lunchtime, things certainly

At the heart of Lewisham sits a little, but bold, yellow can on wheels that you may expect to find in the Arizona desert, puffing out the sweet aroma of butter on a hot plate from within. While some may settle for chicken and chips or perhaps a slice of deep pan, stuffed crust, pepperoni pizza, the more adventurous daytime diners may wish to indulge in Mama Leah’s across-the-pond style pancakes and waffles.

Tobi Raphael, founder of Mama Leah’s is no stranger to business ventures; “I started my first business when I was 15” exclaimed Tobi when Ugly Duck caught up with this budding entrepreneur for a mid-day crêpe, “I’ve been wanting to go into the restaurant business for years but it’s a hard game to break into, you need to know exactly what you’re going to do.”

Whilst still being in its infancy, Mama Leah’s has already found its place in the hustle and bustle of this busy market square, becoming a favoured chill out spot for many socialites. It seems the appetite for pancakes is one shared by all... all but one,

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”I’m not going to lie and say I’ve always liked pancakes” admits Tobi as he reaches for the ice cream to top off today’s special, “I’m not the biggest fan. I just thought I’m going to do it because it’s different. It was a very big risk... what most people would call a very stupid risk!”

Most search for inspiration from books or those in the practice for traditional means of business. Some just get an idea and go for it! Tobi, being the latter, initially lacked the knowledge needed to make a basic pancake. This was something he rectified only moments before opening and some would probably have bet heavily against his success at that point! Dismissing people’s disgusted reaction to his food as “unacquired” taste. Tobi, remaining adamant, refused to believe that he lost potential custom because of what he was doing.

Eventually he listened and sought help from a native pancake maker, “I got an American guy from New York to actually come down and train me four months in after some people said it tasted like

seem to have taken a turn for the better.

There isn’t a businessman or

woman out there who knows all the answers and the learning curve of a young entrepreneur is often a steep and personal one. When criticisms are flying at you left, right and centre like cream pies at a clown, things can get a little hot under the collar. Knowing how to turn it around so you take the good from the bad can be a recipe for its success. This was certainly the case of Mama Leah’s, as Tobi points out, “Since we changed the recipe our sales doubled, people began to realise that they now taste like real pancakes.

The people who originally told me it didn’t taste right actually helped my business!”

savouring the last juicy syrup soaked bite of our meal and the relentless nagging of our conscience forces us to contemplate 20 laps of the park, we feel we should say to any wannabe business people out there, that listening to your target market’s opinions could save you a lot of agro. Mama Leah’s has proven as much. “There’s nothing wrong with starting out small, it’s like testing the ground. Just keep on pushing and don’t give up.” So if you get the taste for some Yankee style treats you can find Mama

Leah’s at Lewisham clock tower and from there just follow your nose.

Words by Daniel Peacock BB Pin: 217365EB Facebook: mamaleahs pancakes twitter.com/mamaleahs

So what’s in the pipeline for Mama Leah’s? A new flavour pancake perhaps? A milkshake or two? Well for Tobi, the next step is to open up an American-style Mama Leah’s Diner with skating waiters, the lot! In addition, Mama Leah’s is set to nurture the roots from whence it came by creating charity fundraisers by the bucket load. Giving back to the community that has helped his venture flourish is something that deeply resonates with Tobi, as he tells us whilst mixing up another batch of delicious golden batter, “We had a pancake week ending with a big charity event. We managed to raise £965 in just 5 hours!”

So, just before we finished

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o r e ma i l i n f o @h e a d f o r b u s i n e s s . o r gwww. h e a d f o r b u s i n e s s . o r g

Answer me this! Podcast How do you get 50,000 people to listen to the radio show you present from your living room in Crystal Palace? If you’re Helen Zaltzman and Olly Mann you set up a podcast because, “well, I could do that!”

Answer Me This! is a weekly comedy podcast in which Helen and Olly answer questions posed to them by listeners. Some are more memorable than others, take ‘Can you make black pudding out of menstrual blood?’ for example. It has notched up an impressive 175 episodes, reaching as high as number 6 in the UK Ti unes podcast chart.

Ugly Duck spoke to Helen about how they got to where they are today.

“It was loads of work at the beginning; we spammed all our friends, and we befriended an awful lot of strangers on

MySpace,” admits the podcaster. They e-pestered journalists and eventually got a plug in Time Out Magazine.

Soon enough the podcast started to gain its own momentum. They got plugs in more newspapers and slots on Radio 2 and TalkSport. They have even been part of the Ti unes Live Festival, being the first non-musical act to play. Helen explains the good timing, “it happily coincided with our 100th episode, so we did a live show at the Roundhouse before La Roux played the main set. We doubt she was aware we were her support act.”

The list keeps growing, with this month seeing Answer Me This! claim gold at the coveted Sony Awards, which Helen describes as the “Oscars of Radio”.

The judges heaped praise on the duo,

describing them as having “A strong rapport that sometimes traditional radio struggles to replicate,” finding the pair “engaging, warm and funny.”

The podcast has helped them pursue TV careers too – “We would never have got onto Sky News had it not been for the podcast, and it turned into a regular gig.”

What else? “One of the best jobs we ever had was last year, when we made a series of YouTube videos for VisitBritain.” Apparently they have fans in the right places as “the lady who’s in charge of PR there was a fan of the podcast and wanted to work with us, so we suggested she send us on holiday around the country and we film it.

Honestly, can you get a better job than that?”

Not bad going for a podcast then! But how would you make money from giving away a free podcast? “By selling off our old episodes, we cover our costs and make a little more besides” explains Helen, “but it’s not a wage for the hours we spend on it. You don’t get into podcasting for the money! [Unless you’re Ricky Gervais.]” But Helen’s modesty eludes the the Answer Me This! book, which came about after much deliberation and emails from numerous publishers who had heard the podcast.

Eventually “we got off our arses and wrote a sample,” admits Helen, “it ended up in the hands of Faber & Faber,” publishers who had been listening to the show for a year already.

For Helen’s top tips on what an aspiring podcaster needs, look out for them on wakeupnow.co.uk Find Answer Me This! Podcast on Ti unes

Words by David Thomas answermethispodcast.com

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Interviewed by Nikki Adeluwoye & Stephanie Agyeman

S

tylist, blogger and all-round fashion doyenne, Natalie Styles is making waves in the fashion industry. Having collaborated with a list of celebrities from the UK to the States, Natalie is truly cementing her name in the style circuit. I was lucky enough to grab a quick interview with Miss Styles where she gave a fresh and very insightful look into the fabulous life of a stylist.

Ugly Duck: Tell me a little bit about yourself Natalie Styles: I’m twenty-two years old and was born and raised in South East London, went to Prendergast School and then followed on to Hillsyde Sixth form at Forest Hill Boys. I wanted to explore out of the area a bit more and decided to attend Birmingham University. I was up there for a while, I enjoyed it but within the fashion industry there’s not much up there that you can achieve, there’s no experience or anything. End of my 2nd year I came back to London to start doing internships and get the ball rolling. Originally I wanted to be in advertising but then focused my attention on PR, I did loads of internships in fashion PR, but within fashion PR the people were dealing with the press and stylists. I was always told I had a creative eye, and then I thought why not so I did more test shoots. Through that I just found my niche.

UD: So what inspires you?

NS: It has to be photography, not just fashion photography but artistic photography. My favourite photographer is David LaChapelle; his photography is known for being quite bright yet creative. He works mainly with celebrities and one of his iconic photos is of Lil’ Kim where she has Louis Vuitton’s famous print all over her body; film is a very inspiring element for me also.

I adore indie films, one of my favourites is Virgin Suicides [award winning Sofia Coppola teen movie] based on a novel set in the 1970s. The creative direction in that film, from the costume down to the music within specific scenes and the aura of the film, just made it one of my favourites; youthful but effortless.

UD: How do you find inspiration for your work?

NS: Before every shoot I create a mood board. This allows me to see all my thoughts and ideas in one place. To give an example, if the theme is structured or the client wants a lot of structure in the shoot I will use various resources, such as search for pictures and old editorials. Using the visual aspect of a mood board and compiling all related research allows me to plan a great shoot.

UD: So what actually happens on a shoot?

NS: Shoots normally last 6 hours plus, but the time goes very quickly, the time really does fly because you’re doing so much and hair and make up takes about an hour or two. The first hour or two are very slow for me and it gives me time to gather my thoughts and prepare but in total the most hours I’ve worked is 18 hours on a shoot. I was prepared as always but it was a very long day.

UD: Do you remember your first styling shoot/ job?

NS: Yes I do! I was doing an internship at a PR company and I was the assistant stylist and it was for a shop called Dahlia, which is on Carnaby Street. It was for their summer look book. We had all the new season’s stock and a model and it wasn’t hard it was quite fun. That was my first shoot a few years ago, it was in Shoreditch in a studio and I remember they were playing Take That’s album over and over again!

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Natalie Styles

UD: What are your favourite trends at the moment?

NS: Colour blocking is my favourite, I like how Gucci have a blocking section and love the neon’s that Jill Sanders has created. So take a look at those. Velvet; velvet lace is back, sequins are also back. Topshop are doing the whole Dalmatian inspired theme which I love.

UD: Who are some of your clients?

NS: Louisa Lytton is one of my clients [Ruby in Eastenders], Zaraah Abrahams [Michaela in Waterloo Road], JoJo Simmons [Rev Run’s son], Esmee Denters [she featured on a song with Chipmunk] and Kelly Rowland when she came over to England. I have also done editorials with Pride, OK and New magazines, Tony and Guy and The Only Way is Essex. The list goes on.

UD: What qualities and skills are needed to become a good stylist?

NS: A significant amount of learning the trends, designers, editors of all the magazines and both UK and international fashion knowledge is a good help. Definitely get work experience assisting a stylist because that way you get to learn the ins and outs or even get work experience at anywhere in the fashion industry. Other places to consider for experience are model agencies; PR and magazine companies would be good; definitely try and assist a stylist.

UD: How has your style changed over time since being in the industry?

NS: When I was younger, I had my Burberry duffle coat, that had the Burberry inside and now I think about it, why would I wear such a thing. Until I got to 13 I used to be quite into tracksuits, tracksuits, tracksuits and trainers, and now I don’t own a pair of trainers, but now I’m chic; dressy girl chic.

UD: Whose fashion sense do you currently like?

NS: I like Victoria Beckham’s style, her clothing line is also very feminine but elegant.

My favourite fashion icon would have to be Olivia Palermo, she featured in The City and now she’s on the Mango campaign. She’s just effortlessly chic. It’s like she just threw on clothes and just comes out looking amazing. If I had the opportunity to style someone I would love to work with Kate Hudson or Lady Gaga but for the red carpet events such as the Golden Globes, Oscars and the Grammies.

UD: Natalie Styles fashion tips for budding fashionistas?

NS: Make sure that for each season you have your key pieces because there are some pieces you should keep and some things you should throw away. So always a white blouse for a girl, pencil skirt, a trench coat, pair of black heels, faded jeans preferably skinny and a LBD [that’s little black dress for you non-fashionistas!]. For the guys just make sure what you’re wearing fits - I’m not into the baggy look at all; straight leg jeans or trousers are the winning key.

UD: What’s in store for Natalie styles in the future?

NS: I’m going to New York for Fashion Week and I’m hoping to spend a month in LA with a friend that I’ve met just to build up my contacts out there and hopefully do some work. Festival season is around as well so I’ll check that out. For me definitely the next big thing will be New York Fashion Week, then London Fashion Week. twitter.com/natalie styles wardrobe-stylist.co.uk nataliestyles.onsugar.com

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David Thomas

was there for Christmas “Volunteering is too, so weI threw a massive party. We organised a clown, party games and for suckers” personalised t-shirts as presents. Usually “Did you know that so-called ‘volunteers’ don’t even get paid?!”

Homer Simpson said that when Marge suggested doing some. He has a good point - why would anyone work for free?

I’ve just got back from volunteering in an orphanage in Peru, South America. So, not only did I work for nothing, but I paid for flights over there, accommodation, meals and a daily bus fare. Homer would probably call me a sucker.

In December I arrived in Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru. I was looking for somewhere to help out in South America and the internet eventually came up with an organisation called Traveller Not Tourist, based in Peru. They help volunteers run a school that allows the poorest kids to learn English. They also send volunteers to an orphanage - where I decided to go. A few memorable moments really stick out: When I got to the orphanage my first job was to clean the kitchen floor. I dutifully got down on my hands and knees, scrubbing the floor to within an inch of its life. As I finished and was handed a mop I cursed myself for not thinking that perhaps I should have asked for it!

And then there was the time I ruined the birthday cake for four orphans. We had gone all out on a huge cake to celebrate the birthdays of four of the kids. Trying to carry the cake out of a taxi with one hand, clutching the decorations with another and shutting the door turned out to be too much, and the cake split in half. Surgery was performed by scraping the remaining icing over the split and the decorations were glued back together. The crisis was avoided and the children loved their cake.

every boy would get a toy car and every girl a doll – they were so proud of their new, individual, tops. It was these little gestures of kindness that the kids appreciated.

After Christmas we took them for a few days at the beach – some had never been there before. I had loads of fun, but more importantly, so did the kids. There were endless sand castles to make, races to the sea to organise and kids to bury in the sand.

It turned out that I enjoyed volunteering there immensely, more than I would ever have imagined. The kids were awesome. That’s the long and the short of it, that’s why I enjoyed it so much, and that’s why I would return in a second.

Not speaking a word of Spanish wasn’t a barrier when communicating with the children. They would try so hard to get a message across, phrasing it in different ways and acting it out. Painting a mural in their bedrooms they would come over, point at each colour and teach me the word in Spanish. Now I know my “azul” [blue] from my “amarillo” [yellow].

Volunteering helped me meet people from all over the world – America, New Zealand, Russia... even as far afield as Essex! As good as new friends from Essex are, what made it unique was meeting so many more locals than your average tourist would. There was my landlady who invited me to their family Christmas dinner, the Spanish teacher who took us all to her family’s house at the beach for New Year’s Eve and the locals that volunteered full time at the orphanage.

It was a totally different, eye-opening and enchanting, way to experience the culture of Arequipa.

Then of course there are the things that always get trotted out when talking about volunteering – it’s good for the CV, you feel good about helping

people, etc. That’s all a bit clichéd really, but all I can say is that I didn’t realise how true they were.

I don’t think that makes me a sucker. I’d been travelling around a lot before I got to Peru, so I was ready to settle down for a couple of months and get to know a place. Volunteering was the best way to do that because of the people it introduced me to and the adventure I had.

It’s not really working for free if it doesn’t feel like working. And that daily bus fare did only cost 15p.

Words by David Thomas travellernottourist.com

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HUNGRY DUCK

r o y a M g n u Yo

With politics apparently now resonating more than ever with young people; failed promises and a coalition government, have raised both important issues and people’s interest in matters. For Kieza Siveria De Sousa the issue has been acted upon in a way that allows him to control what is done for both him and his peers.

Appointed Young Mayor of Lewisham, Kieza is able to deal, at source, with issues close to his heart, ensuring a fairer, more meaningful outcome for the youth of Lewisham Borough.

From early on in his secondary school life, Kieza was involved with the school council, which gave him a taste of the processes involved in campaigning. Kieza, full of ideas and bursting with an overwhelming desire to help his community, was introduced to the Young Mayor scheme by his citizenship teacher and after two unsuccessful campaigns; it was 3rd time lucky for the multitalented teenager from Deptford. Kieza sums up his mayoral duties as, “Being a voice for the young people, acting on and voicing out issues that young people bring forward and trying to make an active change within our community.” One man isn’t an island and the same goes for Kieza. Together with his trusted young advisors who represent young people across the borough, meetings commence every Monday at the Civic Suite in Catford, where they discuss and devise strategies to tackle the ever-present issues faced by young people throughout Lewisham. As if life isn’t demanding enough, Kieza successfully manages to strike a healthy balance between his role as Lewisham’s Young Mayor and the stresses of completing college work in preparation for university and working as the head of clothing production at HustleBucks; a young design agency situated in Brixton. Kieza reminds us that he does have a bit of a social life, stating that he likes to do normal things like “chilling with friends and going cinema” when he can find the time in his busy schedule.

Creativity doesn’t take lunch breaks! In fact, some make a living out of getting innovative in the kitchen. If you’re after impressing a partner, friend, or just like testing you own aptitude, we have the perfect culinary accompaniment to your evening. Sam Norris, having worked in a range of high-brow eateries, proposes you get busy in the kitchen with this Chinese meal; Mao’s Hong Shao Rou [a braised pork dish].

Ingredients: 1kg pork belly 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp. Shaoxing wine A knob of fresh ginger skin left on and sliced lengthways 2 star anise 3 dried red chilies A small piece of cassia bark [or cinnamon] Dried orange peel Dried bamboo shoot [optional] Soy sauce Sugar Spring onions to garnish

1.Bring a pan of water to the boil and plunge the pork belly in and simmer for 3 or 4 minutes, until partially cooked. Remove from pan, when cool enough cut into reasonable size chunks [i.e. big enough to fit in your mouth]. Remember keep the skin on.

2.Heat sugar and oil in a pan gradually, bringingto a caramelised colour. Toss in the pork and cover well before adding the Shaoxing wine.

3. Add sufficient water to just cover the pork, with the ginger, star anise, chillies, dried orange peel, cassia bark and bamboo shoot if available. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and gently simmer for 40 to 50 minutes until meat if soft and tender.

4. Once you have reached 45 minutes increase the heat to reduce the sauce adding the soy sauce and sugar to taste.

This dish is best served directly on to a bowl of warm rice as the sauce releases its flavour all over it.

It would be reasonable to say you can expect big things from Kieza.

He has set himself very high standards and will stop at nothing to ensure that they are met. And then, and only then, will he find time in his diary to enjoy his favourite pastime - sleep!

Words by Elliott Wright-Clarke

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Adebayo Deru Adebayo Deru’s interest in photography began innocently enough, taking pictures on holiday at a young age. Having studied for a degree in graphic design, photography played a part in his studies, becoming less a hobby and more a necessity.

Now, a freelance photographer by trade, specialising in wedding photography, Adebayo speaks to us about working with John Lewis and his company Creative Piece Limited, and luxury business trips to Grenada.

Ugly Duck: How would you describe your style?

Adebayo Deru: I would describe it as storytelling; I’m not too much for the posed photographs, I’d rather capture a natural reaction and in that, I use it to form a story.

Either it can be a story in a portrait, a story of the day or a scenario that is happening.

That’s definitely my style of photography; I would say its falls under the category of Photojournalism.

UD: What cameras do you use and what was your first camera?

AD: My first camera was a Canon digital. I can’t remember the exact name but it was one of those small cameras. My first for work was a Sony Alpha, I’ve gone back to Canon now and I use 5D’s and 7D’s. I use a wide variety of lenses, zoom, wide and portrait lenses.

UD: What is the most memorable assignment you have done?

AD: My first wedding assignment; because I didn’t have a lot of equipment at all. I had just one lens and one camera. Obviously now I have a wide variety of cameras but on that occasion one camera, one flash, and one pair of batteries [which ran out during the wedding]. I had another wedding where I only had the one lens and it decided to stop focusing. I was shooting with a photographer who I was training and his equipment couldn’t do what I wanted to achieve. I actually had to buy another camera on the spot! That was one of the worst things that have ever happened to me.

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UD: Do you work with a team?

AD: On the business side, I freelance as ‘Adebayo Deru Photography’ and I have another company named ‘Creative Piece Limited’, for which I’m a director. We have two employees, so there is a very small team of us, at the same time we subcontract other photographers when we are unable to fill in. The company was registered and established two years ago. There’s also a designer involved who does all the logos which is what I originally started doing. You may see me as a wedding photographer but I do events and photo shoots which I do under Creative Piece.

UD: Do you prefer weddings or events?

AD: I prefer weddings. I always enjoy seeing when relationships are sealed with vows and being a part of that day; also a wedding has got a build-up which is great to capture. I split the wedding into events, meaning I take pictures of the couple or the bride alone and it gives it its own story.

UD: How do you go about selling your work to a potential client?

AD: I try and let my work speak for itself as much as possible. We have marketing, sales and different departments of the business.

Nowadays we have our social media sites, so you have Facebook and Twitter talking on your behalf. It is always best if your work can speak for itself.

UD: What exotic places or experiences has your job taken you?

AD: I did a wedding in Grenada, which was lovely and I’ve got a few more coming up next month in Turkey and Toronto. UD: Wow! How do you find these clients? The clients came to me by word of mouth; also I assisted a photographer friend at a wedding in Nigeria not too long ago, which was a very big wedding with at least 1,000 guests. Creative Piece recently worked with John Lewis and did a photo shoot for them as part of London Fashion Week where we were taking pictures for their new spring collection.

UD: Who do you admire from the world of photography?

AD: I’m very fond of the work of Henri Cartier Bresson; he was a French photographer who was known for photojournalism. They kind of call him the father of photojournalism because he made a big impact in that scene and also the street photography period is the most inspiring that I have seen.

UD: Any tips for aspiring photographers?

AD: I would encourage every aspiring photographer to develop and understand his or her own style. They need to also remember the passion they had when starting out; just let that passion drive you through your whole course. With cameras, the Canon is my main device but I would say research; follow blogs, look and follow both people and the photography you like. If possible, interview them and ask them for experiences they can share with you; just so you can get a good idea of what they were trying to achieve in their work.

UD: Do you have any dos or don’ts of photography?

AD: No I don’t, I’ve grown to understand as long as you can explain what you’ve done there is no right or wrong. There are always silent rules in design but if you’re radical with your approach you can do whatever pleases you. If you look at artists; for instance a guy can splash paint on the wall and call it art. If that artist knows why he’s done it and can communicate it to a few people I don’t see any reason why it would be wrong. You may get a few criticisms but as long as you can get someone else to understand it, I think you are fine! Instead of following an existing path, forge a new one. The most successful designers and creatives are people who broke barriers and rules.

Interview by Nikki Adeluwoye & Leanda Channer Adebayoderu.com Creativepiece.com

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I set out to find young entrepreneurs in my area to gain an insight into how they began sculpting a career out of their passion. It didn’t take me long ‘till I found out about local gal Candida Bradley. Three years ago, after finishing a degree in design, she setup her very own business, designing and creating unique books, cards and diaries. Not something you do every day right?

When Candida finished secondary school she started 6th form and, like many of us, dropped out because she “hated it!� The daunting prospect of finding a career in the real world is one that we will all face at some time, and let me tell you it ain’t easy!

So how did our young, creative, and entrepreneurial heroine deal with this conundrum? ‌ That’s right! She got a full time job at Paper Chase. It was there, neck high in Mother’s Day cards and cellophane wrapping, she thought to herself, “I could make better cards than this!â€? “I can’t explain it, it feels really weird because I’ve always known I wanted to do something creative,â€? Candida says, “I think it became even more apparent after school because you’re not taught about craft in school, I didn’t realize I could do this as a career as there was, and is, no exposure to this type of creativeness.â€?

Having a passion and not knowing what to do with it is a frustrating and inhibiting problem for many individuals. I asked Candida what her next step was in realising her aspirations. And, after reminiscing for a while, she coolly replied: “I preferred to make things by hand so I started doing lots of short courses, I got a bit obsessed and finally came across this book,� although the name of the book has since been forgotten its content has not. The book prompted Candida to join an arts course, which allowed her the opportunity to craft a wide range of books. A course Candida celebrates as the starting point, “I fell in love and decided that I wanted to start my own business selling the books.�

It was at this point Candida proudly whipped out some of her creations to show me. On the table lay a range of eye-catching, lace-bound books, all of different sizes and colours. Needless to say I was impressed, but the thing that hit me the hardest over all of her creations was her confidence in her product.

Discussing self-motivation Candida admits, “It’s hard to maintain that self belief, but it’s vital as you are the one running your own business, so you have to push yourself.�

Believing in yourself is paramount, especially when trying to convince others of your abilities. If you don’t have faith in yourself then why should anyone else, right? Candida puts her motivation down to doing something she loves, “I think it’s so important, to do something you enjoy as you spend most of your time working.�

If all you’re lacking is some business knowhow, there are people who can help... FOR FREE! “There is so much out there that I wasn’t aware of, so I became very tentative and that’s when I found Head for Business� Candida divulges. A business support organisation aimed at aiding penetration into the creative industry, Candida insists they were incredibly supportive, “especially when it came to creative advice.�

Candida told me how certain companies, such as Head for Business, can help with all aspects of becoming an entrepreneur and the running of your own business; from copyright to finance, these people have it on lock. “They helped me look around for different sources of funding. I had a part time job at the time but that wouldn’t make my business sustainable. I still worry about the money and I’m finding different ways to balance it.� So if you’re thinking of taking the next step my advice is to check them out! “I’ve gone from course to course working with different people, getting the encouragement I needed. You know, I never had this idea ‘I’m gonna start my own business’, I just chucked myself into it.�

Candida has been through a lot of hard graft to get to where she is now, so when chatting I asked her whether there was any advice she would pass onto someone trying to break into the creative industry, “Just keep believing in yourself and keep alert and look for the opportunities that are around you!�

She replied.

Candida’s journey has only just begun, but you’d be wise to keep a close eye on her progress. You can find her work in the Tate Artists’ Books collection.

If you’re passionate about Craftwork, Design or you’re just a creative kind of person take note. „

Words by Daniel Peacock candipops.com

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Having studied and dropped out of as many courses as you can conjure up a name for, Georgina Bobb was in an all too common predicament. She was uncertain of where she wanted to go and consequently had no idea how to forge ahead. In her early years she had been to theatre school and was proficient in drama, singing and dancing. Later on, she went to the Deptford based youth club Media-4-All, where she developed media skills. She then went on to study for a BTEC at college and deepened her interest and understanding of media production and TV presenting. Georgina joined us on a warm and pleasent afternoon to talk about her work, interests and Bossy Media.

Ugly Duck: How did you get in to film production?

Georgina Bobb: I went on a couple of courses over at what was then Spectra Com, they taught me a lot. I learnt about documentaries and I met other young people with similar interests. I did a documentary and editing course, so my skills and contacts developed quite rapidly. In the summer of my 1st year of college I got myself a placement with a little company called F2R Films that shoot music videos.

They trained me up to produce music videos and I basically ran with it, I thought, ‘This is a great opportunity; I’m going to put everything into it’.

UD: What did you like about the BTEC course?

GB: I’m the kind of person that learns by doing and not listening. I went for it because I got to actually do things and shoot bits and learn by doing. I think it’s good that there are academic courses out there where you can sit down to learn, think and read which ultimately makes you intelligent, but at the same time I think it’s important for education to cater for all.

UD: Is college where your education stopped?

GB: No, I did a degree in Content Creation and Broadcast but while I was doing that I was still freelancing, doing short films, producing and production managing, that kind of thing. Now I’ve finished my course I’m developing my social enterprise that is helping young women from disadvantaged backgrounds get into the media industry. At the moment I’m in the development stages of the company. The unique thing is that it is a support and mentoring agency for young women with the focus being purely on personal and professional development in the television and film industries. I have a specific way of doing things and me as a person when I’m working I have a specific way and I’m very professional. That is my aim; to be the ultimate professional and I think Bossy signifies that.

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“Georgina Bobb”

UD: What is the toughest obstacle that you’ve come across during your career?

GB: I would say integration and communication. For me it is very important that you have good interpersonal skills so you can communicate to anyone regardless of where they’re from. I think a lot of young people are held back purely because of that, they just don’t know how to talk to people who are right there. You need to jump out of your comfort zone, that’s the only way to do it; jump out of your comfort zone! Life is whatever you make of it. If you want it to be, ‘Yeah whatever’, it will be just that. If you want it to be brilliant it will be brilliant. It’s just the approach and the action you take towards your life.

UD: Who’s been an inspirational influence on your career?

GB: There’s a director that I’ve worked closely with called Lorraine French, she’s in her 20s, she knows her stuff and she’s good at what she does. Basically she’s inspirational.

Also Ben Peters, he’s another director that worked closely with me when I was younger.

Ben’s a brilliant director; I’ve learnt loads from him and the way that he works and stuff.

They’ve both had a good influence on my life.

UD: Is there any piece out there that you wished you had created?

GB: There is a particular programme that I’ve watched on TV called ‘Race and Intelligence’, it’s a factual feature length documentary looking at the race of people and looking at science to see whether there is a difference in IQ. I was like ‘YES! WHAT A BRILLIANT SUBJECT!’ I would have loved to be a part of that. When I’ve developed my career I intend to create something controversial. I want to piss people off basically and leave them in a position where they can’t do anything about it!

UD: What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made?

GB: Not doing as well as I could have done when it came to my degree. I’ve always been passionate and dedicated to what I want to do but I don’t think I was ready for making the most out of it, I just wasn’t there. If I was the same person as I am now today it would have been curtains, I would be out there now, but you learn.

UD: What support have you had?

GB: Professionally the support that I’ve had would be educational institutions, so you know - schools, colleges and universities. Personally I do have a supportive family but everybody is their own person and everybody is as capable as the next person. I would say I support myself, obviously a lot of where I have got to now is to do with family influences saying, “You can do this”, but I support myself. I know my strengths and my weaknesses; I’m honest and passionate.

Interview By Daniel Peacock

Words By Nikki Adeluwoye

PAUL BREWSTER

UD: What is the most exciting project to date that you’ve been involved in?

GB: The most fun I had was on this video called Black Boys. This was in 2008; it’s like the most inspirational work that I’ve been a part of. It broke boundaries and caused a lot of controversy within the music scene, it created a lot of press and publicity. It talked about ‘Black Boys’ as in the guns and knives stereotype and had these guys from the ghetto aspiring to be who they are now, talking about positivity and achievement which I felt was really strong and inspirational.

Paul Brewster creates short films with Black-British filmmakers through his business B_On ThePulse.

While his interest in theatre began at a young age, it was whilst working at the Albany in Deptford that he was first able to utilise his interest, developing AlbanyOnFilm. Having screened such films as Looking for Eric, the events rapidly began to attract a returning audience and were ultimately deemed a success and Paul left the Albany three years after organising the first event.

Upon parting company with the Albany, Paul set about freelancing and attended numerous film festivals in the process. It was at one such festival, International Film Makers Conference in New York, where Paul met Joan Rivers whilst he was working as production manager. Interested in volunteering at the upcoming Sheffield Documentary Festival, Paul had applied but was struggling to obtain a response to his request. “She texted her people in Sheffield and said ‘I’ve got this guy called Paul Brewster here and he really wants to work with us’,” the next day Paul received a call from the festival asking him to work for them.

So, a bit of luck and a helping hand from a Hollywood star, but hard work has played the largest part in Paul’s success, as he tells us, you should be willing to volunteer, “My opportunities came from volunteering, I knew I had to earn bread so needed to work too.” While the initial stages may prove hard work, the rewards will be just and welcome in time.

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Zuhatz

Contact Zuhatz for paintings, murals, printed or painted backdrops and prints. www.zuhatz.com info@zuhatz.com

Zuhatz began working professionally as a painter in 1996, drawing inspiration from nature, natural landscapes, underwater, underground, on the ground and out in space, explosions, craters, volcanoes, colorful nebulas, plants, trees, minerals, animals and elements, to name a few.

Her use of vibrant colour, texture and different techniques are what makes Zuhatz’s work both original and instantly recognisable.

“Among other colours I use iridescent, varnish and glossy paint as well as gold’s, metallics and silvers, so depending on the angle and the light the painting changes.” >YLEX^ MRXIRHW XS MR¾MGX LIV EVX MR the entertainment business, she wants to expand what is already an impressive brand, guaranteeing everyone recognises Zuhatz’s distinct work. http://www.saatchionline.com/ TVS½PIW MRHI\ MH

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With age on our side and both aptitude and ambition bursting from within, we aim to deliver innovative marketing solutions, helping your business create a lasting impression. Our print and online media offer various platforms from which young and creative individuals can gain exposure, admiration and appreciation.

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info@wakeupnow.co.uk

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020 8692 4446 (Ext 272)

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To advertise in Ugly Duck Magazine contact Wake Up at e: info@wakeupnow.co.uk t: 020 8692 4446 (Ext 272)

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