-Where do you generally source inspiration? eg what blogs, mags etc.
I sourced most of my images from fashiongonerogue, knightcat, fashionising, fashiongrunge or studdedhearts. They are the main blogs/websites that i use. I love watching NME for clothing inspiration- the alternative-indie/electro have the best dress sense so i look at people like Andrew Vanwyngarden from MGMT... and tone it down ha. Magazine wise Pop, Dazed, I-D, Muse, Citizen, Man about Town. The list really is endless.
- Does inspiration come to you or do you have to go looking for it?
I would say both... I find inspiration pretty much everywhere. Most the time when you least expect it. I don't ever find myself being like 'I have a shoot themed around rock tomorrow lets see what I can find.' It is already there... I have seen bits and I just put it together, then walking around town I see so many different things. Half the time I don't even register that I have seen something that I like. I just work on it with the next project. But it can be anything from people, to words, to clothes, to shops, posters. Everything.
-How do you document your inspiration?
My blog. Everything I do see and I do like gets blogged. I have days when I do 8-9 posts and I have to sit down and go back through it all and work out if I have a trend or a theme. Thats how I work out whats on trend and what works best for my personality.
- What happens next? How do you start organising a shoot?
At the moment the shoots I am doing I usually choose the models, the photographer, the location. The whole package pretty much. With the Summer shoot it was different. 2 of the models were mine and two were the photographers. But I choose the theme... think who best would replicate that then think who would be able to capture the mood and the theme best then source a location. The whole time I am planning the outfits.
-Approximately how long does the whole process take, from inspiration to final outcome?
It depends... the summer shoot I had 2 weeks of being told the theme, seeing the models, sourcing garments and accessories. Sometimes someone can call me up two days in advance and it will be more spontanious. Some shoots just swap and change around so you think you have nailed it then you find something else. I never just sit on an idea I am always looking for ways to improve it. Sometimes I make huge changes the day or night before. I have gone off track but yeah it ranges from months to weeks to days dependant upon the project.
- Are you very specific on what you want out of the shoot or do you sometimes improvise a bit too?
Improvise. I think I know what I want, who I want it in and then it gets to the day and you are constantly adding, taking away and swapping things around. I could never be like this is yours and not look at it again. It never works that way.
- Have you ever had any photoshoot nightmares?
My first shoot actually. I had an amazing model to represent Coco Tangs, 'Dirty Cinderella' cocktail of their fairy tales and wonderlands menu and literally an hour before the hair was being done the model pulled out. She was beyond perfect for the roll with her tattoos and stuff. I pulled in as we couldn't reschedule with dates for press etc. It turned out fine though but that initial panic was not nice.
- What generally goes on on shoot day? (on set and off) Do you have any kind of rituals?
You arrive... hair and make up is done, first outfits go on and then you start snapping... dependant upon whether you are on location or in a studio you try different scenes etc. Hair, make up and clothes get changed 3/4 times- again dependant upon the theme and location. Then the model usually demands food or a drink as you get so caught in the day and what you are doing you just forget. It can last from like 3-4 hours to an entire day... or sometimes even two if you just can't get the picture you want. Its always fun though. I have never left a shoot and been glad its over. They keep getting better and better too which is always nice.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
[ Q&A SARAH ]
-Where do you generally source inspiration? eg what blogs, mags etc.
Fashion gone rouge is my first port of call whenever i need to feel inspired. The archive of editorial imagery that they have is beyond sensational and i will always find something that i havent seen before. I also have an elle subscription which i use as my Bible when it comes to all things fashion. i think that was my original inspiration to try out stylig and since then ive broadened the types of images and genres that i look at within fahsion. I recently did a ‘distorted image’ photoshoot that was inspired by creatives like David Simms and Fred Butler so this was a bit more graphical and futuristic than usual and meant looking into new photographers and artists in order to create the right feeling. Lula magazine is beautiful and i also love wonderland. In terms of celebrity fashion i follow the olsens blog, mostly for Mary Kate’s style! Some of my shoots have been inspired by her grunge appearance.
- Does inspiration come to you or do you have to go looking for it?
Its a bit of both really. Usually ill have an idea in my head, like a theme or title and an image that i find hard to describe to people in words. So then i go looking for images that act as a visual representation. I like to create moodboards around the shoot beforehand so that i have a clear idea in my head. Sometimes inspiration comes from things totally unrelated to fashion. like the other day i was driving down the motorway and there were workers with power-drills, massive machinery and signs and one of those machines that spits out fire. My mind went mad thinking about a fashion shoot in the midst of all that!
-How do you document your inspiration?
Ive got a blog that i keep up to date with anything that ive come across that inspires or interests me in the fashion world. www.totallysarahleigh.blogspot.com. I like to use it as a break from work or as a wind down at the end of the day. It keeps me up to date with what’s going on in the fashion world because i have to look for the information. i also use it to document my own work. I have a massive image archive on my computer as well and i did my final year dissertation on fashion photography so i guess i have it documented in dissertation-form too!
- What happens next? How do you start organising a shoot?
Confirming the photographer first is usually the best way to go about it because we can bounce ideas off each other. For example they may have shot in a location before that would be particularly fitting for the images or have a creative idea that we can add into the general mood of the shoot. Getting models is easy because of the fashion show event that i created with another collegue this year. We’ve both kept a good relationship from all the models from the night and theyre always willing to build on their portfolios. Once thats decided and i know sizes and colouring etc ill start collecting as much clothing and accessories around the theme as possible and then create a select few strong outfits and jus take the rest along as back up. Sometimes this helps if theres an outfit that doesnt hang right or isnt creating the right look. Its always good to have a bit of a mix and match!
-Approximately how long does the whole process take, from inspiration to final outcome?
It really depends how organised i am about it. One of the shoots i did was with a model whose full time job was an air hostess so she is constantly on call and cant book like a week or so in advance, so for that one it was a case of; lets do it in 2 days, this is what i wana do. And we did. It had been a theme i had been looking at for a while but just as general inspiration. On the other hand, when we styled the fashion show, months of planning went into each creation.
- Are you very specific on what you want out of the shoot or do you sometimes improvise a bit too?
Definately not. I always go with an open mind. Sometimes what you want to do just doesn’t work. Ive been on shoots before where every single outfit has been planned and the image that i think is the most successful from the day was a dress made from binbags and newspaper that we bought as a last minute inspiration and used with the accessories we brought!
- Have you ever had any photoshoot nightmares?
Only once. The day of the shoot for the editorial advert for the show (a BIG deal for our promotion) one of the models dropped out. Luckily it was all sorted relatively easily and the images still looked unreal but it definately caused momentary panic!
- What generally goes on on shoot day? (on set and off) Do you have any kind of rituals?
Whenever i’ve been involved with styling a shoot before its always been ensured that the clothing is ready and laid out the night before, even down to which necklace goes with which garment. Its good to be able to show the model what they will be wearing before everything gets started because ive found it makes them feel more involved and relaxed so the images generally look better. If we are shooting on location hair and makeup is done before we leave (usually because its outside and COLD) and then can be touched up throughout. I don’t really have any rituals that im aware of although i definitely think its best to dress the model in the outfit they feel most comfortable in to begin with to help them get into the role a bit more! Its more of a ritual once ive got them images...add to portfolio...send to model...facebook...blog...
Fashion gone rouge is my first port of call whenever i need to feel inspired. The archive of editorial imagery that they have is beyond sensational and i will always find something that i havent seen before. I also have an elle subscription which i use as my Bible when it comes to all things fashion. i think that was my original inspiration to try out stylig and since then ive broadened the types of images and genres that i look at within fahsion. I recently did a ‘distorted image’ photoshoot that was inspired by creatives like David Simms and Fred Butler so this was a bit more graphical and futuristic than usual and meant looking into new photographers and artists in order to create the right feeling. Lula magazine is beautiful and i also love wonderland. In terms of celebrity fashion i follow the olsens blog, mostly for Mary Kate’s style! Some of my shoots have been inspired by her grunge appearance.
- Does inspiration come to you or do you have to go looking for it?
Its a bit of both really. Usually ill have an idea in my head, like a theme or title and an image that i find hard to describe to people in words. So then i go looking for images that act as a visual representation. I like to create moodboards around the shoot beforehand so that i have a clear idea in my head. Sometimes inspiration comes from things totally unrelated to fashion. like the other day i was driving down the motorway and there were workers with power-drills, massive machinery and signs and one of those machines that spits out fire. My mind went mad thinking about a fashion shoot in the midst of all that!
-How do you document your inspiration?
Ive got a blog that i keep up to date with anything that ive come across that inspires or interests me in the fashion world. www.totallysarahleigh.blogspot.com. I like to use it as a break from work or as a wind down at the end of the day. It keeps me up to date with what’s going on in the fashion world because i have to look for the information. i also use it to document my own work. I have a massive image archive on my computer as well and i did my final year dissertation on fashion photography so i guess i have it documented in dissertation-form too!
- What happens next? How do you start organising a shoot?
Confirming the photographer first is usually the best way to go about it because we can bounce ideas off each other. For example they may have shot in a location before that would be particularly fitting for the images or have a creative idea that we can add into the general mood of the shoot. Getting models is easy because of the fashion show event that i created with another collegue this year. We’ve both kept a good relationship from all the models from the night and theyre always willing to build on their portfolios. Once thats decided and i know sizes and colouring etc ill start collecting as much clothing and accessories around the theme as possible and then create a select few strong outfits and jus take the rest along as back up. Sometimes this helps if theres an outfit that doesnt hang right or isnt creating the right look. Its always good to have a bit of a mix and match!
-Approximately how long does the whole process take, from inspiration to final outcome?
It really depends how organised i am about it. One of the shoots i did was with a model whose full time job was an air hostess so she is constantly on call and cant book like a week or so in advance, so for that one it was a case of; lets do it in 2 days, this is what i wana do. And we did. It had been a theme i had been looking at for a while but just as general inspiration. On the other hand, when we styled the fashion show, months of planning went into each creation.
- Are you very specific on what you want out of the shoot or do you sometimes improvise a bit too?
Definately not. I always go with an open mind. Sometimes what you want to do just doesn’t work. Ive been on shoots before where every single outfit has been planned and the image that i think is the most successful from the day was a dress made from binbags and newspaper that we bought as a last minute inspiration and used with the accessories we brought!
- Have you ever had any photoshoot nightmares?
Only once. The day of the shoot for the editorial advert for the show (a BIG deal for our promotion) one of the models dropped out. Luckily it was all sorted relatively easily and the images still looked unreal but it definately caused momentary panic!
- What generally goes on on shoot day? (on set and off) Do you have any kind of rituals?
Whenever i’ve been involved with styling a shoot before its always been ensured that the clothing is ready and laid out the night before, even down to which necklace goes with which garment. Its good to be able to show the model what they will be wearing before everything gets started because ive found it makes them feel more involved and relaxed so the images generally look better. If we are shooting on location hair and makeup is done before we leave (usually because its outside and COLD) and then can be touched up throughout. I don’t really have any rituals that im aware of although i definitely think its best to dress the model in the outfit they feel most comfortable in to begin with to help them get into the role a bit more! Its more of a ritual once ive got them images...add to portfolio...send to model...facebook...blog...
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Moodboards Larger
Sorry they came up really small last time so thought I would put them on again bigger!
Awe to Others
I thought I would remind us of the Primary Research we did with our target consumer so that we keep going back to the idea that "simple pleasures spur imagination"
Front cover Idea
This month Elle subscription magazine arrived and the collectors edition cover was really different as the front cover was blurred! I really liked this as it's quite imaginative giving the reader the element of mystery and desire to want to know more. I thought with Sedge's summer shoot this could look really innovative with maybe the images in motion?
Inspirational Layout
Article layout idea- start to finish article?
Trimmed edges, could do this for summer section? Would be like this for each zine's season section.
Like the negative space on gloss. Also like the gaps inbetween the sentences!
Monday, 24 May 2010
[ Roland Reiner Tiangco ]
Two of our biggest loves here at AWE:
1: Thinking outside the box.
2: Getting our hands dirty in the name of creativity...
...hence why when I came across this fabulously filthy poster by artist Roland Tiangco, I couldn't help but share. It really does just sum up our views in a kind of 'nail on the head' sort of way, so I'll let the pictures do the talking.
What an amazing concept.
Emma x
1: Thinking outside the box.
2: Getting our hands dirty in the name of creativity...
...hence why when I came across this fabulously filthy poster by artist Roland Tiangco, I couldn't help but share. It really does just sum up our views in a kind of 'nail on the head' sort of way, so I'll let the pictures do the talking.
What an amazing concept.
Emma x
Sunday, 23 May 2010
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Images in motion
I didn't know if you wanted to mix a few other images together so that the images link.
Monday, 10 May 2010
[Places of inspiration]
CAMERA: Seeing the world through someone else’s eyes can be a fascinating and beautiful thing.
BUS: Whilst it may be tempting to stick to old routines, you would be surprised how much you can miss out on when sat behind the wheel. Busses themselves may seem distinctly uninspiring, but it’s amazing how much you can absorb by just sitting and looking, particularly on a double-decker. Signage, for example, is bold in colour, shape and font but is largely overlooked from the drivers’ seat. As is the ability to people watch and chat with new faces.
WALK HOME: With so many subtle inspirations waiting just around the corner, walking can also be a great way to discover peculiarity, such as graffiti, ornate doorways, peeling shop facades and much much more.
SHOPS: Having a closer look at packaging, particularly types you wouldn’t normally come across, is fantastic when exploring colour, typography and composition as well as sourcing unusual motifs and illustrations. Try toy shops, haberdasheries, foreign food stores and confectioners.
RECORD STORES: Similarly, checking out the album art and posters at vintage music shops is a great place to find retro photography and logos from icons gone by to forgotten gems, so get trawling!
MARKETS: Vibrant and bold in colour, sound and smell, there’s no end to what ideas and artefacts you might return with.
GARDEN CENTRE: Local plant nurseries provide a fantastic opportunity to research stunning florals and natural textures, which has been one of the most prominent themes this year. Make sure you are armed with a camera.
SKIP: You know the saying, one mans junk is another mans inspiration. If they don’t want it then why not help yourself? Just remember to check their curtains are closed first.
GRANDMAS DRAWER: Notorious hoarders, Nannas trinket drawer can be a neglected treasure trove just begging to be discovered.
GRANDMAS PHOTOBOX: Dusting off that old photobox reveals a multitude of memories as well as vintage photography, fashions and even architecture styles. Check vintage stores, both physical and online, for aged cameras or download photo editing software straight to your I-phone, it couldn’t be easier to experiment.
Kirsten x
BUS: Whilst it may be tempting to stick to old routines, you would be surprised how much you can miss out on when sat behind the wheel. Busses themselves may seem distinctly uninspiring, but it’s amazing how much you can absorb by just sitting and looking, particularly on a double-decker. Signage, for example, is bold in colour, shape and font but is largely overlooked from the drivers’ seat. As is the ability to people watch and chat with new faces.
WALK HOME: With so many subtle inspirations waiting just around the corner, walking can also be a great way to discover peculiarity, such as graffiti, ornate doorways, peeling shop facades and much much more.
SHOPS: Having a closer look at packaging, particularly types you wouldn’t normally come across, is fantastic when exploring colour, typography and composition as well as sourcing unusual motifs and illustrations. Try toy shops, haberdasheries, foreign food stores and confectioners.
RECORD STORES: Similarly, checking out the album art and posters at vintage music shops is a great place to find retro photography and logos from icons gone by to forgotten gems, so get trawling!
MARKETS: Vibrant and bold in colour, sound and smell, there’s no end to what ideas and artefacts you might return with.
GARDEN CENTRE: Local plant nurseries provide a fantastic opportunity to research stunning florals and natural textures, which has been one of the most prominent themes this year. Make sure you are armed with a camera.
SKIP: You know the saying, one mans junk is another mans inspiration. If they don’t want it then why not help yourself? Just remember to check their curtains are closed first.
GRANDMAS DRAWER: Notorious hoarders, Nannas trinket drawer can be a neglected treasure trove just begging to be discovered.
GRANDMAS PHOTOBOX: Dusting off that old photobox reveals a multitude of memories as well as vintage photography, fashions and even architecture styles. Check vintage stores, both physical and online, for aged cameras or download photo editing software straight to your I-phone, it couldn’t be easier to experiment.
Kirsten x
[What awe means to us]
To pinpoint a moment of AWE that co-editor Emma and I have shared is difficult, thankfully because there are so many unforgettable moments I could tell you about. I must say, it is most tempting to sit down and type a detailed account of the time she fell over in the middle of 5th Avenue in front of dozens of sniggering New Yorkers but, unfortunately for Emma, that was just AWE-ful. Instead, I could recall the breathtaking views we experienced together from the top of the Eiffel tower, the time we caught the sun set on a snow covered Statue of Liberty or even just how exceptionally good her cups of tea are but in reality these are not true AWEs, just fragments of mutual happiness. However, if you combine these fragments, and many more like it, you are left with the story of our friendship, which I believe is one of the most powerful types of AWE. Rare. Genuine. Unique. Special.
And co-creating this Zine has too, been another experience that will only strengthen the AWE factor of our relationship. Stressful? Perhaps, but not nearly as daunting as going it alone and, in hindsight, well worth it. So we hope that you enjoy our debut edition of AWE Zine as much as we have enjoyed the journey, because the final product is a reflection of a wonderful process that has allowed us to explore our individuality and embrace what we are truly passionate about.
Too soppy? Kirsten xx
And co-creating this Zine has too, been another experience that will only strengthen the AWE factor of our relationship. Stressful? Perhaps, but not nearly as daunting as going it alone and, in hindsight, well worth it. So we hope that you enjoy our debut edition of AWE Zine as much as we have enjoyed the journey, because the final product is a reflection of a wonderful process that has allowed us to explore our individuality and embrace what we are truly passionate about.
Too soppy? Kirsten xx
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Q&A For Grace
Hey, here's a few questions I've just plucked out my head. I'm trying to make them a little more interesting than you're standard Q&A..there's a couple of kinda standard ones in there too though so pick away! xx
-Do you find working to a brief limiting or liberating?
-Many cities are famous for particular sculptures. If you could showcase your work anywhere in the world where would it be?
-What or who are the most prominent influences on your work?
-What was the first art gallery you visited?
-Do you intend to focus solely on sculpting in the future or would you like to dabble in different art forms?
-What have you learnt 'the hard way' during this project?
-Do you create with a particular audience in mind?
-The secret to being a successful sculptor is....
-What possessions are you obsessions?
-What was your favourite part of this design process?
-If you could go back in time would you change anything about this project?
-What is the narrative behind this collection?
-Who do you consider to be awe-some?
-Do you find working to a brief limiting or liberating?
-Many cities are famous for particular sculptures. If you could showcase your work anywhere in the world where would it be?
-What or who are the most prominent influences on your work?
-What was the first art gallery you visited?
-Do you intend to focus solely on sculpting in the future or would you like to dabble in different art forms?
-What have you learnt 'the hard way' during this project?
-Do you create with a particular audience in mind?
-The secret to being a successful sculptor is....
-What possessions are you obsessions?
-What was your favourite part of this design process?
-If you could go back in time would you change anything about this project?
-What is the narrative behind this collection?
-Who do you consider to be awe-some?
Friday, 7 May 2010
[art techniques]
hey had a play around with images, let me know what techniques you like. the article can be based on distortion, or light, or colours depending which ones you like! xx
[art photoshoot]
I haven't edited the pictures with the mix of colours to go over the top, but just thought i would show you the kinda photos we took.
Grace Williams
Here are some images that Grace sent me and will send some more if we like the work and think it is appropriate for the zine.
Let me know what you think and also some questions that we want to ask her for the interview.
Let me know what you think and also some questions that we want to ask her for the interview.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
[What does AWE mean?!?!]
I know it's 'powerful' but I hope it kinda says that simple things can have powerful meanings too. I hope you like it. Kirsten xx
AWE. Constructed of one consonant amid two vowels, united to make a remarkable and emotive little word. Just three little letters that, to some, may signify a product of the sublime, an intangible greatness or the state of absolute overwhelming.
To others however, AWE can be ubiquitous. A forgotten treasure, noticing simplicity, finding purpose in the purposeless and being effortlessly happy for no apparent reason. AWE knows that all greatness starts somewhere and that all it takes is that serendipitous moment to spark the inspiration you need but had given up looking for. Because sometimes AWE is merely the desire, the driving force and the catalyst- not just the end product. There was no Newton’s theory without the golden delicious.
But mostly, AWE is ambiguous and indefinable. Unique and personal and exceptional to every beholder, because AWE may be the summit of a mountaintop, the closing chapter of your favourite book, waking up from a magnificent dream or just trying on your mum’s heels.
Awe Zine indulges creative curiosity and celebrates all things wonderful within one beautiful and rare publication. Editorials are playful to the extent of fanciful and even intimate interviews are relaxed, giving you an insight into the artistic minds of today’s fresh talent. Awe’s handpicked features are a collection of inspirational works, daring to distract you from reality, and are created by nameless artists whose names you might never forget. Because at AWE, we understand what it means to thrive on nostalgia, fantasy and passion and hold with the upmost belief that there is no inspiration too small or too large, too obscure or too ordinary. AWE. Constructed of one consonant amid two vowels, united to make whatever you want it to be
AWE. Constructed of one consonant amid two vowels, united to make a remarkable and emotive little word. Just three little letters that, to some, may signify a product of the sublime, an intangible greatness or the state of absolute overwhelming.
To others however, AWE can be ubiquitous. A forgotten treasure, noticing simplicity, finding purpose in the purposeless and being effortlessly happy for no apparent reason. AWE knows that all greatness starts somewhere and that all it takes is that serendipitous moment to spark the inspiration you need but had given up looking for. Because sometimes AWE is merely the desire, the driving force and the catalyst- not just the end product. There was no Newton’s theory without the golden delicious.
But mostly, AWE is ambiguous and indefinable. Unique and personal and exceptional to every beholder, because AWE may be the summit of a mountaintop, the closing chapter of your favourite book, waking up from a magnificent dream or just trying on your mum’s heels.
Awe Zine indulges creative curiosity and celebrates all things wonderful within one beautiful and rare publication. Editorials are playful to the extent of fanciful and even intimate interviews are relaxed, giving you an insight into the artistic minds of today’s fresh talent. Awe’s handpicked features are a collection of inspirational works, daring to distract you from reality, and are created by nameless artists whose names you might never forget. Because at AWE, we understand what it means to thrive on nostalgia, fantasy and passion and hold with the upmost belief that there is no inspiration too small or too large, too obscure or too ordinary. AWE. Constructed of one consonant amid two vowels, united to make whatever you want it to be
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
[10 Places]
Right, after a little bit of brainstorming I have come up with this. Obviously it will need a little developing...plus a couple i'm not convinced about but its a start
• Go to a vintage record stop [album art/ Posters]
• Trawl Charity Shops/Car Booties/Antique Shops
• Get on a bus and check out Signage, talk to strangers whilst you do it, people watch
• Give your friends disposable cameras, you might be surprised what they come back with, better yet give it to a child
• Local sweet shop [packaging] toy shop [board games, toy packaging, books] Foreign Food Shops [Packaging] -packaged group flickr
• Do something outside your comfort zone
• Movies and TV…consume advertising
• Estate sales, house auctions
• Grandma’s clutter drawer
• Go to a vintage record stop [album art/ Posters]
• Trawl Charity Shops/Car Booties/Antique Shops
• Get on a bus and check out Signage, talk to strangers whilst you do it, people watch
• Give your friends disposable cameras, you might be surprised what they come back with, better yet give it to a child
• Local sweet shop [packaging] toy shop [board games, toy packaging, books] Foreign Food Shops [Packaging] -packaged group flickr
• Do something outside your comfort zone
• Movies and TV…consume advertising
• Estate sales, house auctions
• Grandma’s clutter drawer
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