Tell us about your background and training?
I grew up in the sticks outside Nottingham, and was reasonably late getting into photography. My first camera was an Olympus om10 film camera from the age of 19, but I was completely clueless until I studied a class in photography at the School of Arts, University of Santa Barbara, California, whilst on a exchange year from studying Biology in the UK. On that course I was first introduced to dark room printing, and being 2005 I learnt everything on film. After returning from the states and my finishing my degree in Biology I changed direction away from science, and studied a masters in Photography at Nottingham University, which was basically training in wildlife, macro and landscape work.
Dan Stiles is something of a tour-de-force in music circles, having worked with some of the best and brightest over the last 15 years; from Nike to The Arctic Monkeys, to The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Perhaps there is something about the US West Coast – living up in Oregon – that gives him his edge. It’s not just that his clients are cool, or that his work has featured in so many trendy magazines – although this is all true. His design talent deserves special mention as a confluence of cool and clever; more than just pretty. The good news is that at 38 years old, there is no evidence that Dan is running out of steam, putting shame to the idea [myth] that originality and energy are somehow exclusive to the very young. There is much to learn from Dan’s story, not least from his tenacity. He is a bona-fide role-model, and a creative hero from which we can all gain more than a little encouragement.
Very rarely do my senses pull me towards anything materialistic shouting ‘Must Have!’. But I’m hooked! Merrimaking is a new fashion brand founded by two inspired young fashion designers [a recent philosophy graduate and a fine artist]. In an instant, they started a cult following with their amicable, animated animal hoods. There is something undeniably energising about their good-times fancy dress. Merrimaking Hoods are a perfect accessory for partying or festivals, immediately reviving a childish rush of joy. It’s hard not to feel a little lift when you see people wearing them. But aside from the originality and aesthetics, there is inspiration to be drawn from their zero-budget start-up story. This is a tale of two best friends playing around, and hitting on something brilliantly fun.