What brought you to Dubai?
Eight years ago I was offered a job at Saatchi and Saatchi. I was thrilled with the prospect of tax free earnings as well as a new experience. Last year I quit my job in advertising to set up my own design studio and pursue independent art projects.
‘Highlife Dubai’ is a a collection of 18 artworks inspired by vintage travel and tourism ads of the first half of the 20th Century. In the same style, they tell the story of the ‘good life’ we lead here in Dubai. For westerners, middle class and those that enjoy the privileges that an expat life in Dubai can bring, the collection aims to be tongue-in-cheek advertising of the places, services and situations that we all know and love around the city.
Describe a typical day?
First I’ll get woken up by my cat Teddy who slaps me round the face with his paw! Then, if we’re really feeling healthy, my housemate and I might start the day with a run round the Marina. She’s highly into healthy living and is even starting up a health retreat, so she’ll sometimes make a crazy juice concoction to keep us boosted. Then most of the morning is spent working on the business side of what I do; processing customer orders, problems and delivery issues etc. Then the afternoon will be spent more creatively, doing some design work or working on a new collection. Then I might have a few meetings during the week with various suppliers, galleries or printers. I do tend to work into the evenings as well so it will usually be a long and busy day.
How did you get into the profession?
My parents wanted me to study academic subjects for my GCSEs so my passion for art only really developed after taking it as an A-level and then pursuing with a foundation course. My parents plan had been for me to go to Oxford and become a vet, but when I was 18 I realised it was art that I wanted to do more than anything else, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. However, I was aware that it is near impossible to make a living from a degree in Fine Arts, so I avoided the risk and went into Graphic Design, as I knew I could earn money as a commercial artist. It was the safer choice and I have enjoyed it as they are both intertwined professions - doing advertising and branding campaigns we would of course be using art. The only difference is I’d be working for clients and the art would have a business objective, whereas now with my collection I feel I can have my own voice and create something that I really feel passionate about.
What is the best thing about your job?
I guess the best thing would be that it never actually feels like a job. Working as an artist is like a job and a hobby intertwined into one. I’ll find that as I’m working on a project I completely lose track of time and the hours will just fly by. It feels like I’ve never worked a day in my life! It is also so rewarding when people appreciate and enjoy the work I’ve created.
What is the worst thing about your job?
If I had to choose a worst thing it would probably be the business aspect of it all. It can sometimes be a struggle dealing with difficult customers or clients. The passion for me is the creating and experiencing the reactions of happy customers.
What would you class as a stand out moment in your career?
The launch of my first exhibition on 24th November 2014. It was a full turn out and was definitely a memorable day.
What advice would you have for anyone wanting to get into your field?
I think it’s important to be aware that being just an artist is a very risky business, and unless you’ve really excelled and are sure your work is going to sell, I wouldn’t advise anyone to depend on a degree in Fine Art. I remember when I was head of design at Saatchi and Saatchi I would be sent portfolios from students with a degree in Fine Art seeking jobs in advertising. Although they were really good, they just didn’t have enough commercial background or training and I’d have to turn them down. So my advice to youngsters wanting to go into the field would be to get a degree in something broader than just Fine Art, for example Communications, Graphic Design or Illustration. One of these degrees would be much more reliable in finding a creative job straight out of university.
What is your motto?
Probably Saatchi and Saatchi’s which was ‘Nothing Is Impossible’. In terms of business, always make sure you push through with your ideas and never doubt yourself. You can make it work!
Visit www.highlife-dubai.com for more information.