Met Paul through mutual friends at Kouch Culture - super mellow, thoughtful, and always enjoy hearing his POV on the things we talk about. He brings a strong take on culture that feels considered and real, which makes every conversation a good one. Would love the opportunity to work together and tap into that thinking more, as well as just have more of those great conversations.
How would you describe yourself, and what drives you?ArtDirectionDesignWhatever… A Creative that works across Moving Image & print, and everything in between…
What pivotal moments have shaped your journey so far?
Losing both my parents as a young teenager…
Going to Art School
Joining MTV
What is your relationship with Rosie Lee, Unorthodox Blend, and/or Mark & Russell?
My relationship with Mark (Chop) came about from being a member/contributor to Kouch Culture. A virtual gathering of authenticators from around the globe who are fluent in the intersection of culture, media, and tech.
What has come out of any relationship and collaborations?
Expanding my horizons, gaining new insights, knowledge and learning.
What does being unorthodox mean to you in your work?
Breaking convention - working with a combination of intuition, play and intellectually peripatetic storytelling.
What beliefs have guided you through tough decisions?
Intuition, Play and staying true to the essence of the person, product, brand, campaign or thing.
What challenge in your field of work is often overlooked?
The idea. Technology and trend often more times than not, usurping the idea.
How do you balance creativity with structure / order with chaos?
Time forms the structure. By creating a system of “organized freedom,” where structure acts as a container or a boundary “riverbanks” that gives creative energy direction and flow, rather than restricting it. The trick is straddling both, keeping that space, that tension.
What cultural shifts are you noticing in your field of work?
The cultural shift for me that I’ve noticed is the ‘Human Backlash’ where authenticity, imperfection over the precision of cold AI and highly polished imagery.
Unorthodox If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be?
Being able to play a musical instrument.
What’s one experience everyone should have at least once?
Love
What has inspired you lately?
‘Pluribus’ (Apple TV),
An alien virus unites humanity into a contented, peaceful hive mind - “The Joined”, eliminating conflict, sadness, and individuality, replacing them with universal “artificial bliss”. Leaving our protagonist Carol an author, one of five people not affected by the virus to navigate a lonely existence, trying to keep her sanity while resisting assimilation.
‘Distracted’ - Thundercat, (Brainfeeder)
Returning after six years with a new album ‘Distracted,’ Just brilliant, such vibe, worth the wait... Standout track - “She knows too much” featuring Mac Miller
‘Lanny’ - Max Porter (faber & faber)
A novel that combines experimental prose, folklore, and domestic drama to depict the disappearance of a young boy in an English village. The narrative, featuring the mythical spirit Dead Papa Toothwort, delves into themes of modern life versus nature, parental anxiety, and community suspicion. The way sections of the ‘Dead Papa Toothwort dialogue in the way they’re typeset really drew me in…
What advice would you give to young people starting out in their career?
Be Open… Be Playful… Be Honest… Be a (Cultural) Sponge…
How can people connect with you, get involved or take part in any of the projects you’ve highlighted above?
Website: 1459ldn.com