jack oughton – 21.03.11 - something different in haringey.pdf
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Jack Oughton – 21.03.11 – There’s Something Different in Haringey.
Nestled in the flourishing cultural hub of The Bernie Grants Art Centre in Tottenham, you’ll find a little paint-‐stained treasure. Not quite a design firm, not quite an art studio, Different Prints is a quirky mix of both, fusing old world painted fabrics with cutting edge digital tricks.
The studio is almost a work of art in itself. A wonderful explosion of color, pop art, eastern philosophical imagery and mechanical objects. Paint stains the floor and the room feels alive with new work and creativity. As I enter, head honcho Andreas ushers me through the wonderful chaos over to a spot where the computer sits and begins to tell me the story of this eclectic organization.
Started by in early 2009, the company is now going strong. Its accomplishments so far have included national exposure on the People’s Supermarket, which aired on Channel 4. Different Prints designed the signage and the visual branding used by the food cooperative and both companies found that they shared a similar outlook.
Different Prints gained further national exposure during the Obama Inauguration by designing and displaying an iconic mural of the new president which was shown on the BBC News. It was later purchased by a private buyer.
Andreas’ story is something of an inspiration to struggling creatives everywhere. He’s a Tottenham resident, who ‘escaped’ a corporate design job when he found himself deeply unsatisfied with his work. This drastic change came in response to a searching question he asked himself one day; why couldn’t he be creatively fulfilled and still make a living? Turns out that he could; “I believed that as long as I did what I believed in, my belief would carry me through”
Andreas believes that although Tottenham has something of a bad reputation from the outside, the impression of residents is positive. He sees it as part of his role an artist to present a positive image of the borough and encourages others to do the same, however they can.
So, what’s next for Different Prints? Well, for a start the development of an eco friendly clothing range based around their philosophy. I got to sneak at a preview of the shirts that they were working on, which was exciting (I can’t say much more!). More personally, Andreas is looking to exhibit his own artwork at a gallery. Though times are hard on small businesses at the moment, when asked, he was optimistic for the future. “Onwards and upwards!”
More colorful things are brewing at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre..
See more at http://www.differentprints.co.uk/