MODELS OF PRACTICE: RICHARD KEARNS

The key aims for this session was to get us to think more about the creative industry and do further research into what it can offer, also to look into models of practice throughout our university experience.

A model of practice is an established ‘way of working’ which can be used to ‘model’ our own practice on. In other words models of practice is all about learning and observing a person's technique, behaviour and style, therefore adapting it to your own practice.

Research is the foundation of models of practice, there are two main ways of collecting research:

Primary Research (research which you conduct yourself):

• Interviewing someone in industry (in person, via email, via skype)

• Assisting or shadowing someone in their role to gain insight

• Visiting someone in their studio or other place or work

Secondary Research (research or content made by other people):

• Reading Books or other literature

• Watching Films

• Attending workshops / instructional sessions talks, seminars and Q&As

Reviewing and critiquing films on Industry

Most creatives can talk about their work with their intentions and motivation. It's important to understand that it's a fundamental part of any creative practice. People want to see the story behind your work and want to see you through it.

Stookie

Stookie is a lifestyle brand that captures sound, vision and play as their main focus which translates into music, art and fashion.

Nadia Abbas is a jewellery technician for the brand and she tried to find a job in the jewellery industry but found out that it was pretty much closed doors so she teamed up with Luke Hippolyte and Quincey Williams to create their own brand.

Unfortunately Quincey passed away and they took a break from the business, but Luke and Nadia carried on again creating a collection in Quincey's name. They also gained another member Bosola.

One thing I learned from this video was that they always start with lots of research, compiling mood boards, references and then each person shares their ideas with the rest of the team.

Luke works as a DJ and he gathers inspiration from travelling and exploring but also experimenting with different sounds. Doing this works for the brand because it is a way of engaging with the audience and building connections.

Even though they weren't a big brand they were able to get offers from names such as Topman, Adidas, V&A and Tate.