somewhereto_ blog

Founded in South London in 2012, No Names Clothing have risen to establish themselves as key players in London’s next wave of urban fashion designers.

Martin Addo, Founder and Creative Director has made mistakes and learned lessons throughout his journey. 

Study the industry that you decide to go into, never walk in blindly.

We were really vulnerable when we started NNC London and were ripped off by manufactures and we didn't really know what to do with our products. I got kicked out of sixth form and went on to study fashion at Kingston College, going on to find out about the fashion industry in depth, learning about fabrics, prints, how to create garments from just a piece of fabric and gaining inspiration. I’m not saying you should go to college or uni to study fashion but definitely take time to find out about the industry so you know what you're getting yourself into.

Seek mentors. 

Try and seek someone that has been in the industry for quite some time and learn from their mistakes. Having a mentor is like having a parent, they're there to guide you and correct you when you go wrong and also to give you a boost that other people may not have. You will start to notice that you wont be making the same mistake as your peers. Think of a mentor like this: if you’re going through a road with holes in the ground and the person in front of you fell inside the hole, its likely that you would try and avoid that hole, right? Utilise your mentors as much possible and learn as much as you can from them. Try not to restrict yourself to just one mentor but seek a few, the more the better!

Your network = your net worth. 

You've probably heard or seen this before but without networking is essential. Nothing can be done solely by yourself, so jump out of your comfort zone, meet new people and progress. When we first started our brand we were afraid that people would mock us if we asked for help, because when you come from where were from in South London you don't really get people offering to help. Be optimistic and remain realistic, be continuously positive about the future but ensure all scenarios are considered.

http://nnclondon.co.uk/

nnclondon

Following our fantastic event at House of Vans in London, we’re asking young creatives from the day to share their journeys, tips and lessons. 

First up, Albert from creative collective The Bean Creative.

My name is Albert, I’m 23 years old, I produce work under the alias of Agwa and I am one of the founding members of The Bean Creative.

I think that I should state early on that I am new to this. It’s only in the last few months, since launching The Bean Creative that I have been busy working at House of Vans, The Royal Opera House, Gottwood Festival and Norwich Art Car Boot. However don’t take this as some grandeur of success, I have a day job, I am always skint and I live with my parents.

I think if I were going to give any advice it would be these five things:

1. Commit.

If you have a half arsed approach you will struggle. This is plainly due to the fact that there will be hundreds of other people working harder than you. So if you’re serious give it your all!

2. Love your community.

 A lot of the work we get at The Bean Creative is through our friends. They help us out and we help them out. Obviously we are hugely competitive and have to keep our egos in check, but generally love your friend’s work together and progress together.

3. Acknowledge that being an artist isn’t all about creating art.

Emailing, phoning and texting are all hugely important skills to gain if you are going to get opportunities.

4. Work hard, really hard. 

Try and achieve something every day. You can always push yourself further. The day ends when you go to sleep not when you get back from work.

5. Invest. 

This one sucks but it has to be done. Buy good paint, brushes, canvases, pens and sketchbooks. Get a day job and spend your money on making products and producing work.

I could be completely wrong but this is my mantra. I hope it was useful. Stay tuned with The Bean Creative and myself through our social media and website, there are many links below.

www.thebeancreative.co.uk 

Young artist looking for a space to exhibit your work in Wales? Email [email protected] and get things started.

somewhereto_FRAMED is now open for submissions in Aberystwyth! Submit your artwork to [email protected] to have your artwork featured in the windows of shop spaces across the area.

In Brighton and looking for a job? This is the perfect opportunity to create something amazing to land your perfect job.

Drop in at 102 Gloucester Road or email [email protected] to get involved!

Sometimes it’s good to look back. We’ve been helping match 16-25s with free space to do amazing things since 2012. Here’s a few highlights from along the way.

Since our funding from the Big Lottery Fund began in 2012 we’ve already made over 11,000 matches between empty spaces and young people. Needless to say, we’re incredibly excited about what comes next.

Want to find your own space to explore your project, idea or event? Head over to somewhereto.com/spaces to browse our list of available venues.

Have a short film you’d like to show in Glasgow?

Get in touch with [email protected]. Be quick - applications shut June 5th!

Name: Chanel-Monét Thomas

Social media / website links:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/el_monet

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elmonet

Instagram: www.instagram.com/el_monet

Location: Birmingham

Please let us know a bit more about what you’re currently doing and what made you want to do this?

I am a self-taught independent fashion designer based in Birmingham, my fashion brand EL MONÉT is set to launch October 2015. I got in touch with somewhereto_ as I wanted to host a model casting event to aid the search of models to work with in coming projects for my brand.  

What were you doing before you got involved with somewhereto_?

I went to university in London for two years studying theatre production, I later dropped out as I didn’t feel it was fulfilling. My love for fashion has always been at the forefront and I’m glad I chose to pursue this as a career. Since leaving university two years ago I have been on an enterprise programme, a garment pattern cutting course, attended business conferences, showcased my garments in local/off schedule fashion shows, showcased my garments at London Fashion Week and exhibited my brand at the Clothes Show Live.

How did you come across somewhereto_?

I came across somewhereto_ when a friend of mine sent me a web link to a previous conference event which I attended. I enjoyed the whole event, I was able to pitch my fashion brand to a panel of professionals and gained a substantial amount of feedback which I still refer to now.

Have you used space through somewhereto_? What did you use it for? How was this beneficial for you?

Yes I used the mac Birmingham on Sunday 19th April. I needed a space to host a model casting event for my brand EL MONÉT, both birmingham mac and somewhereto_ were very helpful and supportive of the vision I had for this event. The event went very well, all models were happy including the parents that accompanied their daughters. We had great feedback and are now in the process of going through applications to select which models are best suited to model for EL MONÉT.

What has being involved with somewhereto_ meant to you?

It has meant a lot as the mac was without a doubt the perfect venue for my event. It would have been more difficult to secure that venue without the help of somewhereto_.

What skills have you gained from your somewhereto_ journey?

-       Pitching my event to secure an venue

-       Planning an event

-       Execution of an event

Would you recommend somewhereto_ to other young people in a similar position? Why or why not?

Most definitely!

What advice would you give someone looking to do something similar?

I’d advise them to get in touch with somewhereto_ as they are supportive and are willing to help you find the best venue for your event.

We’re looking for some amazing individuals to deliver incredible events for somewhereto_ across the country!

somewhereto_ was created to help ensure a youth legacy for London 2012, and is now backed by a £7 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

somewhereto_ uses access to free space to help young people in communities across every nation and region of the UK.

Since launching in June 2010, we have negotiated over 10,000 direct matches between spaces and young people in need of space, and in the process attained a brand awareness of 31% amongst 16-25 year olds across the UK.

opportunity_

We’re recruiting a number of somewhereto_ freelancers across the UK to take on the delivery of the programme in their regions.

Have you heard of or been involved in somewhereto_ and are you interested in joining us? Then read on…

your role_

As a somewhereto_freelancer, you’ll be delivering somewhereto_ in your region for a 3 - 12 month contract.

Your role is to ensure that young people in your region know they can get the space they need to make their ideas happen through somewhereto_

To do this, you’ll need to take on a variety of roles, from engaging young people, to facilitating their experience and ensuring the somewhereto_ journey is a smooth one for both young people and space-holders.

You need to not only demonstrate your ability to fulfill this role, but to capture the development and progress that each young person makes along the way.

You’ll recruit young people and raise awareness of somewhereto_ through getting out and about to local events or engaging local universities and colleges.  You’ll be responsible for the somewhereto_twitter feed in your region. You will also use your own social media channels to reach new audiences, all the time encouraging young people to get in touch with their ideas to be matched with a space.

Young people may be matched to spaces that have already been opened by somewhereto_, but you’ll also need to unlock new spaces, especially if you’re delivering in a new area.

You’ll be a natural mobiliser, with the ability to work with young people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Most importantly, you will have the initiative to get things done and an ability to work flexibly and adapt to meet the needs of young people on their somewhereto_ journey.

Skills and experience_

As a somewhereto_freelancer, you’ll demonstrate a deep understanding and knowledge of somewhereto_ gained from your interest in the programme, through having accessed space or attending an event.

Ideally, you’ll have a large, engaged network of peers, and are likely to have experience of running your own regular events or creative activity.

You can demonstrate strong organisational skills and the ability to not only work well with your peers, but to communicate with somewhereto_ stakeholders at all levels.

You’ll have good knowledge of your region, and the opportunities and challenges it could present for your delivery.  

Strong and confident negotiation skills are essential, enabling you to unlock new spaces.

You’ll be able to develop partnerships that will maximise the positive outcomes of your delivery.

You’re a creative thinker, with an ability to think of new and innovative ways to engage 16-25 year olds with the offer of somewhereto_

You’ll appreciate the importance of good data management and have good attention to detail, ensuring you’re able to capture accurate data to be fed back to the BIG Lottery Fund.

Ideally, this opportunity would be for someone who’s had some form of involvement with somewhereto_ or has a deep understanding of the programme.

Interested_

We’re currently looking for somewhereto_freelancers across the UK. Do you think young people in your region could benefit from accessing disused space? Do you know an abundance of young people who have ideas to get off the ground and do not have the space to do so? Are you a young person yourself that would be able to change the lives of hundreds of young people in your area with the help of somewhereto_? We are currently looking for freelancers in the North West, North East, Wales, London and beyond.

Fee_ you will be contracted to 3 – 12 months, with a set fee and monthly allowance for expenses.

Send us your CV with a short cover letter telling us why you should deliver somewhereto_ in your region. We want to hear your ideas, your experience, what networks of young people you have at your fingertips, and most importantly, your passion for somewhereto_

Send us photos of your events, links to videos, links to your website, blogs you’ve written. Bring it to life.

We’re taking applications on a rolling basis, so get yours over to Gillian Jackson, somewhereto_ Account Manager [email protected]

Want to take the next steps in your music career?

somewhereto_ in association with Syco Entertainment are working with professional talent scouts to co-host master-classes and workshops to help 16-25 year olds establish best practices and skills for artist evolution.

Upcoming events:

Glasgow - Wednesday 22 April

Manchester - Friday 8 May

London - June (date TBC)

Need a space to rehearse and perform - completely free of charge? somewhereto_ can help you!

Click here to find venues from all across the UK, or contact your local somewhereto_ rep here.

Syco Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment business is focused on the production and marketing of music, television, film and digital content.

Yup. Take it in. somewhereto_ have officially reached the grand old milestone of 10,000 space matches.

Since beginning life in 2010 we’ve been on a mission to open up spaces of all shapes and sizes for young people aged 16-25 to pursue their ambitions ideas and projects. 

It’s been a crazy journey and we’re over the moon to announce that we’ve reached such a colossal milestone! But enough from us. We’re handing this blog over to Rob Howell, RDP in the North West who made the very first match happen and Katie Harling, a young artist who became space match number 10,000.

Rob Howell - Space match #1

Alexandra was part of a group of photography students from Burnley who needed a location for a fashion shoot. Working with the college fashion students they wanted something with atmosphere and a bit of glamour. somewhereto_NW managed to secure a day for them in the Burnley Mechanics, a grand Victorian building in the centre of town built for the education and improvement of the poor cotton weavers. It is now owned by Burnley Leisure Trust and is used as a concert hall, theatre and arts space. There was panic on the day as they couldn't get the door open and after some confusion everyone had to pile in round the back. It all worked out well and everyone got what they wanted

Katie Harling - Space match #10,000

I regularly use somewhereto_ space for rehearsal’s and devising when developing new work or have a performance upcoming. It is always beneficial to have a rehearsal space that is so close to where I am based and is free.

somewhereto_ have helped me develop my image and media skills as an emerging artist and have offered me rehearsal and performance spaces. 

To get in touch and request a space of your own head over to somewhereto.com/spaces!

Want to hone your entrepreneurial skills?

Supa Academy in conjunction with Young Rewired State, Camden Collective and ourselves present Retail Hack 1.0!

Looking for something big to kickstart your 2015? Our good friends at Bootstrap Co. want you to know about their fantastic Enterprise Bootcamp!

On January 20th 2015, Bootstrap in partnership with Peabody is launching a six-week ‘Enterprise Bootcamp’ to help local, young entrepreneurs aged 18-24 start their own enterprises. Participants will receive free studio space, 1-2-1 business mentoring, enterprise masterclasses, accredited awards in project management and access to one of Hackney's most dynamic creative communities – Bootstrap!

For more information and to apply to Enterprise Bootcamp click here.

Are you an enthusiastic person with strong networks of young people in your local area? Or have you accessed space with somewhereto_ and would love to deliver the same opportunity to your peers?

somewhereto_ helps young people access space. We’ve received a £7m grant from the Big Lottery Fund in December 2012 to support our UK-wide expansion over the following four years. We offer help to both young people looking for space and local space-holders interested in giving space, striving to help every young person who comes to us, to gain access to an appropriate space or opportunity for their needs.

somewhereto_ is now recruiting a freelancer to join the team and create innovative and exciting events that help promote space opportunities for young people.

Looking for that perfect Christmas gift? We've got you covered! Our very own Joe and Esther are here for a guest blog on the wonderful gifts produced by somewhereto_ alumni!

One of the many great things about somewhereto_ is that we get to shine a light on young people who are making genuinely interesting stuff. 

Through our flagship events somewhereto_startup andsomewhereto_create, we find that lots of young people are itching to make things, and through the offer of free work space, we support them in doing so.

With Christmas just around the corner we thought we’d introduce a few gift ideas that have jumped off the page at us recently from our network of somewhereto_ young people:

Think on your feet with Sock it to You

Solomon Sanderson first got involved at somewhereto_startup in 2013. He pitched his sock selling social enterprise and has been very involved ever since. Having made use of a number of selling opportunities here in London, Sock it to You continues to move from strength to strength, with 15% of each sale going to support sickle cell research.

@sockittoyou1

http://www.sockittoyou.eu/

Share amazing blends with Bluebird Tea Co

Mike and Krissi have been working with us since somewhereto_startup in 2012. Their unique blends of tea grabbed our attention and from that moment on they’ve not only been selling tea at markets and as part of somewhereto_ campaigns, but have also been regularly invited back to serve up their concoctions at our events too.

@Bluebirdteaco

http://bluebirdteaco.com/

Enjoy a unique urban lens with Cheism

Che Kumar is a young illustrator based in London. His focus is on landmarks and recognisable places which he skillfully brings to life with coloured biros. He has been involved in numerous somewhereto_ projects including curating our exhibition at John Lewis on Oxford Street during the Olympics as well as exhibiting as part of our summer campaign and at Boxpark. His clients include ITV, Westminster City Council and Merlin Entertainment

@cheismcity

https://www.etsy.com/shop/cheism

Get powerful Lips with MDMFlow

Florence Adepoju is a cosmetic entrepreneur. She attended somewhereto_startup in 2013, pitching her business MDMFlow through which she applies skills learnt on her cosmetology course to create ‘hip hop inspired’ lipsticks. Florence hosted a crowdfunding campaign with one of the prizes being the opportunity for winners to create their own lipsticks with her. Nice!

@MDMflow

http://mdmflow.bigcartel.com/

Enjoy some clever ink with Clare Corfield Carr

Clare was one of the winners of our John Lewis gallery competition in 2013. Her work was exhibited there for a week and then she got involved with our summer campaign, where she also showcased pieces. She’s an illustrator who creates murals, framed pieces, cards, gifts and apparel.

@ClareRCarr

https://www.etsy.com/shop/clarecorfieldcarr

Got an itch to try something new?

somewhereto_ helps young people access space. We’ve received a £7m grant from the Big Lottery Fund in December 2012 to support our UK-wide expansion over the following four years. We offer help to both young people looking for space and local space-holders interested in giving space, striving to help every young person who comes to us, to gain access to an appropriate space or opportunity for their needs.

We're on the look out for a range of roles to help us continue to deliver amazing work across the country. 

Positions:

Programme Director / Business Director

Senior Programme Manager

Freelance Delivery Partner

Online Producers and Assistant Producers

Account Manager (Brand)

Digital Project Coordinator

Off the back of somewhereto_startup, we're helping Mous find space to kickstart their business.

Mous are on a mission to eliminate tangled earphones from your life! Co-founder James gives us the lowdown and some advice for budding entrepreneurs:

"Mous Musicase is the world’s smallest iPhone case that holds Apple headphones. It might seem like a fun idea at the time to use your bedroom as a office to support a team of entrepreneurs. If your business is going to be a success you are setting yourself up for problems. Is your girlfriend likely to want to stay or to become a budding co-founder? Where do you put yet another parcel? What corner of the room will a new hire work? Get used to stepping on plugs. A BETTER IDEA... call somewhereto_!"

London young creatives and entrepreneurs, join us on Wednesday during Global Entrepreneurship Week for a marketing and Branding workshop, led by somewhereto_ Account Director, Athena Simpson. 

FREE tickets here!

  somewhereto_ Account Director, Athena Simpson, teaches the basics of great brands, introduces you to the roots of marketing and leads you through exercises to develop your brand's identity. 

  Gain the resources and tips to help you grow your business. 

  This workshop is aimed at anyone who would like to better understand marketing and how they can start to build their own personal brand. With increasing competition in the marketplace to get recognised, it's important to understand how to stand out! Learning the basics about brand basics, marketing and PR will arm you with knowledge you need to get ahead with your project, job search or business. Whether you're an artist or a young entrepreneur, getting started early on your brand identity and marketing will set you up for success!