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Established in Brixton, 2010. In association with Brixton Art Prize & #lofipostershow

Behind The Scenes: My Perspective

A detailed account of new beginnings from Studio 73’s Creative Coordinator, Dominique de Comarmond

Creativity has been chaotic. The music industry is at a standstill, artists waiting on exhibitions and performers in limbo. During the third lockdown, all I was interested in was a job. My music was slow and so was my teaching from time to time. Writing songs was more of a chore. Singing was more for practice. I needed something consistent, a routine and something to truly show off my organisational skills. After applying for months on end, I came across a six-month part-time opportunity with Studio 73. An online gallery that truly celebrates art and deserves recognition. 

I was very nervous to start my job, just like most jobs on the first day but I also felt at ease which I’ve not really had when starting a job. Adrian was super lovely and made me feel welcome whilst detailing the ins and outs of the business. What I really liked was that even though I was new and just understanding the business as a whole, he asked for suggestions and what I think could be done which was incredibly pleasant. The thing is that I want to express my creativity and share my ideas whilst getting paid to do so.

To work for a company where ideas are barely heard from a team and creativity or originality isn’t celebrated… well that’s a no go from me. Life is too short. The 9-5 grind with teary eyes and a tired sensation is all too familiar when I walk on the street in London. I see it in people’s eyes and I read about it on social media. The innocent jokes where people post a person laughing and crying with a caption that reads ‘It’s Monday, we’re going to hell’ or something along those lines. Why must we subject ourselves to endless days of exhaustion, stress and non-existing passion? I’m okay thanks. 

Coming across Studio 73 was a godsend. Yes, a miracle. I was passionless, nearly giving up on myself to find a job even though I have a few qualifications and experience behind me. This job has given me some of the extra brightness on a sunny day. I’ve been named Creative Coordinator and I’m being told that I’ll come up with content for social media, use my creativity, show off my organisational skills and get to go out in the world and meet people. Could I ask for anything better? During the last four weeks of the job, I have learnt so much about website design on WordPress, social media analytics and trends, delving into art terms, understanding artists’ processes and incredibly with my maths illiterate brain, how to measure stuff properly. Sad, I know. 

Nonetheless, I am proud of what I have achieved so far. My organisational side of me is thanking me for putting her to a lot more use besides sorting out some photos on my computer or arranging a dentist appointment two months in advance. Things like SEO were something I never got or wanted to get but now I have through this job and have understood the importance of certain social media channels to get a message or product out there.

We’re coming to the part where the website has been updated and we can start to create content like interviewing people in Brixton about what they think art is and taking pictures of mesmerising scenes around London. We’re talking about workshops so that the community can express themselves and release themselves. I have never worked for such a non-judgmental, relaxed yet impressive business. It’s one I hope to continue to work at and to be part of its artistic, fun community and artists. 

Creativity is still chaotic four weeks after starting the job but in the best possible way. It has even motivated me to pay attention to my music again. I feel creative again, productive and assertive. I feel like I’m making use of my talents that haven’t gotten the attention they deserve. I am finally working for a business that appreciates and acknowledges this. Hey, I’m Dom, I’m the Creative Coordinator at Studio 73 in Brixton. We celebrate art, create cool content and get to have fun at work. Great huh? 

Some of Dom’s favourite artwork from Studio 73

Dominique de Comarmond

Dominique is the Creative Coordinator at Studio 73. She is originally from South Africa and is also a musician and artist known as Diascia. She loves all things art, cats and coffee.

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