Taking out the Trash....

So apparently there are sales on at the moment?! I beg to differ. I ventured to the shops boxing day & today (second chances & all that) was whole heartidly disappointed. Through the crowds of over eager shoppers, legging clad beauties and neon sale signs I found nout - I went home with a cold credit card & an insane motivation to find bargains! So I hit the internet.

Here I found wonders of delight & one of my new found faves is a lushous place called 'Divine Trash.' Ok so not necessarily brand new talent but their site hosts fabulous items that suit any season....I also big them up as I am hoping they will kindly donate items to my fashion shoot at the end of Jan!! Wink wink nudge nudge.


But really, check them out. They actually have a S-A-L-E. Genius at this time of year.

www.divinetrash.co.uk

And a happy New Year......

What is the blog going to offer you in the New Year?!  Well we can promise more fashion tit bits, thoughts of the creative mind, tips and tricks, a dare to miss diary of must know creative events plus some steaming Hot Topics.  We will also be keeping a close eye on talent to look out for in 2009.....look out for an overweight, mince pied up, too much Christmas Cheer FAT BLOG!

Want to get naked?  Want to be exposed as a new talent to look out for?  Get in touch - carli@carli-art.co.uk / pr@fattalent.com

Music, Fashion, Art, young persons event to shout about - Want it listed?  Get in touch - 

carli@carli-art.co.uk / pr@fattalent.com

Want to see something on the Fat Blog, want us to nosey through a celebs fridge or start talking politics?  Let us know people!!  carli@carli-art.co.uk / pr@fattalent.com

Chri$tmas Gift.....

So beneath the Crimbo cheer of Mince Pies, copious amounts of Mulled Wine, eating your way through a family sized tin of Quality street and pretending to your Gran that yes you really did like that knitted Rudolph jumper.....there is the worry that next year may seriously be a financial struggle.  I certainly am wondering where my next job is coming from & my aim to increase my fashion portfolio although heart felt & much needed is also an expensive experience.  (I do try to stick to a budget, honest!)  

Anyway as a gift this Christmas the AOP and BIPP have got together to offer some affordable half day seminars that will give you some guidance as a freelancer in this difficult time, with professional speakers and an evening portfolio review.  Check out their New Year cheer @ www.bipp.com and sigh a breath of relief as you can be sure you are not the only one who is just a little bit anxious right now!

(Image courtesy of www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/gri/lowres/grin5211)

       

www.kaytirocks.com

AS PROMISED>>>>XMAS FAT CHAT....KAYTI PESCHKE

So....as promised here it is, the Crimbo special Fat Chat.  We are talking to Kayti Peschke a fashion photographer who loves to go bright & bold and is also partial to a bit of TV....she will be appearing in Colleens Real Women on ITV2 in the New Year.  Keep those Pinkies peeled!

Name: Kayti Peschke

Age: 27

Occupation: Photographer

Links: http://www.kaytirocks.com

Welcome Kayti!  So where are you right now? (Other than emailing me, clearly!)

I am in capetown shooting for 12 days.  I work here quite a lot and its a great place to shoot & hang out.

How did you get started in fashion photography?

My dad is an amazing fashion photographer so i have always been around the industry growing up.  I started assisting from a young age which got me thrown in at the deep end.  I just loved the industry so it al just happened very naturally.

Your style is very electric and combines photography, some awesome styling and punchy graphics - do you work alone?

I am lucky enough to work with some amazing stylists and digital artists who can share my vision from the ideas stage right through to the finished shots; who embrace my ideas but also make it their own.  This often throws things into the mix that are totally unexpected which I love!  I adore collaborating with people who don't hold back and really go for it.  Namalee Bolle from Super super magazine is amazing to work with and i love the editorials we have done together.

Who do you seek inspiration from?

David LaChappelle, amazing locations, excited conversations with my favorite style Karen Russell - we have endless lists of test to do!  My boyfriend is very inspirational too, he is a bmx-er and he always seems to find really cool locations for me when he is out and about and his stories from road trips in the US are making us plan a few months out there next year.  I can shoot and he can ride.  Of course, my dad is always inspiring me with his amazing shoots, I am always jealous!  

Is your personal sense o style as eye catching as your images?

I think the colourful and fun aspet shows in my own personal style, i love cute short dresses with lots of ghetto gold, hot pink lips and always something in my hair - big flowers, birds, netting!!  I like to shop at Vintage markets, the hight street and car boots.  Oh and horseshoes, I am mad about anything with horseshoes on it!

Camera Equipment?

My digital Canon but i have a whole host of vintage camera's - I will shoot film whenever possible and can always be found at car boot sales hunting for cameras to play with!

Lace: Fashion or Fouxpass?

I am in love with a paid of fingerless lace gloves at the moment so fashion!

What is on the Top shelf of your fridge?

Loads of old, out of date polaroid film and condiments - i love sauces with everything!!

Loo Roll - Recycled, quilted or just plain old Andrex?

Ur, Tesco's own, with Aloe Vera!

Big hands up and a lacey wave of thanks to Kayti!  Check out her website and look out for that appearance with Colleen.

Merry Xmas one and all, hope the interview has left your thirsty for more in the New Year!

Get Your Indie Short Screened!!!

Pictish Productions Ltd. is accepting zero and nano budget shorts on a rolling basis to possibly be included in a screening in Edinburgh. Pictish Productions Ltd. is a Scottish company based in Edinburgh. The programme is focused on growing the Scottish film industry but hopes to do this by making ties around the world. So EVERYONE is eligible to send in a film.

Entries can be uploaded into this facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40845714987 or can be sent to Pictish Productions Ltd., 93-95 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DJ. Entries which are sent in should be in PAL format on either miniDV or DVD.

The programme is new so no screenings are yet scheduled but as soon as there are enough entries Pictish Productions Ltd. will annouce the dates of the first screening. There are plans to have industry professionals on hand to advise new filmmakers on how to make a transition from guerrila to professional filmmaking.

focus xxx

Just Picture it.....

Ladies and Gentleman Fat Talent Live on Sunday proved to be an amazing evening and truly showed off the hard work of all at Fat Talent in 2008, it finishes the year on a truly positive note.  The artists and fashion designers topped the night and now you can see the images.......

http://www.flickr/photos/fattalentcarliart2008/

Please note technical difficulties so all 182 images are available on www.carli-art.co.uk.  Only 92 images have uploaded to Flickr.  Login for the gallery on carliart is fattalent, password is fattalent.

PS: Thanks for the thanks Future! ;-)

COUNTING DOWN...

Pictures by Carli-Art from Fat Talent Live Dec will soon be ready on www.flickr.com/photos/fattalentcarliart2008/

Midnight tomorrow, here's counting down.....

Good bye Fat Talent 08

Alas we have exhibited the last Fat Talent of the year. It's been a long year and one where our paths have crossed with many a talented people, from those that get on stage and deliver superb performances, to those behind the scenes striving for a good show and performances.

Fat Talent LIVE is an event with real love for music. We love nothing better than giving artists the platform to showcase what they have. So next year, Fat Talent LIVE promises to be even bigger. We promise to have more satisfied artists, more satisfied audiences and more fantastic events.

For 2008 we must say a few thank you's of course:

Ady - Great leader great inspiration and great dedication to emerging talent. Without her none of this happens. Also good at laying down the law (LOL)

DJ Chef - Resident host. Sharp and always ready to adapt to any situation. Great on the decks. Also fantastic array of scarf’s and hats (LOL)

Yolande - (Love Genevieve) Our resident fashion expert. Great passion for fashion, lovely person and always full of great ideas. Can also be counted on to bring a nice array of models (wink wink)

Keji - Event co-ordinator. Great professional and well organised. Always ready to lend a hand and ensure the show runs smoothly. Is also really good at rolling her eyes (LOL)

Carli - Our newest member and great addition to the team. Has great ideas, great photographer and is also our editor in Chief for the Fat Blog. This being the case we can see that there may have been some mild censoring going on. Carli is the Greatest, Carli rules. What would we do without Carli? Oh Carli we luv ya. (LOL)

Emmanuel - Our resident sound engineer. Well there is nothing more to say than he is great. Flawless professional and all round nice guy. Also the highest earner in Fat Talent. (LOL)
Oh and then there’s me - who am I? Well I'm future of course. A beautiful cog in the beautiful machine we call Fat Talent.

THIS IS FAT TALENT LIVE SIGNING OUT FOR 2008. PEACE.

FAT TALENT LIVE - TONIGHT!

Fat Talent Live is tonight so don't hesitate to get down there & help celebrate a fantastic Year.  Plus.....all pictures taken on the evening will be available at our Flickr gallery!! Have you been papped?!  

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fattalentcarliart2008/

The Inheritance Out on DVD!

     This story should be inspiring for new independent filmmakers starting out in the business. As you all know, independent film has largely been infiltrated by studios and big business, making it even harder for filmmakers starting out. So when The Inheritance, a road movie set in Scotland’s west coast, won the 2007 British Independent Film Awards Raindance Award, it was a victory for truly independent filmmaking. Shot in 11 days on a budget of £5000, Producer Tim Barrow and Director Charles Henri-Belleville and their cast and crew proved what people have been saying for years, that new technology evens the playing field for new talent needing a first break. It is no longer necessary to convince someone else to believe in you, when you can simply believe in yourself. Tim and the team carried this self belief straight through the process beginning to end, declining industry help in distributing the film, opting to do it himself. Contacting cinemas directly and utilising the growing network of cinemas with digital projectors, he was able to circumvent the need for expensive prints and bring the film to a number of audiences in the UK, particularly Scotland. According to Tim ‘filmmakers know what is best for the film’ and are best placed to choose ‘the right path for the film’. 

 

     Though the film appeals mostly to a Scottish audience, EVERY filmmaker entering the business should buy the DVD version of the film even if it is just to watch the documentary included with the film that shows how they made such a well received film on such a low budget.

http://www.theinheritancethemovie.com

Enjoy!

focus xxx

Show your support for emerging talent - This Sunday!!

The fattest of talent – we come to you LIVE
With singers, designers, poets and bunch of other guys
To entertain YOU the public on this very special night
It’s the last of the year so we plan to do it right
But you know us, we aim to please and never disappoint
Bringing the freshest of acts on a monthly basis
Some regular acts along with some fresh faces
We search far and wide with diversity of races
Where they grace the catwalk and strut their stuff
Or a spoken word poet tells us how times are tough
But no gun talk round here - we promote positivity
Supporting artists to ensure their longevity
We have talent of high calibre on our website too
So make sure you don’t miss out, its all there for you
Please join us for the show – we know it’s gonna be great
Wishing you a very Merry Xmas & farewell to you all for 2008
(courtesy of the annonymous poet)

DATE: Sun 14th Dec.

TIME: 07.:00 - 10:30 pm

PLACE: Inn On The Green,
3-5 Thorpe Close,
(Nr. tube Ladbroke Grove)
London W10 5XL

CONTACT: info@fattalent.com

Coming over all sheepish....

Where are you?! 

I myself am enjoying this blog and would like to think that some people, somewhere out there are too.  So, if you are one of the people logging on and seeing what we have to offer please FOLLOW our blog.  Add yourself to the list and show your support for The Fat Blog and all that is supporting emerging UK talent.  Plus, if you have opinions or comments about our blog then let us know - its all for you baby all for you!

So pull on those pink ears, that fluffy white tail and declare all that is sheepish.....follow the Fatness.........

Dare to Miss it.....

We at the Fat Blog are introducing Events listing's plus news and reviews on creative happenings and all things related to the promotion of young talented UK individuals.  Look out for what's coming up in our "Dare to miss Diary".......

Want your event listed?  Got something you think our audience would want to know about? Get in touch.  carli@carli-art.co.uk / pr@fattalent.com

ART ATTACK......

Terrorism has hit the headlines again, the brutal and hunger driven acts of violence in Mumbai are on the news daily & it serves as a reminder of 9/11 and other warfare situations. This issue has got us at the Fat Blog thinking about Terrorism and Art; and this is what we came up with.......

FUSION

Terrorism: A terroristic method of governing or of resisting government.

Initially when given this months Hot Topic title, i was stumped. How on earth was I going to relate fashion to terrorism? Then it came to me...war on terror?... 2 years ago I had already embarked on a war of my own albeit non violent. My war is against the mass market, the mainstream and what I really hope to do is lead the campaign for individual style. I want people to 'join the rebellion' against formulaic fashion ideas and dare to be different. The Urban Warfare brand was created for individuals who have refused to accept society's authoritarian structure, challenging it with a stylistic war. The label strikes a balance between creativity & wear ability offering a palate of old, existing new materials for men and women. Individuality is the motif of the Urbane Warfare spirit.......

Enquiries: urbanewarfare@live.co.uk

FOCUS

Are films about terrorism productive in a time when the world is experiencing such turmoil? Some would say that film should reflect the cold reality of world, but is that really a good thing?

Many terrorists who attack the Western world do so becasue of a desire to get attention. Would it not follow then, that paying such attentions to acts of terrorism in such a glamorous form as Hollywood film, only serves to increase this over blown sense of importance that terrorists feel when they commit such horrible acts? Bilal Abdulla the NHS doctor who is on trial for bombing Glasgow airport snd attempting to set off a bomb in London's Haymarket admitted, that under UK law he was a terrorist and that his intention was to change peoples opinions through the use of terrorist acts. Why would Abdulla think this was the only way to get our attention?

Observing our culture from the outside, we appear to consider terrorism entertaining in that we produce & watch so many violent films. Could this be the reason why people from 'outside' think this is the best way to get our attention? Something to think about....

FOTO

Art & Visual imagery articulate and study many political or current affairs from varying & often daring viewpoints across the world. The 'Street Art' exhibition @ the Tate Modern showed a giant print on the front of the building by artist JR - a black man holding a video camera like a loaded gun pointed straight at the visitors gazing across the river.

This photograph caused such controversy that onlookers unable to look past their blinkered vision of a stereotype & see 'the weapon' for what it really was, attacked the image by throwing anything & everything they could at it. It then stood as a tattered and torn commercial for the aggression that they were trying to protest against.

Ironic? Hypercritical An accepted reaction? You decide.

(Image courtesy of londonist.com)

DAISY

A world of uncertainty, fear & loathing has become too apparent throughout the years once we could easily breath with little effort, talk freely without fear. If you say to someone in the street, in a cab or plane or on the bus 'terrorist' you can almost see their spine curl with terror. That one word is petrifying. Not only do you associate it with utter fear and your most horrific living nightmare, you associate it with ridicule, pain, deceit and devastation. Indeed if anything, the terrorist itself has already achieved something by the name it has been given and the fear that strikes? Terrorism is about destructing the heart of a nation, a community. By tearing away the chain that intertwines a close net circle the terrorist has not only broken the trust but added insult to injury by act of humiliation. The only possible reasoning with ourselves to justify how badly damaged our live have become is to stand still & remember who we are,what we believe in and to understand that thousands have fought for us to be here today. They didn't give in and neither shall we.

"They may have our lives but they will never take our freedom"

FABULUSO

I remember sitting in my school drama lesson watching a group act out a play about bullying. The bully made an imaginary gun sign to the victim to show her & us she was dead. All of us laughed at this point, it was just innocent. A couple of weeks ago Rachel Hylton made a gun gesture on the X factor. She was told off for doing this as it may have portrayed her (and ITV!) as a violent person or could have been linked with accepting terrorist activity or behavior. I do not know how this assumption was made by some people/ Someone like her does not scream 'violence' or 'terrorism' to me. Apart from the terrorism changing hum action, rights and responsibilities & the film industry with movies like 'Vantage Point', the music industry has also been affected. Celebrities such as British rap star M.I.A have been accused of supporting terrorism due to the gunshots and iconography in her song 'Paper Planes'. While on Amazon one can purchase an album of hip hop against terrorism. This is surprising; as a rule, rappers are known for their bling jewellery, cars and women. Standing against world threats does not usually come into it. This highlightas the fact that in today's world, even the creative industries and its individuals may feel that they will be harmed if they do not take an active, public standing against terrorism......so now being creative has a whole new meaning!

(Image courtesy of weblogs.elearning.ubc.ca/ross/HipHipVwar.)

ART ATTACK......

Our HOT TOPIC this month is Terrorism - 

No hassle, no hold backs, no nonsense opinions and reviews from a creative perspective.  Look out for it this weekend.........

(Image courtesy of www.vision.org)

Chain Reaction.....

Get yourself a profile on http://www.linkedin.com/home to get connected to other artists around you....maybe you'll see one of us around!

Privileged Rappers Can Do It Too

William Farland is of Afro Caribbean origin and wasn’t exactly raised in what you would call, an urban environment. However, William feels that he is ready to make changes in the urban game and you don’t have to be from “da endz” to be hip (he actually used the word hip). Even those from a posh upbringing can bring it apparently. Below is a snippet of a verse from his latest track.

I’m as fly as a bal loon
As nuts as a bab boon
Got five fingers ready to fight doom
I’m prepared as danger looms
I’ll fight with crazy spoons
Keep my top dropped in anticipation of cash booms
Hail my crazy toons
Loved by crazy fools
I’m out her with the ambition to jump.......
Uh..... in deep pools?

William was only available for a quick chat before he stormed down the road armed with nothing but his verses, a cap twisted to the side and a wallet full of credit cards spiting his version of knowledge to all that would listen.

Next week, pics of Will Farland a.k.a Da Big F and news of his wacky album and his opinion on the state of the game (By this he means the music industry. Right?)

Fat Chat meets .....the talented Miss Freechyld

Name: Bonnie Freechyld

Age: 12 at heart!!

Occupation: Singer/Songwriter

Links: www.myspace.com/bonniefreechyld

http://www.facebook.com/wall.php?id=1113246346&banter_id=832975264#/pages/Bonnie-Freechyld/7662803623

"Hey Bonnie it was great to have you bless the stage at the last Fat Talent LIVE…….what can we expect from your eagerly anticipated album debut?"
"Thanks, it was a pleasure being there! Ah you know the album should be interesting…I’m working with some great producers (Asavior, Darren Martyn, Lakeside, Kensaye, Will Aleyne just to name a few) so it should be a really eclectic album, but the heart of it based on neo-soul, with a bit of funk and some hip hop beats thrown in there"!

"What 3 pieces of advice do you have for the legions of budding Musicians out there?"
"Haha! I’m terrible with advice…hmm ok lemme think about what I wish I had known"….

1. Keep going and NEVER EVER give up! Have a thirst for musical knowledge, it should be like a degree, research! Keep up to date with what is selling, so that you are in the know, experiment with different genres and listen to as many genres as you can! Country music is fabulous lyrically for songwriting, and funk is great because looking back you’ll find that sooo many genres came from funk!

2. Make sure you have a close team, that are there for you, no matter what, to support you when you’re down, and that you know you can trust! Not only does this ensure your focus, but it can protect you from all the sharks that are in this industry!

3. Set goals and deadlines for yourself. When you have to be two people; you at your day job, and then the fabulous you at your music career, it can be difficult to keep up the momentum of all the hard work you have to put in to get the whole music thing going!

"Looking into your crystal ball, aside from the album release, what does 2009 hold in store?"
"Oooh…so much excitement! I’m going to do a trip to Malaysia, to work with an AMAZING producer there, some of which will probably go on the album, but there’s a couple of artists out there that I’ll also be collaborating with, really talented people that have a lot of success already throughout Asia. Writing for other people, films television etc is looking very good at this stage…can’t say too much about that yet though ;) I’ll be performing of course, hopefully once the album is done I’ll have time to do a lot more of that! 2009 is going to be insanely busy – I can feel it! The work is mounting and mounting – kind of scary but I’m so looking forward to doing things like touring and promoting"!

"Where can we catch your next live performance?"
My last one for this year will be on the 16th of December at a Bar called HALO in Battersea; they actually won the INDY Awards 2008 for best bar!
Halo Bar
317 Battersea Park Road
SW11 4LT

It’s free before 7.30pm and £5 after..and I’ll be doing 2 sets from around 8pm!

"Myspace or Facebook? "
"Both!"
www.myspace.com/bonniefreechyld
and
http://www.facebook.com/wall.php?id=1113246346&banter_id=832975264#/pages/Bonnie-Freechyld/7662803623

"In all honesty, myspace is the best for music (I’ve gotten many a collaboration from there), although facebook is definitely catching up and I think will probably be THE place for music at some point in the not so distant future! (watch this space huh!) "

"And last but not least…….a lifetimes supply of chocolate or world peace? "
"World peace of course…! I can buy my own chocolate ;)"

Interview: Fusion

COMING SOON.....

• Hot Topic - A quick snippet from each of our bloggers about the chosen hot topic - Terrorism!  How can art / fashion / music interpret or cast opinion on this current subject.
  
• Special Fat Crimbo Chat - An extra special interview with a fashion photographer that you won't want to miss!!

All this before 20th December - oh yes!!

Vintage Veteran.....Sat 6th Dec.

Ok so I am probably the last one to hear about this so excuse the late excitement but check out the below link for a vintage fashion fair to make your eyes twinkle and your purse strings happily un-tying themselves.....bring flat shoes, i think you may need them!

http://www.angels.uk.com/sale.html

ASPIRING DESIGNER?

Skins 3 is coming soon, and the Skins creators are looking for some bright young things to help them with a very special project. Calling all fashion fiends! Fancy styling the cast for the online mini-episode? Skins are looking for a costume designer to lead the costume design for the mini episode and style and/or design costumes for the Skins cast. If you’re chosen for this amazing opportunity, you will be involved in the process from day one. You will attend the set of Skins series 3 for a week where you will get to meet the Skins costume designer and pick up valuable experience. You will then meet up with the Skins team during the planning and designing period. Don’t worry if this is all new to you – Skins prides itself on spotting and nurturing new talent, and will be there to support you every step of the way. Filming will take place over four days and you will attend the full shoot to witness filming and make any final tweaks to the costumes. Entrants need to pick a character from two choices provided on e4.com and design their costume.

For full details and to enter visit http://www.e4.com/skins/doitandwin/e735532e2b14af24a2c9ea673b87ba53/entry-terms.e4

You can watch a video of advice from the Skins Costume Designer at :
http://www.e4.com/video/P8bSHL7AhWYRe85L3YzjPs/play.e4

24 shopping days left.....

Who : East London Design Market (ELDM)
When: 07 December 2008, 11:00
Until : 07 December 2008, 17:30
Where: Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA


Details.....
This is a design market that aims to promote creativity and design from fashion, accessories, art, homewear and gifts.We have a great venue that offers a cinema, bar, cafe and live music, and the best part is that entry is always free.We aim to promote and help designers to get their products over to a wide audience. Come along to find the next big thing.As we are a non profit organisation we have only word of mouth to help all designers involved, please please please forward this to your friends and urge them to keep it going....

"But they cant be real people" Charlie said....

I LUUURRRVEEE Tim Walker, if there is anyone I truly inspire & gets me all excited & giggly about fashion photography it is this man. His fanciful images contain such unimaginable detail, demonstrating bits of those dreams we've had or things we have envisioned after reading a great story that you couldn't possibly think could be visualised. His latest shoot in Vogue is amazing and focus's on the stories of Road Dahl; he brings together seamlessly art, fashion, photography & the genius of Dahl. Capturing in an unexpected and perfectly mastered frenzy, the sets are bright, bold and totally ridiculous - one day I hope to be able to spill my imagination, questions, fantasies & intrigue onto a page like he can. Fabulous!!

"A woman who my mother knows came in and took off all her clothes,

Said I not being very old, 'By Golly gosh you must be cold'

'No No!' she cried 'I indeed am not, I'm feeling devilishly hot!"

(RHYME STEW - ROAD DAHL)

Foto x

Me

All that I am and all that I have.....

So I have been writing creatively for several years, it is what I know and how I understand who I really am. The words, 'All that I am and all that I have' conjure up the true depth to my creative side. It's a way of expression as we all know, as is Art, music and rhythm.

I would often sit in my room as a kid writing poetry that belonged to my inner self awareness. The colours of my soul and the strength of an ability that I once felt was a shadow of my own existence. I didn't know who I really was until I re-read what I had written down. All sounds very deep and a bit sickening to the outside world, but that is it-a world deep with intrigue.
I am a regular 26 year old lass who works hard (seems like even harder in these particular times) and gives life a good go at whatever is thrown my way. Yeah, I've had a difficult time throughout my young years, but who hasn't?! Times are good, times are bad, but what is important, is that as a person you manage to get through these times without falling to the ground.

I like marmite and tea in the mornings, a sunny day with the birds singing-not too early mind, I do have to sleep. I like to smile and think that smiling is, in itself an art. If you cannot smile at the games that are played in this life, then what have you got? Isn't life a game anyway? play it, you may win it, you may feel that at times you fail, but to actually get through smiling at the other end, really is something. Waffle waffle you maybe thinking, but it is all relevant in the long run.

I am deep, I am inquisitive, I am sincere and I am creative. I think that beauty is only skin deep, I believe that books are too often judged by their own covers. All that I am and all that I have is a hidden depth, a lonely sense of freedom.

Words: Freedom

COMING SOON.....OUR SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FAT CHAT!

Counting down to a Fat Chat you don't want to miss..... fashion, style, digital art and photography rolled into one huge Xmas prezzie just for you! Watch this space....

Mad Christmas Shopping

Well its that time of year again - xmas shopping & sales!

Now is it just me or is it all just complete madness? As soon as there is a sale people seem to lose all self control & turn into "Mr Hyde". They have to buy things regardless if they want it, need it or if it is of any use!
For example I spoke to a sales assistant in a shop the other day & she told me that a woman came into the store & saw a coat that she liked which was in the sale. The problem was they only had a size 12 left & the woman was more like a size 18/20. The shop assistant was amazed when the lady brought the coat to the till & said she was buying it as it was such a good bargain she could not refuse & would squeeze into it!!!!
Now to me that is madness.

Anyway saying that there are a lot of good buys out there especially if you are looking for xmas party outfits.

Just remember it is only a bargain if you are going to get the wear out of it!

If you like New Look here is a 20% promotional offer instore & online until Sunday 30th November.
Just quote 20NewLook @ the checkout.

x Fashion

Focused on Film

Hello Everyone,

Just a wee posting to introduce myself. I am a filmmaker so I will be making lots of posts about films but I have experience with music promotion and music videos as well so I will be doing some music review.

My first job in the entertainment industry was as a theatrical costume designer so I may have a few things to say about theatre and fashion too but for the most part I will concentrate on film.

Another thing about me is that I am based in Edinburgh so I will be the Scotland correspondent but as I work frequently in London, I may review London acts.

I am both a U.S. and Italian citizen and was raised in the U.S. though I have been resident in Scotland for almost 10 years so my perspective is broad based, some might even say strange.

As a special treat I will be writing from the area around Austin, Texas early in the New Year as I will be filming in Texas for most of January and February. Austin, Texas is the live music capitol of the world so there should be no shortage of talent to blog about!

I will also be covering the U.S. Presidential transition from Texas.

Just as a teaser I will shortly be bloggin about my friend Tim Barrow's film, The Inheritance and about a Glaswegian coutry music band called OneDay40.

Until then take care everyone,

Focus xxx

FASHION AND FUNCTION....

DARE...DISPLAY...PLAY...DESIRE - An exhibition exploring the complexities and tensions between fashion and sport.

http://www.vam.ac.uk/microsites/fashion-v-sport/index.php

'Tis the season for the little bag.....grab a hand held delight @ www.hannahzakari.co.uk

BOWS: £40.00


FEATHERS: £69.00

LEAVES: £49.00

Feel inspired........

The Fat Chat meets up with the founder of Purple Creations Ltd

Name: Donna-Marie Glashen
Age: Still relatively young
Occupation: Director
Links: http://www.thesecret2men.com/

What’s your background & who inspired you?
Well I started my working life @ the age of 15 in customer service roles & volunteering at media organisations such as Choice Fm and New Nation Newspaper. I always wanted to be a writer and business woman, and travel the world. Admittedly I did get distracted by socializing between the ages of 19-22, but managed to stay focused & continued along the educational route, I also managed to travel extensively. For me writing was a natural progression, I started reading from the age of 3 and wrote my first book at 6....which got stolen!

My Mother & Father have both been an inspiration to me, along with Maya Angelou & Oprah Winfrey.


Tell me about Purple creations?

“Purple Creations is a conglomerate of Donna. For me personally, I believe that creativity is organic so it includes workshops and events that allow people (not just women) to explore creativity and its infinite possibilities. It’s also about creating platforms for women to empower & express themselves, learn & share knowledge. The projects are varied including international & regional platforms. For me personally, my creative career needs anonymity and I have found this to be an interesting tool. I guess I need to let you know how people can get involved?...Anyone interested in the arts can be added to my subscription list by contacting info@purplecreations.net”

Donna’s newest venture is a website called theSecret2men.com. It is designed to increase self esteem & confidence around attracting the right man into your life. Donna says “I believe in female empowerment, women have a very important role in society - we give birth to a nation. So ladies do you feel that you deserve something good in your life? If so sign up to http://www.thesecret2men.com/”


So what has been the secret to your success…..so far ?

“Failure! In order to succeed you have to be ready for failure, for everything that has been successful there has probably been five things that didn’t work out. I feel that being humble and working within grass roots organisations and projects in various London community settings gave me the initial successes in my career such as documentary making, producing national training resources; a literature festival and international art projects and also having my freelance writing and creative stories published.
I learned how to make something out of nothing with little resources and money, just creative problem solving and working with team players. We are born equal, but socialization means that some have more access to knowledge and guidance than others, however, I think if you come from a so called ‘disadvantaged background’ you should share the knowledge, the old saying is ‘for each one teach one’.

Additionally, I always remember my Father telling me from a young age that the people that make the real money are behind the scenes; so that’s where I have aimed to be. It is also important to have a strategy, don't hanker for fame & adulation. At the back is often where the power is, its not always about being at the fore front and taking all the glory.


What are your 5 key pieces of advice for fellow creative starting out in their field?

1/ Understand what makes you passionate

2/ Hold on to your integrity and never trade it in for anything; be clear on your beliefs and values

3/ Understand that you are the author of your life

4/ Remember, it’s not good to do things prematurely, take your time and set yourself up for the long term

5/ Last but not least…..it’s only ever your own thoughts that stop you achieving your full potential


And finally that age old argument.... Britney or Christina Aguilera?

This is a hard one, Britney has done the Diva thing, we have seen her at her best and worst and that’s what the public like – somebody who they can relate to, gossip about and who makes them feel better about their own circumstances. However Christina can actually sing, but I am not sure about her current offerings…can I say neither?


Donna is continuously looking for like minded people to connect with so if you want to get involved contact Donna on any of the above

Interview: Fusion

Captain Crunch

Ok, so we all know about the credit crunch, I mean how many times are they going to keep using that 3D arrow on BBC News at 10? The sooner they stop using it the better I think we’ll start to feel. But the real question is, and this is one the government are still trying to figure themselves (with no luck I might add), what does this actually mean for each and every one of us, our daily lives and our futures, job wise?

Well I’ll let you in on a little secret, as if you didn’t know. Prices will go up, they are now, but I mean, really up, really really up. It’s inevitable, labour can’t prevent it, the conservatives want to use it as a reason to suck our blood once again, and the rest of the world is bracing [edited version] itself.

So for us it means we have to start thinking for ourselves and not waiting for the government to wave its fake wizard of Oz wrist at the situation. Listen, I know what happens at the higher government levels does affect us, but the time scale between their intervention and our rescue is so far apart that you’ll have better luck getting married, not talking for 25 years and meeting up on your Silver anniversary to find out if it’s still on.

So thinking for ourselves means one of two things. Firstly think back, way back, to when mommy and daddy stopped telling you what time to come in and what to do with that person you was dating but they thought were waste. The point here is, there are things you’re going to have to do to survive this new decade that the government isn’t going to spoon feed you. You will have to start going to the library, online (thank you btw) and whatever other sources you can find. Knowledge is power, it really is. Read, read a lot. I used to hate reading when I was younger, I get it now believe me. One book I recommend which will get you started somewhat is ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ by Robert T. Kiyosaki. On your own, from there you are, young apprentice.
Start thinking about your money, how you earn it, how your money works for you now and how you can use it to its greatest advantage. One thing you can do, and really, it doesn’t matter if your on minimum wage with only £50 spare each month, is go seek the help of a financial advisor. Just so you know I’m not chatting rubbish, I’m actually studying my CEFA right now to be a financial advisor with a local law firm, one of many talents. A few things financial advisors do, as well as offer assistance with people looking to invest their money, is help you become more tax efficient. Most of us just prod along not even thinking that there is money out there that we’re actually owed, or that there is a way to make sure that we actually keep as much of our hard earned cash as we can.

Let me give you an example. In April 2005 Somerfield Group's turnover was £4.676 billion. Profit was £60.9 million before tax. They call in a few ‘friends’ to help them out and due to a tax credit it was £62.9 million after tax. Ok, so this is an extreme example, but the only time a fuzzy wuzzy example hit home was when I last read the tortoise and the hare. Obviously if your just a Joe the plumber (remember him?) then you’re not going to see these returns, but I can probably guarantee most of you that you can increase your tax efficiency further than you could imagine.

The second thing you can do, and this is most relevant for people who are thinking of starting their own business (or already have and don’t want end up going back to that desk next to ‘that dude’ who calls you dude), is do your research and continue doing it even after your set up. Don’t become complacent. You’ve heard of the business cycle right? Well let’s think of things to come as going through a business drag race. In order to stay ahead of the game you’re going to have to become inventive with your marketing strategies, utilise existing business models and also look outside the box as well. All at the same time.

The reality also is that funding and money is the most common worry for most people who want to expand their careers. There are plenty of organisations that can help you get funding either as a start up company or to help expand your current business. Now then, because there are different organisations out there, you have to make sure that you get the best advice that’s relevant to your specific needs. And the only way to do that? Ask the right questions, which also means, do your research.


Ok, a real life example. I’m also starting my own business (I really don’t have a life). Commercial music Productions and Solutions Company that also does Music Interaction Therapy with disabled and disadvantaged children. The first thing I did (after spending months and months researching and putting together my initial business plan) was contact a few different organisations to get the ball rolling and see what real help they could offer. These included the Princes Trust, the Bright Ideas Company, East London Small Business Centre and the Arts Council. They each offer different kinds of assistance, funding and grants. The most useful for me were the Princes Trust and the ELSBC. They helped a lot with my business plan and pointing me in the right direction and you also get the assistance of a mentor, which comes in handy if you’re a lonely freelancer (wink wink). Give it a go, see how far your rabbit hole goes.

Also get yourself out there. There are loads of seminars at universities and other venues where successful business men and women give talks and presentations. These can be very useful if the prospect of starting your own business in this current economic climate is daunting. You do have to remember a few things. The economy needs new businesses to grow and create new jobs and new forms of revenue. When you hear on the news that the government is borrowing more money to help stimulate the economy and provide public services, wake up, some of this money is being pumped into new business and start ups just like the one your thinking of starting. So get going, if you don’t, someone else will benefit. My brother went to a seminar the other night at Brunel University. One of the speakers was the youngest member of the UK’s 100 most influential black people’s list, he was only 21. I was going to go, but I went to 'Fabric' instead, I’m waste, I know. The point is, one piece of advice this young man (I forget his name, apologies) gave was, instead of registering your company LTD, go through the CIC channels. They have certain conditions you have to adhere to, but it is worth it because it makes it easier in the long run for your company to obtain funding from government organisations that support the growth of small businesses.

I hope you found this useful. If you want to find out more information about any of the things I have spoken about then go through the websites listed below. Infact, go through them anyway (even if you got bored of reading and skipped to the end) and then tell each of your friends about this blog. You never know, they might thank you for it!

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/
http://blog.moneysavingexpert.com/
http://www.cicregulator.gov.uk/
http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/
http://www.goeast.org/
http://www.brightideastrust.com/dev/index.htm
http://www.richdad.com/

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