Lindsey (left), Claire and resident dog, Teddy.
Ballad Of… is a London based art and photography magazine which was establlished in 2008 by two self-confessed northern geeks. Ballad Of is the digital heart of Lindsey Cornish and Claire Murray – a place where they can showcase the talents of emerging artists. I caught up with Barnsley girl Lindsey Cornish to find out how she went from Barnsley student to London editor-in-chief.
You originally studied in Barnsley. What was your experience like and how did it influence your further study?
I originally went to Holgate. I was the class of 2002 I think. I actually studied in Sheffield. Sorry. I would have loved to study in Barnsley, but unfortunately didn’t offer the course I wanted to do which was photography. So I ventured far and wide to Sheffield and did a BTEC there. I then went to study at university in Blackpool (photography still) and graduated about five years ago. God I feel old now. I then moved back to Barnsley for a few months before biting the bullet and moving to London. I think if i’d left it longer, living in Barnsley, I wouldn’t have moved to London. I had to do it quick from uni before I got settled and wanted to stay. I still miss the place [Barnsley] loads. Studying Photography obviously set me up for what I do now and my job is all about creativity and finding the next big thing.
How did you end up as the editor of your own magazine in London?
So after I moved down to London I got a job in a model agency on reception, which did help get my foot in the door and gained knowledge of how the whole creative industry works. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still learning, but this helped massively. This in turn took me down the assisting route, which meant long hours and little money. Obviously living in London is an expensive thing to do, so this situation wasn’t ideal for me. My besties from uni moved in with me nine months later.
My working partner Claire and I decided to set up the magazine (a drunk, but awesome decision) for young people fresh out of uni to get seen. We set up a platform for fresh talent and to kick start their career; whether it be photography, styling, creative writing… whatever we love really. So we went home (drunk) set up a facebook page asking for people to get involved, and went to bed. In the morning the response was huge so we couldn’t turn back. And so here we are today, with ten issues under our belt and a good following. It just proves that hard work is the way forward.
Ballad Of often showcases artists that you like. Does art influence you as much as fashion? Do you have any favourite artists or illustrators?
We are infact an art magazine. Thats what we set off to do and thats what we class ourselves as. It’s just evolved over time into more of a fashion vibe. We love art and we love fashion, so combining it seemed perfect. Our magazine is submission based only so we never know what we’re getting until deadline day. So you guys make the decision for us. If you submit it and it fits the theme (and we love), it gets printed. I love looking at new photographers work. One of my very favorite photographers is Dominic Clarke. He’s been in a few issues and his work is just stunning. My favorite Illustrator has to be Daria Hlazatova. Her work is so magical and dreamy – it really takes you into another world, which is what arts all about right?
What are the biggest influences on your own personal style?
Haha, this is pretty funny actually. Me and my co-editor Claire seem to dress to whatever current theme we have for the issues. So for example, our Little Book Of Horrors issue saw us dressing in pretty much black every day. Now we have the Sugar & Spice issue we’re all kitted out in bright neons and 90’s get up. It just consumes us and affects us in everyway. We like it that way of course.
What are your favourite trend from the coming season?
I dont really follow trends too much, we’re both big on vintage, sixties especially and whatevers floating around topshop. At the minute I have just bought a hollogram skirt from Topshop…I can’t wait to wear it, it’s super 90’s.
Where do you draw inspiration from, in regards to the different themes for each issue?
It’s pretty random and normally comes to us pretty easily. The Sixties issue has always been on the cards really. We’ve had an obsession for a long time with the era – it was just a matter of time. We do a tad of research and off we go. We also have an inspiration tumblr which artists can go get inspiration from for each issue which helps them see our visions of how we want the next issue to shape up. But as I said, the contributors shape the issue…not us.
The theme for your next issue is Sugar and Spice and childhood nostalgia. What was the ten year old Lindsey interested in?
SPICE GIRLS!!! All the way…me and Claire are still obsessed with them. I guess the usual, playing out on the street with my bike, barbies, slime, glitter (still love that actually haha) collecting things like pogs, spice girl cards…all amazing things I miss. Claire actually went on holiday with the Spice Girls (she’d kill me if I didn’t mention that) and i’m incredibly jealous!!
What do you miss about Barnsley?
EVERYTHING! It changes everytime I come up. I never know where the ‘In’ place to drink is (please let me know haha) but I miss the people, the nightlife and my friends obviously… But London is fun too and I can’t see myself moving back any time soon… Sorry Barnsley!
What advice would you offer to anybody interested in pursuing a career in fashion?
JUST DO IT! Get contacts, work your ass off and be a social butterfly…you also might have to work for free but it does work…honest!
If you would like to keep up to date with all of the fantastic work that Lindsey and Claire, and all of the contributors at Ballad Of… are doing, then check out the following links:
http://www.balladof.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/BalladOf/
http://twitter.com/BalladOf
BUY CURRENT ISSUE @ balladof.co.uk/issues/edition/brian-and-betsy/
Take a look at how Ballad Of… has developed over 9 issues.
Issue #9,
Ballad Of Brian & Betsy – Summer of ’63Issue 8,
Ballad Of… Sarah Lou. Sisters’ Issue (cover 1)Issue 8,
Ballad Of… Sarah Lou. Sisters’ Issue (cover 2)Issue #7,
Ballad Of… Baby K – CANDY POP!Issue #6.
Ballad Of… Petra Doe: Little Book of HorrorsIssue #5,
Ballad Of… Lola-Bacon: Pet My BalladIssue #4,
Ballad Of… Nanny Floff: Don’t forget to writeIssue #3,
Ballad Of… Bailey ‘Busta’ Button:
I remember when…Issue #2,
Ballad Of… Tommy Lane: Ecclectic Few Days OffIssue #1,
Ballad Of… Mary Maud: The Nouveau Issue
Alternative Barnsley 