What might be a challenge for some people is actually part of many cultures worldwide – eating insects.
You might have seen crickets as garnish on you plate, but today we are talking about insect-based food for our four-legged friends. Dogs are naturally curious and it is not unusual that a little insect lands in their fangs.
There are many benefits to this diet, most imprtantly concerning the enviornement. I talked to Tenetrio, a Potsdam-based company making treats and dog food out of insects as part of my Final Major Project.
This was uploaded at Artefact Magazine. Let’s feature it with a more lemon-y approach, shall we?
As a kid, I was obsessed with the movie Ratatouille. It’s fascinating how simple it looked to combine the sweetness of the strawberry with the savoury taste of the cheese and create mouth-watering dishes. It’s all about Anyone can cook, right?
If life would only be that simple. Growing up and embracing independence is a tough challenge, let alone taking care of the everyday chores on your own. From studying the cooking book to burned food and trying to escape the droplets of hot oil from the pan.
The main element is not only to understand cooking but to enjoy what you’re doing. Making food an art itself.
Mathieu Haskins found his passion, and after a career in the cooking industry, he started his own business – Á table Mathieu. The project combines food, music and close interaction with the audience on social media. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have in the kitchen; with Á table Mathieu you get step-by-step instructions from a professional.
Á table Mathieu continues to share exciting content, like its own music. Two songs have been released so far, Deja Vu and Spiral of Life and the team aims to publish an album with 12 songs by the end of the year. A new song dedicated to the NHS will be released soon.
Learn more about the business and the concept behind the influence of music in the latest Vidcast.
Music is not only a way to express yourself but also creates a world you can escape to. Whether you need to cheer up or play your favourite song as motivation to run these extra miles – without music, our lives would be indeed miserable.
Lauren has found her passion in music and shares her talent on social media.
„I have always had a passion for music and there was nothing else I could see myself putting my energy into and making a career out of it.“
Music is like a big cake that satisfies the different taste of anyone. Some might listen to pop music on the radio or move their head to heavy metal songs.
Lauren plays the drums and publishes covers of various songs online. Her talent brings a different perspective to well-known tunes.
At what age did you start to produce music?
“I started playing instruments when I was 7 or 8 years old, but I really prioritised music when I was around 16 and started to have a few instruments under my belt.”
Snippet of @/lozthedrummer ´s cover “Lets Go on the Run” by Chance the Rapper (Instagram)
Growing up with music has many benefits. The ability to play instruments and sing enables young people to strengthen their communication skills as well as emotional wellbeing.
“The piano was the first instrument that I learnt to play, followed by the acoustic guitar and then the drums.”
Which instrument is your favourite to play?
“I definitely think that the drums are my favourite instrument, I love being able to give attitude to my performance and it really allows me to express who I am, how I feel and to have loads of fun with it too.”
Lauren has not always been performing as a solo musician. She used to play with other members from different bands and gained experience during this time.
“I have been in and out of different bands. The most successful band I have been with so far was the Brookes, who are sadly no longer together. But I have also performed with different cover bands across the years.”
Lauren is 21 years old and continues to follow her passion. She studies Professional Music Performance at the Academy of Contemporary Music in London, England.
“Once I have finished my degree, Covid permitting, I’m hoping to be performing regularly and recording with/for bands and for myself. I’d love to be able to get back into a studio and record more songs as soon as possible.”
Snippet of @/lozthedrummer ´s Cover “Figure It Out” by Royal Blood (Instagram)
Being able to play drums is thought to be immensely rewarding. However, you need to invest a lot of time and effort to reach a professional, musical ability. The main component of playing drums is rhythm. The sound of drums does not only provide a solid beat but also provides a unique technique.
On your social media, you post covers of well-known songs like “Shallow” by Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga. Which one is your favourite cover so far?
“Covers are something I really enjoy doing as I spent a lot of my practice time playing to my favourite tunes.
There’s quite a few songs I’ve been playing for a long time that I know like the back of my hand now and can be quite creative whilst playing them.
I think the favourite of my covers I’ve done so far is my cover of Shallow from A Star is Born. I played all the instruments on this cover; I just had a really good time recording it and so far it’s gotten really good reviews, haha.”
Make sure to check out Lauren’s music on SoundCloud!
Apart from accompanying songs with drums, have you published any self-written songs or is that something you would consider in the future?
“I have released original songs with the bands I was a part of. I’ve never actually released any original solo music, but this is something I’d like to do in the future and something I’m trying to work on during lockdown.”
Coronavirus has made a significant impact on life but also on the creative industry. It is harder to stay focussed and motivated throughout these challenging times. How do you stay motivated?
“Yeah for me too, it has been super hard to stay motivated in lockdown.
I think the key for me was just taking the pressure off the idea that I’m supposed to use this time to be as productive as possible.
I have recently found my flow and what I want to work on whilst I have all this free time. So, I’m just trying to stick to doing what I enjoy and not put myself under pressure. “
What has been your proudest achievement?
“There’s been work I’ve put out in the past that I have put in a lot of time and effort to produce and put in front of as many people as possible that I am super proud of. But, when I was with one of my old bands and we started being recognised in the industry and getting more and more gigs across the UK and making the band more and more full time, I’m super proud of that because it is the closest, I’ve come to achieving what I want to achieve in my career.”
Although, coronavirus puts our lives on hold, Lauren continues to stay productive and shows us what she got!
Follow Lauren on social media and check out her website to support her journey and listen to her amazing talent.
Instagram. @/lozthedrummer
SoundCloud: Lozthedrummer
Website: https://laurentaylor904.wixsite.com/mysite-1
Avamo started her own singer and songwriter career during the coronavirus pandemic. She learned how to play the guitar and how to use different music creation programs by herself.
The interview focuses on Avamo´s story and her achievements as she was also featured on BBC Introducing.
Welcome to the very first podcast episode for Citronnade!
All podcasts will be available on SoundCloud.
Communication has always been key to express thoughts and emotions. Around 6,500 languages are spoken around the world and each is unique to the other. Although English is considered a “universal language”, many struggle to learn the language and are left behind. However, there is one form of expression that unites everyone no matter the background, gender, religion and culture – it’s art.
Art is a wordless language that can be understood thoroughly, but differently at the same time.
Wiktoria puts her thoughts on paper or more specific, on screen – not only as Journalism student at the University of the Arts, London but also as digital illustrator.
“Be careful, she is a cosmic lover” by Wiktoria on her Instagram account @_lady_fatale
“In a way, my art works the same as my Journalism, to tell stories. I’m obsessed with that, and art is a sweet and intimate way of doing that. Especially things hard to explain in just words.”
When did you start to create illustrations?
“I have been drawing since I can remember. My mother went to an art college and university in Poland. Creativity has always been part of the family, my brother does a lot of art related stuff too. But specifically illustration, digitally, started a few years ago on my tiny ass phone screen using my finger. I realised I was pretty alright at it, given the very limiting tech and enjoyed it a lot, so last year for Christmas my boyfriend bought me a Wacom art tablet so I can pursue that. “
Creativity and mindfulness are essential to every artist. Drawing on screen offers another challenge. Technology has the advantage to use different techniques at the same time, as well as offers a great spectrum of colour palettes that reduces cost and mess caused by traditional paint.
What programmes do you use for your illustrations?
“I’ve used a series of different apps and programmes like Adobe draw, where I drew on my phone, a little on Adobe illustrator. But mostly I use clip studio paint, I love it so much and find it the most easy to use.”
On Instagram @saturated_auburn_artjuice
The internet creates a new world that connects people and Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, etc. are more frequently used among every age group. Social media is more frequently used by artist to share their work, nonetheless, every piece of art is meaningful in its own way.
Wiktoria has two Instagram accounts @_lady_fatale and @saturated_auburn_artjuice.
What is the difference between the two social media accounts?
“@saturated-auburn-artjuice is just a huge mess of everything and anything. I never took it half as seriously as I should’ve, you can see me experimenting with a lot of different styles and approaches to figure out my style. Its great in a way but I felt it lacked impact and consistency and a real PURPOSE. I just posted my art like, yes…here you go, art. Without any real drive.
I knew I wanted to focus on social political issues, especially women empowerment but didn’t know how. That’s where @lady-fatale came in.”
The artist is the only one knowing the full meaning behind the work, the viewer might grasp the concept but could also build a new notion.
What is the meaning behind your illustrations?
“The messages in my art are mainly surrounded by relatable thoughts and feelings and presenting them in witty and easy on the eye illustrations. I guess it’s about putting thoughts to paper. Conversations with friends, my current moods and news and current events inspire the next illustration. In a way, my art works the same as my Journalism, to tell stories. I’m obsessed with that, and art is a sweet and intimate way of doing that. Especially things hard to explain In just words.”
Powerful ideas are hidden behind colours and brushstrokes. Even colours have an affect – red associates with love and anger, blue for sadness and confidence and white for purity. Art can be seen by anyone, nevertheless, one person might have a deeper and more emotional connection to an illustration than the other. Who is your main audience?
“My audience is anyone who cares for art really, but with a huge focus on women,
I’d love to empower, normalise and make my art relatable to women. Some are more blatantly feminist work than others but I’d love to think that all my work channels, excuse the expression ‘bad bitch vibes’
I guess that’s the goal – to make women feel good and heard and knowing their worth. I have other focuses too, but definitely women are my focus almost all the time. “
Do you have an artist/s that inspire you?
” I am inspired by too many amazing and incredible female artists! Pollynor, I have loved and followed her work before I even took up digital illustration, I’ve seen her exhibitions and fell in love with her strong messages through visual art. Florence Given is another one, honestly her work has really been the source of my own growth as a woman and I saw myself alot in her and what she does. Venus Libido and her ‘daring’ and raw illustrations of women just being women, REAL women has been a huge inspiration too. It took a while to figure out my own style, I tried to do everything, but I didn’t finally find my ‘thing’ until I came across artist MeanMachine and it clicked, and I guess all those inspirations just combined. It is still a work in progress and i’m still experimenting but that’s the way to be!”
The pandemic has a significant influence on creativity flow and mental health. Being stuck at home can both be positive as you have time to think more about your creations but also negatively as the pressure increases and emotions seem overwhelming. How did coronavirus influence your work and everyday life?
“Oh god, at the start of coronavirus I didn’t touch my tablet or a pencil for that matter for a long time. But once I got comfortable being home I learnt to take the time to do it for myself and not feel guilty for not posting much art. So I took up clay modelling, pottery, painting. Literally everything. And Lady-Fatale may have never happened without Coronavirus where I had so much time to figure out what I want to do with my creativity. I’ve usually found I draw when I’m not feeling 100% so its almost an escape…coronavirus truly did its thing in that department and I have found a lot of motivation to post my illustrations.”
What are your goals and wishes for the future and your digital illustrations?
“My goals would be to master the skill of treating my hobby as something serious. Like I always used to brush it under and undermine it but I realise it makes me happy and it is what I enjoy, so why not take it further?”
There is no doubt that incredible talent, passion and effort are reflected in Wiktoria’s artwork. Every illustrations speaks for itself and presents a meaningful story. Make sure to check out both Instagram accounts for more illustrations- @_lady_fatale and @saturated_auburn_artjuice.
Being a journalist is not only sitting in front of a camera, computer or microphone. It is about knowing your audience, considering all sides of an argument and then to deliver your message clearly. Usually, a big team of editors, writers, technicians, vice versa work together to produce all sorts of content – however, many journalists don’t have this luxury and have to do everything on their own. Especially, young people, such as students, struggle to properly integrate into the complex world of the media industry. The account So You Want To Be A Journalist takes a huge weight off of the shoulders of those who seek help and support.
When it comes to journalism, many factors influence the creation of content, and most of them are based on your personal strengths and weaknesses. Some people are good at composing the right questions to ask to get their intentions across but have difficulties approaching strangers to ask them. Others might have problems with technical equipment and how to edit audio and video material accordingly.
University teaches the most important aspects of journalism, as well as provides the necessary knowledge. Nevertheless, every journalist has different abilities, and it is crucial to get experience outside of the university.
So You Want To Be A Journalist offers a variety of tips and tricks for everyone in the media industry.
“I wanted to provide people looking into media careers with information about getting into the industry. The pandemic has made it harder to find jobs, and I wanted to help people with job applications in whichever way I could. So I thought I’d provide my own advice and what I’ve found works, as well as advice from industry professionals – most of them have also applied for jobs in the last couple of years.”
Where and how can I find a mentor?
Where can I find other journalism resources?
How do I write a cover letter?
What is a green screen and how can I use it from home?
You can find all these questions, interviews with professionals from the media industry and tips about pitching, freelancing, etc. on Chandni’s Instagram account @soyouwanttobeajournalist.
The account is not only beneficial for the audience but gives a great experience to the creator as well.
“I’ve been able to speak at a couple of (virtual) events which has been so fun! It’s also a great way to continue developing my video and picture editing skills.”
Instagram account @soyouwanttobeajournalist
To find a job in the media industry can be very difficult for young journalists, as most companies look for already experienced people. Chandni focusses on this issue and presents opportunities on her account.
“My main goal is to help as many people as I can get the media jobs they want, so I’d love to grow the account however I can and continue providing helpful advice and resources!”
So You Want To Be A Journalist emerged in September 2020. Since then, Chandni published 96 useful posts on the Instagram account.
“I post once every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and twice on Wednesdays and Fridays, and each post usually takes a few minutes to write copy and upload. But if it’s a day when I’m filming/ creating content, it’ll usually be between 3 and 4 hours for filming, editing, and creating images.”
This great dedication to help other people requires time management, creativity and determination.
“I tend to have a list of ideas on the go, and when I’ve got a free day, I’ll make as much as I can. With the advice-led videos, I tend not to script them (even though I probably should), and I’ll try and film three or four at once, and edit those all straight afterwards. For the video interviews, I’ll try to edit them within a few days – usually not much needs cutting out, it’s more a case of formatting it for IGTV. I’ll then send the finished draft to the interviewee and ask if they’d like me to make any changes. If it’s a written Q&A, I just send over the questions and format their answers into Instagram posts. With other text/ picture content, I can usually do these pretty quickly, it’s just a case of researching and compiling information.”
Regularly creating and publishing content on your own can often be very challenging, although it gives the creator freedom and originality.
What is your experience with working alone?
“As I run the account by myself alongside a full-time job, I think the biggest struggle is finding the time to create content. I try to put aside one or two Saturdays a month to create loads of content in bulk which I can then post throughout the next few weeks.”
Chandni adds: “Having complete creative control is great. There’s no one policing what I post or questioning my decisions, I can pretty much post whatever I want!”
The pandemic has influenced the working life of many people. Do you have any recommendations for people in the industry to stay focussed during the pandemic?
“It might sound counterproductive, but make sure you take breaks when you need them. It can feel so easy to just sit at a desk for hours with no break, but you’ll just end up tired or burnt out. I always find that after I’ve stepped back for a little bit, gone for a quick walk or even made a cup of tea, I feel a lot more ready to work.”
What has been your proudest achievement so far?
“It sounds so cheesy, but it makes me so proud when someone messages me saying they’ve got a job because of advice I’ve given or something I posted!”
Chandni and her account @soyouwanttobeajournalist provide the answers to all the worries that young journalists have. The incredible effort she puts into her content acts as an inspiration and motivation for her audience, especially during these difficult times.
A huge thank you to Chandni for this interview! Make sure to follow her on social media to support her amazing work.
Fashion is a form of expressing ourselves. Our style is represented in all sorts of clothing, accessories, furniture and more. However, many fashion brands do not consider the importance of sustainability and fair trade as profit is their primary focus. This is not the case for Haus Dahlia – a fashion brand lead by students of the University of the Arts, London. Their handmade fashion is not only sustainable but also creative, inclusive and made for every body type.
How did you come up with the name Haus Dahlia?
“Haus Dahlia was born through two things. Haus refers to the drag term, which defines a group of people that are like family, which we use to encourage cooperation between practitioners. The spelling is not symbolic but is simply aesthetic. Dahlia is after the dahlia flower itself being a symbol of change, creation and inner strength which goes hand in hand with our tagline ‘inclusive, creative, sustainable’ “
What makes Haus Dahlia stand out from other brands?
“Dahlia, at its core, is a slow fashion sustainable brand. We are very transparent with pricing, materials, content creation and use our following to help us design more intelligently.
We have our core values at heart when designing our packaging, clothing and conceptually as almost every item we use is either recycled itself or recyclable.
Our romantic designs also give a nod to classic period pieces, from Victorian to the 1970s, but with our own unique twist. One final way in which we stand out is that our service is purely made to measure for better inclusivity of all bodies, which was a main reason for starting this brand!”
The designs are based around nature – botany and wildlife . The simplicity of the prints creates a unique style that can be worn by anybody.
Sustainability continues to be a pressing issue in the fashion industry. But what does sustainability mean? It indicates that the materials used, as well as the production and distribution of clothing, are environmentally friendly.
For example, the material polyester, which is typically found in clothing and other products, is known to be unsustainable. The industry uses this fibre mainly because it is cheap, strong and prevents wrinkling. Nevertheless, polyester is petroleum-based, and even the production is not sustainable, as Forbes reports:
“Nearly 70 million barrels of oil are used each year to make the world’s polyester fiber, which is now the most commonly used fiber in our clothing. But it takes more than 200 years to decompose”
SOURCE: CONCA, J. (2015), MAKING CLIMATE CHANGE FASHIONABLE – THE GARMENT INDUSTRY TAKES ON GLOBAL WARMING. [ONLINE]. FORBES. (LINK BELOW)
What materials do use for Haus Dahlia and where are they from?
“We mainly use an organic cotton from the Organic Textile Company as it is comfy, high quality and sustainably sourced. We also use bamboo silk for similar purposes, and during the summer we used bamboo jersey which is super soft and really beneficial for the skin! We make sure before buying fabrics that they are sustainable and ethically sourced, we try and buy locally within the UK to reduce carbon footprint, and we buy our trimmings, so zips and buttons from small local sewing haberdashery, to make sure we are giving back to the small business community. “
The industry is incredibly competitive. Time management and a flow of exclusive ideas are essential. However, being a student makes this more difficult as the work for the university degree takes the upper hand.
“It sometimes does prove difficult with deadlines and creative blocks or sometimes just the unforeseen circumstances that get thrown our way. We try our best to work as a team which we have found is the most important part of being in a partnership.
What one of us can’t do the other does. This does not mean however we work seamlessly, all businesses have different opinions sometimes, but the important thing is to always support one another.
I think we have a good dynamic and have evolved quite quickly given we have very little experience.”
Being part of the industry gains a lot of experience and knowledge. How does Haus Dahlia benefit your career and personal life?
Emma says: “Haus Dahlia really benefits my skills, since starting the brand I have seen the biggest improvement in my sewing and pattern cutting skills. I have also learned skills I wouldn’t have learnt at university, and I am using fabrics I had never heard of! And in personal life, I do feel like Dahlia is my creative diary, whenever I have a design idea or get inspired I will try and incorporate it rather than ignore it and push it to one side because I am too busy with uni! So it’s definitely taught me to hone my personal creativity.“
Ben: “For me, it will allow me to develop my printing skills and help me develop my ability in designing prints. Dahlia helps me to keep creative and see where I can improve and move forward with my work. “
The pandemic creates another pressuring factor. Many have to fight their own personal battles during isolation. Even creativity is tested to its limits. However, Haus Dahlia was born during the lockdown. What benefits and problems have you encountered during coronavirus?
“I think we should start by saying lockdown has not been an easy adaptation for anyone, we have found that daily calls to check on things and plan are very useful. We both had a hard adjustment period where neither of us had seen each other for a while, so making and creating fell solely on Emma, which was by no means easy. Now we are both back in London things are slightly easier because we can travel and create together in a studio. We are looking at a bright future and are learning something new every day.”
Emma adds: “Yeah having daily calls, rather than texting all the time was definitely better, but it was still difficult because we couldn’t see each others work in 3D, so it was hard to critique or understand because it wasn’t physically with us.”
The Haus Dahlia online shop features amazing t-shirts and accessories, like these berets:
“Who loves a good blackberry? We do” Blackberry Thief Beret – £16“Now this beret is peachy keen!” Peachy Beret – £16“When life gives us lemons we turn them into berets!” Sour Lemon Beret – £16
Great things are planned for Haus Dahlia. The fashion brand recently announced a new project called “Rebirth” The new project focuses on “God’s versus nature, sustainability and tradition”. How will this concept be displayed in the products?
“We have taken some design inspiration from natural elements such as botany and combined it with traditional and often religious imagery. Our designs themselves often are inspired by period pieces themselves. Sustainability is one of our key pillars which is shown through the sustainable materials we use all throughout the process of creation. The concept will be mostly visible through our use of print and design silhouette, but we want the concept to be more of a feeling, a stand point of where you are in the world.
We want people to use our clothes to start conversations and educate others about the state of our environment and ponder, well if we believed that Poseidon still ruled the sea would we still litter it with plastic?”
“We really want people to feel at home with themselves, confident in their skin. We want them to live in their own fantasy worlds, as we all have a happy place we escape to!”
The project will be launched on February 14th, 2021 – Valentine’s Day. Does this holiday play a unique role in “Rebirth”?
“It has romanticism connections through the style of the designs, and we may be working on printing a similar concept. The choice of day was also because we wanted to make something for a reason and what better reason than to spoil the one you love.“
Emma : “Yes, and also what better day to release a Greek god inspired collection than on Cupids special day.”
What are you goals and wishes for the future?
“To be able to make made to measure a normality as a solution to the lack of body diversity in the industry today. Also bringing it into the High-street setting without making it off putting.”
Haus Dahlia sets a remarkable example for the new era of fashion. They not only offer amazing designs but also take a significant weight off the shoulders of our environment.
If you would like to read more about Haus Dahlia, make sure to visit their online shop on https://hausdahlia.com and check out their products. You can also find them on social media!
• Instagram: @hausdahlia_london
A big thank you to Emma & Ben for talking about their brand.
Citronnade 