Co-Founder of For Sure Studio Ben Paul joins us this week for our next BLUP50 talent feature. In Ben’s own words, “…’what if’ should be excluded from your internal vocabulary. The only thing that holds you back is yourself.” Last year, in one of the most unpredictable, unsettling times of our lives, Ben squashed his own ‘what if’ and decided to set up his own creative studio. Read on to find out who Ben’s greatest inspiration is and what his future vision for For Sure is.
// YOUR WORD FOR 2021
Momentum
// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM /TIKTOK / TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?
@reubendangoor’s work always does it for me. @thisiscollins are one of my favorite agencies, their attention to detail is something I always aspire to.
// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE
Graduated with a degree in design back in 2009. Went perm then freelance, until setting up on my own in 2015. March 2020 myself and my friend Matt (who had a similar passion for research led design), decided two heads were better than one. For Sure was born and we’ve not looked back since.
//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?
I try to segment my day off as much as possible to help me focus on the task in hand. Only having meetings at specific times of the day really helps focus the creative time spent on developing ideas.
// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?
Usually I would offset a hectic day with sport, it helps me refocus for the following day. Love a good playlist too!
// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
The day left my full-time job. Not because of the job, but more of the fact that it was the springboard for me to think completely freely and build a route to starting For Sure Studio. I certainly went the long-way round but we’re here now and I’m very grateful of the lessons I’ve learnt on the journey so far.
// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?
Expanding the studio, finding our niche in the market and exploring that further. Hiring some amazing talent whilst cultivating a working environment I would be proud of and so would our staff. Away from work I hope that I’m still able to grace the football pitch well into my forties. And spend some time creating away from a screen, with a few paint brushes instead.
// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?
Kendrick Lemar. It would be a dream of mine to work with him on some tour creative, after having witnessed the DAMN tour live. He has such clarity in his vision, he’s able to refine and present his message in a way I’ve not seen before.
// WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
I guess mines an inspiring moment. Michael Jordan’s flu game, could barely stand up, yet he went onto score 38 points when his team needed him the most. I’ll always remember that game he’s the GOAT of all sports for me.
// YOUR FAVOURITE SONG OF 2021 SO FAR?
Brijean – Moody. This tracks got everything, cannot stop playing it. One for those hazy summer nights that I cannot wait for!
// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?
That you’ve built a company that will be here long after I’m gone.
// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?
‘What if’ should be excluded from your internal vocabulary. The only thing that holds you back is yourself.
// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?
Checking in with all my friends and family, keeping a good balance in life as things open up again. Working with the local community to bring in some top talent to For Sure Studio.
// ANYTHING ELSE TO SHARE?
Just a big shout out to Dines and Studio Blup for all of the guidance and support. It really means a lot. Big love. BP x
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