Having spent the last week working for a start-up that required me to chase lots of talented and inspiring people for speedy turnaround Q&As, I thought I’d share some excerpts from the fuller responses that just a few of the many generous experts shared (listed in no particular order)…
- How should I go about buying my first piece of artwork?
Jo Wilmot, artist
Firstly, you should always buy what you like. You should fall in love it, as it has to go on your walls! Every town has an artist’s studio and they will organise regular open studio days. It’s a good way to see what artists are working on and I’d recommend opening up a dialogue directly with the artist and asking him/her about their prices. You can be upfront and say what your budget is.
jowilmot.co - How can I ensure that the jewellery I buy is ethically produced?
Philippa Holland, jeweller
I’m probably in the minority in that I keep all my production in England because I think it’s really important to support British craft. However, it is very difficult to know whether gems and diamonds are ethically-sourced because they are very difficult to trace. I buy my stones from a reputable dealer in India, whom I trust. - Why should music artists avoid the major record labels?
Fabian Castellani, PR and music writer
I personally know quite a few recording artists who have signed to one of the majors – Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group (WMG) – and not been able to put out any music due to the contracts they’ve signed and the labels not accepting the content they submit. Often, the labels sign up artists merely to stop other labels from putting out their music. It’s a case of ‘if I can’t have you, no one can’.Fabian is co-founder of Bang Tidy Music, which is due to relaunch mid-September www.bangtidymusic.co.uk; www.twitter.com/bangtidymusic
- Why should I use natural beauty products?
Yanar Alkayat, beauty journalist
The main concern that I’ve developed during my career as a beauty journalist is the chemical overload that so many products in our cabinets contain. What I really worry about is the accumulative effect of a whole host of chemicals that we use all over our body over many years.I’m a strong advocate of natural oils. Some of them have very specific properties. Rosehip seed oil is very good for pigmentation, acne, eczema and scarring. Coconut is my wonder oil and a great body moisturiser. You can buy it from a health food store and use the same tub in the kitchen and in the bathroom – just make sure it is virgin and raw. It also has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Frankincense oil is great for aging and dehydrated skin.
- How can I shop for fashion ethically?
Philmore Clague, fashion designer
By far the simplest way to avoid buying unethical fashion is to stay clear of large high-street labels and to favour independents instead. Almost all ethical compromises and bad ethical practices are the result of mass production. If something is only produced in limited quantities, however, it is far more likely to have been produced to a high ethical standard.
TheQuestion launches the UK version of its media platform in September 2016.
