Phil Barrett is the founder of PB Artworks, a creative hub of photographic and illustrative excellence based just outside of Oswestry on the border of Shropshire and North Wales.
I recently caught up with Phil for a coffee and chat at the The Lemon Tree who were hosting their first Wrexham Jelly. I managed to catch Phil on his way between meetings to see another client clambering for a touch of the PB Artworks creative genius. Phil is a lovely down to earth gentleman, a real family man with a big heart. Personally, our family have enjoyed his personal creative touch with a lifestyle shoot and all the trimmings, as well as some photography for my business and other members of our family.
Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Phil Barrett, Fine Art Photographer and Illustrator; I run a hub for creative imagery using a combination of disciplines including photography, illustration, fine art and design.
How did you get to where you are today?
Until 2009 I was the Technical Manager and Lead Illustrator for Gibsons Greetings in Telford, but the company suffered as a result of the Banking crisis and so like many of my contemporaries I was made redundant. This seemingly black day has turned out to open the door to freedom from the sanitised box I worked in for years. After the shock of redundancy I return to University and in year later 2010 gained a 1st Class Honours Degree from Glyndwr University.
My first year of trading as PB Artworks has seen the business grow very quickly. People seem to like what I do and I love it too; social media such as Facebook & Twitter have played a significant role in this growth -perhaps due to the fact that images convey a message faster than text. Now, instead of sitting in a car driving to work, to sit on an office to drive a machine; I'm out and about in the fresh air meeting new people at different locations on a daily and weekly basis. I'm paid for what I love to do and create, what could be better?
Who or what inspires you?
Historically the Baroque movement with its great drama, rich, deep colour, and intense light and dark shadows - the images resonate; they're alive; in particular the works of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. In a modern context however, it's selfless movements and common causes rather than a particular person that inspire me.
What's the best, most challenging or enjoyable project you've worked on so far and why?
I think my best project was the year spent at University, where I had chance to reflect, explore and discover. It was a journey that opened my eyes and had a great impact on my life starting with the picture Journey Man, and the book Making an Impact.
The Lion Quays project is the most challenging I've worked on so far. It's an ongoing commercial shoot with a leading hotelier in North Shropshire. The Lion Quays is a fabulous venue and they're an incredible client.
On the other hand, the most enjoyable project was the Lanyon Bowdler commission.
When you're not working what do you like to do?
Sleep! I leave the photographic equipment behind and spend time with my family and my dog.
What advice would you give to someone starting a new business in the creative industries?
In life and in business there are givers and takers, and takers rarely ever give. So decide who you want to be.
And finally, what are your Top Tips for someone starting out?
- Be ready to work hard
- Be critical of your work
- Remain objective
- Put in the hours and be nice
- Value your work, if you can't no one else will
Find out more information about Phil Barrett and PB Artworks here.
