Spotlight: Al Wardle, AnyForty
Al Wardle is art editor at graphic design mag Computer Arts Projects at Future Publishing in Bath. Two years ago, he set up skate label brand AnyForty which he runs in his spare time. We talk to him about his background, his creative inspirations and what's in store for the brand.
Can you describe yourself in three words?
Determined, creative, passionate
Tell us about your background:
I'm a 31 year old Northern lad, born and bred in the NE40 area of Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne. I studied at Newcastle College Of Art and Design, then left Newcastle 8 years ago to start designing magazines for a living. I worked my way up from Junior Designer on a team of 5 working for Emap in Peterborough to número uno in the art department of graphic design mag Computer Arts Projects at Future Publishing in Bath.
What inspired you to launch AnyForty?
Basically ever since I had money to spend I've always been into kicks and clobber. I got to the stage where I was bored of spending so much money buying other peoples brands thought I could invest some money and start my own label (www.anyforty.com)
What’s your proudest moment so far?
Proudest moment was when the first store took us seriously enough to stock our stuff. That was about a year ago when Dan from www.urbanindustry.co.uk dropped me a line to be part of his Urban Industry Special Works projects. Over the space of the weekend I designed over 10 tees and Dan picked 2 to print up. They sold well and Dan then decided he needed to stock the rest of our range. After contacting shops for a year it was definitely my proudest moment to have a massive store like Urban Industry snap us up and hang us up along side big boy brands like Obey, Addict, Nike SB, Stussy and many more dope brands!
And your greatest project?
Haven't really got a greatest project, all of the tees we've dropped have been equally great - whether it's by an up-and-coming artist like local lad Sereo or Japanese heavyweights Loworks. They've all been great!!
Who or what inspires you?
With the brand, I'm massively inspired by other designers who've started their own brands and have had great success. So people like Johnny Cupcakes, Benny Gold, Shepard Fairey of Obey and Scien & Klor of 123 Klan are all massive inspirations to what I'm doing. Obviously I've taken inspiration from them but tried to put my own spin on it. Far as I know, no-one has started a streetwear brand that's dedicated to showcasing and collaborating with up-and-coming and already established worldwide artists which we're doing brilliantly with our Versus range.
What do like doing when you’re not running your business?
Running a brand in my spare time after a highly creative and demanding job doesn't leave too much time for other stuff, but in between planing ranges and taking trips to the post office I do like to get rid of any energy I might of had left in the gym, on a football pitch or on my mountain bike. Oh, as well as being found stumbling out of Bath's drinking establishments on a weekend! All work and no play's just pointless. Work hard but don't waste your life in front of a computer!
Anything exciting in the pipeline?
At the moment we're celebrating 2 Years Strong with our first ever sale which lasts all of March at http://anyforty.bigcartel.com then in April we're dropping Versus 2 range with collaborations with RichT, Hydro 74, 45 RPM, MegaMunden, Mr Bowlegs & Steven Bonner. Got all the designs in and they're looking redonkulous!
Finally, any words of wisdom to other creative people or businesses?
Got two little tips that have done me a world of good. Tip 1, don't be scared to move away to follow your dreams. I moved 330 miles away, somewhere I didn't know anyone to realize my dream of designing magazines. If you can't get the type of job you want locally, don't whinge about it, pack your bags and go somewhere where you can. England's a small country, so you'll still get home to see your friends and family, and you'll get chance to make new friends and contacts. Tip 2 - don't put too much pressure on yourself to be successful. Just work hard and have fun doing it. Good luck!!
