Some creative jobs - like DJ-ing - are not seen as 'proper' careers. Creative & Cultural Skills promises to campaign on behalf of creative people to make sure that they are taken seriously - and that education providers are responsive to the particular needs of the creative industries. This is James's story.
What I do
I'm a DJ on the club and bar circuit in London.
Education
I couldn't wait to leave school, skip A-levels and study graphic design at Falmouth School of Art. It was the early 90s and a fantastic rave scene. I went on to Croydon College of Art to do a higher diploma. I quickly realised I wanted to be a DJ but I've done lots of temping jobs at design companies to keep the money coming in.
My career path
I started DJing at friends' houses. I then mixed my own CD and took it around London bars to get it played. I was offered gigs and it progressed from there. Now I sense a backlash against the club scene because it got too big but there's a lot of amazing music that should be given the time of day.
You build up your name through recommendations and luck. I met a DJ in Australia who'd worked in Russia. I said I'd love to play there and he introduced me to the right people. I ended up playing all over Russia as a result.
I think you need to almost have an obsession with music to make it into a career, plus a lot of determination and dedication.
What I've learned
A lot of people don't see DJing as a proper job. You must stay focused and ask yourself where you want to be. I think it's more difficult being a DJ now than it was when I first started.
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A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T SEE DJ-ING AS A PROPER JOB...” |
If James were starting now Cultural & Creative Skills could offer:
- Mentoring from established DJs
- A dedicated Cultural & Creative Skills website with information about DJing and where to go for courses and advice
- Advice on finance.
My one piece of advice from James Bubblefunk, DJ
Follow your heart not your head and stay focused.