Hi all,
We thought it was time for us to not only get to know you better, but for you to get to know us a little better too! Starting today, we launch a new monthly Q&A series to introduce our team members to our lovely community!
We start with David, our newly appointed Community Leader.
Q: Could you start by introducing yourself to our community?
Hi everyone, I’m David and I’m 42 (How did this happen?). I’m originally from France but have lived in the UK for the past 17 years, so this is home to me. I have worked in the service industry for many years, ranging from Customer Support roles to roles more centered around content creation and community management.
Q: How long have you worked with Artfinder and what is your role in the company?
I joined Artfinder in May 2020, working with our lovely Customer Support Team. As of March 2021, I am now the Community Leader for Artfinder, meaning I will be engaging with our wonderful artist community regularly and working with them on creating the best art community there is!
Q: What have been your highlights of working with Artfinder so far?
The people for sure. Artfinder is a company like no other, and it starts with its employees. Never have I come across such a dedicated, kind and caring set of people. I know companies often say “we care'' and don’t actually apply this to their work. Artfinder people genuinely care about making a difference for our artists, and for the world. This also stems from having an incredibly invested and caring management team, starting with our CEO Michal. Leading by example is certainly the best way to get your team engaged and working hard and Michal is a shining example of this.
Q: Do you come from a creative background? Do you engage in creative activities yourself?
Put simply, my oldest memory of me is of doing creative things. I can’t actually remember a time in my life where I’ve not been creating art in one form or another. Back in France, I’ve pursued Art studies throughout Highschool and University, and in my early 20’s also got a Fashion Design degree. Once in the UK, I realised I wanted to add some creative writing skills to my bow, and did a BA with the Open University, in Creative Writing and English Linguistics. I love to paint, draw, using various materials and creating anything, be it clothes, artworks, embroideries or presents for my friends! I think it’s fair to say I’m a little hooked on creativity and generating ideas :)
Q: What does working for a B Corp mean to you?
To be honest, until joining Artfinder, I was not aware of B Corps and what it meant. Only now do I realise that it is the driving force behind my love of Artfinder. It makes such a difference to know that your day to day job not only helps artists make a living out of their art but also contributes to make the world a better place (I know it’s a bit cliche, but it’s true!). Whether it’s offsetting our carbon footprint in the long run, planting trees for every order placed, or raising awareness on disparities in the art word, I feel we do more than just our job and this fills me with pride and gratitude.
Q: What do you like doing in your spare time?
Aside from creative pursuits, I’m a bit of a self-declared geek and I love it! I’m very into Japanese animation and comic books, so I spend a fair amount of time expanding my collection and reading or watching content. Also love a nature walk (harder to do when you live in South London, but thankfully there are plenty of parks to indulge in a bit of nature!) as I find it clears my brain of clutter. I can get quite insular at times (a trait I feel a lot of artists may share also) so it’s good to force myself to go out and see people and enjoy some fresh air.
Q: How have you been coping with the recent Covid situation and do you have any words of advice for anyone who is not coping well with it?
It certainly has been a trialling period and I feel everyone has their own method of coping with it. Talking or journaling has been a great help for me, we tend to so easily sit on our worries or brush them off, but it oftens comes to bite us back when we least expect it. Having an avenue to express myself, share my worries and now that I’m not alone in this has been a tremendous help.
Exercising has also been extremely helpful. I’m not a big gym person and I don’t think you necessarily need to be. Find the type of exercise that works for you, and that you can do regularly. A daily walk of 30 min to an hour does wonders for your mood, and with the lockdown it’s even more important now to ensure you get some sunlight, fresh air and a change of scenery!
Q: If you could take only three items with you to a desert island, what would they be?
That’s a hard one. Straight away I’m thinking of my favourite book, because that will keep me entertained whilst waiting to be rescued. Then I guess paper and pen (having to choose which stationary to take would be torture though, I want all of it!) so I can keep doodling those palm trees until a rescue boat is in sight!
Q: Finally, do you have any message for our community?
I love to see that so many of you are supportive of one another and are always offering to help each other. I think that is what makes our Artfinder community so special. So my message to you would be keep supporting one another, keep being your authentic creative self and let’s fill the world with art!
