Once a month, I’ll be putting the spotlight on an emerging creative talent, giving them the chance to talk about their craft, share their experiences and provide a platform for people to see their work. I’ll be talking to filmmakers, writers, designers and bloggers, asking what inspired them to create their products, how they they plan to build their business and, of course, about their favourite things.
This month the spotlight is on Rich Pearson, founder of The Slackline School.
Name: Rich Pearson
Age: 27
Profession: Professional Slackliner and Trials Rider
Location: Falmouth
Do you remember the moment when you decided that this was what you want to do?
I think at about the age of five I decided that I wanted to be Action Man when I grew up. Does that count?
What did you study and where?
I have a degree broadcasting from Falmouth University.
Networking and collaboration is key in the creative industries. Who couldn’t you do this without?
I wouldn’t be where I am now without my sponsors, Maverick Slacklines and Dewerstone Lifestyle Clothing. These guys have given me so many inroutes to the industry and in running my own business. Also Unlocking Cornish Potential and Falmouth University have been really helpful.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes actually from the darker days of my childhood; I was bullied a lot in school because I was ‘different’, and no one ever told those kids that that wasn’t ok, so I kind of like to make myself a promise that every school I go into with a bike or a slackline, or even just with a slideshow and a talk which I do sometimes, I should and will be saying to people ‘different is ok.’ I’m also massively inspired by the visual arts, particularly film and music, and by the landscape around me.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in your area?
Nothing comes for free, and when you’re trying to sell something, remember that that works both ways. Your hard work and skill is worth money, and their money is worth skill and hard work.
What are your career plans for the next year?
To make the Slackline School into a sustainable business, and keep up with everything else I want to do with my life in between.
What is your ideal future?
One where I don’t have to explain to people what slacklining or trials is (just kidding…). I don’t know, thats a very big question; peace love and harmony?
Tell me about a few of your favourite things.
Films, beer, the south west, meeting new people, discovering new places.
What is your favourite…
film?
It depends how I feel, but I loved the Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and also Man on Wire (a documentary about Phillipe Petit). I really want to see both The Railway Man and The Rover though, they both look incredible.
Book?
The Amber Spyglass was pretty mind blowing.
Website?
www.theslacklineschool.co.uk
Shop?
Macsalvors.
Place?
Either Rinsey Cove or Hound Tor.