Five questions for creatives

Christian Payne

Christian Payne specialises in creative technology and communications working with multimedia creation, social media documentation and amplification. He consults internationally, working with news agencies, political parties, The United Nations and the arts and corporate sector. Christian likes to travel light and work fast, using mobile devices to document his surroundings, capturing stories and interactions in real-time. He blogs as @Documentally, occasionally writes about technology for The Guardian, runs workshops focusing on mobile story-making and talks at events, like this one, Thinking Digital, back in 2010.

How did you get into the creative industry, and was there a defining point in your career that led you on that path?

I first considered photography after someone walking past a one-hour photo shop in Bangkok bought one of my photos as it came out of the machine. I wasn’t there at the time but he told the shopkeeper he wanted it for an inflight magazine. He gave the man over a hundred pounds for the photo of a Thai boy standing barefoot in a puddle in an oversized jacket. The boy appeared to be working as a volunteer fireman but was probably only 7 years old. I was both amazed that the shopkeeper gave me the money and that it was so much for one image. It paid for an extra month in South East Asia.

Is there anything you would change in your current career and if so why?

I take the free in freelance literally. It’s a constant state of flux but everything I have really wanted to change I have.

Where do you see yourself, and your career in five years’ time?

I focus on multimedia at the moment but In five years I’d like to also be known as an author.

Are there any rules or habits that help you do your job more efficiently?

I like to run first thing in the day. It wakes up my mind and gives me the space to think about what needs to be done.

What tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in the creative industry?

Be authentic by making things you love. Nurture a network. Tell them stories about your mistakes, and your journey. Stay curious and ask questions.

To read more about Christian’s work and travels visit his website documentally.com