Five questions for creatives

Stephen Hughes

Stephen is an art and photography teacher living in St Neots and working in Stamford. He has explored all aspects of art as part of his 16-year KS3, 4 and 5 career, but now he’s working on oil paint portraits and developing his own style. Stephen is exhibiting in the Art & Soul cafe at the moment, which he hopes will expand to exhibitions in other towns once his new collection is complete. Stephen’s main passions are winning at being a husband and new dad, painting, cycling and teaching.

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

I moved to eastern England after finishing university in Aberystwyth and settled in Peterborough. Trying to find a creative career there was difficult, so I applied to the Institute of Education in London to train as a teacher and it went from there.

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

I would do less paperwork and needless bureaucracy so I could spend more time planning, teaching and making every lesson even more fun.

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

Maybe deputy principal if life takes me in that direction, or continue to develop a great art and technology faculty.

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

Be very, very organised and start work very early so that you are ready for a hectic and varied day

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

Don’t expect to get wealthy doing it but expect to enjoy your job more than your friends. If you are serious about it, bounce back from every knockback and stay committed. I was told at my first art teacher interview that I did not suit the profession and now I’ve had a successful 16-year (so far) career.