Member in the Spotlight: Charlene Austin

This week we’re delighted to welcome Charlene Austin, Communications Manager at Soho House Amsterdam, into our Members’ Spotlight. Having previously worked at international advertising agencies, art institutions and lifestyle brands, Charlene has a natural understanding for how content, fashion and cultural trends can be translated into and make impact on marketing and brand strategies. With a passion for storytelling, she often seeks inspiration from the art world stemming from her background in arts and culture. We caught up with Charlene to discover more about her blossoming art collection, learn why she is most proud of her Open House programme for Soho House, and see what her top tips are to get creatively inspired.

As the Club for Creativity, we'd like to ask you to get creative and draw a self portrait.

I really have no idea how to draw, so I asked my friend Simon Buijs to help me out.

PERSONAL

Do you own a collection and if so, what is it?

I’m actually building a personal art collection, consisting of pieces made by artists I’ve previously worked with, such as Pieter Boersma and Tim Buiting. I just received my framed photo by Willem Sizoo and I also recently bought 2 pieces from Mounir Raji, so I’m excited to get those on the wall! Oh, and I just realised I love collecting statement earrings.

Image below: Willem Sizoo

What music could we find on your favourite playlist?

In general, I’m into hip hop (old school and the alternative kind), African sounds and neo soul. Lately I’m totally into the sound of these two sisters Chloe & Halle Bailey – they’re conceptual, sensual, groovy and authentic.

What is your favourite website/app and why?

I have a few websites I regularly turn to such as: T-Magazine, ID, Dazed and Numéro.

What is the last thing you bought and loved?

I just bought an artwork through Magnum Photos by Eve Arnold (1912- 2012). Arnold was a self-taught photographer who sought to give attention to the black fashion world that was not acknowledged by the dominant fashion press back in the fifties. I just love how casual yet classy the model is standing in the photo.

If you didn't live in the Netherlands, where would you live?

Brooklyn, New York or London, UK. They’re both still on my list of cities to move to though.

Who is the one artist whose work you'd collect if you could?

Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, for sure. I first heard about her when I was in New York in 2012 - my friend April Hunt, a DJ and publicist for black artists, introduced me to her work. Lynette is a British artist from Ghanaian descent who makes figurative art of black people. The way she portrays the subjects is recognisable, non-cliché and of this time, which makes her work very modern.

PROFESSIONAL

Who do you admire the most in the Dutch creative industry?

I have to say Jochem Leegstra, the Creative Director and founder of Dutch creative agency …,staat. I worked closely with him a few years ago and the way this man’s brain works is phenomenal – he’s a burst of energy and has so much knowledge of the lifestyle landscape (design/art/luxury/fashion, etc.). It was great to watch him do presentations in front of clients.

Which phase of the creative process excites you the most and why?

When a story I’ve pitched gets picked up and published by the media. It’s the most exciting feeling to get the word out about a product or client you believe in.

What makes a great or hero client?

Someone who has a clear assignment but is open to suggestions, is ready to adapt, alongside being able to take a leap and learn.

What professional skill do you value the most?

Communication skills, creativity and the ability to be problem solving.

If you could pick one recent campaign/project that makes you think, ‘I wish I’d done that’, what would it be and why?

The Avantgarde Diaries - it used to be a beautiful editorial platform initiated by Mercedes Benz back in 2011. It consisted of a series of video interviews with extraordinary creatives who talked about their work process. I really liked how they communicated the brand’s values (creativity) via a genuine, editorial platform, without any product placement. It unfortunately doesn’t exist anymore.

Out of the campaigns/projects you’ve worked on, which makes you the most proud?

I have a few but the Open House programme I ran for Soho House Amsterdam is the most valuable to me. It’s a mentor programme initiated to connect Soho House members with young people, and to help them grow connections, confidence and experience in the creative industries.

What top tips do you have to help people get creatively inspired?

Read books and magazines for new insights, write down your thoughts, visit galleries and museums to understand creative minds.

Through our Members in the Spotlight feature, we aim to get to know both professionally and personally the unique qualities of our ADCN Members. If you would like to join ADCN, the Club for Creativity, you can find out more here.