The Student Guide On ... With ... (Pick Up The Mic)
The Student Guide (previously known as Pick Up The Mic) is an ongoing podcast series, based in the United Kingdom (UK), that explores important themes such as race, and discusses support services available to young people from diverse backgrounds with their development, particularly as they navigate through the impact of the pandemic on employment and education. This podcast is a reflection of all our personal experiences, journeys in life, and backstories.
The Student Guide On ... With ... (Pick Up The Mic)
Finding Your Artistic Voice: Insights from Multidisciplinary Artist Elfreda
In this episode of The Student Guide, host Jeffrey interviews Elfreda, a talented multidisciplinary artist who seamlessly weaves together sustainability, creativity, and identity in her work. Elfreda shares her inspiring journey, the importance of spending time in isolation to find one's voice, and how her unique experiences influence her art. The conversation delves into the metaphors of migration, race, and resilience in Elfreda's use of materials such as textiles and leather. Jeffrey and Elfreda also discuss the importance of sustainability in the creative industry, and Elfreda offers valuable advice for emerging artists. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring episode that explores the intersection of art, culture, and personal identity.
Support the show:
https://www.patreon.com/pick_up_the_mic?fan_landing=true
https://buymeacoffee.com/pickupthemic
If you're trying to find your voice, pay attention to yourself. Mm-hmm. Um, but like isolation is good. Mm-hmm. When you're an artist to a certain degree of course, but have spent time with yourself, spend time away from distractions, nature is always a good idea. Um, or whatever feels safe for you.
Mm-hmm.
Um, because there everything that you've ever made in your life is littered with, with.
A sense of what your signature is. Mm-hmm. Um, so find that and don't be shy or, um, you kind of need to be open to let it show up, but then also have people who you look up to because they can also show you things that connect to you in different ways that you don't know.
Hello everyone. Hope you're doing well. Hope looking after themselves. Welcome to another episode of The Student Guide. You may see me wearing the same t-shirt potentially as the last episode. That's because Jeffrey likes to keep busy and it's doing two recordings in one day. Um, but you know, we bring amazing people onto this podcast doing incredible work, and we spotlight all the wonderful things that they do.
Impacts their industry. Uh, we've had amazing people on so far, and I think if I'm correct, we're on episode three. So we are moving steadily through season eight. Uh, but we have incredible people lined up for you and we have an incredible person today. Uh, actually is a. Interdiscipline, that's a strong word, but in like multidisciplinary, I'm not gonna do, I, I, yeah.
I knew I was gonna muck up multidisciplinary artist. Um, she, we used together sustainability, creativity, and identity into her pieces of work. Uh, she has moved through fashion. Textile reflecting diasporic experiences. She's got a skill for craftsmanship. Uh, all in all, as you can hear from what I'm saying, she's a very talented person.
But, you know, I don't like doing introductions. I like to us to hear from them, the guest speakers themselves. So after that launch spiel, I'm going to introduce you to today's. Guest, uh, who's a good friend. Um, I hope she says that she may, she may not, she may not feel that way, but, uh, she is a good friend.
Um, Alfreda, thank you for coming on. Could we know a bit more about you and will you do? I think we are good friends. Okay. That's good. That's good. It would've been awkward if not, but it's.
Uh, about me. I am an artist. Mm-hmm. A fine artist. My core medium is textiles. Mm-hmm. I sometimes use other things like wood and paint.
I paint as well. My background's in fashion design. Mm-hmm. Um, so up until the pandemic I was making clothes, I am still exploring the idea of clothing, uh, now within my practice, but more as. Wearable art textile sculpture. Hmm.
Uh, she, she's made incredible pieces. Uh, if you are able to send me some photos, I can, happy to send some, put, put up some photos as we speak.
Uh, but yeah, I'm Alfred. It is incredible work. We have spoken about it many a times. Uh, we will, as, as soon as the, the molar comes in, so to speak,
uh,
she will be commissioning if she's still happy to do it. My, uh, my. Hopefully next cosplay outfit. Um, because yeah, fun, Alfreda does incredible. And when not if when pick up the mic gets its nice fancy office.
Uh, Alfreda will be commissioned to design me a nice textile. Actually, if you wanna do a painting, whichever one you want, if you wanna do both, if I've got the finances for both, but as, let me not say if as I have the finances for both. Uh, you will see a cool pick up the mic themed. Art in the space, uh, you'll be able to be exciting.
Yeah. Honestly, I do. I do wanna offer space, but, um, even not here, I like, uh, it's, it's a bit, it's a bit pricey here, um, but you never know. If I get the funding all of this, you know, sales go through the roof, then we can, we can do that. Um, but yes, uh, as, as you can probably guess by the name, uh, Alfredo's, also Nigerian, so, uh, we will be discussing the world of Nigeria and, uh, as I'm by my first name.
But
yeah, well potentially. No, most Alfreds are from Ghana.
Really? Yeah. But most, sorry, this is a complete tangent. We will get to the actual episode, but most people don't think I'm Nigerian. I'm not surprised. Wow. Wow. Um,
wow. But you know, in the best way, wow. There is no one way to be Nigerian. I think that, that No, really truly one of the hallmarks of being Nigerian is that you could really be anything.
Yeah. But I've said like we, we like. Even through the podcast, the amount of people I've met who are Nigerian, like, or even like half Nigerian, I'm like, world domination is, look, I've, I know world domination.
I've, I've explicitly said, world peace will be spread through Nigerians
marrying
until everyone essentially is some a half quarter eighth and Nigerian. Uh, and then we would've achieved world peace. So, um. Think about a Nigerian in your life today. And on that wonderful note, we're gonna go on to, uh, the first segment, which is 44 questions, which is brought to you by the amazing Amanda from 44 words.
And as you know, she reviews our guest bios that they share with us and comes up with an interesting question to ask them. And today the question is, what color impacts your creativity the most?
Brown,
do you want.
Elaborate. I mean, I mean, if you want to elaborate. Absolutely. Um, brown is the color of earth.
I'm a black woman. It is the color of my skin. I use a lot of leather. Mm-hmm. A lot of leather comes in brown. Um, so it is a color that tends to define a lot of the. Physical and mental ideas running through my mind when I'm approaching my practice. Uh, but in general, you know, natural colors tend to really be my safe space.
Okay.
Um, so another questions here, and I didn't ask tell you this before, but I'm gonna put you on the spot. Uh, what's your favorite piece that you, that I've made? Yeah, tell us
about it. Oh, no. Um. I think it changes every day. Okay. What is it today? Two days?
Today it is.
You can
come back to it. Sprouting souls. Okay. So, uh, browsing Souls is one of the pieces that I made early last year. Mm-hmm. It went into, uh, this textile show that was happening in Relay Gallery in la. Um, it basically features the subject, uh, from like their side profile. I don't do a lot of those.
Okay. Um, and it also had this really deep meaning to it that really tied together the whole of that series. Mm. So maybe that's, that's the one for today.
Okay. I see how you slightly put a show in la. As, as,
as it was a good show.
You see, big, big person's you would've liked she international travel. She's traveling.
Getting, I didn't go. Oh, okay. Her work is traveling internationally. Uh, big spender. She's exhibited at Somerset House, loads of coworking spaces. Uh, this, this, she says, uh, move. Just look. If you, if you haven't bought one of her pieces yet, um, you're missing out. You are you. She's very hard. She's elusive. As you can tell, she's one of those elusive artists that, you know, next semester.
I can't even think of one. I'm not in the artist world to even try and compare to one, but that means that there isn't one like you. Boom. So that's where my thought process was all along. We're gonna start with the first question because as you can tell, I'm tired and I am going on tangents. But your work beautifully weaves together, uh, you know, diasporic identity, sustainability and craftsmanship, which to be honest, when it comes to fashion, especially the identity, sustainability and craftsmanship is needed to create impactful pieces.
So once by this fusion. And how did your journey into textile art begin?
Okay. Um, what was the bit before the fusion?
It was basically your work,
the fusion of, of what specifically? Uh,
DS work, identity, sustainability, craftmanship.
Ah, okay. Um, I mean, I genuinely believe that you can't necessarily have one without the other in this.
In its most authentic form that speaks to me. Um, if, if it's sustainable, if it's gonna last forever, make it well. Um, you know, and then as far as my diasporic identity, I'd say that, um, I think it's a sustainable way to live in this generation if you come from multiple places or if you at least have the experience.
Um, of different cultures if you are able to be open enough to receive and accept and interact as well. Hmm. Um, and so as far as my diasporic identity, it, it's literally who I am. It's all I've known. Like my whole life has been in between London and Lagos, Nigeria. Mm-hmm. I'm constantly referencing them separately or together in everything that I do.
Um, and as far as sustainability with my background in fashion design, um, that's a huge thing for us. But I think when you are also an independent artist or a small business. Um, sustainability can be used as a buzzword a lot in the industry, but the reality is it's a lifeline when you're really small, um, to be able to take the waste from the things that you've done before and use them again.
But also it's like a continuous story within my practice is that every piece leads to the next one and every piece speaks to the other. Mm-hmm. And I, I mean, I have, I have waste from, from work that I made four years ago and, and when I put that into something I'm making now, it. Completes the very broad story that I'm telling.
So they all kind of work together in, in my head. I mean
it does, uh, I've, I've always told you that your work is very moving. Um, I dunno why I'm telling you my arms, but all this, it's been a long day. Jeffrey, uh, is running on fumes, but he's gonna make it through. Um, but no, honestly, I've said like your work is, is incredible.
Um, I. I'm not an artist. I, my sister, I did a sip and paint last year. My sister was surprised I could paint that good. Uh, you know the sister I'm talking about, I won't name her. Everyone
can paint. Everyone can make art. Everyone can make art.
But honestly like your art is
like
something else. It is. Thank you.
It is truly inspirational and I think for me it is. It is. 'cause I guess you may not know, uh, but I get to see sometimes when you come into the coworker space and create your pieces. And I guess for me it's really interesting to see like something. Not come from nothing, but like you said, like you're bringing all these pieces together and then it's like boom, something you see a face or you see like, you know, I don't know, I guess like I said, like you see different, you connect with art in different ways.
Um, so yeah, I would say that is one thing I would say. Yeah, I would arguably say the art, your art helps me to appreciate art more. 'cause I would say especially working for, actually, you know, lemme, lemme not say what I'm about to say. 'cause. I don't dunno who's going to watch this, but, um, I dunno. No, I think, I guess the right I say it's like, it's, uh, anyway, the thing I was gonna say is sometimes I feel like as someone who is not an artist by trade, sometimes I feel that there are artists that are like, shout out from the rooftop where I, I'm just like.
It's not great. Like, a perfect example of this was secondary school. Uh, we went to the Tate Modern, I couldn't tell you what the exhibition was about, but a guy put two chairs on top of each other at an angle and they were just like, yeah, this is part of the exhibition. And I was like, it must be nice to like, yeah.
I don't know. Like there was even, which was wild. There is an art piece that was called, I think it was like the rotten banana or banana. It's literally just this artist on a plain canvas.
I know, bro.
You see, and it's, it's sold for a lot of money. And I was like,
yep.
It's really, it really is the name.
I think that's the thing about art.
There's no bounds art could, could be or mean anything. And, and even when you see artists like throw together what looks like random objects, there's usually a context behind it. Um, not to speak for anybody, but that's the other thing about art. Art is meant to make you feel something. So I would argue that.
That is probably one of your favorite artworks. Oh, the banana? No, no, no. The chair. Which the chat
because of how much it stuck with you. Right. And I mean, you might not love what it makes you feel, but it is supposed to make you feel something. And sometimes the simplicity of things almost. Can do that just as effectively. Okay. Um, so what's your thought?
Thank you. Um, I'm gonna go on to question number two.
Okay. Which is, you
did have a second part of the first question that, I mean, you answered it.
It was basically about how did your, you asked how I got
into Yeah. How,
yeah.
Fair enough.
Um, question number two, how do you use your materials, particularly leather and repurposed, repurposed textiles as metaphors for migration, race and resilience in your work?
That is wide. Um, when I travel by, back and forth between, well, wherever mm-hmm. I tend to look down Mm. From the plane window and you see sort of the weird sort of map like. Textile topographic situation, I tend to mimic that in my work. Mm. So it's essentially this idea of like creating maps, but they are maps of either my identity or the identity of the subject that I'm portraying in the piece.
Mm-hmm. Um, and so. This sense of travel, whether it's like cultural or physical or mental or emotional sometimes. Mm-hmm. Um, is sort of woven into this map story. Um, and then in terms of the fabric, its itself, I source fabric from London and from Lagos for the most part. And every piece that I've made has a bit of both.
So it's, it's a textile. Migration. It's a physical migration. It's, um, a cultural one as well. So they all kind of feed into each other and, uh, that comes through in different ways within the art work itself. But in terms of like the stories and a lot of the other things that I do within my practice, which is like art salons and workshops, these, um, these stories are surrounding all the different areas of.
Of my work in its different forms.
Incredible. Um, your work is almost, you could argue a representation of you 'cause you have experience in both. So it's like magic. The idea I'm getting on, um, we're gonna go on to our, our new segment of the season Treasure Talks, which is brought to you by Alex. Uh, essentially all our guests bring in a, will be bringing in if they haven't done it already, a, an item that represents them.
And I have no clue, uh, what this item is, uh, but. Uh, our guests bring them in and tell us what the item is and their significance to their journey. So, Alfredo, what is your item for today and why is it significant to you?
My item for today is my needle. Hopefully you can start my needle. Thank you very much.
Um, uh, I've been using needles my whole life. Um.
I mean, do, I don't know if I'm supposed to go into this deep talk. You can go about what needles are and what they do. You can go as deep, like please go share more. Share more. It's my favorite tool. Mm. And it's funny 'cause I don't like to sew, actually. I don't enjoy sewing very much. Um, but I sew all the time.
So, uh, you'll hardly catch me anywhere in the world without a needle on me. Um, and I use it to tell stories and I genuinely believe that that's why I am here. Mm-hmm. So my needle.
That's beautiful. Thanks.
Um.
Yeah, I mean, I, well this would've been a perfect time to ask you your favorite piece, but I've already asked, uh, and I will keep things moving, but I think, like you said, that it is nice, I think especially, I mean, you're the third person we've asked, but I think it's very interesting to say, at least so far, it's nice to see how everyone's iTune is, it's not the same.
So like we literally last episode had, or. If my planning goes correct, the last episode we've had, uh, someone brought in a photo of their, uh, their grandma and their mother and them and a book. Uh, the first guest of the season, uh, she brought, uh, her Bible. So I think for me, it's very interesting to see like everyone's different possessions, but also it's like different sizes, different, like connects with people in different ways, um, which is, yeah, which is really great.
Yeah. Um, we're gonna go on to question number three, which is, uh, as I've mentioned, you know. Big name, uh, you've been featured in prestigious institutions. Somerset House, the gallery that, I don't remember the name that you just mentioned in la.
Really,
really, um, you know, so many and across continents.
She's not even just big in the UK and America. She is, uh, worldwide renowned. So what lessons have you learned from navigating these spaces is the first question and there's the second part, but I'll let you answer the first one first.
Okay. Um, the lessons that I have learned from navigating those spaces mm-hmm.
Is just be open to be honest with you. Um, everywhere is different. Everywhere requires you to, um, show up differently. Mm-hmm. Um, which is a very sort of diasporic thing as well in itself. Um, and I have learned a lot about people, about the business of art, you know, um, unfortunately that's something you can't just piece together in your studio.
Mm. Um, but I've enjoyed it. I, I love it. Um, I think, yeah, I've, I've learned a lot about people. Art kind of makes people act in a way that's slightly different from how they would if it was just, um, something more traditionally professional. Mm. So you tend to learn a lot about people in those areas.
Okay.
Any interesting learnings?
None that I'm looking to share.
That is fair. That is fair. Um, the second part is how do you stay grounded in your values as an independent artist?
How do you
stay
grounded in your values? Independent artist? I mean, I'm playing the long game. Mm. And I think when you're doing that, it's not very hard to do if you know yourself, if you know your values.
Um, the art world is sort of the second industry that I've been working in professionally for a while now. So I think, um. Coming from the background that I come from and understanding. 'cause fashion is also a very people-oriented space. You can't really achieve anything on your own in fashion. Um, so I just stick to my authenticity, you know, and, and I think that that shows up differently depending on the space, depending on where I am.
The thing about art as well is, is that, um, you really need to be connected to the work that you are creating. So I just try and if I'm staying true to that, I'm probably good. You know?
That's wonderful. Yeah. Um, final question before we go on to Oof. Jesus'. Lord, I can do this. Come on. Final question. I'm good.
I'm good. I'm good. I believe you. Final question before we go into passing the mic. Is, uh, you have done guest lecturing before. You've also been a mentor. I also know that you are a workshop facilitator, so anyone looking for a workshop facilitator, Alfredo is the person to go to. Uh, what advice do you offer students or recent graduates who are trying to find their voice or carve a sustainable path in creative fields?
If you're trying to find your voice, pay attention to yourself. Mm-hmm. Um, but like, isolation is good. Mm. When you're an artist to a certain degree of course, but have spent time with yourself, spend time away from distractions. Nature is always a good idea. Um, or whatever feels safe for you.
Mm-hmm.
Um, because there everything that you've ever made in your life is littered with, with.
A sense of what your signature is. Mm-hmm. Um, so find that and don't be shy or, um, you kind of need to be open to let it show up, but then also have people who you look up to because they can also show you things that connect to you in different ways that you don't know. So my thing is, I mean, there's a book on this where if you like, um, if you don't know what your thing is, look at all of the people that you want to be like and take a little.
Something from them, you know, so you can also intentionally manufacture this, right? But you really do need to know thyself. Mm-hmm. In my experience, nothing has worked better. Um, and as far as,
as far as carving out a sustainable path for yourself, I think that that would look different depending on what industry that you are in.
Mm-hmm.
Um, but what I will say is. If you are focused on the prosperity of everyone in the, every, every, every group. Yes. Whether that's producers, whether that's the people in sales, whether that's even like the influencers, right?
Mm-hmm. Everyone who contributes to what you create. If your focus is ensuring that there is prosperity for everyone, if you're trying to make sure that everyone at the table eats. Then you're probably operating in a sustainable way. Do you know what I mean? And I think that one of the easiest ways to be sustainable actually is in people relations, right?
Mm-hmm. Uh, there are other areas when it comes to like your material and like your actual sales channels and all of those things. But again, that gets quite technical and it's different depending on what you do. Mm-hmm. But if you're making sure that everyone is. Okay. Enough.
Mm-hmm.
Um, well then you are probably right where you need to be as far as sustainability is concerned.
That's perfect.
Um, yeah. See, look, someone told you already in this space, you've got knowledge man. When is, when is the Alfreda podcast coming out? Huh?
Honestly, that was perfect. Um, I don't know
Jeffrey, I don't think I'm, I think I'm one of those people that would easily get canceled. I mean, like, not necessarily beat me by like the whole world, but like, ah, Nigerians will,
ah, I'm picture this, those people
what not. I need to maybe reach a higher, higher when I can just, if it cancel on me and I can just.
You know, the little island somewhere. Why not
political to say?
I mean, it's fair. It's honest. It's honest. That's what we, we are honest answers here. Um,
maybe is okay.
Maybe we're looking forward to when it comes out. Uh, hopefully. Fingers crossed you don't get canceled episode one. Um,
right.
That'll
be good.
Finishing a season and not getting canceled is nice. Um, we've not been canceled yet, but I don't think we've said anything wild.
Um,
fair enough. I mean, there are spaces for wild things to be said. Oh, yes. I just don't know that my podcast would be the right, you know. Yeah. Nah,
but we can talk. Let, let's, we could do this off camera so we, so we don't get canceled. Um, but yeah, that is all the questions I have for you today. Uh. This is your opportunity.
This is passing the mic. For anyone who doesn't know where Alfredo will get to ask me a series of questions if she would like about myself, my journey, anything and everything. Nothing's off limits. Alfredo, I'm also there, there is a part of me that is a bit nervous 'cause I have a theory about what one of these questions Yeah.
'cause I always say on camera, but, uh, yeah. I'll tell you afterwards, but go ahead. I'm slightly nervous, but I, I, based on your answer, I feel like I have no reason to be.
No. Okay. You are safe would be, oh. Oh gosh. What did I think? Okay,
go ahead. Go ahead. Lemme know your question.
If you were an artist, what would you do?
What would be your medium?
Um hmm. Good question. What would be my medium?
I like sewing, so I don't do often. I don't believe you. I kid you not, if I had it today, I would bring it. So at secondary school we learned how to sew. So I know how to sew. Um, I just don't do it, but I know how to sew. Uh, and I made my, well, actually, they were just, so, we had to learn how to make phone casing.
So I, I couldn't tell you how to do it now, but we learned how to like, cut out fabric and then sew like a pouch with it. And I designed it and it didn't fit my phone, but it fit my mom's phone at the time. So I gave it to my mom and sh I don't know if she still got it, but. She's got that. So it was fun. Um, and then obviously, well, you know, well you know about it from one of my sisters, but both of my sisters have a background in doing like sustainable or like they would do fashion shows at their unis.
So they would design like a upcycle clothing. I probably should have worn one of my other sister, my, well, one of my sisters' clothings, or both of them to be fair. But I have photos 'cause. Uh, my claim to fame, I would model for them. Uh, love that. Yeah, of course. Uh, so yeah, there's that. Um, see, sewing is one.
Painting would be another. Like I think my sister was surprised. Like I said, she was surprised that I could paint or paint well. Uh, but for me, I was just like, I like painting. Um, the one I did was a sip and paint, so we painted a based off a picture and someone led us through the class. But I was like, I like, just like painting as a whole is just like very like, relaxing, I think.
If you, especially like if you're doing it for fun rather than being commissioned or like you're doing it as your own artwork as an artist, rather than like an arts organiz or someone's paying you to paint something, then there's more fun. There's creative freedom. You can draw whatever you want. Um. Like I said, art is very much open to interpretation.
So you might paint one thing and someone may see another thing. So like, I think it was ba I'll include a picture of my picture and then hopefully that's when my picture will pop up. And then the other picture, it was based on, you know, the wave, the Japanese wave painting. I couldn't tell you what the name is.
Oh yeah. But yeah, that one. So it was based on that. So like someone thought it was interesting 'cause they were like, oh, like, you know. I emphasize like I didn't emphasize, I was just genuinely trying to follow what this person leading the class was saying. But they was like, oh, I feel like you emphasize like the clouds.
Like your clouds look really great. And I was like, I was genuinely, 'cause it was a one hour class and when I tell you this, this instructor just rushed, like his painting looked like the real painting, but he was like, okay, cool. So you know, spent some time coming up with like the background and I was like, ah, cool.
And then it was like, cool, so we we're moving on five minutes. You need to work on the wave format. And I was like, I kid you not. Like where's, so when you see, like if you see it, you'll then recognize it from that picture.
Mm-hmm.
But yeah, I was just like in an hour, like I don't know how well he's trained, so that's why.
But yeah, I wouldn't mind to do painting, so that'd be my craziest expression. Okay. What
would be fun?
Yeah.
Interesting.
Next
question. Do you know what you'd paint?
Um,
I think it would be cool to do like. Obviously I'm in a superhero top, so, and like comics, gaming, anime is like my passion. So it would definitely be some, probably something around that. I don't know if I'd do, so actually, if I have a, if I can put a photo of it, I will. I have two, so I do, let's start off with this.
Do you know about anime? How much? A little. Okay. Do you know about narrator?
Yes. Okay.
So I have a narrator and sauce gay painting that I bought from, so there's hopefully going to be our community partner. So hopefully by this time this is out. They are our community partner. There's an organization called Anime District.
They do anime events. They do like this. Summer shut down party. So they rent out like the A hall and then they bring vendors. Uh, I kid you not, my bank definitely felt how much I spent that day. Um, but I love it because they, there are these two pictures of narrative and suke from the show. Uh, and I was like, oh, cool.
I'm a big narrative fan. So I bought the narrative one and the guy was just like, come on man, why don't you just buy the Suge one? They come as a pair. And I was like, I don't know. And he is like, come on. And I was like, you've pulled my arm. Why not? So I have those two. Um, so yeah, I would honestly, man, like sounds like a great salesman.
I kid you not Afterwards I was just like, I think when I came home, my sister was just like, I swear you, you went with like nothing. I was like, yeah, no. I went, that's good. I went overboard. Uh, fair enough. The bank, the bank actually. It was around payday, so I was Okay. The, the bank, the bank weren't coming for me.
Yeah. Um, but yeah, honestly, it was fun. Um, so I would paint probably like characters that I like or do anime and comic book stuff, go to like conferences and sell stuff or like do online commissions. But I know people that do that. So like, again, if I can include a picture, I'll put it a friend of mine or like some of my interviewed with the podcast, uh, her name is Aaliyah Art.
Um, she, I'd definitely recommend, if you're interested in art, to check her out. She does paintings of like anime, uh, anime comic book. Uh, all kinds of things. She does one, she did one of like, uh, miles Morales from, with a sunflower based on the song Sunflower By Post Malone Sway Lee. Interesting. Um, but yeah, I was just like, I bought it and I'm like, I keep, so I think it's like a, so I keep it in its pouch 'cause it is quite nice.
But you should like, honestly, 'cause I was just like, no man. Keep your art safe, honestly. Um, investment it the amount you pay for it. Sometimes it good. Keep wrapped cupboards, uh, no stains. Um, but yeah, honestly like I like seeing 'cause through them. I see like how they all paint and they've all got different styles and stuff, so some of them, it's literally like.
Like the narrative one I say is like from Mango Anime to Paige. 'cause it's literally almost like very reminiscent of what was there with Aaliyah. Her art is very, like, you can see her style and her art. So even with the miles one, it's not necessarily a recreation of Miles Morales, it's her own impression on it, which I think is really cool.
Um, so yeah, that would be what I'd do. I'd paint like, oh, and sewing wise, I couldn't tell you. Uh. I don't think I'd, I'll be honest, I don't think I'd sell clothing from scratch. I probably upcycle clothing and
it's very hard and time consuming. I
give credit to anyone who can sew, who can, so clothes even crochet.
Um, I don't, again, I keep saying I'll put pictures of stuff, I'll put a picture of it. Um, someone from my workplace, uh, for secret Santa Crochet, so she knows I'm into Spiderman. So she bought like a, a toy Spider-Man. But then 'cause uh, for anyone who watches, you will see. In the lead up to Christmas, oh, around November.
This is December time. Uh, I will be wearing my Christmas Trumpers. I have a large variety. I wear a different one to the office every day. Um, I'm known for the Christmas Trumper being the Christmas Trumper guy, wherever I go. I also have a Christmas suit. I don't know if I'll come in the podcast with it because
Well now they're expecting.
Yeah, no, I expecting, so,
so, okay, cool. Now I have to come on for Christmas episode. Um,
you're gonna love it.
I mean, it is, it is. The suit is nice, but I'm not gonna lie, that suit is like. It's just like, it's just no pockets. So I have to go through what my sisters say is like every girl struggle of having to, and like obviously like a big backpack is not great if I'm just going to like a party and I'm then carrying it.
Yeah, it's got no pocket, man, that sucks. Um, and it's, it's the worst thing. 'cause obviously winter it is cold, so I have to wear thumb unless I'm in like a heated venue. I'm wearing thermals. Uh, but that's the only reason I'll never take it on the night out. I'll never go if people are going like, oh, we're gonna go out for Christmas and go, I will, I'll go to a party with it, but I will never go like bar hopping in it because it's just like
intense.
Yeah. Um, but yeah, I, I'll wear the crew, but yeah, I want a master. She what? She sewed my, the Spider-Man, a actual like Christmas jumper and Christmas hat. Um, so yeah, that would be my, uh, yeah, I'd probably do something like that. Like either so like. Maybe like trinket or like stuff onto people's clothing. So it's upcycled, but maybe it has like a cool Spider-Man picture or logo or maybe the face of Spider-Man or whatever on it.
Fun. Yeah. Any other questions? What narrator character would you be? I mean, I say narrator. Well, to an extent we are, we have our similarities. Uh, but, or I'm more or less even similarities. I say he's very inspirational to me. 'cause I like his motto with like never giving. I do have a NATO top. I'm more in it today 'cause uh, the new Superman film came out.
That's why Superman's getting shown today. That's very good. Um, but yeah, no, honestly, I'm a NATO is probably my favorite character. I think he is a relatable character. I think his journey is one of realism, as in it takes a long time for him to get his dream goal of being the leader of his village. But he gets there in the end.
Um, and I think there's an honest. There's an honest aspect of that when it comes to whether entrepreneurship, your career, relationships, whatever that like, the journey is never like woo. It's usually like Woo. Um, which means that sometimes it may on a. Slope be going up. But you'll have times when you go back, you go forward, it goes up, it goes down.
And I feel like his is a realistic expectation of like what success looks like because it's not like, I mean, some people are like anime fans probably watching will be like, yes, but he also has a lot of power, which is fair, I say is a valid argument. But I also argue that like it wasn't that like he. He didn't put, like, yes, he had a lot of like power, but he put in the work to still use all that talent that he had because I think actually that wouldn't be my quote for the episode.
Uh, I might actually start doing this because I haven't quotable moments, so you can take this home with you, uh, as well as we've got the takeaway segment, which is coming up. But, um, he has shown me that you can have, so I think there's like two things. There's a character in a narrator who's called Broccoli, and this tangent will make sense, but there's a character narrator called Broccoli.
He basically doesn't have. Like the power system that everyone has. He's basically like a normal, it'd be like a regular guy, but he basically, because of that, has to work really hard to use his brute strength to. It show his skill. And to me, he's an example of, you might not have the talent or skill to in an industry you want to get into, but through hard work and determination, you can still be as strong as someone who does.
And then NATO, to me, shows me the alternative. So you can have someone who has all the talent, all the skill, all the like. Influence, whatever. But if they don't know how to, if they don't have like a strong worth ethic or know how to train themselves up, um, or are prepared to even learn and like fail and go through hard times and understand that you will go through hard times, whatever you're doing, um, then you are equally, like, sometimes you are even, you are almost at like a bigger disadvantage because then you're like all this untapped like skills and knowledge and you see it a lot with.
So like, or not even just young people you see with people that maybe, you know, they have a passion for something, but they never go into it and they stop doing a job they don't like and they're in the industry that they hate. And I'm just like, yeah, if you have that skill, that knowledge, like to leave it untapped or on standby just doesn't make sense.
So yeah,
no, so would be my favorite actor.
My final question. Okay. Who would your ideal podcast guest be? Uh,
I get asked this from time to time. You do? I do, but I mean, I can answer it. Okay. Yeah. Uh, I've said number one T Trevor, uh, Trevor, uh, why? Well, I mean, like, well I wouldn't even say 'cause he's African, but like, I, no, I, because like I ask for the, like, no.
So I
imagine you'd love that.
I mean, the first answer was like, I, so when I saw he was like, when he was doing the daily show, I was like, my dream. When I started to pick up, I'm like, was to go on the Daily Show and like have Trevor not interview me. Then obviously he left and I was like,
tonight you're not interested.
No, no. I'll still be on the Daily Show. If you're having any daily show, please have me. Uh, I'm kind of like, Trevor would've been nice. Uh, bit harsh, like my success was coming, but like just gimme time to get there.
They were unfamiliar with your game.
Exactly, exactly. So I'm playing a long game and I understand Trevor's.
Oh really? Oh yeah. Trevor was, is further along in his journey and I'm like far enough, but Trevor, he could have waited. Um, he has his own podcast, so I'm also like most, I can get interviewed on his podcast. Um, but Trevor Noah would be my ideal guest, um, because I'm, um, who else would be a good guest? Uh, probably enough, someone I mentioned it, I don't know if it was the first guest of the season, we were talking about Idris bu for some reason, um.
I wouldn't mind, I wouldn't mind him. I feel like Idris would be fun. I, I've known people that didn't work with him like on the film, but he had a shoot and they met like, he was like, it was his shoot. So they met him, uh, and said he was really down to earth and chill. I think that's my more like, that's my thing.
'cause I'm like anyone big. My worst fear is like, if you are not who you are, like even off camera. Yeah. Like if you are like, and I've heard some things about people and I'm like, ah. Like. I can't know too much about You can be scary. Um, 'cause yeah, I will just instantly just turn off and be like, ah, no. Yep.
So to be like, no. Like I, I can't respect you anymore enough. Um, but yeah, I would say, yeah. Uh, uh, Trevor, Noah Idris. Uh, to be honest, he's not been any films. I, yeah, I don't think he's been in any films recently. And to, I guess, shout out another Nigerian brother, I wouldn't mind to be interviewed by John Bega.
I think he's got a really cool career. Um, I agree that Disney didn't treat him well when it came to Star Wars. Um, oh, I didn't know that. Yeah. Oh, that's a whole, that was the whole thing. Okay. Um, but yeah, I think John Bega would be interesting. And then one final guest. Uh. Actually, I'll do two. One that I mentioned before was, um, uh, they were, have you ever watched Blackish?
Mm-hmm.
You know, did you ever watch Grown the spinoff show? I, okay. You know, the, the Sisters, Chloe and Halle Bailey? Mm-hmm. Yeah. I wouldn't mind interviewing them. I think their journey is very interesting how they both started off in acting. They went into music, and now even at this stage, like they both have done both acting music.
I think that's an interesting perspective. Also, you know, they. Work with, or I don't act like, don't quote me on this. I don't know how they fit within Beyonce and Jay-Z's record label stuff, but also even that really cool. Um. Someone, let me think of someone else who, you know what actually, because she also in the UK and she as, as a fellow Christian, it'll be cool to learn.
'cause I heard she gave, she took a break from acting 'cause she felt she wanted to get closer to God, which is to teeter la Teeter. Yeah. I feel like, um, one 'cause. Now she's Black Panther. I think she, well one 'cause she's Black Panther not 'cause dressed as She's Black Panther like. Oh really? I mean, I'm a, I'm a, I'm a Marvel fan.
I even wearing, um, wearing a DCT shirt, but I'm a Marvel fan so anyone from Marvel would be great. But I think like her journey and even like to be at that stage to, 'cause I think a lot of people, and I guess it links to like the having all the skin in the world or like that whole mindset is that, I don't know if you were told like, Hey, you'll be a main role in like if I was told, Hey Jeffrey, we've seen your podcast.
Spotify are gonna make you the face of all podcasts. And like, you're gonna be like, I don't know the, actually I only say I don't, I don't want to be like Joe Rogan, but, um, but if they were just like, Hey Jeffrey, we'll give you the, like the same marketing and money and all of that stuff. Um, to me it's interesting that she was able from a face perspective to turn around and be like, actually, you know what?
I'm good. I need to take a break. 'cause I'm like. On a personal level, I'm like, would am I at a stage where I would feel confident enough to do that? And I was also like, how many people do I know would do that? Because in the long game you might be thinking, oh, this will be great. It's gonna help my career.
It's gonna do X and DY. And she was just like, no. From a faith perspective, I feel like this isn't where I, this isn't what I need to do right now and this isn't where I need to be. So I think to be able to turn down such something that could impact you in such a like big level is really inspiring. So yeah, true.
Those would be my, my five years. Okay. Um, yeah. And any, any final question before, what if it was an anime character? If it was an anime? Ooh, I answer that. Uh,
that's a good question. The thing is, I'll be honest, like I, I need, I need to get anime is something that I'm slowly getting back into. Mm-hmm. The one that I would say would be interesting, just because again, I feel like he's very much relatable and linked to the whole idea of like, um, hard work, hard.
What's it, sorry, like, I'm gonna walk off camera for a bit. Let's get, it's on my laptop. It is. Hard work beats talent. When talent doesn't work. Hard work beats talent. When talent doesn't work always. Um. And to me that's a real, like the, so the character I would interview is this guy called Madia. I won't go into the full, my hero.
Do you know about my hero? Academia?
No. Oh, say that again.
My hero academia
actually. Yeah.
Okay. Yeah. The main character, Madia, I would interview him. I think, uh, a lot of people did well. A lot of people didn't like the first season and now it's gotten a lot better. They love it. Manger's now ended. Um, but to me personally, I feel like he, especially I.
I don't even know if I, ah, I'll put a spoiler warning overly. There'll be like a loud, loud siren. So if you only watch the anime, you haven't read the well wearing it
for me. 'cause whilst I know about it, I haven't actually fully watched it. Do you?
Are you? No, I don't mind going through you. Don't mind. Okay, cool.
Uh, so you have been warned. I've also talked for agency. Now you've definitely been warned. Oh, actually, wait, sorry. I should check. Madison. You don't, you don't watch ond. Uh, cool. I'm checking. We, we, Madisons
is not,
um, so, because I was just like, I'm saying I'm gonna spoil it and if you're like massive fan, then I'm not taking the tech out.
You. Um, but yeah, so with that, so essentially the whole premise is he gets powers from the number one superior in Japan. He finds out that the number one super in Japan, he's, he's getting to a stage where he is losing his powers. So he gives it to the main character Meria. And at the end of this. The show, he, there's this big battle with the big bad of the show, uh, and essentially, which is what this current season that's gonna come out this year is gonna touch on is it ends with Madia giving up his powers to defeat the main villain.
And I look at it as inspirational. The reason why I like Zoom is two things. 'cause one, like he lives in a world where. 90% of the world have powers. And if you don't, it's almost like being weird. Like you're just like anomaly. And bear in mind, their world has like the wild, it's called quirks. So they're superpowers called quirks.
But there are like wild ones, like there's people that look like animals. So they're like a animal, human, hybrid. They have human hands, animal head. There is a guy, if I can find the picture, his head, this is how, you know, like, only in Mango does this exist. And they wanna do a live action of the show, which I don't understand how it's gonna work, but there's a guy who, the head of his, his head is, um, you know, like bottles, like if you know, like cleaning.
His head is bear mind. He's, this mind is a human, but his, how does he
speak?
I couldn't tell you. Couldn't tell you. There is another person who, his power is literally, uh, he is the super name on, so basically if he says the word P, someone gets punched, it's cool, but he literally, he's basic. I think his head is head is a speech bubble.
But it generally, I say this mango is wild. For like the, the, the way you pick these powers is interesting, but for me it's very interesting. So you live in a world where like most of the population have powers and to, you've then been given not only like just the superpower, but like you've been given essentially one of the most powerful superpowers in this universe.
You then like go through all the stuff that he goes through to then be like, actually, you know what? I need to save. Like my enemy. I'm not necessarily worry about keeping this power to myself, but use this power to save them. And I feel like that's a really inspiring, I don't know. It's interesting to think of because it's like, again, like I said, how many people would do that,
do that,
uh, and be prepared to like give up.
Something for other human
beings. Slim chance.
Slim chance. But I was just like, yeah. So I'd love to interview him for that. Um, and also anyways, like he, he gets, he gets a cool me suit that. Basically. Ooh. So you wanna see the suit? I mean, if he gave me the suit, I wouldn't mind. But also I'm gonna be real. I know I've already, I've thought about this many a times.
I, I like, there's a reason why God did not create superpowers in the world. 'cause it would not go the world the way people want. I if, if you want an optim, if anyone's watching, they, they disagree. I think. Um. Like people would say the boys is the more accurate representation, I think to a degree, yes. If you're more of an optimist and you think you want to know more about it, I would say the watch, um, uh, what would I say, watch the new Superman film because I feel like that is also an accurate representation of if superheroes did exist in the world, how would that look?
Um. And also I would say there's a quote from, uh, Marvel, uh, not Marvel Avengers, uh, civil War where vision basically tells Captain America that superheroes existing meant there was like more world threats because people wanted to replicate, um, superpowers and create their own super stuff. So I was just like, oh yeah, no, like.
If superheroes existed, world would be tough. But yes. Any final question before, before we go? Okay. That's all the time I've got. Wow. Okay. Thank you very much. Um, we'll now go to the end of the month organizational individual who is related to the topic that we are discussing. We are highlighting for this episode.
Uh, the Yinka Shawnee Barrer Foundation, they support artists from Africa and the diaspora through residencies, mentoring and global exchange. Uh, similar to the incredible work that Alfredo does, they focus on applying, amplifying, sorry, underrepresented voices and promoting cultural hybrid hybridity. I didn't know that was a word.
Uh, identity exploration and sustainable artist practices, um, which, uh, you know, aligns with all the things we've discussed today. Um, I've actually also partnered with, uh, Summerset House Studios, um, which emphasizes, you know, a key connection to, uh, this incredible artist here who is a resident of Summerset House.
Um, as an organization, they spotlight and they're always looking for students who explore art, heritage, and innovation. Um, so yeah. Check them out. They've got a strong focus on all the stuff we've been talking about today. So, uh, yeah. Do we miss out? But yes, we have come to you The second last segment of the episode.
Well, technically the last segment before I do the outro, uh, Alfredo, this is called the takeaway segment. Uh, I joke, uh, as you can see, I'm still wearing the same t-shirt as potentially in the last episode. So that means no, I haven't got a few sponsor yet. But this is our message of, uh, not huge, but to take away a message for, so our audience are watching or listening, they've heard you share your incredible story and journey.
What is your message of inspiration? Summarizing all the things we've discussed today, um, what would it be?
Put that in the
Yeah, I do.
You Amazing. I appreciate that. Um, what would I. Say, I would say that if you have a passion or a purpose, try to
your life. Full life. Other than that, good speed. Good luck. Stay alive.
Yeah, stay alive. Stay hydrated. Drink water. Um, as you can see, I'm,
I'm not sure. That was good. We need something else.
Do I? You think you need I, you asked medicine, do you think?
There we go. See, see? Uh, yeah. Um. That's it. We've come to the end. Uh, thank you. Uh, it's been incredible learning about your journey, Alfreda. I mean, I mean, technically I'm thinking about it.
Mm. I guess I don't really know
much, like obviously I know your journey through work, but I guess the stuff before work, I don't know too much about it.
It was interesting to learn more about that, like where I was born and stuff. I mean, even today I did not learn when you, where you were born Greenage. Really? That's interesting. Um, also, you know, that's wild. I was gonna do something else, but it's cool. I was gonna, basically, it was based off a conversation I had with someone on Tuesday, uh, yesterday.
'cause he was saying that he can tell, by the way my sister acts that she's from north of London. And I was gonna try and guess
with, I don't have that.
You don't have that, you don't think you represent
the anywhere specific? No. I, I get it all the time where people ask me where in London I live, and they're always just like, oh, I did, I, I think it's the Nigerian thing.
It's like, it's because, yeah, I, I'm like, my whole childhood is like broken into different sections where I'm. From one place and then, and then the next. Right. So I, I don't think I have the, the sort of organic connection that comes from being in one side of London for an extended period of, I think I'm just, I'm just, you know, Alfred from heaven.
Just, I don't, I just, you know, I don't, I don't, I wouldn't say that I have specific traits about me that connect to whether that's like. West London, or I, I, I don't think I, 'cause I've met people who do and I'm like, wow. You know, I rate that, but it is not me, you know? That's fair. Um,
that's fair. Mm. Thank you, uh, for coming.
Thank you for coming on, uh, and for sharing your journey. Uh, it's been great learning about you. Uh, this is your opportunity to spotlight yourself. So if you've got any upcoming exhibitions, uh, I would say think wide. 'cause uh, this episode may come out a bit later than when we're recording, so like, when.
Like possibly towards November, maybe around November or end of October. Okay. Um, it can be any exhibition, any events, any workshops if you're looking for opportunities to collaborate with people. If you want to highlight if. I don't know anything, any places you're potentially exhibiting. If you have a ask for our wonderful community, this is your opportunity to do so.
No. No. Nothing to ask. I ask them to buy my work. Ask them to buy my work. To buy your work. Bad idea. That's
a bad idea. How work is sick. It's a bad I, I'll do for you. Okay. So, uh, Alfredo does incredible work. Uh, you've seen some pictures already. Uh, I'll put up some more pictures. Um, please do make sure if you are, if you're watching, I, I'm looking at like two of the three cameras because I'm not sure which one's gonna appear.
But please, if you, if you have me, if you have, listen, now this, this is, like I said, she's traveled the world, she's doing incredible stuff. So it would be, look, if you wanna spice up your workplace, you wanna spice up your home, you wanna spice up maybe a partner's home. Maybe you want to get a nice, this could be a nice Christmas gift, huh?
Maybe you are thinking, wow, I don't know what to get my parents. Maybe you are even Nigerian. And you know, getting presents for your family is always hard. You get judged on what you get them. Sometimes this is your opportunity to get something that's not really gonna be great. It's gonna last. So, uh, she may not say it, but I will say get her what she's gonna tell you how to connect with her, but.
Yeah, yeah. El Alfred's work. Um, she does all kinds of sizes. She can work within your budget. Um,
yeah, I told her, look, I'm, I'm, it depends. Have a decent budget.
Have a, have a decent budget. Uh, you know, if it's a big celebration, wedding anniversaries, she can do weddings. Uh, she can do, you know, 60. Wow. I can, you can now she can do, you know, 60th, uh, anniversaries.
And look, uh, if you are watching you like to party, she, she can give you very nice custom pieces to celebrate. Maybe you've got an in-law or sibling, you're trying to like up stand with your clothing. Alfreda iss the person to go to. But yeah, I've talked about enough. Alfreda, how can people connect with you?
Uh, any stuff you've got coming up.
Yes, I will be doing a lot more workshops mm-hmm. Towards the end of the year. So if you are interested in any of the topics that you have heard here mm-hmm. Amongst many others that connect to, um, mental and physical wellness, um, and a little bit about. Creative and human body regulation.
It's a wide topic. Um, anyway, we cover those in the workshop, so if you're, if you're interested, please do come along as far as where to find the workshops and myself and any future work I will be doing. I am on Instagram. Um, will you put the,
should I spell it? You can, you can, you can put it up. It will appear on the screen.
There you go.
Um. If you want to, if you want people to connect with you on LinkedIn, you can, I can make that up here as well. Go
for
it. Why not LinkedIn? Boom there. Um, do you want email address?
No,
no email address. Contact us through LinkedIn or Instagram. Um, I mean, websites, is that something
people do?
Should you be putting your email address out there like that? I, I don't think, I don't
know, like. I feel like I kill me. Jeffrey will decide. I will decide, uh, LinkedIn or Instagram for now. Um, but yes, we're gonna wrap up the episode. Thank you to you, wonderful audience. If you like this episode, like, comment, subscribe, always appreciated.
Make sure you click the notification bell so you don't miss any of our call at. So it's on the pick up the mic, YouTube channel. Uh, if you wanna support the work that we do or see some cool merch, we'll discount at some of our ticketed, uh, and paid events that we are hoping to do for the rest of this year, but also for next year.
'cause we've got big celebration next year and, uh, five years of pick the mic and we will be going big. Uh, Jeffrey is saying this on camera now, so I maybe have to commit to it. But you do. I'll be. At least one event per quarter. And if I feel brave enough, I will do one event per month next year. I'm saying on camera, I have ideas of how it could work, but uh, yeah, we'll have big, small.
Somewhere in between events. Uh, so definitely if you want to get discounts on those, be either a Patreon member or check out our YouTube channel membership, both at LinkedIn, the description. Finally, if you want, uh, sorry, not finally, second to last. If you want to support our efforts, maybe you don't wanna subscribe on a subscription basis, that's perfectly fine.
Uh, my question to you would be, have you bought a coffee today? If you have, and all you're thinking about buying a coffee? Uh, in the link below. We've actually now got a buy. I think it's buy me a coffee or buy you a coffee. But essentially it's a link where you can donate money to pick up the mic from the price of one coffee.
So, hey, maybe you're like me. You have two coffees a day. One of those coffees could go towards, pick up the mic and you don't have to do it every month. You can't subscribe on that if you want to, but you can give one coffee, two coffees, buy coffees. But we know all you caffeinated drinkers. It also does, uh, beverages, alcoholic beverage as well.
There's a buy me a beer thing, but we'll go with coffee 'cause we are expecting most of you to just be drinking this as you listen to work. Um, actually that's one thing. Put in the comments below. Sorry, this is a wild tantrum, but put in the comments below. I actually don't know how many, how you listen to our content.
So if you're listening at work, let us know. If you're listening with family and friends, let us know. Um, but yeah, that's interesting. I've never thought about how people listen to our podcast. Anyways, that's a wild tantrum. Uh, finally before we wrap up, uh, check out our anime channel, centers of Anime Gaming Pick up the Controller.
And finally, the two Macers with Joshua Morgan. They are coming back with more episodes, so we're currently recording in. But there'll be loads of episodes coming your way and they'll be talking about all things sci-fi and fantasy. Uh, but yeah, we're gonna close this chapter of the Student Guide. It's been great speaking to you guys.
Thank you so much. Have a wonderful day, and we'll see you in the next episode of The Student Guide. So that's, bye from us here and enjoy.
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