Alia

I am a photographer passionate about social documentary, environmental portraiture, and visual sociology. I try to place ethics at the core of my practice, often working in socially engaged ways and via partner negotiation and collaboration. Previously I was a firefighter for 24 years, and then transitioned to event production, working globally with renowned clients like Duke Dumont, Wu-Tang Clan, Pusha T and many others. After leaving the touring life, I earned a BA and MFA in photography (with distinction) at the University for the Creative Arts and now here I am doing what I love.

I am an artist living on the edge of The New Forest. I use folklore, folksong, old customs, games and rituals to explore contemporary issues particularly social and economic disparity. Country living can be a strange mix of bounty and hopelessness but when people have access to their own strong and sinuous roots, their own history and stories they have anchorage and hope. I seek the stories that connect us and as an artist I’m thinking of different ways of pinning them up on the metaphorical village hall notice board for all to see. Alongside my own practice I run drawing workshops as The Village Hall Draw and community workshops around the New Forest working with Culture in Common and Hampshire Cultural Heritage amongst others.

I’m Hannah, a graphic designer with over 20 years’ experience in branding, print and digital design. I help businesses communicate clearly and confidently through thoughtful, well-crafted design. As a creative partner, I take the time to understand your business, goals and audience, and by working closely with clients and their teams, I create design solutions that are considered, effective and visually appealing. My work covers everything from branding and design for print to websites, including e-commerce. I manage projects from concept to delivery, coordinating suppliers and specialists as needed, and I take pride in being friendly, reliable and responsive while delivering work that adds clarity and confidence to your brand.