Plugging into a glossy market

Jan 2 2008 by Ben Glaze, South Wales Echo

Plugging into a glossy market

A HUSBAND and wife who set-up a magazine for young writers, photographers and designers are celebrating a successful first three months.

Darren Warner and Gail Griffiths want to provide Rhondda Cynon Taf’s young people with the chance to work for a glossy publication and help promote up-and-coming talent from the borough’s musical world.

Gail spent more than 20 years working on magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire and New Woman.

She and Darren, both 43 and who live in Pontypridd, launched Plugged In, in September.

Gail said: “Our aim is to give the Plugged In team an insight into what it’s like to work in their chosen fields by teaching them the ground rules of all aspects of the publishing world.”

The 15-strong team, all aged between 16 and 25, not only give unsigned bands a glimpse of the music media, but also feature well-known local success stories such as Funeral For A Friend and Lostprophets.

Darren, who worked for the New Musical Express and Melody Maker photographing bands like U2 and The Cure, said Plugged In had been well received.

“We’re very pleased with the progress of the students. It’s very hard to get a job within the creative industries these days without experience, and by mentoring students to write, take photos or work on design we feel we are providing them with that invaluable experience everyone asks for,” he said. “They can take a copy of the magazine with them and show what they’ve done, whether it’s to get into college or go for a job interview.”

Design student Stephen Lewis, 24, of Llantwit Fardre, said: “Having your work in your hands is a fantastic feeling. It’s tangible and being in a magazine will always be there for everyone to see. I’ve learned what it’s like to work to a professional standard and tight deadlines. That experience is invaluable.”

James Foxhall, 18, of Ynysybwl, won a place at college after impressing tutors with his photographic portfolio. He said: “If it wasn’t for Plugged In I wouldn’t be in college now doing what I’ve always wanted to do.

“It’s thanks to Darren and Gail that my career in photography will become a reality for me.”

RCT’s youth music industry coordinator Tanya Walker said: “This magazine is unique not only because it has been written, photographed and designed by young people, who have been mentored by industry professionals, but it is also of high quality visibly and in its written content.”

n Plugged In costs £1 and is on sale across RCT.

ben.glaze@mediawales.co.uk