→ Mistakes are fine – they’re part of learning and growth, share what was learnt, and don’t let it become a roadblock. It also helps you become aware of limitations
→ Take time to reflect – don’t rush decisions; the rule of ‘sleep on it’ is really true when trying to decide whether to take work on or how to do something is good advice
→ Get all the training you possibly can – this builds skills and confidence, helping you feel prepared when challenges arise
Natasha Steer is founder of Creatabot
David Tovey
The former army chef is now an artist, activist and educator.
Tovey says: “If you’re going through homelessness, illness or feeling like everything’s against you, I won’t pretend there’s an easy answer. But your story isn’t finished. Things take time. Longer than feels fair. Your path is your own. Not everyone will understand what you make. Some won’t like it. Sometimes you won’t even like it yourself. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth making. Because one day someone will see it. And it will connect. And that can change everything.”
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Five things I wish I’d known:
→ Success is personal. Some days, just getting up and creating is enough
→ You don’t need funding to start. Make the work first
→ You don’t need permission. Just begin
→ It takes time. Everyone moves at their own pace – don’t give up
→ Not everyone will like your work. That’s fine. Keep making it anyway
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
See works by David Tovey on his website
Read more:
Surfing Sofas
A poet and artist whose work reflects a history of homelessness, racism and trauma. He has performed at venues from Tate Modern to Saatchi Gallery and has been artist in residence at Museum of Homelessness and Centre for Homelessness Impact.
He says: “I didn’t know I was an artist until my friends told me I was. Writing was something I did to communicate how I felt, and to let people know they weren’t alone. I believe success is where preparation and opportunity meet. Years of writing have prepared me for opportunities to succeed.”
Five things I wish I’d known:
→ Skill stacking – learning new skills that were helpful to my work
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
→ Applying for funding – to turn ideas into impactful projects
→ Having mentors – their guidance saved time and missteps
→ Working in partnership – collaborations opened doors
→ Servitude – helping others led to more meaningful work and opportunities
See works by Surfing Sofas on his Instagram page
Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more.
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Change a vendor’s life.
Buy from your local Big Issue vendor every week – and always take the magazine. It’s how vendors earn with dignity and move forward.
You can also support online:
Subscribe to the magazine or support our work with a monthly gift. Your support helps vendors earn, learn and thrive while strengthening our frontline services.
Thank you for standing with Big Issue vendors.
