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 Since
his early days as a graffiti artist, 21-year-old Doug Munford has
turned his talent into a successful business with the potential
to earn him a quid or two.
The
BA (Hons) Furniture graduate from the University of Central Lancashire
describes himself as a designer rather than an artist and produces
prints that have been well received by Preston folk.
While
he won't give away his design techniques, Doug makes spray paint
prints of anything that takes his fancy using a layering technique
with impressive results.
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| Doug
gives Jack Nicholson a new look |
From
Audrey Hepburn to Oliver Reed to Jack Nicholson in "The Shining",
Doug's prints are on show in Preston bars Base and Hush, and sell
at around £50 each. He also does commission work for people
who approach him: 'I recently did a print of Status Quo for someone
who wanted it for a present. I can make prints of more or less anything'
he says.
So
far Doug has sold 20 of his prints since Christmas and is so positive
about his work he has set up his own business called "Maven."
'The word stands for he who is knowledgeable or professional in
a certain field, which I hope I am." He's also had business
cards and post cards printed and is hoping to set up a website.
Surrey
lad Doug wants to take his work outside Preston with possible commission
work from an unnamed new magazine, as well as aiming to target the
student population of Manchester and Liverpool. He adds: 'I'm mainly
focusing my designs for students and so I want to display my work
in bigger cities where students can see it. I know there is a lot
of competition but I like to think my work is a bit different."
He
says he likes to keep his work "raw" because that's what
makes it stand out. 'I don't want it to look polished. A guy commented
that a piece looked really good, almost like a photograph, but I
was disappointed with that, its not what I'm looking for, what's
the point if it looks exactly like a photo?'
Doug
says he's always felt he was creative, reflected in his chosen degree,
and says it helps that he has good space awareness and that he is
very open minded. 'I always make sure I'm not closed off to any
ideas, I take on board any suggestions."
So
what does he think of the competition? 'My main competition in the
area is Luke Richards who has his work displayed in Preston coffee
shop Brew, but to be honest our work is completely different. I
really like and admire what he does.'
So
why for the time being Doug is content to kick start his career
in Preston, it's a case of "watch this space" for a tall
guy with big ambitions. He hopes in a couple of years time to have
got his business up and running and firmly stamped his name on the
North West art scene if not further a field. If you want one of
Doug's prints you had better hot foot it down to Preston, he might
be worth a lot more than £50 a go pretty soon!
The
views expressed on this page are those of the contributor and the
opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the BBC.
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