NICOLA COOPER

SENIOR TREND RESEARCHER & ANALYST CURRICULUM VITAE

2016

NICOLA COOPER

18 Protea Street, Kensington South, Johannesburg 2094

Mobile | + 27 83 390 3623

Email | nicola@nicolacooper.co.za

ID Number | Nicola Jane Cooper Tarboton: 7603260185008

Current Age | 40

Driver’s License | 08

Nationality | South African/Scottish

LinkedIn Profile | www.linkedin.com/in/nicolacooper

FB Professional | www.facebook.com/NicolaCooperTrends

Twitter/Instagram | @NicolaCoop

Chris Saunders,2015

NICOLA COOPER

I'm not trying to do something different, I'm trying to do the

same thing but in a different way.’ – Vivienne Westwood

Through my grounding in Pop Cultural and Lifestyle brands and my unique personal experiences, I aim to bring new light to products and complex problem solving from the ground up.

In an industry that so often attracts opportunists who are drawn to the illusion of glamour, I stand firm in my personal convictions and academic roots – insisting that study, impeccable research, time and experience, and an instinctual knack for the field will set experts like myself away from the pack.

As a proud Africanist, certainly in terms of the fashion and cultural spheres, I believe I am at the fore of new thinking on the continent. I am a strong-willed, analytical, logical and creative, and I thrive on opportunities to push new boundaries of thought through my expertise to offer unique insights into the African market, particularly in the act of ‘Glocalisation’, a form of analysis that includes interpreting international trends for a local market, local-for-local and local-for-international markets.

For this reason, I am frequently sought out by large-scale corporate clients to consult on their brands, and have worked with the likes of MTV International/MTV Base, Randa/Equator Accessories, The Foshini Group, The Busby Group, Sport Scene, Truval, Multichoice Business and Intelligence Department and Procter & Gamble with clients such as Olay, Ariel and Pantene.

Chris Saunders,2015

WORK EXPERIENCE

Chris Saunders,2015

NICOLA COOPER & ASSOCIATES

ROLE: SENIOR TREND RESEARCHER & ANALYST

2015/2016

LISOF

2010/2013

FLUX TRENDS

2014/2015

ROLE: SENIOR TREND ANALYST

ROLE: SENIOR LECTURER

In November 2014, a decision was made for me to remain as a preferred supplier to Flux Trends, become a preferred supplier to Trendwatching.com and begin my own business built on the solid foundations of my experiences, my knowledge and academic knowledge of trend analysis. This was decided in order to focus on my chosen field of Pop/Youth Culture and Lifestyle, gratefully with the full support of Dion Chang and Flux Trends. Remaining a preferred supplier to Flux Trends allowed me to work alongside my Mentor, Dion Chang with both loyal and new customers of the Fashion, Lifestyle & Pop Culture division.

This choice gave me the freedom to accept additional work outside of the Flux Trends environment and the opportunity to work within the academic realm unpacking the sociological aspects of trends and attempting new methodologies of research in order to gain information in a continent as diverse as Africa.

During this time I have maintained Flux Trend clients such as:

Equator Accessories – supplier to Truworths Man, TFG: Sport Scene, Markham & Woolworths Menswear, Generation Furniture, Multichoice’s Business and Intelligence Department for their 4 music channels Mzanzi, Channel O, KykNet, MK.

And developed talks for Flux Trends ‘Open Sessions’, Eucerin, Rogue amongst others.

Trendwatching.com’s clients such as Checkers

I have maintained these clients and since added new clients to my business list such as P&G: Pantene, Ariel Washing Powder, Oil of Olay, Home Choice and international Trend Consultancies.

2015/2016

SENIOR TREND RESEARCHER & ANALYST18 Protea Street | Johannesburg | 2094 Mobile: 083 390 3623 Email: hello@nicolacooper.co.za Web: www.nicolacooper.co.za FB: www.facebook.com/nicolacoopertrends Twitter/Instagram: @nicolacoop

NICOLA COOPER & ASSOCIATES

• Conceptualising, researching, developing, packaging, constructing and delivering fashion and pop culture talks

• Developing product categories for the Nicola Cooper & Associates brand • Training and managing Anna Ptasinska Trend Researcher & Strategist • Creating costings, Cost Estimates, Invoicing and remuneration for Nicola Cooper & Associates • Handling of clients, travels and accommodation for business travels • In-depth research through various research methodologies, including immersive and standard • Utilising various trend exercises and theories (such as Nystroms theoretical framework, the

trickle theories etc.) research and appropriate trends from an International to local, local-to-local and local to international perspective.

• Develop a Tailored Trend Report in accordance to client brief • Develop and construct tailored trend presentations according to client requirements • Sourcing necessary media (video, music video etc.) to position within

presentations • Delivering the Trend Funnel Facilitated Workshop to clients such as Wunderbrand • Attend necessary fashion weeks, conferences and events in order to

maintain and gain knowledge and trend capital • Immersing myself in Fashion Neighbourhoods, Townships, Talks and independent

photoshoots in order to gain knowledge • Mentor to Phendu Kuta of Unlabelled Online Magazine. • Maintain a strong online presence through various social media platforms

including twitter, Instagram and personal professional page on Facebook. Maintain a strong public profile that represents Nicola Cooper & Associates, Flux trends the brands and their ethos.

• Handling interviews, writing or linear and non linear media engagement and publications • Writing comprehensively for Sarie, Rooi Rose, The SA Fashion Handbook, Blaque Quarterly,

superbalist.com amongst others

ROLES

SENIOR TREND RESEARCHER & ANALYST

• Confirmed speaker for 2016 Black Portraiture[s] III: The African Influence - November 2016

• Speaker at the Between10and5 Creative Womxn Conference – August 2016 • Recently interviewed by Pro-tien Trend Agency, with regard to my previous

years curation on the topic of ‘Hypersampling’ in Africa. • Recent Keynote Speaker and Panelist at the KZN Fashion Council’s Africa

Exchange event - June 2016 • Recent Expert Ambassador for Ariel Washing Powder - Athleisure Campaign in

association with local innovators/influencers and Superbalist.com with P&G’s Magna Carta

• Elected Trend Representative at the MAC Cosmetics Trend Conference - Berlin - April 2016

• Regular speaker at the S/S 2016 SA Menswear Fashion Week • Contributing writer to ‘The Fashion Handbook’ 2016 • Occasional writer to BLQ – aka Blaque Quarterly • Occasional writer to Superbalist.com • Regular to Cliff Central’s ‘The Fashion Lab – the Business of Fashion’ • Developed a proposal to the South African Fashion Council and the Department

of Arts and Culture in the interest of building a Trend Research Centre to service ‘Glocalised’ information for paying consumers and in the interest of up skilling the Fashion Industry in terms of training individuals in the field of Trend Analysis, as well as presenting new knowledge, with regard to, Africa’s consumer typologies, lifestyles, trends, street style and fashion documentation for future academic reference.

2016

ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

In September of 2013 I was approached by my mentor and South African trend professional Dion Chang, to assist in the development of a new division for Flux trends namely; the Fashion, Lifestyle and Pop Culture division. After lecturing Trend Analysis across various National Qualification Framework levels for four years and all prior experiences, I felt that it was time to step into a role I had been striving towards for many years.

• Assisting with the conceptualisation, researching and launching of presentations for Dion Chang including Zeitgeist 2015, Travel Trends, Technical Trends

• Conceptualising, researching, developing, packaging, constructing and delivering fashion and pop culture “Open Session” industry talks #WWWWH

• Utilising various trend exercises and theories research and appropriate trends from an International to local, local-to-local and local to international perspective.

• Develop the Trend Funnel "course" offering, a well as the strategic marketing • Develop a new product entitled the Commissioned Research Report (CRR) • Develop a Commissioned Research Report in accordance to client brief • Develop and construct commissioned trend presentations according to client requirements • Deliver the ‘Trend Funnel Facilitated Workshop’ to clients such as Mzanzi Music, Channel O, KykNet and

MK • Sourcing necessary media (video, music video etc.) to position within

presentations • Attend necessary fashion weeks, conferences and events in order to

maintain and gain knowledge and trend capital • Maintain a strong online presence through various social media platforms

including twitter, Instagram and personal professional page on Facebook. • Maintain a strong public profile that represents Flux trends the brand and it’s ethos.

During my time with Flux trends I fulfilled my roles and generated dedicated clients to the new division.

2013/2015

FLUX TRENDS

44 Stanley Road | Milpark | Johannesburg | 2000 Tel: +2711 7265529 Email: dion@fluxtrends.co.za Web: www.fluxtrends.co.za FB: www.facebook.com/fluxtrends Twitter/Instagram: @DionChang

SENIOR TREND ANALYST

• Actively contributing to the VIAD Research Department for a new exhibition to showcase in September 2015 and additionally in 2016 on the history of ‘The Black Dandy.’

• Judge at the AFI Fastrack Awards for AFI Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2015 • Contributing writer to ‘The Fashion Handbook’ 2015 • Judge in South African Fashion Week Renault New Talent Awards 2014/15 • Contributing researcher and consultant to Wild Spaghetti Films and Casamia Online Magazine • Currently mentor to three Johannesburg based subculture groups, namely

The Sartists, Khumbula and unlabeled by Phendu Kuta, who have had recognised positive, critical acclaim from both local and international audiences. Such as ‘The Dandy Lion’ and ‘The Black Dandy’ documentary screened on Canal in France on the 25th of March 2015.

• Appeared as an ‘expert’ on numerous television and radio shows • Monthly writer for the Mr Price RT Blog • Weekly writer for The Times and Times Live 2014 • Speaker at the Durban Fashion Fair 2014 • Speaker at the British Council Connect/ZA 2014 • Speaker at Social Media Week 2014 • Brand Ambassador for HTC • Appeared as a Trend Analyst or ‘Expert’ on numerous television and radio shows

Published and quoted in a variety of printed media from Grazia to the Mail and Guardian

2014/2015

ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

LISOF has earned the reputation of being the most progressive fashion school on the continent with a history strong successful Graduates such as Suzaan Heyns, Tiaan Nagel, Jenevieve Motley, Avant Apparel, Rich Mnisi, Eleni Labrou, Lumin, Thebe Magugu amongst many others. LISOF prides itself of the high quality of information facilitated from the Lecturers, as well as, the knowledge of the Lecturer’s as experts in their field.

During my time at LISOF, I lectured in many of the Contextual department’s clusters including Fashion Theory, as well as the most practical of subjects including experiential Learning.

Lecturing in both LISOF’s Rosebank – now Blairegowrie Johannesburg and Hatfield, Pretoria campus’, which included 28 hours of contact time with students per week, this included traveling four days a week between two cities and marking over 1000 assessments.

On average I Lectured approximately 500 Fashion Students in both the ‘Commercial and Creative clusters’ each week, from NQF Level 5 to Diploma and BA exit levels.

Going into 2012 I chose to focus on what I believe to be the three fundamental Theoretical subjects, which can be applied in a ‘real life’ scenario, namely Fashion Media, Historical Fashion Studies and Trend Analysis, which I taught across both campus’.

2011/2013

SENIOR THEORETICAL | CONTEXTUAL LECTURERLISOF - DESIGN & RETAIL ACADEMY Tel: +2711 6164473 Email: Shana@lisof.co.za Web: www.lisof.co.za FB: www.facebook.com/lisof Twitter/Instagram: @lisof

LISOF

FASHION MEDIA

Fashion Media Third year at LISOF I was assigned the task of creating the first Student produced, Fashion Institutional Magazine in Africa, using information and templates gained from International Fashion Institutions. During the course of six months with 60 students, across two campus’ (Pretoria and Johannesburg) a full colour, 120 page glossy, high end magazine was produced and “Protégé” magazine launched in December 2011 at the annual LISOF fashion show.

All elements of the magazine produced by students, strongly directed and curated by Head of Department, and myself Erica De Greef.

HISTORICAL FASHION STUDIES Historical Fashion Studies was taught in two years across 7 levels of learning. First year Historical Fashion Studies provides students with fundamental and foundational Information of pivotal Historical events and the fashion, which arose as a result. Learners discussed socio-economic and psychological events, which influenced change within the fashion realm. The learners were requested to draw comparisons and similarities between fashion between the 1700’s, 1950’s, 1970’s and contemporary fashion.

Second year Historical Fashion Studies formed a fundamental point in learning and is directed in created New Historical Research to contribute to South African Fashion Knowledge. Leaners were guided into composing a comprehensive, academic research document around South African Fashion History. Most contributions are the first research documents around South African Fashion History

and have been received by the Academic realm with great enthusiasm

TREND ANALYSIS As Trend Analysis is one of point of concentration and a subject, which I am passionate about, I lectured Trend Analysis across three levels, from NQF Level 5 (which was mandatory to all First year student) to Third year, Diploma and BA Exist levels across five levels of National Qualification Framework of learning. Within Trend Analysis I base real situations of practical Trend Analysis within strong Trend Theories and frameworks challenging my students to analyse Trends across all product areas with a main focus on Fashion. My daily role included: To be aware of new and upcoming designers, design Houses both locally and internationally. To be aware of international and local Socio Economic factors which may affect the consumer and both current and international trends. Various cultural influences, New or events which may be applicable to discuss within a Fashion Education environment. Keep up to date with youth culture and music related trends and with new design outputs within the industry

ROLE

SENIOR THEORETICAL | CONTEXTUAL LECTURER

• Supervise my subjects my a holistic perspective in order to understand the flow from first to third year and the potential of Post Graduate information

• Course Development of all three subjects which introduced relevant Historical, Theoretical and Contemporary Fashion information which incorporated modern teaching methodologies.

• Create specific visual references to support Theoretical or Historical presentations.

• Source visual materials online, photographically to visually support the theoretical components of my subject, in order to effectively facilitate fashion/Trend knowledge.

• Present all concepts, professionally and effectively to learners, in order to facilitate and promote learning as well as self-learning. Engaging with learners and assisting learners with any concerns, learning disabilities and in some cases, personal issues.

• Organise and coordinate examinations, supplementary examinations and marking framework for all three subjects across five levels of National Qualification Framework learning and delivering these to the external moderator.

• Coordinate and facilitate relevant learning experiences and projects such as the creation of Trend Reports for SAFW

• Finding, articles, journals, academic papers, relevant Trend reports and products for final presentation.

• Create and maintain a database with all relevant information.

• Create databases for all lecturing materials, file and archive.

ROLE

SENIOR THEORETICAL | CONTEXTUAL LECTURER

Chris Saunders,2015

C.INC

ROLE: CREATIVE DIRECTOR | TREND ANALYST | BUYER

2010/2011

MTV BASE AFRICA

2010/2013

THE PLATINUM GROUP

2009/2010

ROLE: SENIOR VISUAL MERCHANDISING MANAGER | MARKETING MANAGER

ROLE: CREATIVE CIRECTOR | ON AIR PRODUCER

C.Inc was a small boutique Interior Design Company with a large Johannesburg Cliental, as well as a large Pan African Market. The company began in 1996 as a retail store based in Kensington Johannesburg and since has grown into a retail store and Interior Design Consultancy.

My role within the company was diverse, as it is a smaller intimate studio. It offered many opportunities for me to explore my role in Management, as well as dealing directly with Clients and suppliers. It is a hugely rewarding position where I have the opportunity to realize the effect of creative thinking manufacturing and the implementation of interior design on a very personal level.

The clients range from Medium to High earning market brackets, as well as working with developers on projects such as Johannesburg 70 Juta Street Project. As part of the 70 Juta Street and Braamfontein Precinct development.

• Create Concepts based on trend research, Story Boards Colour palette’s and textural palette’s

• Be aligned to International Stores and products to ensure we are within the international if not in the forefront of home trends.

• To be personally attuned to the Clients needs to interpret their needs in to a final desirable output for both parties.

• Liaising with architects, contractors and interior designers to ensure that a strong visual dialogue is followed.

• Keep up to date with all the major Fashion, design and lifestyle trends to apply it accordingly.

• Keep up to date with home ware trends, influences of fashion of home living and with new design outputs within the industry worldwide. (Design Indaba, Rooms on View, The SARCDA Trade Show, Fashion Week, All Student industrial design and relevant design exhibitions etc.)

• To be aware of new and upcoming designers, both locally and internationally, and build a database of their products should a specific project call for it.

2010/2011

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | TREND ANALYST | BUYERART ANGLE T/A C.INC Tel: +2711 6164473 Email: artangle@yahoo.com

C.INC

ROLE

• Create specific Brief of all elements for In-House or outsourced productions.

• Create specific visual references templates and/or storyboards.

• Source various samples and images for Clients needs.

• Source visual materials online, photographically to support the visual storyboards.

• Present all concepts professionally to Clients, as well as suppliers, architects and Interior Designers to ensure all are clear of the visual output required.

• Supervise all the look and feel of all outsourced projects making sure that all steps in the communication with the external companies.

• Organise and coordinate designers, furniture manufacturers, fabric suppliers and all other related Interior Suppliers.

• Coordinate the scheduling of manufacturing to ensure deadlines are met.

• Buying necessary elements, articles and products for final presentation.

• To stage a space with all needs, such as special requirements, functionality of the space and desired visual output are met.

• Create and maintain a database with all relevant information.

• Create databases for all graphic materials, file and archive.

• More complex Installations may call for travel especially to our intercontinental Clients.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | TREND ANALYST | BUYER

I joined The Platinum Group Head Office towards the latter part of 2009 relocating myself to Cape Town in a heartbeat to work for such a progressive thinking company to assist in building a stronger visual brand and assist to create a credible ‘street wear’ brands through being positioned as Senior Visual Merchandising Manager for the Urban and Vertigo Brands of the company.

I was asked for my input on every level obviously focusing on my core job requirements, however this cross pollinated over into strategic moves and marketing strategies for Seasons and future endeavors which would expose the brand and broaden the Urban and Vertigo Brands.

Unfortunately, due to personal reasons I had to move back to my family in Johannesburg, however, I remained working on a freelance basis for the group in a conceptual, strategic and creative capacity. I am happy to have been labeled one of the top of South Africa’s crazy visionaries by the Head Designer of The Platinum Group Design studio, Johan Van De Merwe.

2010

PERMANENT & FREELANCERAPID TRADE T/A THE PLATINUM GROUP Tel: +2721 461 1207 Email: artangle@yahoo.com

SENIOR VISUAL MERCHANDISING & MARKETING MANAGER: URBAN & VERTIGO BRANDS

THE PLATINUM GROUP (VERTIGO + URBAN)

ROLE

• Create Concepts, Story Boards, Oversee Graphics, Soundtracks and any in store Promotion • Be aligned to International Stores such as Urban Outfitters, Top Shop, Anthropologie etc. to ensure we are on an

international par in terms of direction and trend of the brand, ensuring all visual, graphical and soundtracks are of an international quality and direction.

• Help maintain a strong channel and cultural identity, which encompasses the attitude and character of the Urban and Vertigo Brands targeting specific Markets.

• Producing creative in store promotions • Liaising with contractors, designers, record labels and suppliers to ensure all props, music and visual layout give a

holistic view of the brand. • Liaise with the Management regarding the Marketing and Financial budgets to ensure the project is managed

correctly with finances in place. • Keep up to date with all the major Fashion, design and lifestyle trends to apply it correctly in store. • Keep up to date with youth culture and music related trends and with new design outputs within the industry

worldwide. (Design Indaba, Fashion Week etc.) Specific Tasks: • Create specific Brief of all elements for In-House or outsourced productions. • Create specific visual references templates and/or storyboards. • Source music and soundtrack for in-store • Source visual materials • Present all concepts professionally to Managing Directors of The Platinum Group. • Supervise In –House graphic elements as ensure they are implemented correctly. • Supervise all the look and feel of all outsourced projects making sure that all steps in the communication with the

external companies are followed. • Supervise the look and feel of all outsourced projects making sure that they adhere to The Platinum Group

standards. Organise and coordinate designers

• Create and maintain a database with all relevant information • Create databases for all graphic materials, file and archive. • To Co-ordinate manufacturing and ship all materials to and from regions. • Set up one Flagship store, photograph and document a look-book for • Stores and In-store Visual Managers to follow. • More complex Installations may call for travel from Store to store for

installation and is done if is necessary.

SENIOR VISUAL MERCHANDISING & MARKETING MANAGER

I joined MTV base Africa in May of 2008, with a brief meeting with the international team, I was asked if I had a valid passport along with my unusual talents, I did and was promptly flown to London to have a crash course of ‘On Air’ training with Lara Romanelli – On Air Producer for MTV Base – Italy. The experience was incredible and having been fairly new to the ‘On Air’ component of music television, I learnt a great deal. Since then I worked along side my superior Elouise Kelly and Dudu Qubu to hone in the skills learnt.

As my Head Office as the On Air Producer was at first based in Milan and later in Poland I had to brief in all creative elements to designers which had never been to Africa nor understood the African culture, slang, intricacies and diversities. The forced me into articulating local culture to be understood by a European and international creative audience.

The role allowed me the opportunity to travel through Africa, to assist in the production of reality shows in Nigeria and the first ever MTV Africa Music Awards in Lagos, using the knowledge of African culture and in addition to this once of the biggest highlights of my career to generate the tribute to Miriam Makeba on her passing, which aired worldwide on MTV.

2008/2010

MTV BASE AFRICA Tel: +27 11 428 2907 Web: www.mtvbase.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & ON AIR PRODUCER

MTV BASE AFRICA

ROLE

• Produce graphics/logos/promos/fillers/image spots/sales tapes/ to promote MTV Networks Africa programming in a unique style as directed by the Milan Design Studio Creative Director and the Head of Editorial.

• Help maintain a strong channel and cultural identity, which encompasses the attitude and character of MTV while targeting a wide Pan-African audience.

• Producing creative, yet precise and high quality material, under the pressure of tight deadlines and budgets, and being flexible to carry out last minute amendments as requested; deliver all projects on time

• Liaise with the Marketing and Commercial departments, and with the clients where necessary, to ensure that the external requests and the channel On Air requirements are balanced and met for all sponsored series and campaigns.

• Keep up to date with all the major design and editing software • Keep up to date with youth culture and music related trends and with new design outputs within the industry

worldwide. (Promax)

• Specific tasks: • Create specific Brief of all elements for In-House or outsourced productions. • Create specific visual references templates and/or storyboards. • Source music and supervise music cut downs • Source visual materials and organize necessary dubs from the London library • Script and direct voice over and oversee all audio sessions. • Supervise In –House promo and graphic elements as instructed by the Editorial department and MDS. • Supervise all the look and feel of all outsourced projects making sure that all steps in the communication with the

external companies are followed and comply the channels need’s need and regulations. • Supervise the look and feel of all outsourced projects making sure that they adhere to the MTV standards. • Organise and coordinate editors, graphic designers, audio editors, runners and live shoots when requested. • Coordinate the scheduling of the promos and oversee all On Air traffic. • Create and maintain a database with all relevant information on each and every graphic element. • Create databases for all graphic materials, file and archive. • Create and maintain back up compilation tapes of both clean and finalized elements. • Provide the relevant departments with still images and extract of all On Air related materials (e.g. Press, Online,

Production, Marketing, etc.) • Support the Production Manager in setting up a time and cost effective system to ship all on Air materials to and

from International regions.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & ON AIR PRODUCER

Chris Saunders,2015

CLEARWATER PRODUCTIONS | THNKYVRYMCH

ROLE: PRODUCER | DIRECTOR & STUDIO MANAGER SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR

2010/2011

FREELANCE & PART-TIME

2010/2013

[R]EVOLTION DISTRIBUTION

2009/2010

ROLE: CREATIVE | FINANCES | HR

ROLE: FREELANCE | PART-TIME LECTURER | ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR & PROPS MASTER

I joined Clearwater in June 2006, taking on the role of General Manager in the Design and Animation Division.

I found my combination of business and creative skills gave me the expertise to team up with Asia Matuszak – Masters to head up the Clearwater Design and Animation Division.

My position included key account management and billing, customer and staff liaison and problem resolution. It also included the implementation of divisional business/action plans.

I managed across a broad spectrum of areas, in sales and marketing, financial governance and management, corporate identity and image, operations and human resources.

Upon joining Clearwater, my main task was creating a new Corporate Identity for the company. This included concept development and directing photographers and stylists to ensure that the concept was executed efficiently. It also included working directly with individuals such as Jacques van De Watt (www.blackcoffee.co.za); South African photographers, Liam Lynch (www.questioneverything.co.za); Chris Saunders (www.imagination.co.za) and Warren Van Rensburg (www.myspace.com/warrenvanresnburg).

2006/2007

PRODUCER/DIRECTOR & STUDIO MANAGERCLEARWATER PRODUCTIONS THNKYVRYMCH Tel: +27 11 446 7222 The Media Mills, Auckland Park, Milpark Web: www.clearwater.co.za www.myspace/thnkyvrymchdesign

CLEARWATER PRODUCTIONS

During my time at thnkyvrymch, I was responsible for the every day directing a small boutique agency and I worked with a number of well-known local musicians which lead to many local bands offering the use of their albums, tracks and scores for an array of Clearwater’s productions – in many cases, pro-bono.

My close ties with the local music industry and individual creative also resulted in the collaboration of Clearwater and local band, Harris Tweed, in the production of a fully animated music video for the band’s song, ‘Ode to Confusion’

The video was published on‘Youtube’, and received airplay on all South African channels including M-Net and MK. It was entered for a SAMA (South African Music Award) by the band’s record label and received great interest from MTV Europe and VH1 getting international play rotation.

The ‘Ode to Confusion’ animated video won a Bronze BDA award at the Promax/BDA awards in New York in 2007 and the first Broadcast Design Award for Clearwater/thankyvrymch

2006/2007

CLEARWATER PRODUCTIONS THNKYVRYMCH Tel: +27 11 446 7222 The Media Mills, Auckland Park, Milpark Web: www.clearwater.co.za www.myspace/thnkyvrymchdesign

MANAGER DESIGN & ANIMATION STUDIO & SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR

THNKYVRYMCH

In addition to everyday design and production projects, thnkyvrymch also highlighted:

• Taking over the KTV account from Clearwater Productions and generating all On Air elements for the Channel.

• The pairing thnkyvrymch with South African Fashion House Black Coffee; developing a marketing strategy, concept, packing, visual and graphic elements around their ‘Fall 2008’ Collection in order to further expose the product both locally and internationally (www.blackcoffee.co.za).

• Advising and collaborating with local institutions such as the University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, City Varsity and Vega International Brand Institution in order to produce original content for television and the Internet, as well as original product design concepts.

• Preparing a visual representation and identity for thnkyvrymch due to local and international demand.

2006

ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

As the company was fairly small, we as employees often take on multiple roles. As a primary member of the company and a highly motivated, self disciplined individual, I took pride in the diversity of my responsibilities and the trust granted to me by the company owner, Clayton Petersen. I have listed and divided my various responsibilities below: My Primary Function in the business was to create and apply efficient business structures, procedures and protocols to ensure that the business ran effectively and profitably as well as achieving the necessary growth this also included – • Assisting Mr. Petersen with all higher Managements decisions and Concepts • Assisting Mr. Petersen with Company Structural decisions • Assisting in the Sales/Trends forecasting in the company’s buying • Setting and Implementing company budgets • Credit Controlling and Account Management

2002/2006

CREATIVE | FINANCIAL | HUMAN RESOURCES

[R]EVOLUTION DISTRIBUTION NOW: Woodstock Exchange Cape Town PREVIOUSLY: Johannesburg Tel: +27 011 402 7330 Web: www.revolution.co.za

[R]EVOLUTION DISTRIBUTION

ROLE

Financial I handled All the company’s Payments – this included the following: • Salaries; rentals etc; for our Head Office as well as our retail stores • Assisting Mr. Petersen in Staff remuneration decisions • Liaising with the company accountant and setting up an accounting system

Creative Determining Creative Direction for the [R]evolution Company and its various marketing events as well as its brands [R] Men’s, [R] La Chica, KFD.This involved:

• Research • Conceptualisation Directing the Brands visual/aesthetic design for various mediums such as skateboard graphics, clothing graphics, print advertisement and web design etc by means of: • Drafting Creative briefs for our in-house designer • Generating Story Boards • Setting Deadlines • Liaising and directing various Freelance Designers and/or manufacturers • Sourcing Fabrics/Printers/CMT’s • Ensuring the necessary finishes of the final product • Compiling Monthly Creative reports which determine efficiency, productivity and quality of work

The creative aspect of my position also required: Editing of all written content for the following:

• Press Releases • Mailing list notifications Website content. Human Resources/ General Management This involved: • Placing/Recruiting all new staff • Gathering necessary Staff Documentation • Managing staff queries, complaints and achievements • Compiling all necessary Staff documentation such as employment contracts, job descriptions, notifications,

warnings and dismissals. • Assisting with the lawful Contracting and Management of all [R]evolution Staff such as the CCMA etc. Holding monthly Staff Meetings in order to discuss: • Problems

Proposals and solutions

CREATIVE | FINANCES | HUMAN RESOURCES

Efficiently controlling and running my own freelance services

This included:

• Sourcing, conceptualising and manufacturing various products for a variety of clients such as:

• Stoned Cherrie for both runway prototyping and manufacturing for their DRUM & BIKO Ranges

• Galaxy Radio Station

• TBWA Hunt Lascaris

• Credit Controlling and Account Management

• All companies Payments – this includes salaries, rentals etc.

• Liaising with Accountant

2002/2006

FREELANCE26 OCEAN STREET JOHANNESBURG

2001/2002

Whilst Freelancing for ‘The Final Touch’. I was approached by the TWR/UJ to lecture part-time. As Freelancing is flexible, I was able to do both freelancing and Lecture part-time. My Duties were as follows: • Generate Lessons and Lesson plans for Conceptual Studies, Sculpture & Painting • Teach a Class of 30/40 First Year Students the basic foundations of Art and Creative thinking, on which further

learning would take place. • At the end of a project I was required to ‘Critique’ Students work and mark accordingly.

PART - TIME LECTURERTECHNIKON WITSWATERSRAND now UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG New Doornfontien Auckland Park

TECHNIKON WITWATERSRAND | UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

2001

‘The Final Touch’ deals in the sourcing, hiring and styling/dressing of sets for film and television advertisements for a variety of clients such as Opel Corsa, Opel, Coca Cola and Mondi Paper. My list of duties was as follows:

• Sourcing and photographing various objects and finishes which could be used within the advertisement/film, keeping in mind the look, feel and wishes of the Director (this included finishes such as wallpaper, paint, curtaining and furnishings, as well as small finishing touches).

• Sourcing also involves dealing with people telephonically and personally – people skills were a very important aspect of the job.

• Presenting findings to the Director and/or Producer and drafting storyboards. • Arranging Hiring, purchasing and delivery of goods/services for the shoot deadline.This included arranging of

holding cheques etc). • Dressing the set. This duty involved working closely with the Art Director to get the set suitable for filming. • Working on set. This involved being on standby for the duration of the shoot to ensure continuity and to make

necessary changes should the Director/Art Director required. • Undressing the set and returning hired goods. • This often included handling of large amounts of monies, cheques and recorded payments. • Arranging paper work for the Production Agency. Returning Holding cheques, issuing slips and mileage forms.

FREELANCE ART DIRECTOR | PROPS MANAGERTHE FINAL TOUCH Julie Bonnet Doris Road Kensington South 2094

THE FINAL TOUCH

ACADEMIA

PRESENT

I am currently studying an Introduction to Global Sociology Online with and Data Analysis Online with

I received a full bursary at University of Johannesburg in order to complete my masters Degree in the Fine Arts, where I have completed 2/3 of the Master’s Course. This includes having my Thesis proposal accepted by the National Research Foundation and the University of Johannesburg FADA and Visual Identity and Design Department

MASTER OF FINE ARTSUJ FADA Building Aukland Park Campus Supervisor: Karen Von Vey

CURRENT STUDIES

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

CURRENT ONLINE COURSES

I am currently studying short courses: The Introduction to Global Sociology (WellesleyX - SOC101) Wellesley and Statistical Thinking for Data Science and Analytics ( ColumbiaX - DS101X) Columbia University through the NOP platform Edex www.edex.org

1999/2002

SUBJECTS: • History of Art • Mark obtained: 68% • Practical: • Chosen Major • Sculpture 75% (Distinction)

Full Certification • Elective: Teacher Training Full Certification For Facilitation | GETC (General Education Training Certificate)

TERTIARY EDUCATION DEGREE IN FINE ARTS AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

SUBJECTS: • Conceptual Studies - Distinction • Business Studies (3 Year Course) • Film - Distinction • Painting • Drawing - Distinction • Sculpture - Distinction • Ceramics - Distinction • History of Art – which covered topics such as Feminism, The Body in Art, Colonialisation, History of African Arts,

Semiotics • History of Art, Graphic Design, Product Design and Architecture • Other: • Completed a two-week elective course in photography with Pat Ward Williams, an American Artist from U.C.L.A.

B-TECH IN FINE ARTSTWR New Doornfontien Campus Johannesburg

POST AND GRADUATE STUDIES

TECHNIKON WITSWATERSAND/UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

EDUCATION

1996/1998

SUBJECTS:

HIGHEST STANDARD PASSED: MATRIC – GRADE 12 SUBJECTS PASSED

• English • Afrikaans • Computers • Small Business Studies • Painting • Printmaking • 3 – Dimensional Design • Drawing – Distinction • Photography – Distinction Drawing – Distinction NHC - N3 Qualification

HIGHER CERTIFICATEBRAAMFONTIEN JOAHNNESBURG

EDUCATION

NATIONAL SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

THANK YOU

If you wish to contact me with any additional queries please do so at: nicola@nicolacooper.co.za

or call: 083 390 3623