In conversation with: Michael Morgan, of Original Magazine

Michael Morgan has been working as a freelance photographer and photographic assistant for the past 11 years. After studying a BA (Hons) and then following that up with a Masters in Photography at NUA, Morgan has worked with companies such as Getty Images, London and Copenhagen Fashion Week, with publications in Mob Journal, Hero Magazine, Vogue Italia and WRPD Magazine.

We talk to Michael about co-founding the multidisciplinary publication Original Magazine and how he is celebrating emerging creatives. 

Why did you choose to study MA Photography at NUA?

After moving from Hertfordshire to Norfolk in my late teens and exploring the City, I became fascinated by Norwich University of the Arts and the growing art community. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of it.

During my BA, my photography focus was very conceptual, and I wanted to develop this approach with a commercial direction. I knew NUA had great links and drive in this area, so it made sense for me to continue my studies here.

What does a typical week look like at Original Magazine?

Where do I even begin to answer this question! There has been no typical pattern within the weeks since the launch of Original Magazine. One week we could be curating an exhibition in London and meeting with current interns, the next we could be working on our marketing strategy or reaching out to companies for future collaborations and events. 

Due to the nature of the business, things can always prop up out of nowhere, which we love! 

Where did the idea behind Original Magazine come from?

When I tell this story, it seems like a script from a movie you might have seen. But it is all true. I met Emily (my girlfriend and co-founder/editor of Original Magazine) back when we were both studying our BA (Hons) in Photography. We got talking about photography, life after university and where we will end up — and that is where we both shared this passion, at the time, for creating an online publication that supported students and post-graduates. We continued to discuss this and toy around with the idea of launching a platform, but as is life, things got in the way, and we put it off.

A few years later, the pandemic hit, and we were all left wondering what we would do, resulting in the need to re-train our skills and focus. This is what sparked the need for Original Magazine, with the pandemic giving us the kick up the backside we needed to launch it.

Tell us more about the magazine: how did you start it and what goes into releasing an issue?

In a nutshell, Original Magazine is a contemporary and multidisciplinary publication. One of our aims is to provide a dedicated platform to grow the visibility of diverse creatives in the industry and encourage them to amplify their voice through the art they create. 

Releasing an issue usually begins with researching and reaching out to creatives from various disciplines, inviting them to participate in interviews and artist features. We also launch regular Open calls, inviting the community to submit work for the platform. As we build this content, we also look at how we can promote the magazine through our different channels and social media platforms. 

How are you using your platform to support local and national emerging artists? 

Since the launch in 2020, we have supported creative students and emerging artists from across the UK and globally through the use of Open call submissions for virtual and physical exhibitions. This has allowed us to collaborate with some incredible individuals and organisations, such as Getty Images, Find your Intern and Grain Gurls along with renowned photographers Alec Soth and Sophie Harris Taylor. 

In November 2021, we also curated our first physical exhibition and private evening event in collaboration with the Photobook Cafe in London, showcasing ten incredible photographers and photography students from across the UK. 

Due to the success of this exhibition, we are launching our first physical exhibition of 2022 at the Norwich Shoe factory in collaboration with well-being focused company ArtatWork run by a BA (Hons) Fine Art student. The official dates for the exhibition will be 20th-27th May and we are excited to welcome submissions from all creatives and disciplines. 

Are there any emerging creatives we should be watching out for? 

There are so many incredible artists that we are really excited about. Notably, students emerging from the Etobicoke Art school in Toronto, Canada, who have been getting involved with Original Magazine through open calls and Instagram takeovers. The work that Tonicha and Nikki are doing up north with Grain Gurls is also well worth a look at if you are interested in photography. 

If you want to explore more you can check out our recent talks and collaborations in our recent issue and over at our “No Boxes” podcast. 

What advice would you give to current students looking to start their own online?

Just go for it! Once you have a plan and idea in mind, don’t hold back and give it everything. There will be plenty of ups and downs, long days and nights but seeing the impact you have on the community, creative industry and the individuals that you work with, will make it all worth it.

You can keep up to date with Original Magazine’s open calls and exhibitions on their website and social channels:

Website: www.originalmagazine.uk

Instagram: @_original_magazine

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