Vivrant Editorial Policy

Having an editorial policy all sounds very grand for a blog/newsletter/journal/what do we call these things these days but I wanted to share a look at my workings and show why it’s worth sticking around and subscribing, by showing what Vivrant is all about and what’s to come. 

Culture is so broad and with so much to cover it would be foolish of me to expect Vivrant to become the defining place or platform to unpack it. There is also so many great writers, theorists, lecturers and practitioners both past and present who all offer invaluable insights and lessons that have all inspired and shaped my thinking from the late Stuart Hall to Henry Jenkins, Chuck Klosterman to Kyle Chayka, Zoe Scaman to Matt Klein, Ana Andjelic to Marcus Collins to name a few and you should all be following and delving into their work if not already. 

The parts of culture I’ll be focusing on in my writing are the areas that are naturally close to my own upbringing, interests and experiences both personally and professionally.

I’ve always been fascinated by how subcultures form and evolve whether it’s been ones I’ve participated in or ones I’ve followed from afar. What subcultures mean today in a digital accelerated fragmented social world is a big topic of interest to me so expect to see this explored in depth over a series of thought pieces, interviews and essays.  

For the best part of 15 years now I’ve worked in marketing roles both brand and agency side where the impact of digital and social platforms on creative, commerce and culture has been massive. Some of it has been for the better, some of it not so. When platform’s algorithms have so much control on what we create and consume I’m interested in the impact it has on our own tastes and habits as well as what it does to the creative output we see in culture. I’ve spent 15 years working and continue to work with brands on helping them navigate this world and will be sharing my thoughts on this as well as how this also connects and impacts wider culture. 

Over time you can expect to see the following questions explored: 

Being Culturally Relevant 

What does being culturally relevant mean and is it appropriate and achievable by everyone and every brand?

Why do some brands get adopted by culture organically and others have to work harder to find relevance?

Culture Uncovered 

Are subcultures as we know them dead? Can they be created today in a world of niches, cores and aesthetics?

What makes a subculture? This is where I’ll unpack some of the biggest subcultures like mod, casuals & skateboarding to some of the lesser known subcultures on the edges like paninaro or lowriders.

Culture drives Status and Identity

How does culture helps us develop our identity?

Why is cultural clout and status something we chase?

The role tech plays in shaping culture 

What is the impact of algorithms and AI on our taste, discovery & creativity?

Have platform best practices accelerated a race to the middle across advertising, media, music, TV & film?

Culture’s Influence on Sport

Why are we seeing the rise of the mult-faceted sportstar?

How are brands balancing core sports credibility with cultural credibility? 

I think it’s important to say these are simply my own thoughts and perspectives on culture. It’s not intended to be the definitive answer on it as like culture itself, our views and opinions are shaped by our own experiences, learning and influences. And these do change with time and further learning and experiences. There’s chaos and beauty in the contradictions.  

I see Vivrant as an open collection of thoughts, musings, questions and some provocations to add to the cultural discourse. I hope it evolves over time and can be useful to you as an ever evolving playbook. 

Welcome along for the ride and please click that subscribe button.