The Future Is Not What It Used to Be

As we lurch towards 2020, it seems that if aliens do indeed invade, there are far worse things on the horizon that should be feared. That is, of course, if that horizon isn’t already underwater. As the devil says in Angel Heart, ‘the future is not what it used to be’. We have exchanged one possible future for another, and this time there is a strictly no-returns policy. 

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Reviews, OpinionJessica Blackwell
Validate Me! Please?

That very question just sums it up and it’s been on my mind for a while now. I was very lucky that after graduating, the stereotypical life plan fell into place for me; graduating, getting a job, getting a flat, getting a fella but despite all of this, I do still feel slightly lost as to where to put my energy next. I tried the house decorating thing, but when your living room starts looking like a display room from IKEA, it’s clear that interior design is not your forte

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OpinionJessica Blackwell
Relaxation for Busy Creatives

This work is about relaxation techniques; tried and tested by Creatives for Creatives. The beginning of this piece takes the perspective of performing artists, who have a direct working knowledge of the subject and use the information for all practical purposes.    

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WellbeingJessica Blackwell
David Attenborough Changed My Life

My point is, if you are open to questioning how you can lead the way, reduce plastic in the work you create or find an alternative, it may open doors and opportunities that you may not have thought of possible. Make that change, tell anyone who will listen, collaborate… if something isn’t how you want it, change it.

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Brooding on Broodiness

I won’t deny I’m a cooer. I’ll stare at a baby if its cute and laugh at it if it’s not. 

 Little tiny socks. Oof. Miniature trousies. Gah.

 Yadda Yadda. I was twenty-one when I started writing this article and I’m twenty-two finishing it off. There could be a tick tock on my mind.

 But am I broody?

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OpinionJessica Blackwell
Be Brave Enough to Bring Your Broomstick: An Interview with the Everyday Magazine Founder

It was fantastic to finally meet The Everyday Magazine Founder and fellow creative, Jess Blackwell this week. She greeted me carrying a delightful bag of goodies she’d already collected en route, which included freshly cut flowers and a miniature (but sizable) broomstick. Far from being offended, I was delighted that she had sensed I wouldn’t be bothered by the broomstick. I’m just glad we’re in October. April may have got me wondering. Perhaps Jess knew she was meeting one of her tribe.

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'The LinkedIn Conspiracy' OR 'Feeling Sad After University'

We compare ourselves to success stories; to that one girl who was in your tutorial and works for Radio 1 (fuck me, Scott Mills actually gave her a shout-out), or that guy who works for *insert Bank here* and has just bought a house with his annual bonus. The truth is it’s not just you. It’s really not. It’s me, it’s him, it’s even that guy you hate because he’s always so smug and earns lots and travels the world with his job.

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OpinionJessica Blackwell
Women Masturbate - Get Over It

Two years ago, in my first year of University, I went to see a talk by Caitlin Moran. I settled down in my seat, still slightly damp from the drizzle of an October night with her new book, ‘Moranifesto’ perched on my lap. My head tilted to the stage as the lights centred on the silhouette of Moran strolling into the spotlight. Her opening line, although I may not remember this word for word, was something along the lines of: ‘I remember when I was 15 years old, frantically masturbating on the sofa…’.

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OpinionJessica Blackwell
Intrusive Thoughts: What The F*ck Is That?

Have you ever stood on a bridge, with a 40 feet drop, and thought ‘what if I jumped?’. Maybe not. What about this though - you’re driving at 60 down a motorway and suddenly think, ‘I could just swerve this car right now’. No? Maybe it’s less severe than that. Maybe you’ve just been in a silent room and thought, hey, what if I suddenly shout ‘SHIT’ at the top of my voice.

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There Are Two Types of Women

‘There are two types of girls this Halloween’, my newsfeed reliably informs me. Curious, I delve further. Do tell me internet, knower of all things, what are these two types? Well, according to Facebook, one type is a woman who enjoys dressing as a slinky cat, and the other is a woman who enjoys dressing as a hotdog. I think this is meant to mean something?

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OpinionJessica Blackwell