Fred Perry & Shentonista Present: The Tipped List — Behind The Scenes

In collaboration with Fred Perry, we visited the homes and workspaces of four local creatives to find out more about how they live, work, and play. It was a first for us as well — a departure from our usual campaign shoots in the heart of Shenton Way and Orchard Road. Shot over two days, each of our hosts were extremely gracious, and let us into their lives a little at a time.

First up was Marc, who works out of his little sunlit home studio that adjoins his bedroom. Full of memorabilia, collectibles, toys, magazines, and camera equipment, we got a glimpse into the work life of a freelance photographer and full-time collector. Although Marc said he was more used to being behind the camera than in front of it, he warmed up in due time, especially as he chatted with us about his influences and inspiration.

We then hopped over to Habitat Coffee, the café in which Mike works as a barista. The lunchtime peak period was still in full swing, and Mike had to apologetically interrupt his shoot to work on some orders, but we managed to see the skilful man in his element, putting his art into his work as well.

The next day started out at Melly’s cosy home, where she lives with her husband and two cats. We photographed Melly in her converted workroom, overlooking a playground and filled with boxes of pom poms, craft materials, and tools. Her sometimes-aloof cats could not be persuaded to stay in shot, but Melly’s cheerful, open disposition more than made up for that.

Finally, we found ourselves in Candice’s bedroom-cum-drawing-studio. Crammed with toys, sketchpads, and art materials, it was an intimate look into her life as an illustrator. And although this was the tightest squeeze of all — Candice willingly let us shift a whole box of drawers out of the room so that we had more space to shoot — it was filled with so much character and good vibes, ending the whole process on an enjoyable note.

This post coincides with Fred Perry’s 106th birthday, and like the tennis maestro himself, we’re proud to see some of our homegrown creatives putting their best foot forward into whichever sphere of work and art they’ve chosen. We’d like to thank everyone for opening up your homes, workplaces, and your lives to us.