Tim Hampson has worked in the music industry for several years. Originally he started out as a graphic designer before progressing through what he perceived as an 'old school’ route after becoming disillusioned with his working environment.

"I quit, worked in a clothes shop and a print shop to pay the bills, started a zine, fell into tour management, venue management, artist management and co-founded a label called Cannibal Hymns." 

Tim recently co-founded the management and live agency Candy Artists which features an extremely curated and bespoke roster of artists. "I guess this is my ‘job’ now" he says. Here's our recent chat with Tim to discuss his favourite campaigns in 2020 and talk about the overlaps between visual creativity and music.

I’m currently working on Dry Cleaning's debut album campaign, TRAAMS comeback and launching a managerial and live agency called Candy Artists. I'm also working closely with Our Girl, Dream Wife and Willie J Healey on their next album plans.

Check out

It's hard to look beyond the people I have the privilege of working with. They are in an incredibly difficult climate, but if anything it is driving their creativity and they are producing their best work. If I had to pick one artist I am loving the work of, then it would be Stewart Armstrong, one of the most talented illustrators and animators around.  

Favourite video

My all-time favourite music video is The Strokes, Last Nite. Copied countless times since and nobody has got near to it. One take, live, raw, cymbal stands falling over. Great statement.

Best artwork

I’ve always loved the album art for Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti.

Campaign of 2020

The best creative campaign this year has been Fontaines D.C. They pulled everything together in such a quick time relative to their debut and launched in tough circumstances. Only beaten to number 1 by the dark arts of the Taylor Swift machine.

Logo Love

I wish I’d designed the artist logo for The Strokes. Perfect logo for a perfect band.

Video of 2020

For me the most creative and original music video of the year is Willie J Healey's True Stereo. The cinematography and sheer ambition VS the budget is incredible. A true video shot in 'isolation'.

Iconic

The most iconic music photograph has to be Kevin Cumming's shot of Joy Division on the Princess Parkway, Hulme, Manchester, 6 January 1979.

Creative Corner, in association with The MMF