Rising to fame in an industry heavily dominated by men, grime sensation Vicky Grout is most well known for her famous portraits of celebrities like Skepta or Stormzy.
Vicky is based in London and shoots predominantly on analogue. She specialises in portraiture, music, fashion and street photography.
Vicky is currently taking part in O2 Sessions campaign. You can find out more here.
Tell us a bit about yourself, background and your current role
I’m a photographer and art director from London. I was born in Warsaw, Poland and moved to South London when I was 4 years old and have lived there ever since. I specialise mainly in portraiture, music, fashion and street photography.
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
Rarely – although this is something I should probably start doing! I tend to take each day as it comes, although I do sit down and plan specific projects and ideas.
Have you faced any challenges along the way?
Everything comes with it’s challenges. Although one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is building up the courage / headspace to execute and put out personal and issue based projects.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
I would say my two biggest achievements to date would be my first solo exhibition in 2016, and giving a lecture on my work at Chelsea College of Arts.
What one thing do you believe has been a major factor in you achieving success?
I think the fact that I photograph music has played a big part. My biggest passion in life is music and I hope that that shows through in my work. I would think that anybody with an interest in the music I photograph will natural see my work.
How do you feel about mentoring? Have you mentored anyone or are you someone’s mentee?
I’ve never been a mentor myself, however I have had a few mentees in the past. A few unofficially where young people looking to get into the industry have come to me for advice/shadowed me on set etc. But more recently I have become part of a mentorship programme with Open House (a six week programme by Soho House and Creative Mentor Network).
If you could change one thing to accelerate the pace of change for Gender Parity, what would it be?
There are far too many things that need to change, not only for gender equality but for all marginalised groups. However if I had to list one step towards gender parity, I would say (particularly in the creative industry) that female or female identifying creative’s works and efforts need to be championed more and brought to the fore.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
Respect and hone your craft.
What is your next challenge and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?
At the moment there are a few personal projects I am working which I am hoping to finish and release soon. And in the future I hope to open my own studio where I can run creative workshops talks and classes for young people.
