Matthew Chapman | Photographer | Graphic Designer | United Kingdom
A strong believer in the spirit of collaboration, Matt loves to work with other creatives to produce beautiful and purposeful work.
Growing up spending days by the seaside, Matt began surfing at a young age. He went on to travel the world, surfing and competing professionally, including representing Team GB at the World Surf Games. Despite pursuing a career in graphic design, Matt still finds plenty of time to jump in the water, either camera or surfboard in hand.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
I first started documenting my oceans story with a camera once I’d left school and started traveling. Although I’d always used a camera since I was 11, it wasn’t until my early Twenties that I started focusing more on ocean photography and the lifestyle that surrounds it.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
Once I left school, I had no idea what I wanted to do career wise apart from the fact that it needed to be creative and allow me the opportunity to travel and be in the ocean as much as possible. I was a beach lifeguard for 7 years this allowed me to travel and study during the winters. I studied Graphic Design and have worked as a Graphic Designer for the past 3 years whilst building up my photography alongside.
Designed my Matt Chapman
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Getting picked up from school by my grandparents who would take me down to the beach every day. My grandma would make me a snack before they picked me up, my grandad would drive us to the beach and they would watch me in the water until the sun set. In the early years, I’d be playing on my bodyboard and as I got older, I ventured further out in my surfboard. This ignited my passion for being in the ocean and I have sculpted my life around it ever since.
Who/what currently inspires you?
Anyone who uses their skills and talents to make the world a better place. As far as photography work, I have a lot of names on my list, but would generally say, photographers who can push the boundaries of creativity in their work whilst appealing to brands from a commercial point of view. Last but not least, the feeling of being immersed in the ocean is a huge inspiration for me and something I try and make happen at every chance possible.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
To make everyone appreciate what nature and the planet gives us and educate the next generation to realize how much the planet depends on us to respect and look after it and all the creatures that live on it.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Don’t be afraid, surround yourself with people who have the same views and goals and make it and respect the ocean whenever you’re in it. Additionally, understand that it takes a lot of time but will be very much worth it!
WEBSITE: www.mattchapman.work
INSTAGRAM: @mattchapman93
