The Challenger's Almanac
- Text by Shelley Jones
The Challenger’s Almanac is a new annual – made by a passionate team in Cornwall whose own business experiences led them to seek out alternative inspirations – which provides insightful nuggets into the creative industry for the hungry young upstart and the established doer alike.
It features interviews with over 20 ‘challengers’ across the world – from the founder of prolific art and design hub It’s Nice That Will Hudson to craft beer subscription service top cat Matt Lane and every entrepreneur and DIYer along the way.
Focusing on independent individuals who have made their vision manifest, The Challenger’s Almanac is currently fundraising on Kickstarter to publish its first issue and build a foundation from which to keep the fire burning. We unearthed these key quotes to give you a taste of what to expect.
Locally Made Jeans
David Hieatt – Hiut Denim Co
“Entrepreneurs are freaks. They have something missing that allows them to be blinkered to what the world is telling them. They are not just risk takers, they are believers in the unproven, untested, and the unlikely. They are willing to trust their ideas when the crowd keeps telling them they are plain crazy. I know for me, I rely on optimism to get me through the day. I have trusted in it. I have relied on it. I have been guided by it. Sometimes it has been wrong. That said, it has been right more than it has ever been wrong.”
Hand-Crafted Tools
Ben Edmonds – Blok Knives
“There’s something very raw about making a knife. It’s back to basics. I don’t want to overcomplicate my production. I want to focus on making one thing and making it well. You’ll find the majority of makers take the same approach. Mastering one craft and sticking to it. I really hope more independent producers and makers keep popping up as we start to recognise the benefits and appreciate the quality of handmade items.”
Bold Beautiful Type
Jessica Hische – Illustrator and Letterer
“‘Procrastiwork’ is a term I made up to describe the work you do when you are putting off other work. Someone asked me to give one piece of advice for other designers and the advice I gave was, ‘The work you do when you’re procrastinating is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life.’”
Spiky Brand Consultancy
Helen Redstone – eatbigfish
“So let’s start with ‘why’ your business exists. You already know this, but don’t be afraid to make it spikier. This is going to be tough, so why are you going to go through all that work and worry and heartache? Instead of beginning with all the lovely things; the excellent service, the smiley faces and the fluffy bunnies – why not write your manifesto by having a bit of a rant? Everyone can say they are for the niceties, but what are you against? What makes you angry? What do you hate? What do you feel so strongly about to make it all worthwhile?”
You can help bring the annual to life by visiting The Challenger’s Almanac Kickstarter page.
Latest on Huck
Gaza Sunbirds: The Palestinian para-cycling team racing against the odds to compete internationally
From genocide in Gaza to the World Championships: What next for Palestine’s first para-cycling team?
Written by: Alex King
We are young trans people occupying Wes Streeting’s office
Following the Health Secretary’s decision to permanently ban puberty blockers for young Trans people, activists from Trans Kids Deserve Better have occupied the space outside his constituency office writes Grin.
Written by: Grin, Trans Kids Deserve Better
Have capitalists killed the internet?
At the start of the century, the internet was an escape from reality. Now, reality is an escape from the internet writes Huck Newsletter columnist Emma Garland.
Written by: Emma Garland
Why I’m taking action for rent control
On Saturday 14th December, people from across London will march to demand action on skyrocketing rents explains London Renters Union member Elyem Chej.
Written by: Elyem Chej
A portrait of love and loss in America today
‘Still Life: Photographs & Love Stories’ (Anthology Editions) is an intimate visual memoir of family, kinship, and community.
Written by: Miss Rosen
First acts for Boomtown 2025 revealed
Sex Pistols ft. Frank Carter, Azealia Banks and Nia Archives join Sean Paul, The Wurzels and Boney M at the award winning festival.
Written by: Ben Smoke