Resident Profile : Ben Lampard

This month we chatted to Ben from Berkeley Square Copywriting as part of a series of interviews we will be running with our residents. Find out more about what it is like to work at Studio 31 and meet our creative community.

1. Can you give us a brief description of your background and what you do?

Hi, my name’s Ben, and I’m a freelance copywriter. That means I take on all sorts of writing jobs, from producing marketing materials to web copy, online content and blogs. I work with clients all over the country, and I’ve covered topics as diverse as real estate, finances and digital tech.

2. What do you enjoy most about your role?

Working in my own space. I’d find it really hard to work in an office; my girlfriend does, and all the relentless nonsense you have to put up with sounds like something I couldn’t cope with.

3. What project are you currently working on?

Freelance work is almost always under an NDA, so I can’t talk about who I’m writing for, but a client of mine is seeking investors as it expands; I’ve been putting together the documents it’ll send out to prospective investors.

4. What’s been your best career highlight?

In a strange way, it was one of the most gruelling projects - I had to write a thought piece for a major tech magazine on upcoming trends, and it took weeks to pass through their many editors and sub-editors. It was eventually accepted, and it was great to know that I was writing something that their million-plus Twitter followers would read.

5. What do you enjoy most about working at Studio 31?

The views! I’m on the top floor, facing the Wills Memorial Building, and it’s great to sit and write opposite such a magnificent building, or to look across Bristol from the stairwell windows.

6. What’s your favourite thing to do in Bristol?

I love going out to see live music, there’s such a vivid scene in Bristol that there’s always something cool to see. My band White Noise Radio are pretty active locally too, so we’re always discovering great new acts.

7. What’s your tipple of choice?

Uh, well, I know it isn’t a tipple, but I drink a ludicrous amount of tea - I might as well be hooked directly up to the kettle. The Bluebird Tea Company on Park Street sells some excellent loose-leaf teas, and it’s great to drop in sometimes for their builder’s brews.

8. What music is on your default playlist?

I can’t write and listen to music at the same time, I just get distracted, so it’s usually pretty quiet when I’m working. When the music’s on, though, it really depends on my mood; He Is Legend for the loud, heavy stuff, or Derek Gripper and Dan Phelps for the quiet, relaxing vibe.

9. What gadget can’t you live without (excluding a phone)?

I guess my laptop? Beyond the obvious fact that I work on it, I also use it to record demos. I don’t really own any gadgets, apart from my laptop and phone. Unless guitars count, in which case I have way too many gadgets . . .

10. If you could pick any dinner guest, dead or alive, who would you pick and why?

Terry Pratchett. Love the books, love the mind - I went to see Salisbury Museum’s “HisWorld” exhibition on his life and work recently, and it was phenomenal. Highly recommended if you’ve got a spare afternoon.

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