Colleen Considine

Colleen Considine is the founder and editor of the British culture magazine, Grafter. She describes the magazine, which surfaces the voices and stories of working class people and those on low incomes or in poverty, as: “a one woman band”.

A passion project which grew out of Colleen’s university work, Grafter showcases a mix of photography, features, profiles and much more. Colleen has created a platform for stories that would otherwise remain hidden.

She talks to Project Twist-It about the magazine and why we need to hear the stories of people who have experienced poverty.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a recent Fashion Journalism graduate who created the print and online magazine, Grafter. I try to explore people and things we miss everyday - the beauty in things we don’t see. I like discussing the nitty gritty, awkward subjects, but ones which are vital for change.  

Where does your interest in representation of the working class and people living in poverty come from?

I’m a working-class girl from Luton which is a town often deemed ‘crap’ by those who aren’t from here which changes your perspectives on how people view you as a person. You’re constantly battling with people for representation and for me, it’s about who I am as a person and being authentic as possible. Real people, whether you’re working-class or not, it’s about honesty. 

What is Grafter?

Grafter is a publication I created out of university. It focuses on life in Britain, outside the London bubble with people who aren’t normally recognised by the larger media. It’s important for me to talk to people we constantly avoid, start conversations and be a platform that cares. 

Why do we need stories that come from, or feature, people with experience of poverty?

Because if we don’t tell them, who will? Lives will go unrecognised and how will that ever lead to change? I don’t care about the latest celebrity and their Botox fillers, I care about real people, real voices. 

What’s it been like running the magazine? Has anything surprised you?

Interesting; it’s been a whirlwind and a massive learning curve. I’ve learnt that you have to endure a lot from people. Once you get going there’s no stopping, which leads to having a huge amount of tenacity for working toward your dream. 

What have been the main challenges?

Balancing a full-time, job, full-time freelancing, Grafter and getting content out there, and making sure you don’t miss anything! You have to balance everything to make it work when you’re independent. And that’s great, but it requires focus and patience. 

What’s your assessment of current/recent depictions of poorer people and people on benefits in the media and culture?

I don’t think the authentic voice of the people will be heard unless it is from the people themselves. We need to encourage the tough conversations about subjects we avoid because the media will observe it in the opposite way. 

What is your immediate goal?

Simply to keep writing and keep working. I’m set on publishing Grafter’s first book this year, hopefully a new print magazine, more freelance writing and a podcast too!

What is your dream long-term for your work?

To release more of Grafter whilst also writing for some major newspapers to hopefully switch things up a bit. My aim is to write about things that matter, work with real people and tell stories. I’ll just keep going, keep writing and keep creating content.