Arhantika is a 22-year-old photographer from India currently based in London. She studied Photojournalism at USW and graduated in 2020. She is the founder and editor in chief of QUAKE digital whilst also working as a junior communication and campaigning officer at the SDG2 Advocacy Hub full time.
Can you tell us a little bit about you please?
My name is Arhantika Rebello, I'm a 22-year-old photographer from India currently based in London. I studied Photojournalism at USW and graduated in 2020. I then did a Masters in 'Education, International Development and Social Justice' at St Marys University Twickenham, graduating in 2021.
Please can you explain what you do now, and in particular all about Quake Digital.
I'm the founder and editor in chief of QUAKE digital and I also work as a junior communication and campaigning officer at the SDG2 Advocacy Hub full time. QUAKE is youth-focused creative digital content platform - "a space for creatives and their creations. QUAKE seeks to celebrate the youth through unabashed and honest art, where youth across the globe can connect, express and tell their stories, with their own voices". We're all about providing opportunities to young global creatives wherever we can and helping to amplify their voices and act as a non competitive space for expression.
Is there anyone that inspires you in your career?
I'm inspired by all the creatives I get to work with and connect with every day through QUAKE. It's such a blessing to be able to meet people that I would have never met otherwise and open myself up to different perspectives that ultimately help me grow as a person.
How did your time at USW prepare you for industry/working life?
I knew I loved photography but wanted to have skills broader than just that. I also grew up moving around and travelling, always interested in culture and people stories so Photojournalism seemed like the way to go. The photojournalism course is so multifaceted. I feel like I was able to gain skills that went beyond just photography, that could be applied to other aspects of the creative world, preparing me for more situations than I imagined.
Tell us about some of your career highlights since leaving USW, what are some of your proudest moments?
1. Being able to grow my platform QUAKE Digital and continue to meet and work with so many amazing creatives.
2. Getting a job working in communications for a great humanitarian organisation called the SDG2 Advocacy Hub.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of studying your course or going to USW?
Go for it.
Your magazine QUAKE ‘seeks to celebrate youth through honest art, where youth across the globe can connect, express and tell their stories, with their own voices.’ Where did the inspiration to create this platform/space come from?
My love for editorial/fashion photography and creations was cemented during my first year at USW when I got to work with the fashion promotion students. From there it grew and by the time our final major projects came about, I knew I wanted to curate an inclusive, non competitive space to share my work, but also all the work of the creatives I met along the way.
What advice would you give to other USW creatives who are working hard to share their own stories through their art?
Just keep creating and curating. Experiment. Try new things. As hard as it might be don't get caught up in comparing yourself to others. It's not worth it. AND submit to QUAKE!
