Meet Sharon Kostini - University of South Wales

Sharon graduated in 2020 with a degree in BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion and has since set up her own magazine 'Alienated Magazine' which is sponsored by Minds Mental Health Charity and Comic Relief.

A model looks intensely into the camera while wearing a red puffy top in front of a black backdrop

Two models of the global majority pose for a camera while wearing a face veil made of metal in front of Cardiff City Hall

A black model reads a fashion magazine while wearing a bright faux fur hat and lying on a multicolour background

Sharon has worked with the likes of Alexander McQueen and has had her work featured in the National Museum Wales. We spoke to her below as part of Black History Month.

What does Black History Month mean for you?

As for the rest of the world, Black History Month is a 30-day celebration but for many Africans and Caribbeans it’s our daily dose of culture away from the Motherland, it’s our lifestyle. A celebration of life, freedom and empowerment. This is what Black History Month means to me.

How can we best support Black History Month?

Others can join in celebrating with us 365 days a year by supporting enabling and creating equal opportunities in all areas of employment for Black and Brown people to access. Stand in solidarity with the most oppressed and diverse communities and create a space for everyone to feel equally safe everywhere.

BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion

Life since graduating

Since I graduated have been navigating my creative path and trusting my instinct to lead my creative journey. This has led me to several paths with incredible adventures, meetings amazing individuals to collaborate, network and even build brands with.

All these experiences have allowed me to create a platform that allow young creatives to showcase and promote their talent, skills and artworks. The birth of the Alienated magazine for the unseen and unheard creative young minds in Wales.

Where did the inspiration to create Alienated Magazine come from?

Alienated Magazine was inspired by the need of representation and diversity in the creative field. The need for young creatives to have a voice and to have access to creative spaces, networks and meeting other like-minded people. The need to showcase and promote their work in galleries, public spaces and community events. The need to know there are others feeling alienated with their art from the world.

What advice would you give to other creatives who are working hard to share their stories through their art?

One piece of advice I will give to other creatives is to just do it. If you dream of art, create it today not tomorrow! Don’t postpone any goal, plans or meetings due to fear of failure. Life is like a painting, if you don’t like what you’ve painted be prepared to start on a new blank canvas. The colours tell the story, not how many times you attempted to paint.