Volunteering for the Messenger

Story: Gaby Spinks

Carl Rose is a freelance photographer and designer, who has both volunteered and worked for the Messenger over the last five years.

What got you involved?

I started by designing adverts. I was getting into computers and I thought it would be good practice. From there I went on to design and layout 19 issues, I learnt a lot. I left school with no qualifications so I’m self taught and the Messenger gave me access to computers, software and advice. I dabbled a bit with web design but now I’m concentrating on photography and getting out and meeting people.

What are you doing currently?

Still doing stuff for the Messenger, writing the odd bit and photographing events and stuff with Rob, but I’ve also being doing bits for New Deal, Creative Burngreave and Sheffield Museums Trust.

What future plans do you have?

I hope to have an exhibition in a year or so. I would like to get into lifestyle and fashion shoots; really I’m just a people person, even if I’m not into chatting I’m always into photographing people.

What has the volunteering for the Messenger brought you?

Little samples of things allowed me to know what I liked and didn’t like doing. I’ve written, designed, photographed and talked at a public meeting – definitely something I wouldn’t have done before. I was doing a media studies course but the Messenger allowed me to focus on what interested me.

Would you encourage someone else to volunteer?

I’ve lived here since I was ten but since volunteering for the Messenger I’ve met loads more people. It’s really nice being involved with the community. I would always encourage someone to volunteer; you don’t know where it might lead!