When looking towards the creative industry, it is evidently clear that it still has a long way to go when it comes to representation. And, with Adobe having recently unveiled the statistic claiming that only a third (35%) of BAME students were happy with the access they had to creative role models, compared with nearly half (47%) of their White peers, that fact becomes even more certain.

But, in the name of inciting change, Adobe has looked to rapper, actor and inspirational figure Little Simz to help launch their aspirational Love the Journey campaign. In a warming video, the artist pays homage to her mother as she contemplates her successful career and how the support of her family was integral in nurturing it in the hopes of encouraging BAME students to pursue their dreams and challenging persistent industry barriers.

When speaking on the advice her mother gave her, Little Simz claimed, “she’s always been really supportive and told me to do what makes me happy and love myself in the process and look after myself in the process, and those are things that you need to hear time to time.”

Upon the release of the Love The Journey video, the artist sat down with Wonderland to discuss the making of the film, the reception that Sometimes I Might Be Introvert has received and her biggest inspirations. Head below to enjoy our interview with Little Simz…

Adobe teamed up with Little Simz for the ‘Love the Journey’ campaign, to inspire young people to pursue their creative passions. Find out more here: adobe.com

Congratulations on the release of Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. How was it been receiving such a wild reception to your latest project?
It’s been amazing! The love has been overwhelming. I’m so happy people are enjoying the music, that’s all I wanted to do, was make an album that resonates and connects with people. So, I feel really good about that.

And, let’s talk about your latest collaboration with Adobe! How did it come about?
I’ve been using Adobe for the longest time, with Lightroom, dabbling in Photoshop, etc. So when Adobe came to me with the idea for their Love the Journey campaign, it just felt right. The campaign aims to inspire and educate more young people from all backgrounds to follow their dreams in the creative industry. It’s such a beautiful concept, and it was amazing to involve my mum as well.

Talk us through the process of creating the Love The Journey video! It must have been emotional?
The most emotional part for me was writing the letter, I don’t think I’ve ever handwritten a letter for her. Reading the words and saying them back touched me in a different way and seeing just how alive she comes on camera, she loves the lens that woman.

The statistic that fuelled the collaboration states that 2/3 BAME students struggle to find inspirational creative roles models, which is quite harrowing. Do you personally relate to this statistic? Did you struggle with those feelings growing up?
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by people that had a strong love and care for me and always encouraged me to go for my dreams and support me all the way.

Speak to us about your mother! How has she helped you on your journey through the industry? Maybe she gave you some advice that has stuck with you?
Yeah, she’s always been really supportive and told me to do what makes me happy and love myself in the process and look after myself in the process, and those are things that you need to hear time to time.

Who is your biggest industry inspiration today?
Probably the people I work with, my creative collaborators.

Do you have any words of advice or inspiration for aspiring young creatives, ones who may not feel as though they are not represented?
Just keep speaking your truth, even if you’re not someone that writes words, express it through your art, keep being consistent, stay hungry, stay focused. And believe in yourself.

What is next for you? Do you have anything aside from this collaboration that you’ve been working on?
Right now, I’m just focused on tour.