Hilda Quick | Zine Interview
Lauren Mudge caught up with Hilda Quick for issue 2 of the RWTG zine to talk about her experience skating, learning to film and more! Since talking to Hilda, she’s released her first short skate video ‘Drafts Vol 1’ and you can now see her skating up a storm in Joe Allen’s skate video ‘Pétanque’! Go check them both out!
You originally started skating in the North East, what made you move down to Leeds and how do you think the skate scene compares to that in the North East?
“I was only really in the North East temporarily as I had just finished uni in Leeds, so I went back to my hometown while I figured out what my next step was. Thinking about it now, I’m not sure why I ever left Leeds but the North East is where I found my love for skating, so I’m glad I did. The birth of Girl Skate North East (@gsne) gave me a community to skate with, which might've been difficult to find otherwise, as the scene is pretty widely spread and I lived in the middle of nowhere. My time there was spent surrounded by such lovely and supportive people (you know who you are!) so I know I’ll always find myself going back there to skate. Although the scene maybe isn’t quite as wholesome at times, Leeds has given me so many good friends and I feel I have more opportunities here as there’s generally more going on and so many other cities close by to explore. “
Can you tell us a bit about Artemis Skate Co and how you got involved with that?
“Artemis is a sick independent brand based in Bristol making clothes with female proportions in mind, as most skate clothing is designed for men. I have always loved their clothing, especially since they collaborate with different artists and so much thought is put into everything, and so when Gabby asked me to join the team it was an instant yes. We haven't been able to do too much together yet because of COVID restrictions but I’m looking forward to exciting things to come, especially alongside such a lovely team.”
You’re a brilliant photographer, and we’ve recently seen you move into skate filming - what made you choose that over skate photography?
“Thanks! That’s a good question, I guess with my photography I’ve already formed my own style, so I thought it’d be interesting to start afresh exploring a new medium. It’d definitely be fun to try some skate photography though, Alexandre Souêtre (creative director / photographer for SOVRN skateboards) is a great example of an artist who has carried their photographic style over to skate photography so well.
My interest in filming started when my boyfriend and I decided to buy a camcorder together so we could film whenever we went out skating. I really like the prospect of creating a video full of my friends and having a premier where everyone gets together. I was also hyped at the thought of filming a diverse range of skaters and getting people involved who maybe wouldn't usually find themselves filming clips for a vid. If anyone reading this wants to go skate/film just hit me up, don’t be shy!”
We’ve seen you’re currently working on an edit, can you tell us a bit more about it and anything you’ve learnt during the process?
“Yeah! It's really just to make learning to film more interesting, nothing serious. Filming a variety of people and tricks is really helping me progress, so I thought it’d be fun to make a short video with the footage. I also think it gets people more hyped to skate when they know it's going towards something. I’d really love to make a longer vid in the future when I feel more confident filming.
“I’m still so new to it and have so much to learn but I think the most helpful advice I keep reminding myself of is to think about what I'm trying to show (e.g. the length of a grind or rough ground) and make sure the way I'm filming it accentuates this. But, I think one of the most valuable jobs of being a filmer is hyping up the skaters. It’s important to appreciate what skaters put themselves through for a clip and to know when to gently bully them or when to stay quiet and let them work it out.”
