Student Ben launches art start-up in bid to self-fund university

Talented Oldham teenager Ben Power

Talented Oldham teenager Ben Power is hoping to make his way in the world of art and business following the devastating blow of missing out on the opportunity to do his A Levels.

Former Bury Grammar School pupil Ben, who is 18, has generated a graffiti-inspired brand base from which to start a business initially for selling his artwork, but with a view to eventually turning his trademark and designs into a clothing brand too.

His aim is to use the proceeds to fund himself through university and hopefully beyond.

He has created the work, designed his website, www.visualmob.co.uk, and researched every aspect of business necessary to launch despite being one of the disenfranchised A level cohort who ended up with the rug whipped out from under him and essentially six months of little tangible focus before university in September.

Like his Dad, Ben has just taken up his unconditional place at Nottingham Trent where he is studying Graphic Design.

Now at university, he is once more embracing the difficulties of embarking on his new life with stoicism and determination.

Restrictions on socialising mean he has additional time on his hands so once more to give himself focus and purpose, he has chosen this point at which to launch his website to generate interest and following for his brand.

Ben's mum Susan said: "I am so proud he has held it together and turned what could have been a very negative experience into an opportunity for something new and exciting to take him forward.

"He is looking to generate interest in taking commissions for his style of graffiti art on walls from a variety of businesses (barbers, wine and gin bars, tattoo parlours etc) that may be interested."

Check out Ben's Instagram page: @OfficialVisualMob

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.