Interesting creative projects with nice people.
Across spaces, places, culture and communications.
I bring ideas to life through a discerning eye for aesthetics, an intuitive feel for atmosphere, and a commitment to authenticity rooted in a deep understanding of heritage.
From communications strategy to creative direction, I ensure the details come together to create something distinctive and memorable, and (when needed), I can include the perfect soundtrack.
Studio Ralph is Ralph Parmar MCIM (still sometimes known as Ralph Razor in certain circles).
I’m into
Communications
Strategy · campaigns · copywriting · digital & social · brand development · launch parties · PR · creative commissioning.
Heritage & Place
Archive research · audience development · heritage interpretation · storytelling · visitor experience · project development.
Period Properties & Interiors
Colour consultation · interior direction · architectural salvage & sourcing.
Creative Direction & Cultural Projects
Art direction · music, DJing & soundtracks · cultural programming · events & festivals · collaborations.
…Or any combination of the above.
Selected projects & collaborations
Civic 150
Heritage / Archive research / Communications
I researched and compiled archive material spanning Barnsley Civic’s history and commissioned Sheffield creative agency Peter & Paul to bring it to life through a flick book animation. The project launched the 150th anniversary campaign, along with a wider two-year heritage project, and provided material for a public exhibition.
Rock’n’Coal
Music / Social History / Installation / Programming
A festival celebrating the solidarity between miners from South Yorkshire and France during the 1984-85 strike.
I provided the soundtrack to the main event and produced a surrealist visual mash-up of mid-1980s pop culture, which I screened alongside archive Coal Board films and found footage from a mining village on New Year’s Eve 1983/4.
CINE 26
Branding/ Communications / Digital Strategy
I conceived and launched a new membership scheme for an independent cinema to reach audiences aged 26 and under, working with Such & Such Design to create a distinctive sub-brand. I then planned and delivered the digital campaign, using audience insight and targeted communications to attract more than 5,000 new members within six months.
Sensoria Festival
Marketing / Programming / Research
I supported the core team to help conceive and establish the festival in its early years. I programmed special events, including a live show by Richard H Kirk in a disused hotel ballroom, and carried out the initial research for Uncommon People – Sheffield’s musical family tree. Nearly 20 years later, it’s still going strong.
1930s home
Interiors / Renovation / Colour / Architectural sourcing
A sensitive renovation of a 1930s Sheffield home; retaining and restoring original features including coving and salvaged fireplaces, while introducing unique and unexpected colour combinations.
Pulp
Artist Management / Styling
Working with violinist/ guitarist Russell Senior for Pulp’s 2011 reunion. After 14 years away from the band, I curated Russell’s stage outfits and helped him to rediscover his personal style for a series of headline festival shows. I also provided personal management covering tour logistics, financial and legal matters.
About me
I’m a Sheffield-based creative, cultural sector and heritage specialist, and Chartered Marketer with over 20 years’ experience spanning music, film, museums, and arts organisations.
Over the past decade, I’ve worked at a senior level across communications, development, operations, programming, and visitor experience. I’ve looked after listed heritage sites, commissioned designers and filmmakers, developed new audiences, delivered major communications campaigns, helped secure funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and programmed events and festivals.
In a previous lifetime, I was founder and DJ at legendary club night Razor Stiletto in Sheffield; launched a spin-off record label and had a regular residency in Berlin. I’ve also thrown a party for Vivienne Westwood, performed across Europe in an electro pop band, and made a guest appearance on keyboards with Pulp.
Through Studio Ralph, I bring these worlds together and provide a unique perspective in a way that hopefully makes sense: through consultancy, communications, and creative direction.
People I’ve worked with
“I’ve made a lot of friends in some exotic places…” (mostly Sheffield), including:
99 Mary Street // Dazed & Confused // DED Associates // The Designers Republic // Heaven 17 // Human Studios // Kid Acne // Kirklees Museums & Galleries // The Lock Tavern // Museums Sheffield // Philip Oakey // Pulp // S1 Artspace // Sensoria Festival // Site Gallery // Sheffield City Council // Sheffield College // Sheffield Design Week // Sheffield Doc/Fest // Showroom Cinema // Sidney & Matilda // The Work Station // Yorkshire Artspace