You studied graphic design and photography at University, what made you choose this path?

After finishing high school I had to join the Cyprus army for 2 years which is compulsory. I had that time to think and decide what I wanted to do with my life. I always knew that a normal 9-5 job was not for me. A few friends, who were studying graphic design at the time, suggested that it would be a great idea for me to follow that path.

Growing up in Cyprus, how did you become interested in the fashion industry when the exposure to it is less in comparison to the UK, France, etc?

Even though the exposure is not anywhere near the same as that of leading European countries, fashion plays a big part in Cypriots lives. Cypriots are in my opinion some of the most fashionable people in Europe, even though they don’t take that many risks, and there’s a sense that to achieve greatness in the industry you have to migrate.

How old were you when you decided to move to London? What was the reasoning behind this move?

I moved to London at 21. After my time in the army I went to study graphics for 2 years in Cyprus and then decided to continue my studies in London. The reason was purely on studying and didn’t think I would end up staying in London after that.

WHAT WAS YOUR PROCESS FROM STUDENT BECOMING A WELL KNOWN PHOTOGRAPHER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER?

I don’t really see myself as a well known photographer at the moment, but as an aspiring one. I believe there’s a lot I need to achieve before I’m considered that. When I finished university I had a short spell at Jessops selling cameras, before being offered a job as a graphic designer and photographer at a company who found me on MySpace. I’m still with the same company though I’m in a more freelance position at the moment due to other projects such as running Coitus magazine.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO LAUNCH YOUR MAGAZINE?

Even though I love my job at my graphic design office, I always felt that the reason I decided to stay in London was to achieve things I wouldn’t be able in Cyprus. So in August 2009 I decided to take some risks. I left my job temporarily to set up a magazine, invested my savings and came up with Coitus that launched in early 2010.

What was the response from the industry and your audience?

The response for Coitus has been amazing. Issue 1 is almost sold out and the online support is even more impressive. Coitus has been featured in some of the biggest fashion, photography, and lifestyle blogs and has a huge following of fans who repost the photos on sites such as twitter and tumblr. We have also been featured in a handful of magazines around the world who have dedicated spreads pressing Coitus, with the latest example being Wallpaper* magazine writing about us in their September 2010 issue.
Of course not everyone is that supportive. There are people in the industry who don’t seem to like the idea that one day someone can wake up and decide to do a magazine. But with hard and good work I’m hoping that we are proving them wrong.

What was the process behind the magazine? Was it a difficult one?

I wanted the process to be a fun one. I want to have fun whilst doing the things I love. If it’s not fun then I don’t think it’s worth doing. But it has also been hard at times. There were times were I thought it was all going to be a big disaster but that’s part of learning and taking risks. I had the help of some very talented friends especially my business partner Leon Sanli who is a talented illustrator and gave the magazine its distinctive look.

Has the magazine propelled your status as a photographer and designer?

As an upcoming photographer I’ve always struggled to get my work and name out there and I’m sure it’s the same for a lot of new upcoming artists. The magazine has definitely helped for my work and name to suddenly spread around the internet and bring attention to me and people I have collaborated with. I do want Coitus to be a magazine that helps new talent, whether that is photographers, illustrators, stylists or models etc.

Why is the mag based on sexual youth and fashion? You appear to be quite fascinated by sexuality, why?

The concept of the magazine came after my own fascinations on sexuality as you mentioned and what I love to photograph.. I wanted to create a magazine that I would like to buy. I love pop culture and sex definitely sells and I felt I knew what the majority of people would like to see in a magazine. I love sex, and who doesn’t? I have the chance to express what I like through my photos. I think every photographer photographs the subjects that interest him.

The magazine aims to be more a coffee table book with beautiful models, great photography and cool fashion complimenting it all. As Andy Warhol once said “I never read, I just look at pictures”. I think this applies to a lot of us so I decide that Coitus should be just photos, with no pages wasted.

What are your future plans for the magazine?

As its early days I hope that for now we will be able to keep doing what we do, and keep producing issues. For future I would like to be able to print a lot more copies and distribute it in shops around the world. I would like Coitus to become a brand that doesn’t just come in a magazine format.

ARE YOU STILL FOLLOWING YOUR FREELANCE PATH OR FOCUSING ON THE MAGAZINE?

At the moment I’m still keeping my freelance work because I don’t take a salary from Coitus magazine. Everything the magazine makes will go into the next issue with hopes to make it bigger and better. But I do work towards the magazine at all available time.

Are there other career paths you’d like to pursue?

I started out to be a graphic designer, and then discovered photography that kinda took over. I’m also enjoying the process of running a magazine. I would love to get more into video work, such as music videos. It’s good to want to keep learning so we will see where it all takes me.

DO YOU HAVE AN ULTIMATE GOAL?

I think my ultimate goal is success. Not necessarily making a lot of money but being really successful at something. It would be nice when I’m really old to know that I’ve done something with my life and created something that will still be seen after I’m gone. That would be nice.

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers and graphic designers?

I’m still an aspiring photographer and designer myself so I don’t know if I’m the best person for advising. But I’ll give the advice I keep giving myself daily. Stop doubting yourself and go for it. Just be well prepared and believe in what you do.

Who is your IDOL?

As I mentioned before I love pop culture but I don’t get fascinated or star struck by celebrities. My idol has to by my mum. A powerful woman at her work and a loving mother at home.

Words by Jessica Duffin