Kind Words
Testimonials from collaborators
I've had the pleasure of (working with and) having Mike write
about my work over the years and have always appreciated his ability to talk
about the real-life issues that relate to art and class. He has an astute
approach to talking directly without coming off didactic. He has a way with
words where you feel like your time dedicated to the writing respects your
presence as you go on the journey with him.
Larry Achiampong, Artist
Mike and I have collaborated on various projects and the thought, consideration and care that goes into his work is always evident in the results. As co-founder of The Double Negative he transformed my idea of what a local critical platform could be – proactive and accessible, intelligent and multifaceted – and as a writer he is always worth reading.
Oliver Basciano, Editor-at-Large, ArtReview / ArtReview Asia
It has been my pleasure to work with Mike at Writing on the Wall. He has brought his creative expertise to various mentoring projects over the last 3 years, specifically working with unemployed Liverpool City Residents, who have faced barriers to employment and work in the arts sector. Mike has created and lead workshops that provide clear, practical advice for writers at various stages of their development.
His professional, flexible and encouraging teaching style means that all our participants gain industry knowledge, writing skills and the confidence they need to take their next steps with their writing. Mike has also worked with us as an editor for a commissioned digital work, Next Chapter, this stands as another example of his excellence in his field. We are very grateful to him, for his time as a mentor and editor across our programmes.
Amy Carrington, Senior Project Manager, Writing on the Wall
I have great admiration for Mike, who I have commissioned as a writer on challenging first-person opinion pieces and reviews. He has explored topics ranging from class politics to pop culture within the context of contemporary art, bringing a lively and highly valuable voice to Elephant. He also does important work towards greater representation in the arts with The Double Negative, particularly in moving the conversation beyond the London bubble, which I frequently enjoy reading. His writing is always precise, personal and brimming with curiosity.
Louise Benson, Deputy Editor, Elephant Magazine
Mike Pinnington was recommended to me by a fellow artist when I was awarded funding from Arts Council England with a budget for a professional writer. I commissioned Mike to interview me and write it up as a Q and A, and to produce an introduction text panel for my exhibition. His easy manner, extensive knowledge and engagement with the work helped me relax into what, for me, was a new experience.
I was delighted with the results, which were produced in a timely and professional way. I then commissioned Mike to write a further piece about my work to include in a relaunch of my own website. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Mike to other artists.
Julie Cassels, Artist
Having known Mike through his work with The Double Negative and collaborating with him on a number of quality written pieces during my time at RIBA, he seemed a natural choice for an interview series with business leaders within the cultural sector in Liverpool. Professional Liverpool have since undertaken two of these interviews, with the Chief Executives of Biennial and FACT, to great feedback from its members. As well as Mike’s written and editorial skills, the interview series has also benefitted from his strong connections and credibility in the cultural sector, which comes across clearly in each of the interviews.
Andrew Ruffler, CEO, Professional Liverpool
Mike taught an Interpretation workshop to our Fine Art, Design, Graphic Design and Art and Design History students. Mike engaged the students professionally, presented the material in an enthusiastic way and left room for discussion and debate. The student feedback was very positive, with requests to run similar workshops again. We are looking forward to working with Mike in the future.
Kathrin Wagner, Senior Lecturer, Art History, Liverpool Hope University
Mike has written exhibition reviews and previews, of varying length, for Art Quarterly magazine, on a freelance basis, since 2019. He has proved to be a versatile, accommodating, and reliable arts writer, able to fulfil a commission to sometimes very tight deadlines.
Helen Sumpter, Editor, Art Quarterly
Mike’s writing is open, honest and down-to-earth. The arts and culture sector is bombarded with big words, confusing jargon and elitist vocabulary. Mike’s voice cuts through all of that and makes culture accessible to everyone. It’s exactly what we need. It’s important that content is relatable, realistic and accessible, and Mike’s work ticks all those boxes.
Jasmine O’Hare, Freelance Arts Marketing and Communications
Like to work with me?
Email: mike@thedoublenegative.co.uk
Call: +44(0)7972528942
︎︎︎ thedoublenegative.co.uk
︎︎︎ threads @doublenegativem
︎︎︎ instagram @doublenegativem
Larry Achiampong, Artist
Mike and I have collaborated on various projects and the thought, consideration and care that goes into his work is always evident in the results. As co-founder of The Double Negative he transformed my idea of what a local critical platform could be – proactive and accessible, intelligent and multifaceted – and as a writer he is always worth reading.
Oliver Basciano, Editor-at-Large, ArtReview / ArtReview Asia
It has been my pleasure to work with Mike at Writing on the Wall. He has brought his creative expertise to various mentoring projects over the last 3 years, specifically working with unemployed Liverpool City Residents, who have faced barriers to employment and work in the arts sector. Mike has created and lead workshops that provide clear, practical advice for writers at various stages of their development.
His professional, flexible and encouraging teaching style means that all our participants gain industry knowledge, writing skills and the confidence they need to take their next steps with their writing. Mike has also worked with us as an editor for a commissioned digital work, Next Chapter, this stands as another example of his excellence in his field. We are very grateful to him, for his time as a mentor and editor across our programmes.
Amy Carrington, Senior Project Manager, Writing on the Wall
I have great admiration for Mike, who I have commissioned as a writer on challenging first-person opinion pieces and reviews. He has explored topics ranging from class politics to pop culture within the context of contemporary art, bringing a lively and highly valuable voice to Elephant. He also does important work towards greater representation in the arts with The Double Negative, particularly in moving the conversation beyond the London bubble, which I frequently enjoy reading. His writing is always precise, personal and brimming with curiosity.
Louise Benson, Deputy Editor, Elephant Magazine
Mike Pinnington was recommended to me by a fellow artist when I was awarded funding from Arts Council England with a budget for a professional writer. I commissioned Mike to interview me and write it up as a Q and A, and to produce an introduction text panel for my exhibition. His easy manner, extensive knowledge and engagement with the work helped me relax into what, for me, was a new experience.
I was delighted with the results, which were produced in a timely and professional way. I then commissioned Mike to write a further piece about my work to include in a relaunch of my own website. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Mike to other artists.
Julie Cassels, Artist
Having known Mike through his work with The Double Negative and collaborating with him on a number of quality written pieces during my time at RIBA, he seemed a natural choice for an interview series with business leaders within the cultural sector in Liverpool. Professional Liverpool have since undertaken two of these interviews, with the Chief Executives of Biennial and FACT, to great feedback from its members. As well as Mike’s written and editorial skills, the interview series has also benefitted from his strong connections and credibility in the cultural sector, which comes across clearly in each of the interviews.
Andrew Ruffler, CEO, Professional Liverpool
Mike taught an Interpretation workshop to our Fine Art, Design, Graphic Design and Art and Design History students. Mike engaged the students professionally, presented the material in an enthusiastic way and left room for discussion and debate. The student feedback was very positive, with requests to run similar workshops again. We are looking forward to working with Mike in the future.
Kathrin Wagner, Senior Lecturer, Art History, Liverpool Hope University
Mike has written exhibition reviews and previews, of varying length, for Art Quarterly magazine, on a freelance basis, since 2019. He has proved to be a versatile, accommodating, and reliable arts writer, able to fulfil a commission to sometimes very tight deadlines.
Helen Sumpter, Editor, Art Quarterly
Mike’s writing is open, honest and down-to-earth. The arts and culture sector is bombarded with big words, confusing jargon and elitist vocabulary. Mike’s voice cuts through all of that and makes culture accessible to everyone. It’s exactly what we need. It’s important that content is relatable, realistic and accessible, and Mike’s work ticks all those boxes.
Jasmine O’Hare, Freelance Arts Marketing and Communications
Like to work with me?
Email: mike@thedoublenegative.co.uk
Call: +44(0)7972528942
︎︎︎ thedoublenegative.co.uk
︎︎︎ threads @doublenegativem
︎︎︎ instagram @doublenegativem