The Inspired Unemployed

Background

Matt Ford (born c. 1995 in Gerringong) and Jack Steele (born c. 1994 in Minnamurra) became friends around 2008 while living in Kiama. They attended Kiama High School together and left in year 11, each taking up a trade: Ford worked as a landscaper, bricklayer and carpenter, while Steele was a plasterer for his father's business. The duo began creating content with friends in 2016, filming short skits while living in Queenstown, New Zealand for six months, and posting them on individual Instagram accounts. They also ran Instagram and Facebook accounts called "Pine Tree TV" from June 2016 to May 2017.

Career

Continuing to travel, the pair filmed skits in Europe and launched a new Instagram page titled "The Inspired Unemployed"; the first video still available was posted in February 2019. The name came from the duo having recently quit their jobs to search for inspiration overseas. Steele described the page's creation as "a résumé to get into entertainment" hoping the videos would help them do something in the industry. Within seven months they had about 9,000 followers.

Their breakout clip—a choreographed dance routine filmed with three friends dressed in all black set to La Bouche's "Be My Lover"—raised the audience to 30,000 followers, and they were signed by management company Born Bred Talent within three days. By January 2020, both had turned the Inspired Unemployed into full-time jobs, reaching 100,000 Instagram followers. They collaborated with Fendi for a GQ Australia cover shoot, attended Vogue Australia's 60th anniversary event, and filmed a cricket skit at the Sydney Opera House promoting Kayo Sports.

During COVID-19 lockdowns, a string of dance and comedy videos amplified their status. In June 2020, they featured with Tuka and Thandi Phoenix in a parody music video for Klarna. Throughout the year they undertook fashion shoots and collaborations with Vogue Australia, Louis Vuitton, The Iconic, RM Williams, Red Bull, Canadian Club and Tradie.