#MeetTheResident – Clever Ghost
Paul Boal the Creative Director at Clever Ghost, a brand & design studio, Blick Resident of Hill St Blick Studios.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your business Clever Ghost?
Hi, I’m Paul the Creative Director at Clever Ghost, a brand & design studio. I started Clever Ghost in October of last year as a response to freelance work growing to the point where there was no break from the day job and starting the freelance shift. This was the culmination of 10 years working in design, I worked in several design studios and in house design jobs since leaving college in 2009. I/We/Clever Ghost works with a wide range of clients including start-ups, multinationals, Ad & PR agencies, charities, individuals and companies from both public and private sectors.
Any projects you’re currently working on?
Currently finishing the last stages of a brand identity for a hair salon up on the north coast, I’ve just overseen the photoshoot set up to create a bank of assets for their new brand. I’m also working on a brand identity for a new florist opening up in Belfast.
What was the biggest hurdle for you starting out and how did you overcome it?
Actually stepping out, it was frightening, but once over the edge, it was grand. Best decision of my career was to take that step and to work for myself, aside from building a network of contacts, some freelance work and getting to know the market, what helped the most was a very supportive wife & family, as going out full time there have been a LOT of late nights so it helps greatly when people close to you are supportive and encourage you to keep going.
How do you stay creative/inspired?
Simply by enjoying what I do. I enjoy reading about design, hearing about design, sketching, dreaming up ideas, fleshing out concepts and surrounding myself with all sorts of creative work in my daily life whether that be in work or in my spare time, so I find it easy to keep myself creatively inspired. How do I stay creative? By simply immersing myself in design and loving every second of it.
Who is your creative hero?
Lance Wyman, the man behind the 1968 Mexico Olympics logo. Ever since discovering his work and learning more about him, I’m inspired by his work ethic and industrial design background, not to mention I find his work incredible. The level of detail that he worked too, and by hand, is simply awe-inspiring, we take for granted the ability to make minute changes with just a couple of clicks, these guys achieved those details too, the difference being it was by hand and often the only undo button was to simply start again.
What piece of software/ tool/ equipment would you struggle to run your business without?
The Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications (Photoshop, InDesign & Illustrator) these programs are mission-critical in being able to produce the designs that keep the lights on so to speak. Though so long as a designer has a way of making a mark then they can create, so never too far away is a sketch pad and pen.
What’s your top tip/piece of advice for anyone wanting to start their own creative business?
Get networking! The contacts that I’ve made along the way have been pivotal in helping me get Clever Ghost off the ground, from accountants to IT support I would’ve found it an even larger mountain to climb trying to source this help once I had stepped out. In addition to creating that network of contacts that you can call upon when you need them, you will get to meet clients, your contacts will refer you on and the circle keeps on turning. So yeah, definitely get out there, get networking and get designing.
You can learn more about our Hill Street Residents https://blickstudios.org/hill-street-residents/
Share article:
Downloadable cashflow forecast template! Similar to a budget, a cashflow forecast helps you to plan ahead for your creative business it will show you if you will have enough cash to run the business or expand it. It will also show you when more cash is going out of the business than in. We have included a downloadable Excel template linked to the budget template to make it simple for you to get started with putting together your own cashflow forecast for your creative business. Link below or in profile
https://blickstudios.org/resources/useful-finance-resources-links/
Nov 22
Today`s finance resource for emerging creatives is a budget template that you can download from our website as an excel document and complete for your creative business. �Putting together a budget for your creative business will help you to understand your costs, plan out your expenses and reach your goals. It`s also not as complicated as it seems, we have included a downloadable excel budget template on the resources section of our website to help you to put one together for your business (link in our bio or below):
��https://blickstudios.org/resources/useful-finance-resources-links/
Nov 20
�Today for our finance resources for emerging creatives we are sharing what you need to include on an invoice, something that seems obvious, but really isn`t when you are starting out!
�You can download an invoice template as a word or PDF document from the `Resources for Creatives` section of our website (link in bio or below) that you can then customise for your creative business!
��https://blickstudios.org/resources/useful-finance-resources-links/
Nov 19
After a hectic few months, we are back to sharing out useful resources for creatives starting their own business/ practice.
This week we will be sharing some different financial resources. Starting today with some useful financial links for creatives starting their own business
Let us know if you can think of any we have forgotton or anything that was helpful to you when starting out that we can add to the list!
HMRC what does it mean to be self-employed? – https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself
Registering as self-employed – https://www.gov.uk/set-up-sole-trader
Registering for VAT if your turnover exceeds £85,000 – https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration/when-to-register
Link to a cashflow template – https://www.startuploans.co.uk/cash-flow-forecast-template/
HMRC free payroll software – https://www.gov.uk/basic-paye-tools
View on our website link in bio or
https://blickstudios.org/resources/useful-finance-resources-links/
Nov 18
We have 1 dedicated deskspace coming available in our Hill St studios from the start of December!
- £165 per calendar month all inclusive (rent, rates, utilities,
broadband etc)
- 3 months minimum contract then on a month by month basis
- 24 hour access
- City centre location
Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website:
https://blickstudios.org/locations/hill-street-belfast/
Nov 15
Thanks again to everyone who came along to @stephaniesaloli`s creative talk last Wednesday evening and to Stephanie for giving such a great talk with so many insights and lessons for emerging creatives, as always we will be doing a wee event write up over coming weeks of the key lessons!
Nov 14
This week we have been thrilled to have been able to help with @belfastdesignwk and @the_design_salon `s Sustainable Pop-up Design Museum as part of the RE(act) Festival by the @linenquarter in the Europa Hotel today and tomorrow!
If you are attending any events at the festival or just passing by you can pop by to take a look at the Pop-up Design Museum on the 2nd floor!
The Pop-up Design Museum feature 5 local designers incorporating sustainability into their work
- Sam Lynas Co-founder of @get.haru @helpandreuse a tech startup focused on circular fashion
- Azhar Murtuza Founder of @born_maverick a food innovation company
- Stéphanie Heckman @stephaniesaloli a graphic recorder and visual facilitator focusing on working on climate and sustainability events
- Lee Robb founder of Positive Carrickfergus and Co-founder of Carrick Greengrocers @carrickgrocers
- Emily McIlwaine @emtextiles Woven Designer and Horticulturalist
You can also read fab interviews with each of them on sustainability and their design practice over on the Belfast Design Week Website www.belfastdesignweek.com
Nov 12
Thanks to everyone who joined us last Wednesday evening for our final creative talk of the year with the wonderful Stephanie Heckman sharing her creative story!
Nov 11
We are so excited through our @the_design_salon collab as part of the �@linenquarter `s �RE[act] Festival 2024 to have Learning Experience Designer Peter Worth join us for a workshop on November 13th, 3-4.30pm in the Europa Hotel.
Peter works at the intersection of design thinking, professional learning, leadership, and culture change. Consulting globally and based in Northern Ireland, Peter’s work focuses on helping teams to elevate local brilliance and use the mindsets of human-centred design to create change so their users can thrive. In recent years, he has worked closely with the Stanford d.school and Catalyst.
Informed by his background in education, Peter has developed a design practice that balances analytical and creative problem-solving. His belief that great progress can be made by taking the time to listen first has positioned him to guide people through their initial discomfort with design to discover skills they did not know they had and to help educators recognize their power in the transformation of schools as a part of a larger story of impact. In addition, Peter works with K12 schools, universities, businesses, and non-profit organizations to promote local innovation.
Spaces are limited so find out more and grab your free ticket on the events page on our website (link in profile)!
Nov 8
## NEW SOUTH BELFAST STUDIOS ##
We have recently moved our South Belfast Studios and our new studios at 65 Great Northern Street are now open!
Located off the Lisburn Road in a great location with lots of natural light it offers a mix of private and shared studio space.
We only have a couple of dedicated desks left, if you would like more information or to arrange a viewing please get in touch with christine@blickstudios.org or visit our website (link in profile)
Nov 6
Pollen Studios + Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of “Palette Perspectives” by Blick resident Emanuela Mae Agrini @emanuela_mae_agrini_art
The event will take place on November 7, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Pollen’s gallery space located at 7 North Street, Belfast. As part of the Belfast Late Night Art event, this evening will showcase a collection of portrait paintings and fashion illustrations, exploring creativity and individual expression through various subjects and styles.
Nov 5
Last chance to book for tomorrow night`s creative talk with Blick Hill St resident Stephanie Heckman sharing her creative story as a graphic recorder and visual facilitator who translates real-time conversations into hand-drawn visual summaries at events and conferences globally including UN climate change negotiations!
Book through our website (link in profile) 🌟 🌟 🌟
Nov 5
Another chance to check out the interview we did with Stephanie @stephaniesaloli who is sharing her story at our next Creative Talk on Wednesday evening!
Sign up on our website to hear her story in-person!
Nov 4
Ahead of her creative talk next Wednesday evening we thought we would re-share this interview we did with Stéphanie Heckman one of our Hill St residents earlier this year! You can read the full blog on our website (link in profile)
Stephanie will be sharing her creative story next Wednesday 6th November at 7pm in our Hill St studios, you can sign up for your free ticket to hear her story on our website (link in profile)
Nov 1
Just 1 week until our next creative talk with Blick Hill St resident Stephanie Heckman sharing her creative story as a graphic recorder and visual facilitator who translates real-time conversations into hand-drawn visual summaries at events and conferences globally including UN climate change negotiations!
Book your free ticket through our website (link in profile)
Oct 30
As part of our work with @the_design_salon we have been helping to curate the 3rd Pop Up Design Museum on the 12th & 13th November at The Europa Hotel as part of the RE[act] Festival @linenquarter this November 12th-14th to create a more sustainable Belfast.
The Pop Up Design Museum will themed on "Sustainability." You`ll learn about 5 local designers incorporating sustainability in different ways into their practices and we hope you`ll leave inspired and full of ideas for your own life and work.
We also have a very special workshop - "Design thinking (and doing) for sustainability" - with Learning Experience Designer Peter Worth.
We`ll be sharing more information about the pop up museum and workshop in the lead up to RE[act] and you can visit reactfestival.co.uk to discover the full programme of events.
#reactfestival2024
https://blickstudios.org/projects/pop-up-design-museum/
Oct 30
First in person meeting in our Great Northern Street Studios with our fab Nurture Program participants @kitschsistersbelfast @bethanysmillican and @verahylands who we will introduce you to properly over the coming weeks! Looking forward to working with them all on their creative ideas over the next 8 months!
Oct 29
Just over a week until our next creative talk with Blick Hill St resident Stéphanie Heckman a graphic recorder and visual facilitator sharing her story!
Stephanie will be sharing her journey as a creative entrepreneur and how she came to do the work she does. She will share the highs and lows of her journey and what she has learned along the way. She will also share her advice for others on a similar path and for artists and creatives on how to generate an income from their creativity. Stephanie will also share with us some examples of her work including her work for UN Climate Change negotiations.
Event Date(s): November 6, 2024
Event Time: 7.00 - 8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
For more info and to sign up, visit our website (link in profile)
Oct 29
Our next creative talk is on Wed 6th November at 7pm in our Hill St studios with graphic recorder and visual facilitator Stéphanie Heckman sharing her story.
Stephanie will talk about how she set up her creative business. Her journey so far as a creative entrepreneur, the highs and lows, what she has learned along the way, advice for others on a similar path and for artists and creatives in general on how to generate an income from their creativity.
There`s more info about Stéphanie below!
Stéphanie Heckman - @stephaniesaloli
Graphic Recorder & Visual Facilitator
Stéphanie Heckman, Dutch originally but based in Northern Ireland, works internationally at conferences as a graphic recorder and visual facilitator. In this role she translates in real-time collective conversations into hand-drawn visual summaries that distill the essence of both content and undercurrent. Her visual summaries transcend language and accessibility barriers, and communicate key takeaways of complex discussions in an engaging, visual way to a much larger audience than those originally present.
Active since 2018, Stéphanie has worked with close to 200 organisations, but focuses on supporting those advancing climate action, peace and reconciliation and leadership development. Since 2020, she collaborates regularly with UN Climate Change and numerous NGOs in the global climate space. She has trail blazed a way for the field of graphic recording to support climate negotiations at the highest level and has led teams of graphic recorders to cover sessions during three consecutive COPs (annual UN climate summits) and related events. In recent years she has trained up two cohorts of graphic recorders through her Visual Practice Apprenticeship Programme, focusing both on the craft of visual practice and business skills as a creative professional.
https://www.stephanieheckman.com/
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Wed 6th Nov
TIME: 7PM
VENUE: Blick Studios, 46 Hill Street
You can book your free ticket on our website (link in profile)
Oct 28
Our next creative talk is on Wed 6th November at 7pm in our Hill St studios with graphic recorder and visual facilitator Stéphanie Heckman sharing her story.
Stephanie will talk about how she set up her creative business. Her journey so far as a creative entrepreneur, the highs and lows, what she has learned along the way, advice for others on a similar path and for artists and creatives in general on how to generate an income from their creativity.
There`s more info about Stéphanie below!
Stéphanie Heckman
Graphic Recorder & Visual Facilitator
Stéphanie Heckman, Dutch originally but based in Northern Ireland, works internationally at conferences as a graphic recorder and visual facilitator. In this role she translates in real-time collective conversations into hand-drawn visual summaries that distill the essence of both content and undercurrent. Her visual summaries transcend language and accessibility barriers, and communicate key takeaways of complex discussions in an engaging, visual way to a much larger audience than those originally present.
Active since 2018, Stéphanie has worked with close to 200 organisations, but focuses on supporting those advancing climate action, peace and reconciliation and leadership development. Since 2020, she collaborates regularly with UN Climate Change and numerous NGOs in the global climate space. She has trail blazed a way for the field of graphic recording to support climate negotiations at the highest level and has led teams of graphic recorders to cover sessions during three consecutive COPs (annual UN climate summits) and related events. In recent years she has trained up two cohorts of graphic recorders through her Visual Practice Apprenticeship Programme, focusing both on the craft of visual practice and business skills as a creative professional.
https://www.stephanieheckman.com/
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Wed 6th Nov
TIME: 7PM
VENUE: Blick Studios, 46 Hill Street
You can book your free ticket on our website (link in profile)
Oct 21
