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    • Events & Workshops Find out more about our upcoming events
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An Interview with Laura Whitehouse Founder of Mighty Fine Design

Published: February 26, 2025

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your design studio Mighty Fine Design?

Hello, I’m Laura! I own and run Mighty Fine Design, a one-women agency (often with contracted help) that works mostly with small brands looking to grow, theatre companies across the UK, and occasionally on Film and TV projects. I cover everything from logos to full-scale brands, websites to marketing materials, and theatre posters to event brochures. Pretty much anything you need to communicate something visually in a nice neat package I can do.

 

What inspired you to become a designer and how did you first get started?

I initially studied Graphic Design at school. It popped up in the curriculum just before GCSEs, when our school had just received some funding for a couple of Apple computers and a slightly dodgy version of Photoshop. It all clicked for me then, really – I’d always been creative, but pretty terrible at drawing, so wasn’t sure where my skills really went. After that I went on to study it for my GCSEs (after initially being put into food tech and literally sobbing to the very baffled teacher to ask to move), and then A-Levels. While I didn’t carry it on to University (a long story, best summarised by very valid pressure to study something ‘more academic’) I did start to freelance while there, knocking up theatre posters for students, getting part-time work in the student union, and basically convincing anyone to swap me a design for pints. I guess that was the very start of a very hodge-podge freelance career. If I could invoice in pints right now, I would.

 

What led to you starting your own design studio?

It’s what I’ve always wanted, right from my very first agency job. After university I managed to con a very clever and talented woman, and owner of an agency in Oxford, to hire me as a junior designer in a role that was contracted out to a student housing company. I learnt lots, but the idea of a 9-5 forever and ever (staring at a man called Michael, eating a banana every day at precisely 10am, and telling me he was worried the traffic going home would prevent him from accessing his packed lunch, which he kept at said home) filled me with dread. Being creative full-time is pretty tricky, and my brain works best at slightly odd hours, when I’m able to nip to the post office or mindlessly scroll on my phone without worrying about being caught during the day. Since that very first job I’ve freelanced on the side, which really helped to build my skills and learn how to manage clients, and it just grew organically from there… right up until I handed in my notice at my second agency in March 2020. Great timing.

 

What do you enjoy most about working for yourself?

The flexibility! Not just in terms of aforementioned post office and avoidance of Michael’s 10am banana, but the flexibility to turn down work too. If I get a bad feeling about a job, or it doesn’t excite me, or I just don’t fancy it, I can say no. And I love that. It helps me to create the best work and work with the best people.

 

And what do you find hardest about working for yourself?

It can be lonely. I’ve grown and learnt a lot by working with other designers, and often the client is great in this way because they push you too – but sometimes, without a group to bounce off regularly, it’s hard to know whether you’re working to the best of your ability. That’s why I love getting in tried and tested designers I love to help me with some projects, when there’s budget – the result is often very exciting.

 

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out? Do you have any advice for creatives starting out now?

Gosh… I think I’d have done it sooner! I was so scared to take the leap, but it really did work out. My biggest advice would be to find a mentor. I had a great one, Owen O’Leary (https://owenoleary.com/) through Creative Edinburgh, and he really helped me to make the change and gave me the confidence to make it happen.

 

You are hosting a DIY Branding workshop for creatives for us on the 12th March, do you have any general advice you can share ahead of the workshop for creatives on how to build a consistent brand themselves/ on a budget? Any tools or software you would recommend?

People hate to tell me they use Canva, but I love it! Have a look around in there, just the free version to get started, and pull in any ideas you might have as reference images. Googling ‘font pairings Canva’ is also a great place to start – there’s no need to stare at a blank page, just enjoy having a play around – the aim is to work out what feels right (and what doesn’t).

 

You recently moved to Bangor from England, what inspired the move and how have you found it so far?

Very stereotypically… a boy (sort of!). I first moved here in 2021, I’d been living in Edinburgh when I got offered a six-month contract job on a film in the Titanic Quarter. I’d only been to Ireland once before, but it was a great opportunity, so I packed everything into my very tiny, very old Ford Fiesta Style and jumped in with both feet on about a week’s notice. While working on the job I met my now-fiancé, and after a couple of years of back and forth from London to Bangor I ended up absolutely loving the place. It’s such a great community here, and while it gets a lot of stick from born and bred Bangorians, I think they don’t realise what they’ve got! Seacourt and the Courthouse are amazing cultural hubs, and a Bangor Late Night Art event has just started once a month too. There’s always something to do, and everyone has been incredibly welcoming.

 

Are there any differences you have noticed between working as a self-employed designer in both countries?

Most of my work is remote, so not really! The biggest difference is my work-life balance. Living by the sea, with so much on my doorstep, means I get out a lot more – whether that’s for a dander by the sea with our dog, or for a nice overpriced black americano, it’s far easier to close the laptop and ignore emails when it hits 5pm. Or sometimes 3pm. Maybe even just after lunch. I am my own person hey leave me alone.

Is there a book or podcast or quote or piece of advice or anything else that has helped you on your journey as a creative entrepreneur you can share with us?

‘It’s better to admit you walked through the wrong door than to spend your life in the wrong room.’

Sometimes a job doesn’t go to plan, or it’s not a good fit. Be honest and speak up – if you feel like that, chances are the client does too. This also applies to taking the wrong full-time job. Just leave! (I say, with a mortgage to pay, a dog with a bottomless pit for a stomach, and an extortionate electricity bill at present… this is not an attitude my partner appreciates).

 

Finally, do you have any exciting plans or ambitions for the future?

Actually have a think about what I’m doing! I’ve booked to go on a weekend outdoors trip with likeminded business people who don’t like business, and I’m hoping to put together a plan for where I’m going – whether that’s growth as a team, growth as one, or no growth at all.. Who knows!

Laura’s workshop is on Wednesday 12th March from 7-9pm in our Hill St studios. You can sign up and get more info here

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Our latest roundup of local and international funding, support & opportunities for NI creatives

01. Belfast City Council Street Art Mentorship Bursaries

Offering six bursaries of £2,000 Belfast street artists to learn new skills or techniques from a mentor of their choosing, in a one-to-one capacity.

Deadline:  12 noon Monday 12th May

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/things-to-do/tourism-and-culture/culture/culture-funding#654-2

02. British Council Connections Through Culture

Applications for the latest round of grants are now open with grants of up to £5,000 or £10,000 to support new collaborative projects. 

Deadline: 23 June 2025, 15:00 BST

https://arts.britishcouncil.org/get-involved/opportunities/connections-through-culture-2025

03. Eidolan International Photography Grants

The Eidolon Centre for Everyday Photography invites artists, researchers, and enthusiasts to apply for the Eidolon Grant 2025, supporting projects that explore vernacular and everyday photographic practices. 

Deadline: 11.59pm August 31, 2025

https://everydayphotography.org/centre/grant-2025#about

04. CraftNI Gallery Call for Applications

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to promote and sell their work right in the heart of Belfast City Centre with an established craft audience with an ever increasing tourist footfall, whilst also benefiting from in-house marketing and promotion.

Deadline: Friday 16th May, 5pm

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3IrI_ELE16vZey_-TvtJpUOiOeFYIkYTSw2PGXs4M5RWWQw/viewform

05. Birmingham Design Festival

Birmingham Design Festival Conference is a celebration of design held in Birmingham across two days in June.

Deadline: 12th–13th June, Birmingham Town Hall

https://birminghamdesignfestival.org.uk/conference/

Full listings, including links on the blog on our website link in profile and below

https://blickstudios.org/blog/creative-roundup-opportunities-for-creatives/

May 9

Open
Our latest roundup of local and international funding, support & opportunities for NI creatives

01. Belfast City Council Street Art Mentorship Bursaries

Offering six bursaries of £2,000  Belfast street artists to learn new skills or techniques from a mentor of their choosing, in a one-to-one capacity.

Deadline:  12 noon Monday 12th May

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/things-to-do/tourism-and-culture/culture/culture-funding#654-2

02. British Council Connections Through Culture

Applications for the latest round of grants are now open with grants of up to £5,000 or £10,000 to support new collaborative projects.  

Deadline: 23 June 2025, 15:00 BST

https://arts.britishcouncil.org/get-involved/opportunities/connections-through-culture-2025

03. Eidolan International Photography Grants

The Eidolon Centre for Everyday Photography invites artists, researchers, and enthusiasts to apply for the Eidolon Grant 2025, supporting projects that explore vernacular and everyday photographic practices. 

Deadline: 11.59pm August 31, 2025

https://everydayphotography.org/centre/grant-2025#about

04. CraftNI Gallery Call for Applications

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to promote and sell their work right in the heart of Belfast City Centre with an established craft audience with an ever increasing tourist footfall, whilst also benefiting from in-house marketing and promotion.

Deadline: Friday 16th May, 5pm

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3IrI_ELE16vZey_-TvtJpUOiOeFYIkYTSw2PGXs4M5RWWQw/viewform

05. Birmingham Design Festival

Birmingham Design Festival Conference is a celebration of design held in Birmingham across two days in June.

Deadline: 12th–13th June, Birmingham Town Hall

https://birminghamdesignfestival.org.uk/conference/

Full listings, including links on the blog on our website  link in profile and below

https://blickstudios.org/blog/creative-roundup-opportunities-for-creatives/

Thanks so much to @dannisimpsonart for a great creative talk last night and to everyone who joined us for the event!

May 8

Open
Thanks so much to @dannisimpsonart for a great creative talk last night and to everyone who joined us for the event!

It`s all change at Blick this month as we say goodbye to some of our current residents, allowing us also to welcome in new creatives as space becomes available!

We have the following dedicated deskspaces available in our shared creative coworking spaces.

HILL ST
2 adjacent desks available £165 for 1 or £285 for both desks per calendar month

COTTON COURT
2 adjacent desks available £125 for 1 desk or £225 for both desks per calendar month

GREAT NORTHERN STREET
1 desk available £150 per calendar month

ABOUT THE WORKSPACE:
– All prices are all inclusive (rent, rates, utilities, broadband)
– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract
– 1 months rent required as a deposit

WORKSPACE BENEFITS:

– Networking and collaborative opportunities with other studio members

– Quiet environment for working creatively and productively away from home distractions

– Professional commercial address for customer confidence and to keep your home address private

– Better work-life balance. Keep your work and home-life separate

– Dedicated deskspace with storage you can leave equipment and know where you will be sitting each day!

– Opportunity to attend events and workshops in the studios and build your network and improve your skills

– All studios are in great locations in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter or South Belfast

– Flexible and affordable contracts (Minimum of 3 months then on a month by month basis)

– Blick is an independent social enterprise. Profits from our creative workspace services go back into supporting the creative community through our different events, workshops, residencies, programs and resources.

For more email or to arrange a viewing message us, email christine@blickstudios.org or visit our website www.blickstudios.org

May 7

Open
It's all change at Blick this month as we say goodbye to some of our current residents, allowing us also to welcome in new creatives as space becomes available!

We have the following dedicated deskspaces available in our shared creative coworking spaces.

HILL ST
2 adjacent desks available £165 for 1 or £285 for both desks per calendar month

COTTON COURT
2 adjacent desks available £125 for 1 desk or £225 for both desks per calendar month

GREAT NORTHERN STREET
1 desk available £150 per calendar month

ABOUT THE WORKSPACE:
– All prices are all inclusive (rent, rates, utilities, broadband)
– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract
– 1 months rent required as a deposit

WORKSPACE BENEFITS:

– Networking and collaborative opportunities with other studio members

– Quiet environment for working creatively and productively away from home distractions

– Professional commercial address for customer confidence and to keep your home address private

– Better work-life balance. Keep your work and home-life separate

– Dedicated deskspace with storage you can leave equipment and know where you will be sitting each day!

– Opportunity to attend events and workshops in the studios and build your network and improve your skills

– All studios are in great locations in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter or South Belfast

– Flexible and affordable contracts (Minimum of 3 months then on a month by month basis)

– Blick is an independent social enterprise. Profits from our creative workspace services go back into supporting the creative community through our different events, workshops, residencies, programs and resources.

For more email or to arrange a viewing message us, email christine@blickstudios.org or visit our website www.blickstudios.org

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!! Just a couple of tickets left for this tomorrow night!

- - CREATIVE TALK - ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR DANNI SIMPSON - -
Come join us tomorrow evening for our next creative talk with the talented artist and illustrator, Danni Simpson sharing her creative story!

Danni Simpson is an Australian Artist who specialises in Commercial murals and Illustrations. Her natural passion and talent for art has allowed her to complete a large number of projects and travel the globe to paint the world. Her style is an urban fusion of detailed floral illustrations where wildlife clashes with architecture and typography, sprinkled through with dashes of art deco and mandala patterns. Beyond her work commercially, Danni has been invited to appear at a number of events across the UK and Ireland such as Electric Picnic, Upfest Street Art Festival and Hit The North. Danni continues to travel the world leaving her mark wherever she goes and hopes to ignite a creative spark in everyone who sees her art.

You can find out more about Danni and her work on her Website: dannisimpsonart.com and on Instagram: @dannisimpsonart

EVENT DETAILS:
Event Date(s): May 7, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

For more info and to book visit our website link below and in profile: https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-talk-with-artist-illustrator-danni-simpson/

May 6

Open
LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!! Just a couple of tickets left for this tomorrow night!

- - CREATIVE TALK - ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR DANNI SIMPSON - -
Come join us tomorrow evening for our next creative talk with the talented artist and illustrator, Danni Simpson sharing her creative story!

Danni Simpson is an Australian Artist who specialises in Commercial murals and Illustrations. Her natural passion and talent for art has allowed her to complete a large number of projects and travel the globe to paint the world. Her style is an urban fusion of detailed floral illustrations where wildlife clashes with architecture and typography, sprinkled through with dashes of art deco and mandala patterns. Beyond her work commercially, Danni has been invited to appear at a number of events across the UK and Ireland such as Electric Picnic, Upfest Street Art Festival and Hit The North. Danni continues to travel the world leaving her mark wherever she goes and hopes to ignite a creative spark in everyone who sees her art.

You can find out more about Danni and her work on her Website: dannisimpsonart.com and on Instagram: @dannisimpsonart 

EVENT DETAILS:
Event Date(s): May 7, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

For more info and to book visit our website link below and in profile: https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-talk-with-artist-illustrator-danni-simpson/

Happy Bank Holiday Weekend! Here`s what`s on at Blick this Month!

- Wed 7th May - Creative Talk - Artist & Illustrator Danni Simpson
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Venue: Blick Hill St

- Sun 4th May - Seaside Books Beginner 6 Week Poetry Workshop Course�
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Venue: Blick Great Northern Street

- Tues 6th May - Seaside Books Intermediate 6 Week Poetry Workshop Course�
Time: 6.30pm - 8pm
Venue: Blick Great Northern Street

- Tuesday 27th May - Womenfolk Peer Mentoring�
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Venue: Blick Hill St

�- Wednesday 28th May - Nurture Program Participants Creative Talks
�Time: 7pm - 9pm
�Venue: Blick Great Northern Street�

�Find out more on our website: �https://blickstudios.org/events/�����

May 6

Open
Happy Bank Holiday Weekend! Here's what's on at Blick this Month!

- Wed 7th May - Creative Talk - Artist & Illustrator Danni Simpson
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Venue: Blick Hill St

- Sun 4th May - Seaside Books Beginner 6 Week Poetry Workshop Course�
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Venue: Blick Great Northern Street

- Tues 6th May - Seaside Books Intermediate 6 Week Poetry Workshop Course�
Time: 6.30pm - 8pm
Venue: Blick Great Northern Street

- Tuesday 27th May - Womenfolk Peer Mentoring�
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Venue: Blick Hill St

�- Wednesday 28th May - Nurture Program Participants Creative Talks
�Time: 7pm - 9pm
�Venue: Blick Great Northern Street�

�Find out more on our website: �https://blickstudios.org/events/�����

After a busy year moving buildings and doing lots of things behind the scenes, we are bringing back our regular roundup of local and international funding, support & opportunities for NI creatives. Here are some of the opportunities coming up that we think look interesting both locally and internationally!

01. Golden Wolf Internships 2025

Golden Wolf and Doodles are on the lookout for 8 incredible interns to join their teams across London, New York, and remote roles.

Deadline: Monday 12th May 12am

https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/goldenwolf

02. Belfast City Council Bank of Ideas

Residents are being invited to put forward their ideas for creative projects in their community for the chance to receive funding that could see their ideas become reality.

Deadline: Wednesday 14th May 5pm

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/culturefunding

03. IPI New Media Incubator

IPI’s New Media Incubator is an eight-month programme supporting European startups and new media ventures

Deadline: 6th June

https://ipi.media/new-media-incubator-2025/

04. British Council Architecture, Design and Fashion Biennales and Festivals Grants

You can apply for grants of up to £10,000 to facilitate showcasing, exhibition building, travel, presentation of completed design work, networking and skills building.

Deadline: 1st June 23:59pm

https://arts.britishcouncil.org/get-involved/opportunities/architecture-design-and-fashion-biennales-and-festivals-grants

05. Open Call for Designers – Design Signals

Open call to designers of all disciplines to propose research-driven projects that rethink materials, processes and ecosystems within Timisoara’s chemical industry.

Deadline: 4th May

https://faber.ro/en/open-call-for-designers-design-signals/

You can also view them on our blog (link in profile)

May 2

Open
After a busy year moving buildings and doing lots of things behind the scenes, we are bringing back our regular roundup of local and international funding, support & opportunities for NI creatives. Here are some of the opportunities coming up that we think look interesting both locally and internationally!

01. Golden Wolf Internships 2025

Golden Wolf and Doodles are on the lookout for 8 incredible interns to join their teams across London, New York, and remote roles.

Deadline: Monday 12th May 12am

https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/goldenwolf

02. Belfast City Council Bank of Ideas

Residents are being invited to put forward their ideas for creative projects in their community for the chance to receive funding that could see their ideas become reality.

Deadline: Wednesday 14th May 5pm

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/culturefunding

03. IPI New Media Incubator

IPI’s New Media Incubator is an eight-month programme supporting European startups and new media ventures

Deadline: 6th June

https://ipi.media/new-media-incubator-2025/

04. British Council Architecture, Design and Fashion Biennales and Festivals Grants

You can apply for grants of up to £10,000 to facilitate showcasing, exhibition building, travel, presentation of completed design work, networking and skills building.

Deadline: 1st June 23:59pm

https://arts.britishcouncil.org/get-involved/opportunities/architecture-design-and-fashion-biennales-and-festivals-grants

05. Open Call for Designers – Design Signals

Open call to designers of all disciplines to propose research-driven projects that rethink materials, processes and ecosystems within Timisoara’s chemical industry.

Deadline: 4th May

https://faber.ro/en/open-call-for-designers-design-signals/

You can also view them on our blog (link in profile)

What`s on at Blick this month!

- Wed 7th May - Creative Talk - Artist & Illustrator Danni Simpson
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Venue: Blick Hill St

- Sun 4th May - Seaside Books Beginner 6 Week Poetry Workshop Course�
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Venue: Blick Great Northern Street

- Tues 6th May - Seaside Books Intermediate 6 Week Poetry Workshop Course�
Time: 6.30pm - 8pm
Venue: Blick Great Northern Street

- Tuesday 27th May - Womenfolk Peer Mentoring�
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Venue: Blick Hill St

�- Wednesday 28th May - Nurture Program Participants Creative Talks
�Time: 7pm - 9pm
�Venue: Blick Great Northern Street�

�Find out more on the events page of our website (link in profile)

May 1

Open
What's on at Blick this month!

- Wed 7th May - Creative Talk - Artist & Illustrator Danni Simpson
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Venue: Blick Hill St

- Sun 4th May - Seaside Books Beginner 6 Week Poetry Workshop Course�
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Venue: Blick Great Northern Street

- Tues 6th May - Seaside Books Intermediate 6 Week Poetry Workshop Course�
Time: 6.30pm - 8pm
Venue: Blick Great Northern Street

- Tuesday 27th May - Womenfolk Peer Mentoring�
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Venue: Blick Hill St

�- Wednesday 28th May - Nurture Program Participants Creative Talks
�Time: 7pm - 9pm
�Venue: Blick Great Northern Street�

�Find out more on the events page of our website (link in profile)

- - NEXT WEEK - CREATIVE TALK - ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR DANNI SIMPSON - -

Come join us next Wednesday evening for our next creative talk with the talented artist and illustrator, Danni Simpson sharing her creative story!

Danni Simpson is an Australian Artist who specialises in Commercial murals and Illustrations. Her natural passion and talent for art has allowed her to complete a large number of projects and travel the globe to paint the world. Her style is an urban fusion of detailed floral illustrations where wildlife clashes with architecture and typography, sprinkled through with dashes of art deco and mandala patterns. Beyond her work commercially, Danni has been invited to appear at a number of events across the UK and Ireland such as Electric Picnic, Upfest Street Art Festival and Hit The North. Danni continues to travel the world leaving her mark wherever she goes and hopes to ignite a creative spark in everyone who sees her art.

You can find out more about Danni and her work on her Website: dannisimpsonart.com and on Instagram: @dannisimpsonart

EVENT DETAILS:
Event Date(s): May 7, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

For more info and to book visit our website (link below and in profile)  https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-talk-with-artist-illustrator-danni-simpson/

Apr 30

Open
- - NEXT WEEK - CREATIVE TALK - ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR DANNI SIMPSON - -

Come join us next Wednesday evening for our next creative talk with the talented artist and illustrator, Danni Simpson sharing her creative story!

Danni Simpson is an Australian Artist who specialises in Commercial murals and Illustrations. Her natural passion and talent for art has allowed her to complete a large number of projects and travel the globe to paint the world. Her style is an urban fusion of detailed floral illustrations where wildlife clashes with architecture and typography, sprinkled through with dashes of art deco and mandala patterns. Beyond her work commercially, Danni has been invited to appear at a number of events across the UK and Ireland such as Electric Picnic, Upfest Street Art Festival and Hit The North. Danni continues to travel the world leaving her mark wherever she goes and hopes to ignite a creative spark in everyone who sees her art.

You can find out more about Danni and her work on her Website: dannisimpsonart.com and on Instagram: @dannisimpsonart

EVENT DETAILS:
Event Date(s): May 7, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

For more info and to book visit our website (link below and in profile)  https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-talk-with-artist-illustrator-danni-simpson/

We had a lovely few days touring around different creative projects in Belfast last week with Alan and Sarah from @onebite.design who we met in Hong Kong last October when we were visiting for our British Council @the_design_salon and @belfastdesignwk project. It was like being tourists in our own city, and it was great to
see how much Belfast has changed and is continuing to grow and change to reconnect with people we hadn`t had the opportunity to connect with
recently, and to get outsiders` perspectives on the many possibilities the City offers!

Thanks to Alan and Sarah for visiting and inspiring us with their amazing work and to everyone who took the time to chat with them and welcome them to Belfast!

Apr 29

Open
We had a lovely few days touring around different creative projects in Belfast last week with Alan and Sarah from @onebite.design who we met in Hong Kong last October when we were visiting for our British Council @the_design_salon and @belfastdesignwk project. It was like being tourists in our own city, and it was great to
see how much Belfast has changed and is continuing to grow and change to reconnect with people we hadn't had the opportunity to connect with
recently, and to get outsiders' perspectives on the many possibilities the City offers!

Thanks to Alan and Sarah for visiting and inspiring us with their amazing work and to everyone who took the time to chat with them and welcome them to Belfast!

- - CREATIVE TALK NEXT WEDNESDAY WITH ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR DANNI SIMPSON SHARING HER STORY - -

Come join us for our next creative talk next Wednesday with the talented artist and illustrator, Danni Simpson sharing her creative story! Hear and get inspiration from Danni’s journey, learn about her creative process, and gain insights into the world of art and illustration.

ABOUT DANNI:
Danni Simpson is an Australian Artist who specialises in Commercial murals and Illustrations. Her natural passion and talent for art has allowed her to complete a large number of projects and travel the globe to paint the world. Her style is an urban fusion of detailed floral illustrations where wildlife clashes with architecture and typography, sprinkled through with dashes of art deco and mandala patterns. Beyond her work commercially, Danni has been invited to appear at a number of events across the UK and Ireland such as Electric Picnic, Upfest Street Art Festival and Hit The North. Danni continues to travel the world leaving her mark wherever she goes and hopes to ignite a creative spark in everyone who sees her art.

You can find out more about Danni and her work on her Website: dannisimpsonart.com and on Instagram: @dannisimpsonart

EVENT DETAILS:
Event Date(s): Wed, May 7, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

For more info and to book visit our website (link in profile)

#illustrationbelfast #belfastcreatives #blickstudios #creativetalk

Apr 28

Open
- - CREATIVE TALK NEXT WEDNESDAY WITH ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR DANNI SIMPSON SHARING HER STORY - -

Come join us for our next creative talk next Wednesday with the talented artist and illustrator, Danni Simpson sharing her creative story! Hear and get inspiration from Danni’s journey, learn about her creative process, and gain insights into the world of art and illustration.

ABOUT DANNI:
Danni Simpson is an Australian Artist who specialises in Commercial murals and Illustrations. Her natural passion and talent for art has allowed her to complete a large number of projects and travel the globe to paint the world. Her style is an urban fusion of detailed floral illustrations where wildlife clashes with architecture and typography, sprinkled through with dashes of art deco and mandala patterns. Beyond her work commercially, Danni has been invited to appear at a number of events across the UK and Ireland such as Electric Picnic, Upfest Street Art Festival and Hit The North. Danni continues to travel the world leaving her mark wherever she goes and hopes to ignite a creative spark in everyone who sees her art.

You can find out more about Danni and her work on her Website: dannisimpsonart.com and on Instagram: @dannisimpsonart 

EVENT DETAILS:
Event Date(s): Wed, May 7, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

For more info and to book visit our website (link in profile)

#illustrationbelfast #belfastcreatives #blickstudios #creativetalk

Following on from yesterday`s exercise to help you to understand your purpose, here are some questions to help you to refine your creative purpose

Downloadable Word and PDF exercises and more info on the creative resources section of our website link below and in profile!

https://blickstudios.org/resources/understanding-your-why-2/

Apr 26

Open
Following on from yesterday's exercise to help you to understand your purpose, here are some questions to help you to refine your creative purpose

Downloadable Word and PDF exercises and more info on the creative resources section of our website link below and in profile!

https://blickstudios.org/resources/understanding-your-why-2/

Your ‘Why’ or purpose is the reason you have formed your creative practice boiled down to a single sentence (or two). It will help you to connect with your customers and audiences and build an authentic and sustainable creative practice/ business.This exercise will help you to understand your purpose and communicate it to the world.

You can find downloadable PDF and Word versions of this exercise on the creative resources section of our website (link below and in profile):  
https://blickstudios.org/resources/understanding-your-why-2/

Apr 25

Open
Your ‘Why’ or purpose is the reason you have formed your creative practice boiled down to a single sentence (or two). It will help you to connect with your customers and audiences and build an authentic and sustainable creative practice/ business.This exercise will help you to understand your purpose and communicate it to the world.

You can find downloadable PDF and Word versions of this exercise on the creative resources section of our website (link below and in profile):  
https://blickstudios.org/resources/understanding-your-why-2/

-- BLICK CREATIVE RESOURCES - UNDERSTANDING YOUR WHY --

“People don`t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Simon Sinek

Our `Why` is the reason our business exists beyond the drive to make money. Our `Why` or brand purpose creates connections with our target customers. Leading with our `Why` and following with the `What` and the `How` helps you connect with your audiences and customers and as your business grows with employees as well.

Finding your `Why` isn’t always simple. It’s more than just making a statement you think your audience will get behind. And it’s far more than co-opting the `Why` you’ve seen work successfully for others. Audiences are smart. They will instantly be able to sense if your `Why` is not authentic. Your `Why` is not the same, but has to align with and drive everything else you’re doing, especially your vision, mission, and values.

Remember:

- Your vision describes where your organization is going in the coming years.

- Your mission focuses on your business operations and the products or services you offer.

- Your values define how your entire organization should go about achieving your mission.

- Your Why shifts focus from internal operations to your external impact.

Over the next few days we will be sharing some resources to help you refine your `Why` for your creative practice or business, you can also find these resources on our website link below and in profile: https://blickstudios.org/resources/understanding-your-why-2/

Apr 24

Open
-- BLICK CREATIVE RESOURCES - UNDERSTANDING YOUR WHY --

“People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Simon Sinek

Our 'Why' is the reason our business exists beyond the drive to make money. Our 'Why' or brand purpose creates connections with our target customers. Leading with our 'Why' and following with the 'What' and the 'How' helps you connect with your audiences and customers and as your business grows with employees as well.

Finding your 'Why' isn’t always simple. It’s more than just making a statement you think your audience will get behind. And it’s far more than co-opting the 'Why' you’ve seen work successfully for others. Audiences are smart. They will instantly be able to sense if your 'Why' is not authentic. Your 'Why' is not the same, but has to align with and drive everything else you’re doing, especially your vision, mission, and values.

Remember:

- Your vision describes where your organization is going in the coming years.

- Your mission focuses on your business operations and the products or services you offer.

- Your values define how your entire organization should go about achieving your mission.

- Your Why shifts focus from internal operations to your external impact.

Over the next few days we will be sharing some resources to help you refine your 'Why' for your creative practice or business, you can also find these resources on our website link below and in profile: https://blickstudios.org/resources/understanding-your-why-2/

Our May Creative Talk and the last one until next Autumn is with @dannisimpsonart  an Australian Artist who specialises in commercial murals and illustrations.

Her natural passion and talent for art has allowed her to complete a large number of projects and travel the globe to paint the world. Her style is an urban fusion of detailed floral illustrations where wildlife clashes with architecture and typography, sprinkled through with dashes of art deco and mandala patterns.

Beyond her work commercially, Danni has been invited to appear at a number of events across the UK and Ireland such as Electric Picnic, Upfest Street Art Festival and Hit The North. Danni continues to travel the world leaving her mark wherever she goes and hopes to ignite a creative spark in everyone who sees her art.

You can find out more about Danni and her work on her Website: dannisimpsonart.com and on Instagram: @dannisimpsonart

EVENT DETAILS
Event Date(s): Wed 7th May 
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

More details and booking on our website link below and in profile https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-talk-with-artist-illustrator-danni-simpson/

Apr 23

Open
Our May Creative Talk and the last one until next Autumn is with @dannisimpsonart  an Australian Artist who specialises in commercial murals and illustrations.

 Her natural passion and talent for art has allowed her to complete a large number of projects and travel the globe to paint the world. Her style is an urban fusion of detailed floral illustrations where wildlife clashes with architecture and typography, sprinkled through with dashes of art deco and mandala patterns. 

Beyond her work commercially, Danni has been invited to appear at a number of events across the UK and Ireland such as Electric Picnic, Upfest Street Art Festival and Hit The North. Danni continues to travel the world leaving her mark wherever she goes and hopes to ignite a creative spark in everyone who sees her art.

You can find out more about Danni and her work on her Website: dannisimpsonart.com and on Instagram: @dannisimpsonart

EVENT DETAILS
Event Date(s): Wed 7th May 
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

More details and booking on our website link below and in profile https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-talk-with-artist-illustrator-danni-simpson/

Happy Easter 🐰 🐣 I hope everyone has a good break despite the awful weather! I managed to get a pic of our Great Northern Street Studios looking lovely in the sun yesterday!

Apr 18

Open
Happy Easter 🐰 🐣 I hope everyone has a good break despite the awful weather! I managed to get a pic of our Great Northern Street Studios looking lovely in the sun yesterday!

2 great new 6 week poetry workshops with Blick residents @seasidebooksni coming up this May in our Great Northern Street Studios. You can find booking details on the event page of our website or the Seaside Books website!

Apr 17

Open
2 great new 6 week poetry workshops with Blick residents @seasidebooksni coming up this May in our Great Northern Street Studios. You can find booking details on the event page of our website or the Seaside Books website!

- - CREATIVE TALK - ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR DANNI SIMPSON - -

Come join us for our next creative talk with the talented artist and illustrator, Danni Simpson @dannisimpsonart, sharing her creative story! Get inspired by Danni’s journey, learn about her creative process, and gain insights into the world of art and illustration.

�ABOUT DANNI:

Danni Simpson is an Australian Artist who specialises in Commercial murals and illustrations. Her natural passion and talent for art has allowed her to complete a large number of projects and travel the globe to paint the world. Her style is an urban fusion of detailed floral illustrations where wildlife clashes with architecture and typography, sprinkled through with dashes of art deco and mandala patterns. Beyond her work commercially, Danni has been invited to appear at a number of events across the UK and Ireland such as Electric Picnic, Upfest Street Art Festival and Hit The North. Danni continues to travel the world leaving her mark wherever she goes and hopes to ignite a creative spark in everyone who sees her art.

You can find out more about Danni and her work on her Website: dannisimpsonart.com and on Instagram: @dannisimpsonart

�EVENT DETAILS:
��Event Date(s): May 7, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

�For more info and to book visit our website link below and in profile: �https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-talk-with-artist-illustrator-danni-simpson/

Apr 16

Open
- - CREATIVE TALK - ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR DANNI SIMPSON - -

Come join us for our next creative talk with the talented artist and illustrator, Danni Simpson @dannisimpsonart, sharing her creative story! Get inspired by Danni’s journey, learn about her creative process, and gain insights into the world of art and illustration.

�ABOUT DANNI:

Danni Simpson is an Australian Artist who specialises in Commercial murals and illustrations. Her natural passion and talent for art has allowed her to complete a large number of projects and travel the globe to paint the world. Her style is an urban fusion of detailed floral illustrations where wildlife clashes with architecture and typography, sprinkled through with dashes of art deco and mandala patterns. Beyond her work commercially, Danni has been invited to appear at a number of events across the UK and Ireland such as Electric Picnic, Upfest Street Art Festival and Hit The North. Danni continues to travel the world leaving her mark wherever she goes and hopes to ignite a creative spark in everyone who sees her art.

You can find out more about Danni and her work on her Website: dannisimpsonart.com and on Instagram: @dannisimpsonart

�EVENT DETAILS:
��Event Date(s): May 7, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

�For more info and to book visit our website link below and in profile: �https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-talk-with-artist-illustrator-danni-simpson/

We got a lovely new table for our South Belfast studios from the brilliant Ten Foundations charity shop on the Lisburn Road

Affordable, sustainable, supporting a great charity and close enough to our studios that we could carry it down the road!

Apr 15

Open
We got a lovely new table for our South Belfast studios from the brilliant Ten Foundations charity shop on the Lisburn Road

Affordable, sustainable, supporting a great charity and close enough to our studios that we could carry it down the road!

Thanks to everyone who joined us last Wednesday evening and to Lauren Kelso @laurenkelsoillustrator  for a brilliant creative talk and for letting us look through all her beautiful sketchbooks! Our next creative talk is on Wednesday 9th May with artist and illustrator Danni Simpson @dannisimpsonart

EVENT DETAILS: CREATIVE TALK WITH ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATOR DANNI SIMPSON
Event Date(s): May 7, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Booking link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-talk-with-artist-illustrator-danni-simpson/

Apr 14

Open
Thanks to everyone who joined us last Wednesday evening and to Lauren Kelso @laurenkelsoillustrator  for a brilliant creative talk and for letting us look through all her beautiful sketchbooks! Our next creative talk is on Wednesday 9th May with artist and illustrator Danni Simpson @dannisimpsonart

EVENT DETAILS: CREATIVE TALK WITH ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATOR DANNI SIMPSON
Event Date(s): May 7, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Booking link below and in profile 

https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-talk-with-artist-illustrator-danni-simpson/

We were featured in Ulster Business along with lots of great companies in an article about coworking in Belfast!
https://issuu.com/ulster_business/docs/ulster_business_february_2025

Apr 10

Open
We were featured in Ulster Business along with lots of great companies in an article about coworking in Belfast!
https://issuu.com/ulster_business/docs/ulster_business_february_2025
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Our locations:

Blick Shared Studios, Hill Street

46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
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Blick Shared Studios, Cotton Court

30-42 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2ED
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Blick Shared Studios, Great Northern St

65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
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028 90207832 info@blickstudios.org
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Blick Shared Studios is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland registration number NIC102158
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