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    • Events & Workshops Find out more about our upcoming events
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An Interview with Ian Pitt Founder and Creative Director of Me,Him&Her Design Studio

Published: January 28, 2025

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your design studio Me,Him&Her?

My name is Ian. I’m originally from London, but I’ve been living and working in Belfast for the past two and a half years. I’ve been working as a designer for nearly 30 years (time flies!!). I started designing within the retail sector and then co-founded my own studio, Me,Him& Her, in 2007.

As a studio, we’ve always worked across a wide range of media, including digital, print, and physical. We’ve designed identities for retailers, charities, artists, and galleries; signage for restaurants and workspaces; and packaging for artisan delis and craft beer makers.

We’re a small team that loves collaborating with other creatives and specialists to deliver projects with both creative and commercial impact. Our client list is incredibly diverse, ranging from well-established multinational brands to SMEs and startups.

Since moving to Belfast, the studio now has two addresses. While we continue to work for our existing clients in London, we’re also starting to connect with some fantastic new clients here.

 

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

I always loved art, but I was never great at it – but from an early age I liked the idea of doing something creative as a career.

When I was about 10, my dad took me to a design studio one weekend. He worked in sales for the computer company ICL and had to proof a new brochure. Back then, they still made the brochures by hand, gluing together pages as paste-ups (I’m so old, I know!). I can still remember the cover – it was black with a painted orange neon electrical pulse running across it. I think that really set me on a path – that was tangible vision of creative role that stuck with me.

I hope they don’t still do this, but at school I remember getting asked a random set of questions which then spat out a job they thought you should do. It was like a weird fortune-telling careers adviser. The ‘crystal ball of employment’ said I should be a car mechanic at the local Ford garage. Luckily for me and car mechanics, a teacher pointed me towards Graphic Design instead.

So, I went to art college for a quick foundation year to make sure the art world wasn’t missing out on anything. Then, I went on to a graphic design degree. I was really lucky to get a job right after graduating, working as a designer for Marks and Spencer. That was a brilliant place to start out.

I was surrounded by a really supportive team of people who gave me plenty of time to learn and grow as a designer. Plus, I had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented creative professionals. The role was in the Store Display studio, where we were responsible for designing all the window promotions and in-store POS. This experience started my passion for designing in spaces and environments, and creating brand experiences in a three-dimensional context.

 

What made you decide to start your own design studio?

I had worked as a designer for two big retail brands (M&S and French Connection) that I absolutely adored, but by 2006, I was itching to explore other sectors. I felt a bit stuck, you know? There are only so many sale campaigns you can come up with. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and try something new.

My initial plan was to go freelance and see where it took me. I’m sure that would have been a total disaster, but luckily, my boss at the time was feeling the same way. We had always worked really well together, and he’s still the most creative person I’ve ever worked with – infuriating at times  – but always brilliant.

In 2007, we decided to start our own agency – Me,Him&Her. The name was something of a response to the Ad agencies we’d dealt with over the years that all sounded like law firms, all name checking the egos of the founding partners.

As the name suggests there was supposed to have been three of us, hence the ‘Her,’ but it didn’t quite work out. We were so in love with the name that we kept going as a slightly misnamed partnership for a while until we were finally joined by a couple of ‘Her(s).’

 

Has your business changed at all since you started back in 2007? Have your priorities changed?

The business has never stopped changing. I would say at the beginning we were very much making it up as we went along. I don’t think we really had a plan beyond enjoying our newfound creative freedom, creating the best work we could, and paying the bills. We had a mantra of ‘Loving your work’ which we had on all our stationery and comms – I still use that to this day – it really matters that I do love all the work we produce – as a priority for me and the business that has remained constant.

We started out focused on the retail sector – that’s what we knew and we had a great portfolio of work within that to attract clients – and we were really successful at it.

A year or so in, I got introduced to a young architecture firm, spacelab_ (now award-winning), and collaborated with them to design some graphic interiors in a workspace for a client of theirs. That opened up a whole new sector for us and created an enduring creative friendship with spacelab_.

I think when we started out I was really naive about what having your own business was going to be like. We grew pretty quickly. Our first studio was a pop-up we designed. A brilliant photographer and friend Martin Wonnacott was generous enough to let us build it within his photographic studio. Our address was the ‘The Set in the Corner’ and that’s exactly what it was – a bonkers timber-framed office, built like an exhibition stand looking like something you see on a film set. It had space for 3 of us to work and a storage area at the back. Brilliant.

A couple of years in, we realised we needed more space and staff. We rented another studio above the unit of a print supplier we worked with. That was a big change – as soon as we had more people, I felt overwhelmed. We weren’t designers anymore; we were directors. I was designing less and less, spending more time in client meetings, trying to find new work to keep our new team busy and managing people.

I think we got caught up in the idea of what a design studio should be, not what we wanted it to be. We continued to be successful, but I wanted to enjoy it entirely.

We ended up splitting the original business – then I realised the original ‘non-plan’ was actually pretty good.

“Enjoy the creative freedom, create the best work you can, and pay the bills”. 

I would say for the last 10 years I have now developed the right-sized studio. Me,Him&Her works with an amazing team of designers, collaborates with other creatives, specifically in the art sector, and continues to deliver projects I love.

 

What do you enjoy most about working for yourself?

Running your own business is an incredible feeling – you know that it’s ultimately up to you to make it a success or a failure. There’s definitely pressure that comes with that – not least the need to make money – but after almost 18 years of running my own business, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Freedom is a big thing – a lot of my friends still think I’m ‘living the dream’, doing whatever I want whenever I want. That’s definitely not true. I do have a bit more flexibility with my time than most people with ‘real jobs’ do. At the end of the day, deadlines have to be met and work has to be done, so it’s just about time management.

The biggest freedom I’ve gained as I’ve gotten older is that I can now say no to some projects. You start to get a feel for what kind of work you like and how it might turn out. And you start to care more about how a relationship with a client will develop. That matters more and more to me – I want to do work that I’m really passionate about and with people I like. It can’t always be the case, but 85% of my time is spent doing just that.

 

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?

No. I work doing the job I wanted to do since the age of 10. How cool is that? I have worked with some inspirational people, for some amazing clients, and delivered work I’m really proud of – doing something I absolutely love. Being a creative is a vocation. That old maxim, unusually for what I like to call ‘tea towel’ philosophy; ‘Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life’ is actually true for me.

There are days you want to bang your head against the wall – days you think you’ll never have another idea in your life – days you’ll think you’ll never get another client – endless days you feel sick with worry and stress as you think about delivering the next piece of work – and days and days while you wait to get paid. But despite all that, having the opportunity to create something daily I think is genuinely such a privilege.

I don’t really like giving advice; what the hell do I know?

But… to be successful as a designer relies on so much more than just your visual talent. Learning about client relations. Learning out how best for you to present your work. Playing nicely with others. Taking on feedback and learning how to not throw your creative toys out of the pram if it’s bad. This is all best done with a supportive team around you to hold your hand through the multitude of mistakes you are undoubtedly going to make.

I’m going to also recommend a book: Do/Fly (Find your way, Make a living. Be your best self.) written by Gavin Strange – it’s from the stable of the Do Lectures (set up by the incredible David Hieatt, if you don’t know him or them go and find out about both) – it is for me a really inspirational read and a book I turn back to all the time when I need a creative pep talk. My favourite piece of advice (now it seems I’m on a roll of giving it!) though is the beautifully printed words of Anthony Burrill which hang in the studio.

“Work hard and be nice to people”

It might just be that simple. Sermon over.

 

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

So, the most memorable thing that happened during my time at Marks and Spencer was that I met my wife there! She was working at M&S during her placement year from her marketing degree at the University of Ulster. After finishing her degree, she moved back and we settled down in London. After 30 years living there, we just wanted a change. We’d spoken about moving over the year prior to Covid, and actually put the offer in on the house we now live in two weeks prior to the first lockdown !! A pandemic and a full house renovation later and we were finally able to make the move in April 2022.

I’m loving living here. It wasn’t a total shock – I’d been coming back and forth for years, but now having the time to really explore Belfast and the whole of Ireland has been great. There’s a really good creative energy about the city. People think London is unfriendly – it’s not, but the warmth and generosity from everyone I’ve met here has been really lovely – thanks to everyone who has taken the time to have a pint(s) and a chat with me.

 

Are there any differences you have noticed between working as a designer in both cities?

Scale, I suppose. I still spend a lot of time working for clients in London, which is awesome, but I’d love to grow my work here more. 95% of my work has always come through a network of clients, colleagues, and friends I’ve known over the years in London. It’s always going to be tough building that from scratch here, but we’re making progress. This is a smaller pond to fish in, and there are already a lot of very talented studios doing great work here already.

 

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

As anyone who has had the misfortune to listen to me banging on about this for the last two years, I would love for Me,Him&Her to open a print gallery here.

We have worked with some amazing artists and galleries in London, putting on shows and promoting work. I love wandering round Late Night Art once a month here and I’ve found some great galleries, but I miss the opening nights at somewhere like Jealous or the sort of shows we’d put on at the depot_. Nudge, by Patrick Colhoun and Hallerclarke at Riddell’s Warehouse last year was hands down the best put-together show I’ve been to in Belfast.

I’d love to have a commercial space selling accessible and affordable art. Celebrating the art of the printed, painted, and sprayed by some of the hottest UK and Irish artists, whilst also providing a space for the new and emerging. Anyone else wants to get involved, let me know. 2025 is the year I’m going to stop banging on about it and make it happen !!

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NURTURE CREATIVE INCUBATION PARTICIPANT INTERVIEW: GRAINNE MULLAN

Our final Nurture creative incubation program participant interview. Today with Textile Designer and Maker and Co-founder of @kitschsistersbelfast Grainne Mullan @point_angel_
You can also read the full interview on our website blog (link in profile)

�All our program participants will be sharing their stories this evening in our Great Northern Street Studios in South Belfast studios at 7pm (booking link on website)

May 28

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NURTURE CREATIVE INCUBATION PARTICIPANT INTERVIEW: GRAINNE MULLAN 

Our final Nurture creative incubation program participant interview. Today with Textile Designer and Maker and Co-founder of @kitschsistersbelfast Grainne Mullan @point_angel_
You can also read the full interview on our website blog (link in profile) 

�All our program participants will be sharing their stories this evening in our Great Northern Street Studios in South Belfast studios at 7pm (booking link on website)

Some more bank holiday reading. Our second Nurture creative incubation program participant interview. Today with Illustrator and Artist @bethanysmillican

You can also read the full interview on the blog on our website (link in profile)

May 26

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Some more bank holiday reading. Our second Nurture creative incubation program participant interview. Today with Illustrator and Artist @bethanysmillican

You can also read the full interview on the blog on our website (link in profile)

Some Sunday night reading!

NURTURE CREATIVE INCUBATION INTERVIEW: VERA HYLANDS

Nurture was an 8-month creative incubation program which ran from October 2024 to May 2025.

Nurture aimed to support emerging creatives to establish their creative practice through bespoke meaningful business support within the nurturing creative environment of Blick Shared Studios. 

Here we find out more about @verahylands
an artist and content creator who took part on the program.

You can also read the full interview on our website blog (link in profile)

May 25

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Some Sunday night reading!

NURTURE CREATIVE INCUBATION INTERVIEW: VERA HYLANDS

Nurture was an 8-month creative incubation program which ran from October 2024 to May 2025.

Nurture aimed to support emerging creatives to establish their creative practice through bespoke meaningful business support within the nurturing creative environment of Blick Shared Studios. 

Here we find out more about @verahylands
an artist and content creator who took part on the program.

You can also read the full interview on our website blog (link in profile)

Some of our favourite bits from our April Creative Talk with @laurenkelsoillustrator

May 23

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Some of our favourite bits from our April Creative Talk with @laurenkelsoillustrator

In April award-winning illustrator @laurenkelsoillustrator shared her creative story with us at our monthly Creative Talk!

May 22

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In April award-winning illustrator @laurenkelsoillustrator shared her creative story with us at our monthly Creative Talk!

Our Nurture Creative Talks next Wednesday in our new Great Northern Street studios in South Belfast will be showcasing the creatives who took part in our 8 month Nurture incubation programme!

Hear about their creative ideas and their journeys with their creative businesses so far, their experiences and insights of starting a creative business, their advice for other creatives starting out and their hopes and dreams for the future!

Booking link below and in profile!

https://blickstudios.org/events/nurture-creative-talks/

May 21

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Our Nurture Creative Talks next Wednesday in our new Great Northern Street studios in South Belfast will be showcasing the creatives who took part in our 8 month Nurture incubation programme!

Hear about their creative ideas and their journeys with their creative businesses so far, their experiences and insights of starting a creative business, their advice for other creatives starting out and their hopes and dreams for the future!

Booking link below and in profile!

https://blickstudios.org/events/nurture-creative-talks/

Some insights and words of wisdom from Juliette El Fouly founder of @lecontourcandles Creative Talk earlier this year!

May 20

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Some insights and words of wisdom from Juliette El Fouly founder of @lecontourcandles Creative Talk earlier this year!

Looking back on this lovely sunny Monday to Juliette El Fouly founder of @lecontourcandles great creative talk for us earlier this year. Today we find out a bit about Juliette and tomorrow we will share some insights and wisdom from her talk!

May 19

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Looking back on this lovely sunny Monday to Juliette El Fouly founder of @lecontourcandles great creative talk for us earlier this year. Today we find out a bit about Juliette and tomorrow we will share some insights and wisdom from her talk!

We have 2 dedicated deskspaces with storage available in our Hill St studios in the Cathedral Quarter!

Quiet, professional, working space for creatives in a beautiful building right in the centre of the Cathedral Quarter.

£165 for one desk or £285 for both desks all inclusive (rates, utilities, broadband, 24 hour access, use of communal facilities etc)

Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing

May 18

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We have 2 dedicated deskspaces with storage available in our Hill St studios in the Cathedral Quarter!

Quiet, professional, working space for creatives in a beautiful building right in the centre of the Cathedral Quarter.

£165 for one desk or £285 for both desks all inclusive (rates, utilities, broadband, 24 hour access, use of communal facilities etc)

Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing

This week’s roundup of local and international funding, support & opportunities for NI creatives

01. EIT Business Development Programmes supporting the growth of start-ups and scale-ups in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI)

EIT Culture & Creativity launches its 2025 call for applications for two tailored business support programmes designed to accelerate the growth of promising start-ups and scale-ups in Europe’s cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI).

With a focus on five key sectors — fashion, architecture, cultural heritage, audio-visual media, and gaming — this call offers high-potential ventures the opportunity to scale their impact, compete for financial prizes, prepare to raise funds, and expand across international markets.

Deadline: 23rd May & 11th July

https://eit-culture-creativity.eu/open-call-acceleration-and-post-acceleration-programmes/

02. Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund

The Proof of Concept Grant Fund supports entrepreneurs at the earliest stage to get their business ideas off the ground. Deadline: Tuesday 3rd June 2025, 5pm

https://www.techstartgrants.com/

03. PS2 is Seeking Proposals for new Project Space PS3

PS³ is a new Public Shopfront: a ground-floor space right next to PS² on Rosemary Street suitable for screenings, workshops and other creative activities.

https://www.pssquared.org/projects/seeking-proposals-for-ps3

04. Stryve Catalyst

Stryve is for young people (16-25) who found that traditional education or career pathways weren’t the right fit and are looking for a new way forward. It’s a chance to gain real-world skills, build confidence, and explore new opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship.

https://wearecatalyst.org/programmes/stryve/

05. British Council XR Travel Grant

Grants to help Short and Feature filmmakers, and XR creatives, travel to international events where their work is being screened.

https://film.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/short-film-travel-grant

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

https://blickstudios.org/blog/12652/

May 16

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This week’s roundup of local and international funding, support & opportunities for NI creatives

01. EIT Business Development Programmes supporting the growth of start-ups and scale-ups in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI)

EIT Culture & Creativity launches its 2025 call for applications for two tailored business support programmes designed to accelerate the growth of promising start-ups and scale-ups in Europe’s cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI).

With a focus on five key sectors — fashion, architecture, cultural heritage, audio-visual media, and gaming — this call offers high-potential ventures the opportunity to scale their impact, compete for financial prizes, prepare to raise funds, and expand across international markets.

Deadline: 23rd May & 11th July

https://eit-culture-creativity.eu/open-call-acceleration-and-post-acceleration-programmes/

02. Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund

The Proof of Concept Grant Fund supports entrepreneurs at the earliest stage to get their business ideas off the ground. Deadline: Tuesday 3rd June 2025, 5pm

https://www.techstartgrants.com/

03. PS2 is Seeking Proposals for new Project Space PS3

PS³ is a new Public Shopfront: a ground-floor space right next to PS² on Rosemary Street suitable for screenings, workshops and other creative activities.

https://www.pssquared.org/projects/seeking-proposals-for-ps3

04. Stryve Catalyst

Stryve is for young people (16-25) who found that traditional education or career pathways weren’t the right fit and are looking for a new way forward. It’s a chance to gain real-world skills, build confidence, and explore new opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship.

https://wearecatalyst.org/programmes/stryve/

05. British Council XR Travel Grant

Grants to help Short and Feature filmmakers, and XR creatives, travel to international events where their work is being screened.

https://film.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/short-film-travel-grant

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

https://blickstudios.org/blog/12652/

Some pics of all our lovely studios. If you`re interested in taking a space with us check out our website for current workspace availability or get in touch for more info or to have a look round!

May 15

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Some pics of all our lovely studios. If you're interested in taking a space with us check out our website for current workspace availability or get in touch for more info or to have a look round!

Hello! We thought it would be nice for anyone who doesn’t know the Blick story of how and why we started way back in 2007 (18 years ago!) to share it with you over coming weeks.

Starting with a short intro to sisters Christine and Rosy who have been running Blick since the organisation was formed in 2007 by a group of young creatives (including Christine) who wanted to come together to create a great workspace for creatives in Belfast. 

Our ambition as a group of creatives was to create beautiful but affordable spaces for creatives to work in. Spaces for like-minded creatives to meet and share resources, ideas and inspiration. Spaces to build a sense of community and encourage, support and inspire each other.

As the idea grew and evolved, Christine took over managing Blick while others in the group focused on their own creative businesses. Christine’s sister Rosy came on board as a volunteer initially to manage the financial side of the organisation. Together they have been managing Blick since 2007.

We will be sharing the rest of our story over the next while or you can also find it on our website: https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

Thanks to @verahylands for creating the video for us and gently encouraging us to do it!

May 13

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18031840145376268
Hello! We thought it would be nice for anyone who doesn’t know the Blick story of how and why we started way back in 2007 (18 years ago!) to share it with you over coming weeks. 

Starting with a short intro to sisters Christine and Rosy who have been running Blick since the organisation was formed in 2007 by a group of young creatives (including Christine) who wanted to come together to create a great workspace for creatives in Belfast.  

Our ambition as a group of creatives was to create beautiful but affordable spaces for creatives to work in. Spaces for like-minded creatives to meet and share resources, ideas and inspiration. Spaces to build a sense of community and encourage, support and inspire each other. 

As the idea grew and evolved, Christine took over managing Blick while others in the group focused on their own creative businesses. Christine’s sister Rosy came on board as a volunteer initially to manage the financial side of the organisation. Together they have been managing Blick since 2007. 

We will be sharing the rest of our story over the next while or you can also find it on our website: https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

Thanks to @verahylands for creating the video for us and gently encouraging us to do it!

Our Nurture End of Program Creative Talks will be showcasing the creatives who took part in our 8 month Nurture incubation programme which started last October!

Join us on Wednesday 28th May in our Great Northern Street Studios to hear about their creative ideas and their journeys with their creative businesses so far! They will each share their experiences and insights of starting a creative business, their advice for other creatives starting out and their hopes and dreams for the future!

Featured Creatives:

Grainne Mullan – Founder of Kitsch Sisters @kitschsistersbelfast

Wholesome crafts, creativity, cookery and garden gang based in Belfast. Weekly workshops and pop-ups

- Bethany Millican Illustrator @bethanysmillican

Artist and Illustrator based in Belfast

- Vera Hylands Artist, Videographer and Content Creator @verahylands

Artist, Videographer and Content Creator inspired by nature

�Book your ticket to hear their stories on the events page of our website (link in profile)

Our Nurture program was kindly supported by Belfast City Council

May 12

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Our Nurture End of Program Creative Talks will be showcasing the creatives who took part in our 8 month Nurture incubation programme which started last October!

Join us on Wednesday 28th May in our Great Northern Street Studios to hear about their creative ideas and their journeys with their creative businesses so far! They will each share their experiences and insights of starting a creative business, their advice for other creatives starting out and their hopes and dreams for the future!

Featured Creatives:

Grainne Mullan – Founder of Kitsch Sisters @kitschsistersbelfast

Wholesome crafts, creativity, cookery and garden gang based in Belfast. Weekly workshops and pop-ups

- Bethany Millican Illustrator @bethanysmillican

Artist and Illustrator based in Belfast

- Vera Hylands Artist, Videographer and Content Creator @verahylands

Artist, Videographer and Content Creator inspired by nature

�Book your ticket to hear their stories on the events page of our website (link in profile)

Our Nurture program was kindly supported by Belfast City Council

Some of our favourite bits from last month (April) at Blick

May 12

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Some of our favourite bits from last month (April) at Blick

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

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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/

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

May 8

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18139595842399069
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 post by blickstudios with ID 18299089840245608
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 post by blickstudios with ID 18092021299586043
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 post by blickstudios with ID 18151925125370673
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 post by blickstudios with ID 18264898627272215
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)
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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