An Interview with Stéphanie Heckman Graphic Recorder and Visual Facilitator
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!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your creative work?
I’m originally from the Dutch dune coast, now based in Belfast since 2018. In my role as visual practitioner, I translate in real-time complex conversations into hand-drawn visual summaries that distill the essence of both content and undercurrent.
When done live at conferences or other events (either in-person or remotely) these visual summaries, or graphic recordings as they’re known, become a tangible memory aide for participants, whilst amplifying the key takeaways to a much bigger audience of those not present at the event.
Any projects you’re currently working on?
In 5 years I have worked with well over a hundred organisations, from local community groups to the UN. At this time though, I prioritise collaborations with those working for progress on climate action, peace & reconciliation and leadership development.
For the past 3 years, I have collaborated with UN Climate Change on several mandated events, on topics from collective progress towards the Paris goals, to the Ocean, to gender issues. Recently we worked together during the COP28 UN Climate Summit to visually translate their highly technical, dense and complex negotiations to a much wider audience. This is a process that concerns all alive on the planet and so all are entitled to having this information be made more accessible.
What was the biggest hurdle for you starting out and how did you overcome it?
Believing that there was a future and a livelihood in the creative niche I was carving out for myself. What helped me get through that first year was the intuitive belief that I was onto something meaningful and valuable, but also the support of many around me.
I sought out more experienced peers I admired, received lots of mental support and cheering from the sideline from my close friends and family, and I joined professional network organisations like Women in Business NI to brush up on skills I knew I was lacking. Also, critically, I was lucky to encounter some early ‘patrons’ that kept passing me bits of paid work until I had built up some experience and was able to diversify my client base more.
How do you stay inspired and motivated?
Witnessing the deteriorating state of our planet and social reality and not turning away from it is hard. But when I connect to my love for the natural world and for the people whose important work I know I am supporting, I know I’m contributing to something very important.
Being asked about the value of this work, seeing the reactions of people to my work, getting inspired by the beautiful art of colleagues of mine, good music to dance through the downs, and seeking out wild places wherever I am, all help to refill the tank and keep going.
What do you wish you had known before starting out?
That all comes in good time, but you do have to aim for something. Dream big, look at the world in opportunities and go after them, but also be patient and trust the process. Aim for a big goal on the horizon and take the winding roads to get there, but also don’t be surprised if once you get there it looks different from how you imagined it, and that the real treasure might not be the one you expected.
What’s your top piece of advice for anyone wanting follow a creative path?
Invest both in your craft as a creative, but also in your skills, knowledge and mindset as an entrepreneur. To turn a hobby into a business, you have to see it and treat it that way. Be honest about the knowledge you lack, and go out to fill those gaps with a growth mindset.
Where can people find you online?
Website: www.stephanieheckman.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephaniesaloli
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieaheckman
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 here
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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
We are very excited to announce our speaker for our first Nurture Creative Talk on 6th November - Stéphanie Heckman @stephaniesaloli - Graphic Recorder & Visual Facilitator.
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.
ABOUT STEPHANIE:
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 November
TIME: 7 - 8pm
VENUE: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LB
For more info and to book your FREE ticket visit our website (link in profile) 🌟 🌟
Oct 4
Phew almost there! Not long now, until we properly open our new South Belfast studios, we`re excited to share details of our new space with you (and get our weekends back!)
It has been an amazing journey, and hopefully, you will love it as much as we do!
I’m off to Hong Kong next week for a couple of weeks for our Design Your Life Installation so while we have welcomed some of our previous Malone residents into the space, we are holding off on opening properly and sharing full details of the space until I get back.
However if you are interested in taking a space (we will have 1 small 1-2 person office and a few dedicated desks available) from the start of Nov email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing!
Oct 3
It`s the start of a new month and we are super excited to kick start the month by announcing our next Creative Talk which will be as part of our new Nurture Program with a local creative sharing their story. Speaker details coming soon!
Sign up now via the link in our profile for your free ticket! ✨️ 🌟
Oct 1
Last Monday, as part of @the_design_salon international collaborative project `Design Your Life`, we helped host an online workshop with a
global audience of Hong Kong students and online attendees from Italy, USA, and England!
These are some of the lovely zines created by the Hong Kong students, under the supervision of @kyliekai and @jeannie_rabbithole
Each exercise was under 5mins long to encourage personal reflection, get the participants thinking about their habits and choices and health and wellbeing and spark ideas, and get things down on a page without overthinking!
We will have more Design Your Life content over the coming weeks as we gear up for the festival itself and our installation in Hong Kong later this month!
Sep 30
Applications for our new creative support program Nurture close tomorrow at midnight! If you have a creative idea, don`t miss your chance for space and support to help make it happen!
- 8 months program
- free workspace
- mentoring support
- workshops
- talks
- resources
All to support you to make your creative idea a reality!
Sep 26
Friday is the closing date for applications for our new creative support program Nurture, which will support 4 creatives over an 8-month period to start their own creative business through Free workspace, mentoring and different creative talks and workshops
You can find out more on our website or by emailling christine@blickstudios.org
Link below or in our profile
https://blickstudios.org/nurture-support-for-emerging-creatives/
Sep 25
Don`t forget it`s the last week to apply for our new creative support program offering free workspace and support for creatives in Belfast!
Here are some of the features of the program
Creative Workspace - Each program participant will have 24/7 access to their own dedicated deskspace as well as use of shared communal facilities throughout the program. In addition they will benefit from the following support:
Monthly one-on-one mentoring sessions – for accountability with Blick founder Christine James
Monthly peer-mentoring group sessions with the other program participants – for peer support, learning, inspiration, community and accountability.
Quarterly finance mentoring sessions – to help with financial planning and advice with Blick and freelance finance manager Rosy James
Monthly industry specific skillshare training workshops for program participants – with current and past Blick residents and team members, sharing their skills and experiences with the program participants
Monthly online business resources, worksheets and exercises – to help you refine your idea, improve your skills and knowledge and for accountability and to establish your creative practice
Quarterly creative talks – by local creatives sharing their creative journey for inspiration and peer learning
Quarterly industry specific skillshare workshops – by local creatives sharing their expertise to improve skills and knowledge
Showcasing and promotional opportunities – on our website and social media and through presenting your work at a showcase event at the end of the project
Closing date: Friday 27th October
For more info visit our website (link in profile) or email christine@blickstudios.org
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Sep 24
It`s the last week to apply for our new creative support program! We are offering free workspace and support over an 8-month period for 4 creatives in Belfast to help them develop their creative business or freelance practice! Visit our website or email christine@blickstudios.org for more info
Closing this Friday!
Sep 23
Last chance to sign up for tomorrow`s @creativemorning Fieldtrip on `Designing Your Life Through Doodles & Drawings` at 12pm UK time!
Join us for a fun and interactive workshop and use drawing and doodling to create your own mini zine you can carry around or stick on your wall to help inspire and motivate you to make better life choices to improve your health and wellbeing!
Sep 23
A huge THANKS to @bsoafoundationartdesign for taking part in the first workshop of the Design Your Life series.
We had a great time with you and were blown away by the creativity and enthusiasm from the Foundation Art & Design students starting a very exciting year ahead!
We have two more workshops coming up this week that are open to all, on Monday 23rd & Tuesday 24th September. To book, please sign up through our event page (link in our bio)!
Sep 22
