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Key Lessons From Founder Of YEO Magazine Saul Duffin’s Blick Academy Creative Talk

Published: July 12, 2024

Due to an insanely busy period of work and travel this is a very belated event writeup of our last Blick Academy Creative Talk on 5th June with Saul Duffin founder of YEO Magazine!

Saul began the talk by speaking about his early influences of TV, video, music and perhaps most importantly graffiti. Saul explained how experimenting with graffiti gave him the opportunity to do something creative as a teenager but still fit in and not get bullied. He also learnt many important lessons from graffiti which have stuck with him throughout his creative journey including:

  • Be unique and identifiable in your creative work – develop your own creative style.
  • Be visible – make sure the world sees your creative work.
  • Always strive to improve – everyone has to start somewhere, the important thing is to take that leap and start and then keep learning and improving.
  • Typography skills and knowledge – graffiti was Saul’s first experience and insight into the world of typography.
  • Balancing space and colour in good design – graffiti taught Saul about the importance of balancing space and colour in good design.

Saul also spoke of the value of travel and broadening your horizons for inspiration and knowledge. He went to Manchester to study graphic design and he talked about the inspiration he gained from the visuals of the city, its street art and colour as well as the music scene.

The covid pandemic brought him back to Belfast to finish his degree. During this period he saw a gap in the market for a platform to showcase creative things happening locally which led to him founding YEO Magazine.

YEO Magazine was born with the goal of injecting life into the Belfast music and art scenes and breaking down barriers to bring people together in sectors that Saul believed could be cliquey and intimidating to outsiders. He started with an instagram account and built a community by inviting people to get involved early on by asking them to submit ideas and back the project on Kickstarter to fund publishing the first 2 issues of the magazine. He needed to raise £800, through the Kickstarter campaign but in the end got over £1000. Overall he published 6 print magazines over a year and a bit before it got too expensive and the magazine turned to an online only format. When putting the magazine together he wanted to create a high quality curated experience so was selective about what he would cover.

Saul wears many different creative ‘hats’. As well as running the magazine, Saul is also a freelance designer and social media content creator, runs different music and comedy events including the monthly comedy night No Joke, has started his own radio show, started djing and set up his own podcast called Wise Up podcasts which are currently recorded once a year.


Here are some of the lessons Saul learnt during his experience starting YEO Magazine and through his other creative endeavors that we all could learn from:

  • If you can’t find the book you want to read then write it. If what you want doesn’t exist it probably means other like-minded people will also want it. This can make it a good opportunity to create something there is demand for as well as something you personally have a passion for. Saul wanted a way to find out about the art and music scene in Belfast when he came back to live here after studying in Manchester. He couldn’t find anything so he decided to create it himself.
  • Trust your taste and that if you like it others will too. Know what’s good to you and trust that if you like it others will too. Don’t doubt your ideas and taste. Even if what you are doing seems very different. Ask yourself questions such as:- What would I like to exist that doesn’t currently
    – What am I watching on my own phone?
    – What do I like?
    – What am I interested in?
  • Ingrain yourself in the world you want to work within. For Saul that was music, art and comedy. Through the magazine and different events and activities he created opportunities for himself to produce the type of work he wanted to be known for. This gave him experience, improved his skills and gave him the opportunity to build his network and connections in these industries. Work out which sector you want to work in and find a way to get involved and get to know people in that sector.
  • You have to try different things to learn. Saul talked about how trying different creative things when you are starting out can help you to work out what creative work you like and are good at, what there is a market for, as well as what skills you need to improve. For example through running events Saul learnt that he needed to improve his time management skills, it also showed him that the bit he liked most about running events was the design element.
  • It’s ok to change direction. Saul printed 6 copies of the magazine in the first year and a bit before it became too expensive and the magazine changed to an online only format.
  • Curate to create. Having the skills to put things together can be just as important as having the skills to create things. As Saul explained he didn’t think he could ever be the best designer, but he did believe that he could be the best curator. He knew was good at putting things together, at curating content. A vital skill for setting up YEO magazine.
  • Look around before you look up. Network with other creatives and support each other.
  • For good design keep it simple. It’s hard to go wrong with a nice font and good colours.
  • Social media for most creatives is a necessary evil. Saul spoke about the challenges of social media, but how you can also learn how to use it to your advantage and as a way to generate income from sponsored posts with brands. He spoke about making it work for you, setting boundaries, not overthinking it and being kind to yourself. Post the things you would like to see and be confident if you would like them others will too.
  • Money should be exchanged for goods and services, even creative ones. Don’t do anything for free unless it is something you are passionate about.
  • Learn in public. Saul spoke of the benefits of what he called learning in public. Putting himself and his art out there to the world first through graffiti, then through the magazine. It gave him the opportunity to produce the type of work he wanted to create and be known for, gain feedback, build awareness to promote himself and improve his skills.
  • Learn how to learn. Finishing university remotely forced Saul to learn in different ways, such as through Youtube. He believes this gave him a broader range of creative skills and knowledge, as well as mechanisms for continuously learning and improving his skills throughout his career.
  • 36 days of type. Saul spoke of this instagram challenge which asks you to design a letter everyday as a small thing that improved his skills and ultimately he believes changed his life.
  • Naivety can be a blessing when starting out. When Saul started YEO magazine he explained that he didn’t understand all the ins and outs of publishing a magazine. He just knew that he liked the idea and had a belief that Belfast needed it and he could do it. In hindsight he believes if he knew the reality he might not have had the courage to do it. Though of course he was more than capable and published 6 copies.
  • It’s good to sometimes do creative things for fun and without expectation.Saul spoke of the benefits he found from doing creative things such as his podcast and radio show just for fun and without expectation. A reminder that you don’t need to follow any set rules or earn money from every creative activity. Your professional creative practice will usually benefit from improved skills, creativity and inspiration as well as giving you joy.

You can read the interview we did with Saul before the event here

To find out about future Blick Academy talks follow us on Instagram

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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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18044762906419526
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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18044985290182416
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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17940206508006873
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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18005857811764977
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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18078344500653698
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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18305988487210838
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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18135572092409361
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

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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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