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#MeetTheResident: Designer & Scupltor Gareth McCullagh

Published: May 12, 2020

Can you tell us a bit about what you do?

I design and sculpt miniature figures by hand. I mostly do subjects from history, though occasionally some fantasy or sci-fi subjects too.

 

What is your background in?

I trained in law and was a practising barrister for around six years. I was deeply unhappy in the profession, and came to realise I was not suited to it; I had chosen the wrong path. Leaving was both the hardest and best decision I’ve ever made.

 

Why did you want to start your own business?

Leaving the Bar was akin to jumping out of a burning aeroplane, but without  a parachute; I was at a loss for what to do next. To tide myself over I turned my hobby of collecting and painting figures into a small business. This was meant to be temporary, but once I started sculpting the figures I just gravitated towards that. I had read a magazine article about a miniatures company that suggested that if you were a skilled painter you could probably sculpt too. So I tried and got the hang of it quickly. To some extent its all an accident, but its an illusion to try to plan everything.

 

What do you love most about working for yourself?

I like working with people rather than for people, if that makes sense? I’ve never been employed, only ever self-employed and I think I am too used to that now to change. Of course I am always working on commissions, but the clients generally  set the task and you decide how to execute it. I enjoy collaborating but I doubt I’d thrive with someone looking over my shoulder all the time. Its nice to set your own hours and so on, but you have to be responsible to yourself, so there’s not really any room for slacking off. I think it depends on your personality, some people like fitting into a pre-existing structure and some like setting the structure. Its only problematic if you end up in the one you don’t fit into well.

 

What was the biggest hurdle for you starting out and how did you overcome it?

Getting clients, I suppose.  I thought it would be learning the craft, because I had to teach myself how. It was a matter of getting the tools and materials and trying, because there was no one teaching it,  but I took to it quickly. Now its easier with the explosion of on-line resources, though its still a pretty niche skill.

To get clients I had to contact companies and volunteer some free figures for them on a no-obligation basis. This worked quite well, and I still work for some of those initial contacts, but there were some missteps too. I answered a call for sculptors for some board game figures, which later turned out to be for a Conan the Barbarian game. I didn’t realise it was way  beyond my skill level and I submitted a test sculpt. I thought it was quite good, but looking back it may have been only the 5th or 6th  figure I had sculpted. I got a very polite email turning me down, with some useful pointers as to how to improve, but I was mortified.

I keep little Conan figure sitting on my computer to remind me just how unskilled I was then, and that I should keep trying to improve.

 

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently on the desk are lots of 17th Century Cossack and Tatar cavalry, who  fought over Crimea and Ukraine, which I suppose still echoes in the present day unfortunately. I am just about to start working on Safavid Persians from the same period. Part of what I like about doing historical subjects is that I get to research periods and cultures that I otherwise would know nothing about.

 

How do you stay creative/inspired?

Mostly great art, whether its sculpture or illustrative. Some people get inspired by movies, but I find films frustrating because they usually get the details wrong, though I’ll admit they can be good for setting the mood. For me, seeing inspiring illustration is much better, especially if the artist manages to tell a good story in the piece. I wish I was given more concept art by clients, but usually I just have to hunt down the historical references myself.

Seeing great work from other sculptors is also inspiring, and can give you something to try to out-do.

If I am working on a particular subject I try to find music that evokes the time or culture, that helps me get into the head-space for imagining what I want sculpt, plus you end up finding unusual music you’d otherwise never had heard.

 

Who is your design hero?

In terms of sculpting, probably Tom Meier, who is preternaturally talented, so much so that while I admire him I don’t really attempt to emulate him. His work is so fine that it often suffers if not painted by someone as skilled as he is. Alan and Michael Perry are the sculptors I try to learn from, their work is the best balance of detail and practicality; something about their work just strikes the right balance. Sculpting is as much about deciding which details to leave out as it is which to include.

Illustration-wise, I think it would have to be Angus McBride or Nikolai Zubkov. They have similar styles that just jump off the page, and there’s a clarity to their work that makes them the sculptor’s best friend.

 

What piece of software/ tool/ equipment would you struggle to run your business without?

Practically it would be the colour-shaper, which is a sort of paintbrush with a rubber head instead of bristles. Without it I wouldn’t be able to get the sculpting resin to obey me, getting my first one was the difference between me succeeding and giving up in frustration.

Software-wise I think zBrush will become indispensable. I am currently learning it and will probably end up using it exclusively. Computer design and 3D printing are definitely the future in my industry, in fact they are a large part of the present.  Some people regret the fact that handmade figures are gradually disappearing, but I see it as applying the same skill with a different set of tools, and there’s room for both.

What are you plans/hopes/ambitions for the future?

3D printing is the area I am putting lots of effort into currently, and I am also slowly teaching myself illustration, which is significantly harder. In terms of projects, I am quite excited about working on my own 16th  century Ming Dynasty range, which will probably be a Kickstarter project. I have been collaborating with a Chinese-American friend and we’ve done a lot of research, which is to say he’s done the lion’s share of the work as he can read classical Chinese and I can’t. Once the figures are done I think we should consider publishing a book, because there is almost nothing available in English on the subject. Its quite a niche area, but I’d love to make what we’ve collated available.

 

Finally, your top tip for other creatives starting their own business?

I am always hesitant about giving advice because I rarely listened to it myself- to my cost. We’re all told not to put our hands on a hot stove, but most of us only learn the lesson after we’ve put our hand on the stove.

I guess if I had to give advice it might be to love what you do, but I’d assume that if you are starting your own business you’ve made it over that hurdle already. But you do have to continue that passion because you are going to encounter problems no matter what, and they are easier to face if you believe in what you are doing.  If that sounds too much like a start-up cliché, then advice that’s a bit more hard-nosed would be to make sure you value your time properly, because if you don’t your clients won’t either.

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In his interview today with us ahead of his creative talk next week, creative director and creative agency founder Ciaran shares about how he sets boundaries around his work for himself and his team

If you want to sign up for the talk next Wednesday evening just visit the events page of our website!

Oct 7

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18083025448800969
In his interview today with us ahead of his creative talk next week, creative director and creative agency founder Ciaran shares about how he sets boundaries around his work for himself and his team

If you want to sign up for the talk next Wednesday evening just visit the events page of our website!

EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

DECOLONIAL POLITICS

Date: Sun 5th October 5, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP

Date: Tues 7th October 5, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 6.30pm

GETTING RETAIL READY FIELDTRIP

Date: Fri 10th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St & Various

Contributors: Born & Bred, Hunter Paper Co, Story Box,

Time: 10am - 4pm

CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

WOMENFOLK X KITSCH SISTERS VISION BOARD WORKSHOP

Date: Sun 26th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 2pm - 4pm

WOMENFOLK PEER MENTORING

Date: Tes 30th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 9pm

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 7

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17941144254073564
EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

DECOLONIAL POLITICS

Date: Sun 5th October 5, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP

Date: Tues 7th October 5, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 6.30pm

GETTING RETAIL READY FIELDTRIP

Date: Fri 10th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St & Various

Contributors: Born & Bred, Hunter Paper Co, Story Box,

Time: 10am - 4pm

CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

WOMENFOLK X KITSCH SISTERS VISION BOARD WORKSHOP

Date: Sun 26th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 2pm - 4pm

WOMENFOLK PEER MENTORING

Date: Tes 30th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 9pm

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk next week Ciaran shares with us some advice for other creatives on a similar path!

If you want to sign up for his talk next Wed 15th  just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 6

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18106379149592107
Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk next week Ciaran shares with us some advice for other creatives on a similar path!

If you want to sign up for his talk next Wed 15th  just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

** THE CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB **

This Autumn we are collaborating with our friends at Homewerk @homewerk.project  with this new project. The Creative Adventure Club, a 9-week experiment in shaking up your routine.

Every fortnight we`ll meet in person in our Hill Street studios to get quirky creative assignments and share our work with a small, friendly community, and between these sessions we`ll meet online for creative check-ins and inspiration!

It’s totally free to join while we trial it—but if you’d like to toss a coin in the hat to help cover costs, we promise to spend it on snacks!

For more info & to sign up visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile)

https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-adventure-club-with-homewerk/

Oct 6

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18071516429237438
** THE CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB **

This Autumn we are collaborating with our friends at Homewerk @homewerk.project  with this new project. The Creative Adventure Club, a 9-week experiment in shaking up your routine.

Every fortnight we'll meet in person in our Hill Street studios to get quirky creative assignments and share our work with a small, friendly community, and between these sessions we'll meet online for creative check-ins and inspiration!

It’s totally free to join while we trial it—but if you’d like to toss a coin in the hat to help cover costs, we promise to spend it on snacks!

For more info & to sign up visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile)

https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-adventure-club-with-homewerk/

We have two dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios from 1st November

– £165 per calendar month for one desk or £285 for both desks

- All inclusive prices (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT

– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract

– 1 months rent required as a deposit

– Cathedral Quarter location 

– Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website for more info: https://blickstudios.org/locations/hill-street-belfast/

Oct 6

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18376860847197847
We have two dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios from 1st November

– £165 per calendar month for one desk or £285 for both desks

- All inclusive prices (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT

– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract

– 1 months rent required as a deposit

– Cathedral Quarter location 

– Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website for more info: https://blickstudios.org/locations/hill-street-belfast/

An unusually quiet Friday on Hill Street due to the weather earlier this evening

Oct 3

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18057194561192642
An unusually quiet Friday on Hill Street due to the weather earlier this evening

Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk for us later this month Ciaran shares with us about the biggest hurdle he faced when starting his own creative business

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 3

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18363748099157911
Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk for us later this month Ciaran shares with us about the biggest hurdle he faced when starting his own creative business

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

Today in our interview with Ciaran Crudden ahead of his creative talk for us later this month he shares some of his experiences running his own creative business!

If you want to sign up for the talk on Wed 15th October just visit the events page of our website! 

https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 2

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18102676009719949
Today in our interview with Ciaran Crudden ahead of his creative talk for us later this month he shares some of his experiences running his own creative business!

If you want to sign up for the talk on Wed 15th October just visit the events page of our website! 

https://blickstudios.org/events/

In 2 weeks on Wed 15th October Ciaran Crudden founder and creative director of the last brand is sharing his creative story with us at our next Creative Talk.

Ahead of his talk we have done a short interview with Ciaran which we will be sharing over the next week or so. Starting today with an introduction to Ciaran, his business and why he wanted to start it in the first place!

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website! 

https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 1

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18071904929180711
In 2 weeks on Wed 15th October Ciaran Crudden founder and creative director of the last brand is sharing his creative story with us at our next Creative Talk.

Ahead of his talk we have done a short interview with Ciaran which we will be sharing over the next week or so. Starting today with an introduction to Ciaran, his business and why he wanted to start it in the first place!

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website! 

https://blickstudios.org/events/

* * * EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER * * *

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

* * DECOLONIAL POLITICS * *

Date: Sun 5th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

* * INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP * *

Date: Tues 7th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

* * CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH * *

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

* * CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND * *

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

* * DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS * *

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

* * NEW Womenfolk EVENTS & WORKSHOPS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY * *

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 1

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17914947780067593
* * * EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER * * *

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

* * DECOLONIAL POLITICS * *

Date: Sun 5th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

* * INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP * *

Date: Tues 7th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

* * CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH * *

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

* * CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND * *

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

* * DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS * *

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

* * NEW Womenfolk EVENTS & WORKSHOPS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY * * 

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

* * Digital Brunch: Creative Audio for Beginners * *

Are you curious about how to bring stories to life through sound? In this session we’ll be joined by radio and audio producer Owen McFadden from WhyFi Productions, who’ll draw on his experience of creating award-winning audio for BBC Radio Ulster, Radio 4 and more, to give insights into the basics of recording, editing, and shaping audio into compelling listening. Whether you’re curious about podcasting, oral history, or creative soundscapes, this session will give you time and inspiration to think about the potential and power of audio.

Workshop details
Date: Saturday 25th October
Time: 10.00am – 12.15pm
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Cost: £15.00

For more information or to book your place visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile)

https://blickstudios.org/events/digital-brunch-creative-audio-for-beginners/

Sep 30

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18084416309501574
* * Digital Brunch: Creative Audio for Beginners * * 

Are you curious about how to bring stories to life through sound? In this session we’ll be joined by radio and audio producer Owen McFadden from WhyFi Productions, who’ll draw on his experience of creating award-winning audio for BBC Radio Ulster, Radio 4 and more, to give insights into the basics of recording, editing, and shaping audio into compelling listening. Whether you’re curious about podcasting, oral history, or creative soundscapes, this session will give you time and inspiration to think about the potential and power of audio.

Workshop details
Date: Saturday 25th October
Time: 10.00am – 12.15pm
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Cost: £15.00

For more information or to book your place visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile)

https://blickstudios.org/events/digital-brunch-creative-audio-for-beginners/

* * EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER * *

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

* * DECOLONIAL POLITICS * *

Date: Sun 5th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

* INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP *

Date: Tues 7th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

* * CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH * *

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

* * CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND * *

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

* * DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS * *

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

* NEW Womenfolk EVENTS & WORKSHOPS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY *

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile) https://blickstudios.org/events/

Sep 29

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18077130230105571
* * EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER * * 

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

* * DECOLONIAL POLITICS * *

Date: Sun 5th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

* INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP * 

Date: Tues 7th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

* * CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH * *

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

* * CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND * *

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

* * DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS * *

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

* NEW Womenfolk EVENTS & WORKSHOPS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY * 

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile) https://blickstudios.org/events/

BLICK VIRTUAL OFFICE SERVICE

As well as offering physical workspace we also offer virtual office space for creative businesses. You can use our Hill St address for your creative business giving your business a professional public image and keeping your home address private.

We offer 2 different services:

MONTHLY BUSINESS ADDRESS SERVICE

At the start of each month we will redirect up to 15 items of regular and standard large letter-sized business mail to the address of your choice. Post beyond the 15 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.



UK Based Creative* Business £22.50 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £200 (Annual Rate)


WEEKLY BUSINESS ADDRESS SERVICE

We will redirect business mail to the address of your choice weekly. Up to 25 items of regular and standard large letter-sized mail per calendar month. Post beyond the 25 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.



UK based Creative* Business £30 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £300 (Annual Rate)


For more info or all of our rates email rosy@blickstudios.org or visit our website: https://blickstudios.org/virtual-services/

Sep 26

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17917297134051611
BLICK VIRTUAL OFFICE SERVICE

As well as offering physical workspace we also offer virtual office space for creative businesses. You can use our Hill St address for your creative business giving your business a professional public image and keeping your home address private.

We offer 2 different services:

MONTHLY BUSINESS ADDRESS SERVICE

At the start of each month we will redirect up to 15 items of regular and standard large letter-sized business mail to the address of your choice. Post beyond the 15 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.

	
	
UK Based Creative* Business £22.50 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £200 (Annual Rate)
	

WEEKLY BUSINESS ADDRESS SERVICE

We will redirect business mail to the address of your choice weekly. Up to 25 items of regular and standard large letter-sized mail per calendar month. Post beyond the 25 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.

	
	
UK based Creative* Business £30 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £300 (Annual Rate)
	

For more info or all of our rates email rosy@blickstudios.org or visit our website: https://blickstudios.org/virtual-services/

Looking way back to our first Creative Talk of the year with Ian Pitt Founder and Creative Director of Me,Him&Her Design Studio, many thanks to @verahylands for the video! We also have a new blog with a writeup of his talk on our website. Our next creative talk is on Wed 15th October with past Blick Resident Ciaran Crudden, creative director and founder of creative agency The Last Brand. You can sign up for your free ticket on the events page of our website (link in profile)

Sep 25

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17981198714863783
Looking way back to our first Creative Talk of the year with Ian Pitt Founder and Creative Director of Me,Him&Her Design Studio, many thanks to @verahylands  for the video! We also have a new blog with a writeup of his talk on our website. Our next creative talk is on Wed 15th October with past Blick Resident Ciaran Crudden, creative director and founder of creative agency The Last Brand. You can sign up for your free ticket on the events page of our website (link in profile)

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

01. Future Screens – Future Foundation Call For Mentors and Mentees

Mentors

Future Foundation is now seeking experienced professionals to join the mentoring bank. If you have five or more years’ experience in the Creative and Cultural Industries, and at least three years of mentoring experience, they want to hear from you.

Closing date: Wednesday 01 October 2025.

Mentees

– Must have one years’ experience within Creative and cultural industries
– Not in full time education
– Primarily based in Northern Ireland
– Interested in developing/ adapting new approaches and learning new skills

Closing date: Friday 10 October 2025.

 

02. Co-builders by Catalyst – The Ideas Bootcamp
The Ideas Bootcamp is a full-day workshop that helps you shape and strengthen your ideas. Whether you are starting with a problem area or an early concept, you will refine, test, and explore its real potential through hands-on activities.
Date: Saturday 27th September at
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Catalyst, Titanic Quarter, Belfast

 

03. Digital Transformation Flexible Fund
All 6 of the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) is now open for expressions of interest
DTFF supports small and micro businesses in Northern Ireland to invest in advanced digital technologies. The fund offers grants of £5,000 to £20,000, covering up to 70% of eligible project costs, to help businesses adopt transformative technologies.

Closing date: midday on 12.00pm 24 October

 04. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Since 1975, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) have been helping businesses and organisations innovate for growth.

05. Invest NI Innovation Vouchers
Do you have an innovation project that could lead to the development of a new or improved product, service, business model, or process? Will it create value in your business, produce new profits or help grow the business? If so, then an Innovation Voucher could help support this.

Closing date: 15:00, Friday 3 October 2025.

Full blog including links on our website ✨️ (link in profile)

Sep 24

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

01. Future Screens – Future Foundation Call For Mentors and Mentees

Mentors

Future Foundation is now seeking experienced professionals to join the mentoring bank. If you have five or more years’ experience in the Creative and Cultural Industries, and at least three years of mentoring experience, they want to hear from you.

Closing date: Wednesday 01 October 2025.

Mentees

– Must have one years’ experience within Creative and cultural industries
– Not in full time education
– Primarily based in Northern Ireland
– Interested in developing/ adapting new approaches and learning new skills

Closing date: Friday 10 October 2025.

 

02. Co-builders by Catalyst – The Ideas Bootcamp
The Ideas Bootcamp is a full-day workshop that helps you shape and strengthen your ideas. Whether you are starting with a problem area or an early concept, you will refine, test, and explore its real potential through hands-on activities.
Date: Saturday 27th September at
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Catalyst, Titanic Quarter, Belfast

 

03. Digital Transformation Flexible Fund
All 6 of the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) is now open for expressions of interest
DTFF supports small and micro businesses in Northern Ireland to invest in advanced digital technologies. The fund offers grants of £5,000 to £20,000, covering up to 70% of eligible project costs, to help businesses adopt transformative technologies.

Closing date: midday on 12.00pm 24 October

 04. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Since 1975, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) have been helping businesses and organisations innovate for growth. 

05. Invest NI Innovation Vouchers
Do you have an innovation project that could lead to the development of a new or improved product, service, business model, or process? Will it create value in your business, produce new profits or help grow the business? If so, then an Innovation Voucher could help support this.

Closing date: 15:00, Friday 3 October 2025.

Full blog including links on our website ✨️ (link in profile)

We`re very excited for our next Creative Talk on Wednesday 15th October at 7pm with Ciaran Crudden who used to be one of our creative residents at Blick before his business outgrew our space!

Ciaran is a really lovely guy and the founder and creative director of The Last Brand a creative studio committed to crafting brands that capture imaginations and inspire meaningful consumer interactions. Ciaran is a senior creative with over 15 years’ experience across branding, experiential, art direction and motion design. His work focuses on uncovering the visual and verbal threads that connect and resonate with audiences. Known for bold ideas and thoughtful execution, Ciaran blends strategy with creativity to craft brand communications and experiences that are both distinctive and authentic.

In this talk, Ciaran will reflect on his creative journey, offering insights into different projects, valuable lessons learned, and the real-world experience of running an independent creative studio. You can find out more about Ciaran and see his work on his website The Last Brand

Here we are also sharing some examples of his design and branding work for the drinks industry

If you would like to come along to hear Ciaran share his creative story on Wed 15th October at 7pm in our Hill St Studios you can sign up for free on our website (link in profile)

Sep 23

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We're very excited for our next Creative Talk on Wednesday 15th October at 7pm with Ciaran Crudden who used to be one of our creative residents at Blick before his business outgrew our space!

Ciaran is a really lovely guy and the founder and creative director of The Last Brand a creative studio committed to crafting brands that capture imaginations and inspire meaningful consumer interactions. Ciaran is a senior creative with over 15 years’ experience across branding, experiential, art direction and motion design. His work focuses on uncovering the visual and verbal threads that connect and resonate with audiences. Known for bold ideas and thoughtful execution, Ciaran blends strategy with creativity to craft brand communications and experiences that are both distinctive and authentic.

In this talk, Ciaran will reflect on his creative journey, offering insights into different projects, valuable lessons learned, and the real-world experience of running an independent creative studio. You can find out more about Ciaran and see his work on his website The Last Brand

Here we are also sharing some examples of his design and branding work for the drinks industry

If you would like to come along to hear Ciaran share his creative story on Wed 15th October at 7pm in our Hill St Studios you can sign up for free on our website (link in profile)

Creative Brunch with Innovate UK Business Growth 

On Wednesday 8th October at 10.30am Innovate UK will be hosting a brunch event for creatives in our Hill St studios.

Join us for a vibrant morning of inspiration, meaningful connections, and a delicious brunch curated by Yellow Door to find out more about Innovate UK and how they can support your creative business!

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 8 October 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Breakfast by: Yellow Door

Booking link in profile

Sep 22

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18056949500174557
Creative Brunch with Innovate UK Business Growth 

On Wednesday 8th October at 10.30am Innovate UK will be hosting a brunch event for creatives in our Hill St studios.

Join us for a vibrant morning of inspiration, meaningful connections, and a delicious brunch curated by Yellow Door to find out more about Innovate UK and how they can support your creative business!

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 8 October 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Breakfast by: Yellow Door

Booking link in profile

Great to see Culture Night back in the Cathedral Quarter on Friday night!

Sep 21

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17912509515197858
Great to see Culture Night back in the Cathedral Quarter on Friday night!

This week`s weekend reading! a write-up of 10 key lessons from the wonderful talk Ian Pitt, founder and creative director @mehimandherdesign did for us way back in February!

You can also read the full write-up on our blog (link in profile)

Our next creative talk is on Wednesday 15th October with Ciaran Crudden founder and creative director of The Last Brand. You can book your free ticket on the events page of our website 🌟 🌟

Sep 19

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18080874394787925
This week's weekend reading! a write-up of 10 key lessons from the wonderful talk Ian Pitt, founder and creative director @mehimandherdesign did for us way back in February!

You can also read the full write-up on our blog (link in profile)

Our next creative talk is on Wednesday 15th October with Ciaran Crudden founder and creative director of The Last Brand. You can book your free ticket on the events page of our website 🌟 🌟

Join us on Saturday 27th September to meet other creatives and learn more about using Canva for your creative business over coffee and pastries!

This is the first in a new series of collaborative workshops in partnership with Homewerk @homewerk.project for creatives, communicators and the digitally curious, to explore practical skills, emerging trends, and fresh ideas in digital media.

Love it or loathe it, Canva is now well established as an essential tool for creating social media posts, presentations, branding and much more besides, making graphic design accessible to everyone. If your creative or business projects have made you something of an accidental designer through Canva, this relaxed morning taster workshop will revisit some of the basics of the platform and principles of design, and demonstrate some of the ways to make the most of Canva’s capabilities.

Workshop Details

Date: Saturday 27th September
Time: 10.00am – 12.15pm
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Cost: £15.00

Booking link in profile

Sep 17

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18051437420261054
Join us on Saturday 27th September to meet other creatives and learn more about using Canva for your creative business over coffee and pastries!

This is the first in a new series of collaborative workshops in partnership with Homewerk @homewerk.project for creatives, communicators and the digitally curious, to explore practical skills, emerging trends, and fresh ideas in digital media.

Love it or loathe it, Canva is now well established as an essential tool for creating social media posts, presentations, branding and much more besides, making graphic design accessible to everyone. If your creative or business projects have made you something of an accidental designer through Canva, this relaxed morning taster workshop will revisit some of the basics of the platform and principles of design, and demonstrate some of the ways to make the most of Canva’s capabilities.

Workshop Details

Date: Saturday 27th September
Time: 10.00am – 12.15pm
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Cost: £15.00

Booking 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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02890137395 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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