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#MeetTheResident: Concrete Clouds

Published: July 8, 2020

Can you tell us a bit about what you do?

I am an architectural illustrator and concept artist. I help to tell the story of projects by providing drawings that are stylistically tailored for each design stage, from feasibility studies through to planning and final marketing imagery. I work collaboratively with architects, designers, and developers throughout the UK and internationally. In addition to working in architecture, I also provide concept artwork for film and tv and illustrations for other creative industries.

Why did you want to start your own business?

I was working in architectural practice in London and I was always drawing. It was clear to me early in my career and architectural education that I did not want to follow the traditional path. After building up enough confidence I decided to take a leap of faith and move back to Belfast in order to work in film as a concept artist.

In order to keep myself afloat during what I anticipated to be a career path that would have its fair share of lulls, I started Concrete Clouds, doing what I had always done – drawing. With the relationships I had built in practice I was able to ensure consistent work and begin my journey on my own and on my own terms.

I also realized that I could fold conceptual artwork for film into Concrete Clouds and offer both services, with architecture providing steady work and film injecting the odd crazy adventure. Plus, the name was floating about unused since I was about 13. It was my band’s name but unfortunately, we didn’t quite take off. So I thought it fit well for what I do now all these years later.

Any projects that you are currently working on?

I am working on a number of projects, illustrating architectural practices in London and Dublin. I am also in the early stages of gearing up for a film as a concept artist. In addition, I am always illustrating and working on my own artwork, sometimes even selling the odd piece.

What is the worst/best thing about working for yourself?

The best thing is the freedom. I love being my own boss and doing what I want when I want. My working patterns are quite sporadic and intense. I like having my own space to get in the zone to work anywhere but the desk – normally on a sofa, on a beanbag or sometimes even on the floor. That’s something I couldn’t do when working for a big company. The worst part is dealing with things being more unpredictable and not knowing what will come next and from where – although having said that – I do enjoy how I could be working on architectural projects one week, then artwork the next and then something completely out there and wacky the next.

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

My biggest hurdle was motivating myself when I didn’t have work, especially when I was still working from home every day. It was difficult to separate work and home life when my office was my kitchen table and sofa. Getting out of the house into my new space at Blick has been brilliant and has ensured I feel inspired every day to create something new, even if just for myself.

What inspires you?

I am a huge film geek, comic book nerd, and music buff. I am constantly watching films and I am probably one of the last people on earth that still buys DVDs and albums. I can’t take things seriously if I don’t own them. I have thousands of DVDs and CDs, unfortunately, locked away in my family home waiting for the day I have my own house and cave to put them in.

Films, books, and comics have always been a huge source of inspiration when it comes to my artwork. I am mad about Star Wars. I listen to all my music constantly when I work. It helps me to visualize some of my weirder ideas. I am a bit of a metalhead too – likely still stuck in a mid-2000’s Emo phase.

How do you stay creative/inspired?

I think mainly by watching films and listening to music. When I have architecture or film work, I am inspired to do the best I can. With my own projects, I tend to wait until something hits me, and then I’ll get obsessed with it and churn out a ton of work based on whatever my latest fascination or idea is.

I like that approach. I don’t really get doing stuff for the sake of it. I like writing music too, and recording my own songs. It’s completely different from everything else I do but similar in the sense that I build up music in layers, in the same way, that I would build up a drawing. Most of it is pretty heavy and weird, so I doubt anyone would ever actually enjoy listening to it!

Who is your design hero?

Ralph McQuarrie – the concept artist for Star Wars. His work is incredible. He is the visual architect of Star Wars as much as George Lucas. His artwork has helped define everything I do in architecture and in my own artwork. My girlfriend bought me an 800-page coffee table book collecting all his work. It actually weighs as much as a fridge and is a hazard to even attempt to lift and read.

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

I rely on my iPad Pro. I use it to do all my drawings, through a combination of software called Procreate and Photoshop which I can sync up with my iMac. I used to do all my linework with a pen and then color digitally – now though I have made the switch over to full digital hand-drawn illustration. If all else fails I could still do my drawings the old school way with a pen and paper. It’s my colouring that would suffer the most without my iPad.

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

I am hoping to grow Concrete Clouds and work with more like-minded and exciting architects and designers, as well as with more filmmakers. I would love to work as much as possible within Film as that is my ultimate passion. Film offers a world of imagination wholly like any other and is fertile ground for drawing and storytelling. I am also writing a script for a short horror film, which I hope to finish and storyboard myself with the hopes of filming it live-action or maybe even animated!

Finally, what advice would you give to other creatives starting their own business?

If you can – just go for it. Yes, it can be unstable, nerve-racking, and everything in between but I personally, would rather than wake up every day dreading going into a job that my heart isn’t in one hundred percent. I used to call that work fear – The Doom – and I felt the doom massively, (even so bad that on a Friday evening when work had actually finished, I dreaded the thought of Monday morning before the weekend had even started). That’s when you know the doom has gripped you.

Now, I wake up excited, energized, and raring to go knowing that I am working to build something that’s my own – doing something I am truly in love with. Stick to your guns and go with your gut – if you have passion, talent, and good ideas then there is no reason why you can’t be the next person to have a successful business. Loads of people are doing it and working for somebody else is overrated anyway.

You can find their work at www.concreteclouds.co.uk

Instagram: @concreteclouds__

 

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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

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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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