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#MeetTheResident – Joe Laverty

We got to catch up with our Hill Street resident Joe Laverty who is an Irish architectural & portrait photographer, based in Belfast. He told us about his current projects and tips on how to stay inspired! Tell us a...

SME’s Survival – Unlocking Your Potential

Image credit: Green Chamelon We caught up with Elizabeth Meehan from our Blick Cotton Court studios and founded coffeenosugar . They are a service designer whose work helps businesses identify the gap between the service they work hard to deliver...

A Tiny History – by Karishma Kusurkar

We caught up with Blick resident karishma Kusurkar to interview her about the launch of her new project titled 'A TINY HISTORY' which is launching on the 23rd of August. She will be having a launch at The Duncairn in...

11 years lessons blog 3

This Blog is by Blick founder Christine and is the third in the series of the biggest/most important lessons we have learnt over the last 11 years of being in business since Christine started Blick in 2008. Know Your Values...

#MeetTheResident – Gemma O’Neill

Gemma O'Neill is an Illustrator and Author based in Belfast and Blick Resident of Hill Street Studios. Tell us a bit about yourself and your business? My name is Gemma O’Neill and I’m an Illustrator/Author. I graduated from Falmouth University...

#MeetTheResident – Clever Ghost

Paul Boal the Creative Director at Clever Ghost, a brand & design studio, Blick Resident of Hill St Blick Studios. Tell us a bit about yourself and your business Clever Ghost? Hi, I'm Paul the Creative Director at Clever Ghost,...

#MeetTheResident – Forever Social

Meet Matt and Abby, Blick Residents of Blick Studios, 51 Malone Road. They are the founders of https://www.forever-social.co.uk/, A Wedding photography & cinematography company. Tell us a bit about yourself and your business Forever Social? Forever Social started out in...

11 year lessons blog 2

This Blog is by Blick founder Christine and is the second in the series of the biggest/most important lessons we have learnt over the last 11 years of being in business since Christine started Blick in 2008. Find your tribe ...

#TopTips: Financial Resources

As a small company or a freelancer with simple accounts and financial structure it often makes sense to look after your own finances, though I know people can be intimidated at the thought and don’t know where to start. There...

#TopTips: LinkedIn for Creatives

On 23rd May we hosting a LinkedIn for creatives workshop facilitated by Alistair Cameron from Startacus. Here are some of the main things we learnt. About LinkedIn LinkedIn is the largest professional network in the world with more than 610...

An Interview with Jessica Fok

We caught up with Jessica Fok, Blick Resident and one of Belfast Design Week’s volunteers to chat about the upcoming event PRESENT: Paul Ryding taking place at Root & Branch’s Roastery on Saturday 8th June. Tell us a bit...

Maven

Belfast Design Week Cathedral Quarter Design Tour

We were delighted to be involved last Saturday with Belfast Design Week with organising a Design tour for AC Marriott Hotels. The Design Tour was for a group of international design media that had been invited to Belfast for the...

LinkedIn for Your Creative Startup: An Interview with Alastair Cameron

Alastair Cameron is the Co-Founder of online startup focused platform Startacus, the Head of Startup Programmes at Digital DNA HQ, a Maserati 100 awardee and a freelance trainer. Having bootstrapped Startacus from a Startup, the team has grown a substantial...

New Exhibition: Refugees Welcome T-Shirt Challenge

At Belfast Design Week 2017, Refugees Welcome NI joined forces with Belfast Design Week for the Refugees Welcome T-Shirt Challenge, with a number of local designers joining us for a workshop where they created their own ‘refugees welcome’ t-shirts. The...

#TopTips: Setting up a Website for Your Creative Business

On Tuesday 2nd April we hosted a workshop on ‘Setting up a Website for your Creative Business’ kindly facilitated by Lizi Daley head of web at Kaizen Brand Evolution. It was a fantastic workshop with loads of really useful information,...

An Interview with Dillon Osborne

We caught up with 'Content Creator' Dillon Osborne to pick his brains ahead of our latest Faculty course 'the Rise of the Mobile Content Creator' which he is facilitating starting Tuesday 30th April. Tell us a bit about yourself...

11 Year Lessons Blog 1

Last year was so busy for us we missed our 10-year anniversary/birthday celebrations. This year instead we plan to celebrate our survival and journey over the past 11 years. Including through a series of blogs on 11 of the most...

#TopTops: Financial Planning for Creatives

On 27th March we hosted an event on financial planning for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers, small business owners and start-ups Here are our key lessons from the event: Put aside a small amount of money on a monthly basis for rainy...

Finalist: ‘Best Creative Business’

Finally got ourselves organised to apply for an award and our super excited to be a finalist as "Best Creative Business Category" sponsored by Destination CQ in this years Belfast Chamber Belfast Business Awards alongside some great company - Kaizen Brand Evolution - Cinemagic...

Self-care for Creative Entrepreneurs: Sleep

Friday was national world sleep day which got me thinking and inspired me to write a blog as sleep is something that I have been working on personally and is something I think is so important for creative entrepreneurs. Everyone...

thornton architecture studio

#MeetTheResident – Will Thornton – Thornton Architecture Studio

Meet Will Thornton, a resident of Blick Studios, 51 Malone Road. He is the founder of Thornton Architecture Studio. What do you do at Thornton Architecture Studio? "I specialise in domestic and small commercial architecture, particularly helping clients to try...

ten financial commandments

Our Ten (Financial Commandments)… for the self-employed creative… with Compass Financial Associates

Compass Financial Associates, The Ten (Financial) Commandments… for the self-employed creative… We’ve been financial planners for over twenty years, so we like to think we’ve gotten quite good at it. Over those twenty years, we’ve built great relationships with people...

call for speakers

Call For Speakers: Women Who Code x Womenfolk

Womenfolk have a super exciting collab coming up soon with Women Who Code and are looking for keen individuals to be involved in a panel event. Whether you've been in the industry since it's conception, or are dipping your toes...

collaboration

10 Top Tips for Collaboration

We've spoken to some of our wonderful residents and asked them for their top tips for collaboration - and we'd like to share them with you! Pick someone who has a similar work ethic to you. Make sure you respect...

ronan lunney two digs

#MeetTheResident – Ronan Lunney – Two Digs

Meet Ronan Lunney, a resident of Blick Studios, 51 Malone Road. He is the founder of Two Digs and has been based at Blick for 3 years. What do you do at Two Digs? "I do print and digital design,...

tenx9

An Interview with Paul Doran of Tenx9

Paul Doran is our newest resident at our Hill Street Studios. After working for many years as a journalist he is now concentrating on further developing Tenx9, a story-telling event that focuses on different themes and encourages people to share their...

infinite jest graeme watson

An Event with Graeme Watson & The Infinite Jest

This month we have The Faculty: 6 Week Standup Comedy Course coming up with the talented Graeme Watson of The Infinite Jest. We've taken the time to ask him about his business and about the field of standup comedy. Check...

BEST BITS 2018

10 Best Bits of 2018 at Blick Studios

1. The Faculty Events with Blick Studios The Faculty is a collaborative project with Seedhead Arts offering courses and workshops designed to teach you a new creative skill. Throughout 2018 we hosted some fascinating and inspiring events including: Creative Writing with Bethany...

facebook

8 Top Tips on using Facebook for your Creative Startup

During December we hosted the Blick Academy event: Facebook for your Creative Startup. We were joined by the wonderful Astra McNicholl of Itty Bitty Book Co and Gil David of Run DMG. They had some great tips and advice to...

residents rundown gemma o neill

Residents Rundown: Gemma O’Neill

Cotton Court resident Gemma O’Neill is an illustrator and author from the Causeway Coast. She is the author of Oh Dear, Geoffrey! and Monty's Magnificent Mane. Her books have been published globally and nominated for numerous awards. We caught up...

future heritage

Future Heritage: Share 6 at Belfast Design Week

During Belfast Design Week we hosted Share 6 - an event that invites speakers to talk upon a certain theme in order to share their ideas. The theme this time around was 'Future Heritage', our speakers discussed how Northern Ireland’s past...

elena magliveras

An Interview with Elena Magliveras

Elena Magliveras is the newest resident of our Cotton Court Studios, she is a graphic designer who recently moved to Belfast from Edinburgh. We caught up with her to find out about her business and her relocation. Tell us a...

itty bitty book co

An Event with Itty Bitty Book Co.

Astra is the founder of Itty Bitty Book Co which she runs with her husband, Al. They both quit their jobs when their son was just three months old to start their business of sharing happiness, gratitude and positivity with...

- - OUR HILL STREET STUDIOS - -

We thought it would be nice to share a bit of info on our 3 different studios over the next few weeks for any new followers. Starting today with our beautiful Hill St studios. Hill St is a lovely cobbled street right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter there are lots of arts and cultural organisations as well as bars and coffee shops and of course the art college nearby.

�Hill Street is the biggest of our two Cathedral Quarter Studios in Belfast city centre. They are based in an historic loft building, complete with original beams and pulley system. �It has high ceilings a lovely wooden floor and lots of light and plants of course.

��Hill Street was first depicted on a Belfast map in 1757 that was originally named Pott-House Lane. The narrow and cobbled street runs between Talbot Street and Waring Street and still has the orginal cobbles making it a lovely street to work on.

Our Hill St studios can also be used as a virtual office for creatives who want a professional city centre address for their business.

��You can find more information on our Hill St studios and available workspace on our website: https://blickstudios.org/locations/hill-street-belfast/

Jun 4

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- - OUR HILL STREET STUDIOS - -

We thought it would be nice to share a bit of info on our 3 different studios over the next few weeks for any new followers. Starting today with our beautiful Hill St studios. Hill St is a lovely cobbled street right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter there are lots of arts and cultural organisations as well as bars and coffee shops and of course the art college nearby.

�Hill Street is the biggest of our two Cathedral Quarter Studios in Belfast city centre. They are based in an historic loft building, complete with original beams and pulley system. �It has high ceilings a lovely wooden floor and lots of light and plants of course.

��Hill Street was first depicted on a Belfast map in 1757 that was originally named Pott-House Lane. The narrow and cobbled street runs between Talbot Street and Waring Street and still has the orginal cobbles making it a lovely street to work on.

Our Hill St studios can also be used as a virtual office for creatives who want a professional city centre address for their business.

��You can find more information on our Hill St studios and available workspace on our website: https://blickstudios.org/locations/hill-street-belfast/

Rosy and I had a lovely evening on Friday at Blick Resident Francesca Biondi @gallery545online exhibition opening at the beautiful La Roche House, you can still view the exhibition this week. I highly recommend popping in if you can, to see some really beautiful work by local artists in a stunning setting.

See exhibition details below

Gallery 545 Group Exhibition: Contemporary Art of Northern Ireland
🗓29 May – 6 June 2026
📍 La Roche House, 5A Windsor Avenue North, Belfast BT9 6EL

You are welcome to visit the exhibition this week, any day between 12noon-6pm (closing earlier on Sat 6 June at 4pm.

Discover atmospheric landscapes, nature-inspired paintings, vibrant abstracts, intriguing works on paper, unique sculptures, exquisite textile and glass pieces, and more – all by accomplished artists from across the region.

Artworks available in person or online, with collections or local and international delivery.
LEARN MORE at https://gallery545.com/blogs/exhibitions/gallery-545-group-exhibition-2026

Featuring Lisa Ballard, Justė Bernotaitė, Ronan Bowes, Majella Clancy, Emma Fitzpatrick, Elham Hemmat, Eamonn Higgins, Ashely B. Holmes, Janet Keith, Sharon Kelly, Louise Lennon, Judith Logan, Alison Lowry, Sinéad McKeever, Robert McLearnon, Sarah McWilliams, Frances O’Reilly, Wilhelmina Peace, Maria Perry, Latisha Reihill, Katherine St Angelo, and Anushiya Sundaralingam.
Curated by Francesca Biondi, Art Director & Curator, Gallery 545.

Jun 2

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Rosy and I had a lovely evening on Friday at Blick Resident Francesca Biondi @gallery545online exhibition opening at the beautiful La Roche House, you can still view the exhibition this week. I highly recommend popping in if you can, to see some really beautiful work by local artists in a stunning setting.

See exhibition details below

Gallery 545 Group Exhibition: Contemporary Art of Northern Ireland
🗓29 May – 6 June 2026
📍 La Roche House, 5A Windsor Avenue North, Belfast BT9 6EL

You are welcome to visit the exhibition this week, any day between 12noon-6pm (closing earlier on Sat 6 June at 4pm.

Discover atmospheric landscapes, nature-inspired paintings, vibrant abstracts, intriguing works on paper, unique sculptures, exquisite textile and glass pieces, and more – all by accomplished artists from across the region.

Artworks available in person or online, with collections or local and international delivery.
LEARN MORE at https://gallery545.com/blogs/exhibitions/gallery-545-group-exhibition-2026

Featuring Lisa Ballard, Justė Bernotaitė, Ronan Bowes, Majella Clancy, Emma Fitzpatrick, Elham Hemmat, Eamonn Higgins, Ashely B. Holmes, Janet Keith, Sharon Kelly, Louise Lennon, Judith Logan, Alison Lowry, Sinéad McKeever, Robert McLearnon, Sarah McWilliams, Frances O’Reilly, Wilhelmina Peace, Maria Perry, Latisha Reihill, Katherine St Angelo, and Anushiya Sundaralingam.
Curated by Francesca Biondi, Art Director & Curator, Gallery 545.

In October 2025 Innovate UK Business Growth very kindly hosted a brunch event for NI creatives in our Hill St studios. At this exclusive session we heard from Innovate UK directly, who explained that they can look broadly for creatives at funding and support from different sources as well as provide one-on-one support. We also heard from two of their most exciting creative companies with Rebecca Walsh from Big Motive and Phil Weirand May Cheung from Flax and Teal sharing their innovation journeys from early-stage to scaling success!

Here are some of our top takeaways from those companies!

01. Reach out to organisations like Innovate UK and other creative and business support organisations to see what support or opportunities may be available. Even if you aren’t sure if you are eligible

02. Before applying for opportunities, ask yourself “Is it worth my time applying?” but also don’t be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities

03. Reflect on your processes and use technology to automate as many as possible to save you time and energy

04. For international projects make sure that you understand cultural similarities and differences to successfully deliver projects

05. If you are growing your creative business make sure you really understand your company culture and values, so you know who to hire to fit that culture.

Jun 1

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In October 2025 Innovate UK Business Growth very kindly hosted a brunch event for NI creatives in our Hill St studios. At this exclusive session we heard from Innovate UK directly, who explained that they can look broadly for creatives at funding and support from different sources as well as provide one-on-one support. We also heard from two of their most exciting creative companies with Rebecca Walsh from Big Motive and Phil Weirand May Cheung from Flax and Teal sharing their innovation journeys from early-stage to scaling success!

Here are some of our top takeaways from those companies!

01. Reach out to organisations like Innovate UK and other creative and business support organisations to see what support or opportunities may be available. Even if you aren’t sure if you are eligible

02. Before applying for opportunities, ask yourself “Is it worth my time applying?” but also don’t be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities

03. Reflect on your processes and use technology to automate as many as possible to save you time and energy

04. For international projects make sure that you understand cultural similarities and differences to successfully deliver projects

05. If you are growing your creative business make sure you really understand your company culture and values, so you know who to hire to fit that culture.

Our third and final writeup sharing insights from the Retail Ready Fieldtrip for Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Students we hosted in October 2025.

We previously shared some of our best insights from the day from Linzi and Emma, today we are sharing those from Rachel McIlgorm founder of Story Box NI a community interest initiative seeking to support and raise awareness of local businesses and social enterprises.

01. Email and introduce yourself. Rachel suggested for retailers such as hers which are social enterprises and interested in the ethics of their suppliers you should send an email and introduce yourself and share your story and why your product would fit their shop.

02. Invest in good quality images of your products.

03. Make sure you know your pricing. Account for retailers margins and include details of your pricing when contacting retailers.

04. Don’t be afraid to follow up if you don’t get a response from a retailer.

05. Use your story to market your product. Make your story personal and use it throughout your marketing and branding to differentiate your product.

May 29

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Our third and final writeup sharing insights from the Retail Ready Fieldtrip for Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Students we hosted in October 2025.

We previously shared some of our best insights from the day from Linzi and Emma, today we are sharing those from Rachel McIlgorm founder of Story Box NI a community interest initiative seeking to support and raise awareness of local businesses and social enterprises.

01. Email and introduce yourself. Rachel suggested for retailers such as hers which are social enterprises and interested in the ethics of their suppliers you should send an email and introduce yourself and share your story and why your product would fit their shop.

02. Invest in good quality images of your products.

03. Make sure you know your pricing. Account for retailers margins and include details of your pricing when contacting retailers.

04. Don’t be afraid to follow up if you don’t get a response from a retailer.

05. Use your story to market your product. Make your story personal and use it throughout your marketing and branding to differentiate your product.

- - OUR STUDIOS - -

When we started Blick back in 2008, our ambition was to create beautiful but affordable spaces in great locations in Belfast for creatives to work in productively and creatively alongside other like-minded creatives.

We started with just one building, our Malone Studios in South Belfast, then took on two others in the Cathedral Quarter, our Hill Street studios and Cotton Court studios. In 2024 we had to leave our beautiful Malone studios, but were super fortunate to find our gorgeous new Great Northern Street studios instead. All our studios provide a mix of private studio spaces and shared workspace with dedicated desks and storage.

- - HILL ST - -

Our Hill St studios are our biggest providing workspace to over 25 creatives within an open plan loft space with high ceilings and original features close to Belfast School of Art right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. Our Hill St studios can also be used as a virtual office for creatives who want a professional city centre address for their business.

- - COTTON COURT - -

Our Cotton Court studios are our most affordable studios providing both shared and private workspace to over 10 creatives in a building full of different creatives in the Cathedral Quarter.

- - GREAT NORTHERN STREET - -

Our Great Northern Street studios provide shared and private workspace to over 15 creatives and are located just off the Lisburn Road in a modern glass fronted building nestled between traditional red brick Belfast terrace houses.

Our spaces all offer dedicated desks with storage or private studio space with prices from £130 per month. All our prices include rent, rates, utilities and broadband. Our spaces are all designed to be professional, but welcoming creative environments.

Taking a space at Blick is more than just a physical space; it`s about meeting and working alongside like-minded people, collaborating, learning, and sharing experiences. We have small 1-2 person private studios coming available in both our Cotton Court and Great Northern Street studio, visit our website or get in touch for more info:

https://blickstudios.org/

May 27

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17956274892131493

- - OUR STUDIOS - -

When we started Blick back in 2008, our ambition was to create beautiful but affordable spaces in great locations in Belfast for creatives to work in productively and creatively alongside other like-minded creatives.

We started with just one building, our Malone Studios in South Belfast, then took on two others in the Cathedral Quarter, our Hill Street studios and Cotton Court studios. In 2024 we had to leave our beautiful Malone studios, but were super fortunate to find our gorgeous new Great Northern Street studios instead. All our studios provide a mix of private studio spaces and shared workspace with dedicated desks and storage.

- - HILL ST - -

Our Hill St studios are our biggest providing workspace to over 25 creatives within an open plan loft space with high ceilings and original features close to Belfast School of Art right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. Our Hill St studios can also be used as a virtual office for creatives who want a professional city centre address for their business.

- - COTTON COURT - -

Our Cotton Court studios are our most affordable studios providing both shared and private workspace to over 10 creatives in a building full of different creatives in the Cathedral Quarter.

- - GREAT NORTHERN STREET - -

Our Great Northern Street studios provide shared and private workspace to over 15 creatives and are located just off the Lisburn Road in a modern glass fronted building nestled between traditional red brick Belfast terrace houses.

Our spaces all offer dedicated desks with storage or private studio space with prices from £130 per month. All our prices include rent, rates, utilities and broadband. Our spaces are all designed to be professional, but welcoming creative environments.

Taking a space at Blick is more than just a physical space; it's about meeting and working alongside like-minded people, collaborating, learning, and sharing experiences. We have small 1-2 person private studios coming available in both our Cotton Court and Great Northern Street studio, visit our website or get in touch for more info:

https://blickstudios.org/

Bank Holiday Weekend creative reading inspiration! Make the most of the good weather we are hopefully going to get and do some reading for your creative business!

- - BLICK CREATIVE RESOURCES - BOOK INSPIRATION - DO FLY BY GAVIN STRANGE - -

Do Fly was recommended as a constant source of inspiration by Ian Pitt Creative Director of @mehimandherdesign who did a brilliant creative talk for us in 2025.

For more information and to buy a copy visit: https://thedobook.co/products/do-fly-find-your-way-make-a-living-be-your-best-self?Format=Paperback also available on Kindle if you want to read it straight away.

May 22

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Bank Holiday Weekend creative reading inspiration! Make the most of the good weather we are hopefully going to get and do some reading for your creative business!

- - BLICK CREATIVE RESOURCES - BOOK INSPIRATION - DO FLY BY GAVIN STRANGE - -

Do Fly was recommended as a constant source of inspiration by Ian Pitt Creative Director of @mehimandherdesign who did a brilliant creative talk for us in 2025.

For more information and to buy a copy visit: https://thedobook.co/products/do-fly-find-your-way-make-a-living-be-your-best-self?Format=Paperback also available on Kindle if you want to read it straight away.

Lovely visit yesterday afternoon to the always beautiful Stormont Estate for the Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Celebration Event.

Thanks Jackie Smyth for the event invite and for inviting us to be a small part of the programme with our Retail Ready Fieldtrip last October

It was inspiring to hear from a variety of placement year participants including Maja Szotkiewicz founder of @majukooo Majakooo, Josh McAvoy co-founder of Aura Studios, April Rose founder of @aprilrosemarketing and Josh McCamley and Zach Johnston co-founders of Mad Moon Studios and also to see other creatives including @laurenkelsoillustrator and Grainne Mullan co-founder of @kitschsistersbelfast exhibiting their work

It was a great programme to be part of and wonderful to see the progress and confidence of all the participants

May 20

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Lovely visit yesterday afternoon to the always beautiful Stormont Estate for the Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Celebration Event.

Thanks Jackie Smyth for the event invite and for inviting us to be a small part of the programme with our Retail Ready Fieldtrip last October

It was inspiring to hear from a variety of placement year participants including Maja Szotkiewicz founder of @majukooo Majakooo, Josh McAvoy co-founder of Aura Studios, April Rose founder of @aprilrosemarketing and Josh McCamley and Zach Johnston co-founders of Mad Moon Studios and also to see other creatives including @laurenkelsoillustrator and Grainne Mullan co-founder of @kitschsistersbelfast exhibiting their work

It was a great programme to be part of and wonderful to see the progress and confidence of all the participants

Meet The Resident: Lorna McFall User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX) Designer within the Video Games Industry

In our latest Meet The Resident we get to know one of our new residents at our Hill Street Studios, Lorna McFall a User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX) Designer within the Video Games Industry.

Read the full interview on the blog on our website ✨️

May 18

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Meet The Resident: Lorna McFall User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX) Designer within the Video Games Industry

In our latest Meet The Resident we get to know one of our new residents at our Hill Street Studios, Lorna McFall a User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX) Designer within the Video Games Industry.

Read the full interview on the blog on our website ✨️

Looking forward to this tonight in our Hill St studios as part of @belfastdesignwk

https://blickstudios.org/events/blick-creative-talk-maureen-laverty-product-and-fashion-designer/

May 5

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Looking forward to this tonight in our Hill St studios as part of @belfastdesignwk

https://blickstudios.org/events/blick-creative-talk-maureen-laverty-product-and-fashion-designer/

Some of the things we are organising at Blick in May

Blick Creative Talk – Maureen Selina Laverty Product and Fashion Designer
Event Date: Tuesday 5th May
Event Time: 7.00-8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

Rapid Feedback for Makers - one-on-one industry feedback ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT
Event Date: Wednesday 6th May
Event Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Belfast School of Art Shop, 25-51 York St, Belfast BT15 1ED
Cost: Free

Womenfolk X Kitsch Sisters Creative Practice Commitment Workshop: Embroidered & Printed Tote Bag
Event Date: Wednesday 6th May
Event Time: 6.00-8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: £20

Design Stories: Motion Graphic Showcase & Poster Exhibition. Session 1 & Session 2
Event Date: Thursday 7th May
Event Time: 9.00pm-10.00pm
Location: Belfast Stories (Bank of Ireland Building) 92 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 2GU
Cost: Free

Seaside Books Intermediate Weekly Poetry Workshop
Event Date: Tuesday 12th May
Event Time: 6.30 - 8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
Cost: £40

More info on the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

May 4

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Some of the things we are organising at Blick in May

Blick Creative Talk – Maureen Selina Laverty Product and Fashion Designer
Event Date: Tuesday 5th May
Event Time: 7.00-8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

Rapid Feedback for Makers - one-on-one industry feedback ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT
Event Date: Wednesday 6th May
Event Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Belfast School of Art Shop, 25-51 York St, Belfast BT15 1ED
Cost: Free

Womenfolk X Kitsch Sisters Creative Practice Commitment Workshop: Embroidered & Printed Tote Bag
Event Date: Wednesday 6th May
Event Time: 6.00-8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: £20

Design Stories: Motion Graphic Showcase & Poster Exhibition. Session 1 & Session 2
Event Date: Thursday 7th May
Event Time: 9.00pm-10.00pm
Location: Belfast Stories (Bank of Ireland Building) 92 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 2GU
Cost: Free

Seaside Books Intermediate Weekly Poetry Workshop
Event Date: Tuesday 12th May
Event Time: 6.30 - 8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
Cost: £40

More info on the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

Some of the things we are organising at Blick in May!

Blick Creative Talk – Maureen Selina Laverty Product and Fashion Designer
Event Date: Tuesday 5th May
Event Time: 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

Rapid Feedback for Makers - one-on-one industry feedback ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT
Event Date: Wednesday 6th May
Event Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Belfast School of Art Shop, 25-51 York St, Belfast BT15 1ED
Cost: Free

Womenfolk X Kitsch Sisters Creative Practice Commitment Workshop: Embroidered & Printed Tote Bag
Event Date: Wednesday 6th May
Event Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: £20

Design Stories: Motion Graphic Showcase & Poster Exhibition. Session 1 & Session 2
Event Date: Thursday 7th May
Event Time: 9.00pm - 10.00pm
Location: Belfast Stories (Bank of Ireland Building) 92 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 2GU
Cost: Free

Seaside Books Intermediate Weekly Poetry Workshop
Event Date: Tuesday 12th May
Event Time: 6.30ppm - 8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
Cost: £40

More info on the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

May 3

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Some of the things we are organising at Blick in May!

Blick Creative Talk – Maureen Selina Laverty Product and Fashion Designer
Event Date: Tuesday 5th May
Event Time: 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

Rapid Feedback for Makers - one-on-one industry feedback ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT
Event Date: Wednesday 6th May
Event Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Belfast School of Art Shop, 25-51 York St, Belfast BT15 1ED
Cost: Free

Womenfolk X Kitsch Sisters Creative Practice Commitment Workshop: Embroidered & Printed Tote Bag
Event Date: Wednesday 6th May
Event Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: £20

Design Stories: Motion Graphic Showcase & Poster Exhibition. Session 1 & Session 2
Event Date: Thursday 7th May
Event Time: 9.00pm - 10.00pm
Location: Belfast Stories (Bank of Ireland Building) 92 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 2GU
Cost: Free

Seaside Books Intermediate Weekly Poetry Workshop
Event Date: Tuesday 12th May
Event Time: 6.30ppm - 8.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
Cost: £40

More info on the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

Ahead of her creative talk for us as part of @belfastdesignwk next Tuesday evening @maureenselinalaverty has done this brilliant interview for us on her path to becoming a designer, her recent move back to Northern Ireland from Norway and the differences she has noticed between working as a designer in both countries.

You can read the interview on the blog on our website or book a ticket for her talk on the events page of our website or on the Belfast Design Week website

www.belfastdesignweek.com

Apr 29

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Ahead of her creative talk for us as part of @belfastdesignwk next Tuesday evening @maureenselinalaverty has done this brilliant interview for us on her path to becoming a designer, her recent move back to Northern Ireland from Norway and the differences she has noticed between working as a designer in both countries.

You can read the interview on the blog on our website or book a ticket for her talk on the events page of our website or on the Belfast Design Week website

www.belfastdesignweek.com

Our third and final blog sharing insights from the Retail Ready Fieldtrip for Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Students we hosted in October 2025.

We previously shared some of our best insights from the day from Linzi and Emma, today we are sharing those from Rachel McIlgorm founder of @storyboxni a Belfast based ethical gifting company offering curated, sustainable gifts from small and social impact businesses across the UK and Ireland through corporate gifting initiatives and a gift shop based n Portview Trade Centre in East Belfast.

01. Email and introduce yourself. Rachel suggested for retailers such as hers which are social enterprises and interested in the ethics of their suppliers you should send an email and introduce yourself and share your story and why your product would fit their shop.

02. Invest in good quality images of your products

03. Make sure you know your pricing. Account for retailers margins and include details of your pricing when contacting retailers.

04. Don’t be afraid to follow up if you don’t get a response from a retailer.

05. Use your story to market your product. Make your story personal and use it throughout your marketing and branding to differentiate your product.

Rachel is also very kindly taking part in our Rapid Feedback for Makers event on Wednesday 6th May as part of Belfast Design Week

During this event 8 emerging makers and designers will have the opportunity to meet with and get one-on-one feedback from 4 independent design and retail professionals Rachel, Catherine McGinnis co-founder of Maven, Celeste Macormac Owens Retail Co-ordinator Belfast School Of Art Shop and Kate McILhagger-Ng KMN Creative Consulting – formerly Head of Product Development at Made.com.

Get more info and sign up on the Belfast Design Week website www.belfastdesignweek.com

Apr 28

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Our third and final blog sharing insights from the Retail Ready Fieldtrip for Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Students we hosted in October 2025.

We previously shared some of our best insights from the day from Linzi and Emma, today we are sharing those from Rachel McIlgorm founder of @storyboxni a Belfast based ethical gifting company offering curated, sustainable gifts from small and social impact businesses across the UK and Ireland through corporate gifting initiatives and a gift shop based n Portview Trade Centre in East Belfast.

01. Email and introduce yourself. Rachel suggested for retailers such as hers which are social enterprises and interested in the ethics of their suppliers you should send an email and introduce yourself and share your story and why your product would fit their shop.

02. Invest in good quality images of your products

03. Make sure you know your pricing. Account for retailers margins and include details of your pricing when contacting retailers.

04. Don’t be afraid to follow up if you don’t get a response from a retailer.

05. Use your story to market your product. Make your story personal and use it throughout your marketing and branding to differentiate your product.

Rachel is also very kindly taking part in our Rapid Feedback for Makers event on Wednesday 6th May as part of Belfast Design Week

During this event 8 emerging makers and designers will have the opportunity to meet with and get one-on-one feedback from 4 independent design and retail professionals Rachel, Catherine McGinnis co-founder of Maven, Celeste Macormac Owens Retail Co-ordinator Belfast School Of Art Shop and Kate McILhagger-Ng KMN Creative Consulting – formerly Head of Product Development at Made.com.

Get more info and sign up on the Belfast Design Week website www.belfastdesignweek.com

-- OUR IMPACT--

Blick is a social enterprise, we put profits made from our services into supporting creatives in NI, we are currently busy working on Belfast Design Week but here is a summary of some of our social impact from 2024 -2025. You can also find more info on our past impact on our website

https://blickstudios.org/the-team/our-impact/

Apr 16

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-- OUR IMPACT--

Blick is a social enterprise, we put profits made from our services into supporting creatives in NI, we are currently busy working on Belfast Design Week but here is a summary of some of our social impact from 2024 -2025. You can also find more info on our past impact on our website

https://blickstudios.org/the-team/our-impact/

- - BELFAST WRITERS GROUP – Creative Writing Workshop - -

Saturday 25th April

12.00 - 4pm

Cost: £12

Join Belfast Writers Group for a Saturday afternoon creative writing workshop at Blick Studios on April 25th from 12.00-16.00. Tickets are £12 per person.

Belfast Writers Group is focused on providing high quality writing feedback while building community for writers across genres and levels of experience. During the workshop we will work through several curated writing prompts, and the main part of the workshop will be a guided feedback session based on a structured model. Bring along your stories, poetry, songs or anything in between – all forms and genres are welcome. You might also like to think beforehand about any areas of the work you would like specific guidance on, e.g. a particular scene or character. DM any questions to @belfastwritersgroup on Instagram or email at writersgroupbelfast@gmail.com

https://blickstudios.org/events/belfast-writers-group-creative-writing-workshop-2/

Apr 15

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- - BELFAST WRITERS GROUP – Creative Writing Workshop - -

Saturday 25th April

12.00 - 4pm

Cost: £12

Join Belfast Writers Group for a Saturday afternoon creative writing workshop at Blick Studios on April 25th from 12.00-16.00. Tickets are £12 per person.

Belfast Writers Group is focused on providing high quality writing feedback while building community for writers across genres and levels of experience. During the workshop we will work through several curated writing prompts, and the main part of the workshop will be a guided feedback session based on a structured model. Bring along your stories, poetry, songs or anything in between – all forms and genres are welcome. You might also like to think beforehand about any areas of the work you would like specific guidance on, e.g. a particular scene or character. DM any questions to @belfastwritersgroup on Instagram or email at writersgroupbelfast@gmail.com

https://blickstudios.org/events/belfast-writers-group-creative-writing-workshop-2/

-- OUR STUDIOS--

When we started Blick back in 2008, our ambition was to create beautiful but affordable spaces in great locations in Belfast for creatives to work in productively and creatively alongside other like-minded creatives.

We started with just one building, our Malone Studios in South Belfast, then took on two others in the Cathedral Quarter, our Hill Street studios and Cotton Court studios. In 2024 we had to leave our beautiful Malone studios, but were super fortunate to find our gorgeous new Great Northern Street studios instead. All our studios provide a mix of private studio spaces and shared workspace with dedicated desks and storage.

- - HILL ST - -

Our Hill St studios are our biggest providing workspace to over 25 creatives within an open plan loft space with high ceilings and original features close to Belfast School of Art right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. Our Hill St studios can also be used as a virtual office for creatives who want a professional city centre address for their business.

- - COTTON COURT - -

Our Cotton Court studios are our most affordable studios providing both shared and private workspace to over 10 creatives in a building full of different creatives in the Cathedral Quarter.

- - GREAT NORTHERN STREET - -

Our Great Northern Street studios provide shared and private workspace to over 15 creatives and are located just off the Lisburn Road in a modern glass fronted building nestled between traditional red brick Belfast terrace houses.

Our spaces all offer dedicated desks with storage or private studio space with prices from £130 per month. All our prices include rent, rates, utilities and broadband. Our spaces are all designed to be professional, but welcoming creative environments.

Taking a space at Blick is more than just a physical space; it`s about meeting and working alongside like-minded people, collaborating, learning, and sharing experiences. Our Cotton Court and Great Northern Street Studios are both fully occupied at the moment, but we do have a couple of spaces available in our Hill St studios, get in touch if you would like more info

https://blickstudios.org/contact/

Apr 14

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-- OUR STUDIOS--

When we started Blick back in 2008, our ambition was to create beautiful but affordable spaces in great locations in Belfast for creatives to work in productively and creatively alongside other like-minded creatives.

We started with just one building, our Malone Studios in South Belfast, then took on two others in the Cathedral Quarter, our Hill Street studios and Cotton Court studios. In 2024 we had to leave our beautiful Malone studios, but were super fortunate to find our gorgeous new Great Northern Street studios instead. All our studios provide a mix of private studio spaces and shared workspace with dedicated desks and storage.

- - HILL ST - -

Our Hill St studios are our biggest providing workspace to over 25 creatives within an open plan loft space with high ceilings and original features close to Belfast School of Art right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. Our Hill St studios can also be used as a virtual office for creatives who want a professional city centre address for their business.

- - COTTON COURT - -

Our Cotton Court studios are our most affordable studios providing both shared and private workspace to over 10 creatives in a building full of different creatives in the Cathedral Quarter.

- - GREAT NORTHERN STREET - -

Our Great Northern Street studios provide shared and private workspace to over 15 creatives and are located just off the Lisburn Road in a modern glass fronted building nestled between traditional red brick Belfast terrace houses.

Our spaces all offer dedicated desks with storage or private studio space with prices from £130 per month. All our prices include rent, rates, utilities and broadband. Our spaces are all designed to be professional, but welcoming creative environments.

Taking a space at Blick is more than just a physical space; it's about meeting and working alongside like-minded people, collaborating, learning, and sharing experiences. Our Cotton Court and Great Northern Street Studios are both fully occupied at the moment, but we do have a couple of spaces available in our Hill St studios, get in touch if you would like more info

https://blickstudios.org/contact/

- - CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB - -
- Wed 15th April
- 6.30 - 8pm
- Blick, Hill St studios

Would you like to squeeze a bit more creativity into your daily life?

This Wednesday @homewerk.project`s Creative Adventure Club returns to help shake up your routine. Every fortnight they meet in person where you’ll be given a mystery creative assignment.

They will share the results of their tasks with the group at their fortnightly meet-ups.

Between meet-ups, they have online check-ins, chats with creatives, and other inspiration boosters.

No matter what your creative tendencies – writing, doodling, drawing,

painting, playing with video or audio – Creative Adventure Club is for everyone.

https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-adventure-club-2/

Apr 13

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- - CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB - -
- Wed 15th April
- 6.30 - 8pm
- Blick, Hill St studios

Would you like to squeeze a bit more creativity into your daily life?

This Wednesday @homewerk.project's Creative Adventure Club returns to help shake up your routine. Every fortnight they meet in person where you’ll be given a mystery creative assignment.

They will share the results of their tasks with the group at their fortnightly meet-ups.

Between meet-ups, they have online check-ins, chats with creatives, and other inspiration boosters.

No matter what your creative tendencies – writing, doodling, drawing,

painting, playing with video or audio – Creative Adventure Club is for everyone.

https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-adventure-club-2/

- - BLICK CREATIVE TALK: Maureen Laverty Product and Fashion Designer - -

Join us on 5th May for our next Creative Talk with Blick Resident @maureenselinalaverty as part of @belfastdesignwk

ABOUT MAUREEN:

Maureen is a product and fashion designer, and inclusive design researcher. She works on a variety of design meets disability projects. At the heart of her practice is the relationships that she builds with people’s diverse lived experiences. She believes in co-creating knowledge collaboratively to empower people to have ownership over how design can improve their quality of life. She carries this ethos into product development through embodied ethnography and participatory prototyping with those who resonate with the design solutions in their everyday life.

In the last year Maureen has relocated back to Belfast after almost a decade working with inclusive participatory design methods in Norway. Currently she lectures part-time at NCAD in Dublin within their Department of Design for Body & Environment. She guides students through human-centred design practices and speculative future fashion systems that care for each other and our environment.

ABOUT HER TALK:

Maureen will talk about her practice-based PhD research that explored the sensory experience of clothing with neurodivergent communities. Clothing is traditionally conceived as a two-dimensional static visual statement; a conception that is at odds with the dynamic actions it mediates in our everyday lives. The outputs of such a practice are garments that restrict and fight against the body, causing sensory overload and discomfort. This is a universal experience, but particularly heightened for neurodivergent individuals. Maureen will share the results of an extensive ethnographic study on how clothing sensations are experienced by her research participants. She will then discuss alternative design processes that prioritise the tactile, sonic, and kinaesthetic senses.

EVENT DETAILS:
DATE: Tues 5th May
TIME: 7pm
VENUE: Blick Hill St

Book through the events page of our website or www.belfastdesignweek.com

Apr 12

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- - BLICK CREATIVE TALK: Maureen Laverty Product and Fashion Designer - -

Join us on 5th May for our next Creative Talk with Blick Resident @maureenselinalaverty as part of @belfastdesignwk

ABOUT MAUREEN:

Maureen is a product and fashion designer, and inclusive design researcher. She works on a variety of design meets disability projects. At the heart of her practice is the relationships that she builds with people’s diverse lived experiences. She believes in co-creating knowledge collaboratively to empower people to have ownership over how design can improve their quality of life. She carries this ethos into product development through embodied ethnography and participatory prototyping with those who resonate with the design solutions in their everyday life.

In the last year Maureen has relocated back to Belfast after almost a decade working with inclusive participatory design methods in Norway. Currently she lectures part-time at NCAD in Dublin within their Department of Design for Body & Environment. She guides students through human-centred design practices and speculative future fashion systems that care for each other and our environment.

ABOUT HER TALK:

Maureen will talk about her practice-based PhD research that explored the sensory experience of clothing with neurodivergent communities. Clothing is traditionally conceived as a two-dimensional static visual statement; a conception that is at odds with the dynamic actions it mediates in our everyday lives. The outputs of such a practice are garments that restrict and fight against the body, causing sensory overload and discomfort. This is a universal experience, but particularly heightened for neurodivergent individuals. Maureen will share the results of an extensive ethnographic study on how clothing sensations are experienced by her research participants. She will then discuss alternative design processes that prioritise the tactile, sonic, and kinaesthetic senses.

EVENT DETAILS:
DATE: Tues 5th May
TIME: 7pm
VENUE: Blick Hill St

Book through the events page of our website or www.belfastdesignweek.com

Throughout the month of March on behalf of the Rural Community Network, in the beautiful Hill of The O`Neill & Ranfurly House Dungannon we had the best time facilitating a series of 4 training sessions to support participants to have more confidence when organising rural heritage events.

Big thanks to Emma Mc Aleer from Rural Community Network for inviting us to facilitate this course and to all the great participants for coming along.

It was such a lovely and welcoming group of people and very inspiring for us to find out about some of the amazing things happening in rural areas of NI.

We came away with lots of ideas and inspiration for the future for work projects and day trips to explore places such as Lough Neagh, Coalisland, the Sperrins and Portadown.

Apr 8

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Throughout the month of March on behalf of the Rural Community Network, in the beautiful Hill of The O'Neill & Ranfurly House Dungannon we had the best time facilitating a series of 4 training sessions to support participants to have more confidence when organising rural heritage events.

Big thanks to Emma Mc Aleer from Rural Community Network for inviting us to facilitate this course and to all the great participants for coming along.

It was such a lovely and welcoming group of people and very inspiring for us to find out about some of the amazing things happening in rural areas of NI.

We came away with lots of ideas and inspiration for the future for work projects and day trips to explore places such as Lough Neagh, Coalisland, the Sperrins and Portadown.

Happy Easter! For anyone else working a bit over the holidays here are some great tips from Emma Jackson founder of Hunter Paper Co for creatives interested in selling their work through shops. From a visit we did to see Emma in Hunter Paper Co back in October with Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Students

Emma is the designer for @hunterpaperco a letterpress stationery brand as well as owner of their own stationery store in Belfast, so she had some great insights from both designer and retailers perspective.

01. Create products with a function. Emma suggested creating products that have a function to increase your sales and stockists

02. Focus on your packaging. Emma echoed Linzi’s thoughts on our last retail ready blog the value of packaging when creating a successful product for retail

03. Visit tradeshows for merchandising tips to set your products apart from others

04. Consider sending physical samples to potential retailers so they can properly experience your product and your commitment to your creative business

05. Emma suggested Faire was a great resource for researching competitors pricing

https://blickstudios.org/blog/retail-ready-insights-for-creatives-from-emma-jackson-founder-of-hunter-paper-co/

Apr 7

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