The Time is Now // 4 Week Course
We are excited to announce our first ‘The Time is Now’ 4 week course in collaboration with Womenfolk, Blick Studios & Creating A Space.
OVERVIEW
This course will help you to create space in your life to work out what you want to do. To take the time to establish your values, vision and goals. To work out what is holding you back and help you find the confidence to make small tangible steps to achieve your creative dreams and ambitions no matter how big.
In Northern Ireland, there is a mentality that seemingly is ingrained in our culture of making ourselves small. Especially for women in the creative industries. There aren’t many spaces made for us to flourish and grow in a way that fits our needs. Enterprise support is generally based around high growth businesses rather than value led businesses that fit our personal goals and ambitions. Perhaps you want to run a lifestyle business and be able to work anywhere in the world, maybe you need to balance business with family life, maybe you only need a part-time income, perhaps you want to pursue your passion or maybe you want to grow a sustainable value-led business that creates good quality employment opportunities within your local town or city. There are many reasons people want to work for themselves and start their own business. This course will give you space and time to help you to define your personal values and vision and goals for the future and a plan for how to get there.
We are on a life-long mission to change that here in Northern Ireland where we want to break down barriers for women and creatively find solutions to make a difference within ourselves.
This course will provide a ‘space’ for women that are yearning to create deeper connections with themselves, to come together in a supportive environment and take the time to understand what they really want to do and the first steps to take to make this happen.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
This course is for creative women that want to take their dreams/ideas/concepts/current business/ideas to the next level. It is a creative approach to taking control and accountability for your life and going for what you want to do.
This course is about sharing experiences, hearing other people’s stories and collectively working to help each other to grow and build in a supportive and nurturing environment. This course offers a different perspective and most importantly space and time for you to focus on yourself your hopes and ambitions and how to manifest your dreams taking a creative approach and giving you practical tools to break down what you want to accomplish and how to start making it a reality.
WHY ARE WE OFFERING THIS COURSE?
We are providing this course because we feel that it is important to create space in your life to sit down and plan out what you want to do. To take the time to evaluate what is holding you back from manifesting the dreams & ambitions that you have always wanted. We also know from our own experiences how hard it is to take the time out of busy lives to work on yourself and also how hard it is to work in isolation. This course will provide you with some much needed time and space to focus on yourself within a supportive shared environment of like-minded creative women.
We will provide :
- A welcoming space and supportive environment
- Refreshments
- Workshop tools including: – Post It Notes, Paper, Pens & Notebooks, an organizational guide of resources and Womenfolk Manifestation Worksheets
WEEK 1 : VALUES & AMBITION
DATE: Saturday 12th October
TIME: 2.00 PM – 5.00 PM
VENUE: Blick Studios, 51 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RY
Week 1 will be an introduction to the group, the 4 week course and highlighting our personal stories. We will be asking everyone what they hope to get out of the course, and tailor the 4 weeks to their desired outcomes.
We will be introducing ourselves, Esther Mogada from Creating A Space & Christine James from Blick Studios who will be leading the course. We will share our stories and journeys within the creative industries. Discuss why we wanted to create this course, why we think it’s important and what our intentions are going forward. We will ask the group to share their stories, why they wanted to do the course and what they hope to get out of it.
We will then move on to working collectively on establishing our personal values and ambitions.
Probably the most important part of this course as your personal values will dictate how you choose to live your life and your creative and business plans and ambitions. We will do this by asking questions like “What is your dream lifestyle? “, “What do you enjoy?”, “What are you good at?”, “What is your definition of success?”, “What is important to you in life?” “what are your values?” and “what is your overall dream?” to get you to really think about your own personal values and ambitions.
This is so important yet it can be so hard to create space and time in our busy lives to do and can be tough to do alone. So often we just keep going in the same direction, doing the same thing as we don’t have time to think about it or work out what we really want to do and how to get there.
WEEK 2 : VISION – DEFINING AMBITIONS & INTENTIONS
DATE: Saturday 19th October
TIME: 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
VENUE: Blick Studios, 51 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RY
Week 2 we will be working on defining our ambitions, establishing our vision for the future and begin breaking down our big dream ambitions into realistic short, medium and long-term tangible goals and intentions. We will ask everyone to write everything down on post it notes, and to really get used to planning out projects and writing down goals and intentions.
We will talk about the romanticism of time and creativity, versus the reality of what that looks like. We will also cover how important it is to fail and experiment, and to learn how to normalise failure to incorporate it into your practices. To take away the stigma of failure and see it as a positive tool to learning and growth.
WEEK 3 : CLAIMING YOUR STORY
DATE: Saturday 26th October
TIME: 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
VENUE: Blick Studios, 51 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RY
Week 3 we will be asking questions about what is holding you back, questioning what narratives are holding you back and how you can make steps to really claim who you are.
So often we hold ourselves back out of fear, or narratives that we tell ourselves without even realising that we are doing it. It will be a week of writing positive affirmations about ourselves.
Asking questions of what narrative we want to create, how do we put it in place and understand the person that we want to be.
We will be touching on how important it is to have people around you that believe in what you are doing, create a positive impact in your life and are able to celebrate you for standing in your truth. We will work on who these people are for you.
WEEK 4 : DREAM BIG & START
DATE: Saturday 12 October
TIME: 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
VENUE: Blick Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Week 4 the final week we will recap everyone’s outcomes of what they have learnt, revisit everyone’s values from week 1 and the vision, goals and intentions that they set on Week 2.
We will talk about themes of perfectionism, and how we can keep the systems and processes simple and just make a start.
We will have limited numbers for the first run of this course! If this course sounds like its for you, book your space today!
Share article:
Here`s a reminder of some of our favourite bits from our recent Summer Meet on the theme ‘Courage’ with two brilliant local creatives sharing their stories. Caroline McHugh owner of @littlefoxbelfast and Kerrie McNeill @_kerrieillustrates_ designer and illustrator.
We also have a full blog with all our insights on our website (link in profile)
Sep 11
Absolutely gorgeous light in our Malone studios as I was leaving this evening. Hope everyone is enjoying this last bit of the summer ☀️
Sep 8
We recently hosted our Summer Meet on the theme ‘Courage’ with two brilliant local creatives sharing their stories. Caroline McHugh owner of Little Fox Events and Kerrie McNeill designer and illustrator.
Here are some of our favourite insights from the evening with a full blog on our website for anyone who missed the event
1. You just have to get on with it and do it. Kerrie and Caroline both shared their belief that you can’t know what will work, what people will buy, what there is a market for, or what you are capable of until you do it.
2. Sometimes it pays not to over think, instead to trust the process and let things unfold in their own way in their own time.
Kerrie spoke of the value she found in not planning too far ahead and having too many expectations.
3. Fake it until you make it. Caroline spoke of the value of acting confident even if you feel scared so people believe in you which in turn builds your own confidence
4. No part of your journey or past experiences are a waste. It all shapes your current creative practice and what makes you different
5. Say yes and seize every opportunity that comes your way
6. Learning to live on next to no money is a skill that can be learnt, and a skill that can be just as valuable as making money.
7. Reflect on your social media usage, what content you are posting and why you are posting it. Make sure it is for the right reasons and you aren’t creating extra work for yourself or seeking validation.
8. Take time to celebrate the wins.
9. Think about the whole experience for your customers and how you can set yourself apart
10. Think about the timing of your marketing to accommodate people`s attention spans
11. There will always be people that have more resources than you, but equally you will always have more than others so focus on your own journey
12. There will always be things outside your control that impact your creative practice
13. Feeling nervous and anxious is perfectly normal when doing something new and something you care about and it doesn’t mean it isn`t worth doing.
14. Creativity is a gift that you should use and enjoy to help you solve problems and generate money 💰
Link in profile
Sep 6
Happy Monday, and the sun 🌞 has come back. Proper back to school weather! A lovely bright start to a new week and new season full of potential and possibilities. The perfect reset ✨️
Sep 4
Well it certainly feels like September, what a miserable day, but the Cathedral Quarter is still buzzing, Happy Friday and last weekend of the Summer holidays, back to school and winter routine properly from next week!
Sep 1
BLICK BUSINESS ADDRESS SERVICE FOR CREATIVES
We offer affordable business address services for creative businesses. Whether you are just starting out and can’t yet afford workspace or are happy to work from home but seeking a professional public image for your business.
We have two premises to choose from: our South Belfast address at 51 Malone Road, BT9 6RY or our City Centre Cathedral Quarter address 46 Hill Street, BT1 2LB.
We offer both monthly and weekly redirection services with prices from £22.50 per calendar month (to be paid quarterly in advance)
For more info get in touch or visit our website link in profile
Aug 30
We were too busy chatting and listening to our 2 amazing speakers sharing their stories at our summer meet on Wednesday night to post any pics,
then we had a few days off. So here are some pics from a wonderful
evening. Thanks to all who came and most importantly to our two amazing
speakers Caroline McHugh Founder and owner of @littlefoxbelfast and Kerrie McNeill designer and Illustrator @_kerrieillustrates_
Aug 26
Courage is the theme for our Summer Meet tomorrow night, where we hear from 2 great local creatives. Caroline Baker, owner of Little Fox Events and Kerrie McNeill illustrator and designer who will each share their creative journeys so far and stories of courage on starting out and navigating challeges they have faced along the way.
If you would like to join us tomorrow evening, you can get your ticket via our website (link in profile)
Aug 22
At the start of this new week ahead of Wednesday’s event on the theme ‘Courage’ here’s a couple of questions for reflection to ask yourself
You can book tickets for Wednesday evening via the link in our profile ✨️
#mondaymotivation
#newweek
#reflection
#courage
Aug 21
Courage is the theme of our Summer Meet this Wednesday evening. It takes courage to put yourself out there, to take a risk and start something new.
Join us this Wednesday to hear 2 local creatives sharing their stories of courage at our summer get-together which will be followed with the opportunity to catch up and connect with other local creatives in a relaxed and informal setting.
Speaker 1: Illustrator and Designer Kerrie McNeill
Kerrie McNeill is a freelance illustrator and designer based in Northern Ireland. Through combining digital and traditional drawing, Kerrie creates playful, vibrant and light-hearted illustrations inspired by nature, people, places, objects and everyday life.
Speaker 2: Caroline McHugh Little Fox Events
Since she set up her company, Little Fox Events, three years ago, Caroline has built a reputation for delivering bespoke events in Northern Ireland. Her track record includes the monthly uber-cool East Block Bazaar, Belfast Flea Market, plus bespoke markets in St Anne’s Cathedral, Hillsborough Castle, 2 Royal Avenue, The Black Box and Common Market.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 23rd August 2023
Time: 8.00-9.30pm
Venue: Blick Shared Studios, 51 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RY
Cost: Free
https://www.blickstudios.org/events/blick-summer-meet/
Aug 19
Early Friday morning in a rather gloomy Cathedral Quarter, at least the weekend is in sight!
Aug 18
1 week to go until our summer get-together next Wednesday evening at 8pm in our Malone studios. Join us for a drink and chat and the chance to hear 2 amazing local creatives sharing their stories!
Theme: Courage
Having the courage to start something. It always takes courage to start something. To do things differently and follow your own path. In the current climate of financial uncertainty it takes even more courage to go for it and follow your dreams. In our first proper in-person event since 2020, in this period of uncertainty and rebuilding, ‘Courage’ seemed the perfect theme to pick to inspire us all to stay motivated, have the confidence to put ourselves out there and keep going. We have invited 2 local speakers to be announced shortly to share their stories of courage at our summer get-together which will be followed with the opportunity to catch up and connect with other local creatives in a relaxed and informal setting.
Speaker 1: Illustrator and Designer Kerrie McNeill
Kerrie McNeill is a freelance illustrator and designer based in Northern Ireland. Through combining digital and traditional drawing, Kerrie creates playful, vibrant and light-hearted illustrations inspired by nature, people, places, objects and everyday life.
Speaker 2: Caroline McHugh Little Fox Events
Since she set up her company, Little Fox Events, three years ago, Caroline has built a reputation for delivering bespoke events in Northern Ireland. Her track record includes the monthly uber-cool East Block Bazaar, Belfast Flea Market, plus bespoke markets in St Anne’s Cathedral, Hillsborough Castle, 2 Royal Avenue, The Black Box and Common Market. Her newest venture is East Block Fashion a unique sustainable fashion experience showcasing the best in fashion designers and makers from north to south.
Book your ticket through the link in our profile
Aug 16
Coming up next week for anyone involved in running a Creative Hub in NI
** CREATIVE HUBS MEETUP **
A get-together for Creative Hubs from NI to come together to share ideas and information, support each other and potentially come together to work on larger scale projects.
The details
Date: Wednesday 23rd August
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 51 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RY
Booking details and more info on our website (link in profile)
Aug 16
Some pics from last Friday’s @kerrywhelanart and @pure_dirt__ collaborative exhibition opening in our Malone Studios.
Aug 14
Not long now until our summer gathering featuring 2 local creatives sharing their stories on the theme `Courage`
Speaker 1: Illustrator and Designer Kerrie McNeill
Kerrie McNeill is a freelance illustrator and designer based in Northern Ireland. Through combining digital and traditional drawing, Kerrie creates playful, vibrant and light-hearted illustrations inspired by nature, people, places, objects and everyday life. She illustrates what this means to her on a personal level and hopes her illustrations spark positivity and joy for others too. Kerrie has worked with clients such as Clockwise, Dorling Kindersley, UK Greetings and The National Trust across a variety of projects including branding, Product Packaging, Surface patterns and book illustrations. As well as working freelance, Kerrie also sells art prints and greeting cards through her online shops as well as stocking these in shops across the UK, Europe and USA.
https://www.instagram.com/_kerrieillustrates_/?hl=en
Speaker 2: Caroline McHugh Little Fox Events
Since she set up her company, Little Fox Events, three years ago, Caroline has built a reputation for delivering bespoke events in Northern Ireland. Her track record includes the monthly uber-cool East Block Bazaar, Belfast Flea Market, plus bespoke markets in St Anne’s Cathedral, Hillsborough Castle, 2 Royal Avenue, The Black Box and Common Market. Her newest venture is East Block Fashion a unique sustainable fashion experience showcasing the best in fashion designers and makers from north to south.
https://www.instagram.com/littlefoxbelfast/?hl=en
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 23rd August 2023
Time: 8.00-9.30pm
Venue: Blick Shared Studios, 51 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RY
Cost: Free
For more info and to book your free ticket: https://www.blickstudios.org/events/blick-summer-meet/
Aug 12
@kerrywhelanart setting up for her exhibition opening in collaboration with fashion brand @pure_dirt__ tonight, from 7 - 10pm in our Malone Studios. If you`re looking for something different to do this evening or you`re in the area feel free to call in. Refreshments provided
#belfastartist #belfastexhibition #art #belfastart #artexhibition
Aug 11
We had a lovely weekend with all of our different workshops with different groups of creatives. It was great just to have so many different people back in our space. There is always so much to learn from the different conversations and interactions at these types of events. After a couple of days of reflection here are our key takeaways. Some new learnings and some important reminders.
1. You have to face the risk of failure and rejection if you want the world to see your creative work.
2. For inspiration and motivation nothing beats being in the same room with other like-minded people. A reminder for us of why we set Blick up in the beginning.
3. It’s ok, in fact it’s good to be different. In life and in business.
As well as helping you live a life that is true to yourself; commercially it will help you and your creative ideas stand out in a crowded market.
4. There is a market for everything no matter how niche it seems. Just be confident, stick with your passion and look to a global market of like-minded people.
5. Good design adds value that people will pay for. Price isnt always the most important thing for consumers.If you add value to the consumer through how the product or service works, looks and feels or the experience it creates and how it makes them feel there will be a market willing to pay for it.
6. Dare to dream and dream big. There`s a whole world of global opportunities out there for those brave enough to pursue them.
7. Make time to revisit your values to make sure you are on the right track, making decisions that are right for you and your creative business and to keep you inspired and motivated.
8. It’s good for the soul to take time out to do something creative with your hands just for the fun of it.
9. You can get a lot done in an hour if you stop making excuses and actually just sit down and do it.
10. Reflect on your journey. Chances are you have come further than you think.
Read the full blog on our website link in profile
Aug 9
We had a busy weekend with all our different workshops with different groups of creatives. We didn’t get many pics as of course once people arrived we forgot to take any so thanks to Lynda from @fred_loves_ginger who hosted the jewellery making workshop for sharing hers with us. We had such a great weekend, it was so lovely having people back at in-person events again, and we learnt so much that we are going to do a short write up about it and some of our key takeaways over the next few days.
Thanks to everyone who joined us over the weekend we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did
Aug 8
LAST CHANCE TO BOOK - starting tomorrow
BLICK SUMMER WORKSHOPS
3 x ½ day workshops for creatives in Belfast to help you to develop, define and put your creative story into words
Workshop 1 – Developing and Defining Your Creative Story
What is the story behind your creative practice or idea? What do you do and more importantly why do you do it? What are your values? What makes you different?
This workshop is all about helping you to understand and define your creative story. It will help you to define what is truly important to you, what makes you different and why that is important to your audience. It will get you thinking about who your audience is and the best methods of sharing your story with them.
Workshops 2 & 3 – Putting Your Creative Story into Words
Over two sessions, you will have the opportunity to develop a unique story that reflects the values of your creative practice or idea. In the first session, you will cover ways to write a compelling and engaging story. You will use prompts to begin crafting the story of your creative practice or idea. In the second session, you will refine this story into something that you can use to communicate your creative practice or idea purpose and values.
---
Workshop facilitators: Alanna Offield and Christine James
Alanna Offield
Alanna Offield owns Seaside Books , an independent online and traveling bookshop. She completed an MSc in Marketing and a MA in Poetry from Queen’s University Belfast. Her poetry has appeared in Abridged, Cyphers, Rust+Moth, Porridge Mag, and other publications.
Christine James
Christine is the founder and CEO of Blick Shared Studios and has over 15 years experience working with creatives in Belfast through Blick, Belfast Design Week and Womenfolk
Dates: Saturday 5th 12th & 19th August
Times: 2.30 – 5.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, Malone Road
Cost: Free
Aug 4
