Glug Leeds #7 - The Careers Clinic - Developing Leeds Talent Event

Rooting from a series of talks and informal networking strategy, Glug has become one of the most 'exciting, credible and well-attended' creative events there is to date. Started in 2007 as a small group  of friends having discussions in an East London pub, nine years later the event has become an international movement with events in 13 cities around the world. With 'a mission to champion creative communities around the world,' the movement aim to overcome the undervalued perception of the creative community via talks, collaboration and creative networking events.

For Glug Leeds #7, the focus was brought to Developing Leeds Talent, with talks from inspiring creatives:  Micheal C Place - founder/creative director of studio Build, Studio12, Alec Dudson of Intern Magazine, up and coming movement SheDoesDigital, Matt Essam of Creative Life, Matthew and Daniel Tweddle of Only Studio, and author of The Human Freelancer - Chris Kenworthy. 

Below are the pieces of advice, tips and messages of guidance given by each of the speakers regarding the creative industry and the development of talent/practice respectively. 


Micheal C Place of studio Build.

'Build is an award-winning creative agency with an international reputation for creating strong visual narratives. Utilising art direction and graphic design, we create brand identities, websites, packaging and books for design-led clients around the world.' 

Practicing graphic design, art direction, image making, moving image, and typography, Build specialise in creating visual communications for 'forward-thinking clients' in the creative sectors.

Some of Builds’ clients include Virgin America, Made.com, Getty Images and Nike, as well as a number of independent businesses, designer-makers, and events.

Notes:

• While producing work across a range of sectors is good, remember clients want to see sector specific work too.
• The work you do for smaller companies and individuals is more rewarding.
• Partner with experts in other fields - collaborate.
• Create a broad gamut of interesting work.
• Self imitated projects are important.
• A wide spectrum of work is healthy.
• Work in a small studio/team.

Studio12.

'Studio12 is an exemplary digital media initiative, that invests in the creative talents of disadvantaged young people (16-30) living in Leeds. Studio12 strives to provide young people with a creative process to educate, engage and include young people in producing new work. It provides free access to a production studio, training, accredited qualifications and an industry panel of creative professionals.'

Notes:

• You don't have to limit your creativity to whats directly around you.
• Know how hard you will work to make 'it' happen.
• Give people space to grow, learn and experiment.
• Experience from an industry mentor is great.
• If you want an education - go to the library.
• You have to work to a certain standard.
• Creativity can take different forms.
• Its important to nurture talent.
• Exploit your opportunities.
• Have vision.

Alec Dudson of Intern Magazine.

'Intern is a bi-annual independent print publication for and by the creative youth.'

The internationally sold publication provides a contemporary platform for the discussion of internships whilst showcasing the work of emerging young creatives for whom the subject is of critical importance. All output is either by or features the creative youth the magazine represents. All contributors are paid, a policy which is fundamental to the project, enabled by sponsors who invest and support equal opportunities in the creative industries.

Notes:

• You are the only person who sets the boundaries of your career.
• Young people are the future - to be invested in and empowered.
• The creative industry will lose people if it doesn't shape up.
• The hardest thing is deciding what you want to do.
• If you follow heard - the view doesn't change.
• Let passion and determination drive you.
• Focus energy on work you want to do.
• Do not underplay your value.
• You're (really) the boss.

Rose and Annie of She Does Digital.

'She does digital - encouraging women to pursue careers in digital.'

A group based in Leeds working in the community to showcase the amazing careers digital has to offer.

Notes:

• 'Please mind the gap' - gap in industry for digital skills and gender equality gap.
• Leeds needs to keep its graduates as the future of digital design talent.
• Leeds doesn't do enough to promote itself as a digital design capital.
• The demand for designers with digital skills exceeds the supply.
• Explore the issues and barriers to entry of the digital industry.
• Leeds needs to 'show off' as a city to raise its profile.
• Develop a network to learn and share ideas.
• Discover and showcase role models.
• Encourage digital skills.
• Educate and inspire.
• Be a role model.
• Take a chance.

Matt Essam of Creative Life.

'Creative life has a simple mission; to help creatives achieve a lifestyle they want by doing work they love. Founded on the belief that we are all creative and that our creative endeavours are part of what makes us human. The cliche of the poor struggling artist is one that should not apply in the 21st century and there are plenty of ways to make a good living by doing work you love. We believe that authentic creativity driven by passion and connection is extremely important in both society and culture but is something that not enough people do because they believe they cannot earn a living this way.'

Notes:

• Find ways to live your values within the parameters of your current situation.
• Consider the reasons why you want to do things before you do them.
• Change your perspective to identify what it is that you really want.
• Your practice should be driven by passion, purpose and value.
• Use your values to live an authentic creative life.
• Put your values first - this will lead to fulfilment.
• Practice authentic creativity.

Matthew and Daniel Tweddle of Only Studio.

'By better understanding who we are designing for, we create experiences of real value.' - Only.

Only is an award-winning strategy and design consultancy helping brands and organisations to innovate and grow via design. By forming close partnership with brands, the studio identify new ways  for their clients to connect with people. Their approach to design takes inspiration from real people and the way in which they interact with design, with an ultimate goal of the clarification of purpose and meaning.

The studio have clients in a range of sectors, including education, entertainment, luxury and also non-profit.

Notes:

• Have a thorough creative process.
• Maximise every opportunity.
• Share your passion.
• Be nice to people.
• Do good work.
• Be brave.

Chris Kenworthy author of The Human Freelancer. 

Chris Kenworthy is a freelance copyright and photographer based in Leeds. He is also the author of the book 'The Human Freelancer' in which he provides Self-help with emotional support for vulnerable individuals new to self-employment while sharing valuable insight from over 5 years of traumatic experience as a freelancer.

Notes:

• Earn a living doing what you do, honestly and responsibly. Make just enough to live sustainably then spend the rest of your time having fun. 
• No one really knows what they're doing, we're all just making it up as we go along.
• Write and talk positively about what you learn and do.
• There's no such thing as the right price.
• Know your limits, know yourself.
• There's no shame in small jobs.
• Always do a good, honest job.
• Relax; work always turns up.
• Business is based on trust.
• Its okay to be 'just' you.
• Do friendly favours.
• Get rid of your fear.