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Creativity Thirst Belfast |
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Written by Michael Glover
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Thursday, 23 July 2009 14:51 |
Here’s how they all got on…
Taster Session No. 1
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The first session was delivered by Rachel O’Neill, Designer and Karl Harron, International Glass Artist. The support organisation was Space Craft.
Jan Irwin from Spacecraft opened the session. Amongst other things, she explained that in crafts, the maker is the best person to sell their work: not only do you know the background of the piece in question but you also know your personal story of how this has come to being.
The first practitioner was Rachel O’Neill. Although Rachel has only been working for a few years (graduated in 2005) she has succeeded in setting her products on an international showcase. Rachel said that it’s one thing to know and make your product but another to take the leap in getting it seen and sold. She had good business start up support in the early days but this wasn’t enough to sell her work. Rachel has been proactive in marketing, networking, while not ignoring what others have said about her work. Her insight was inspiring and her future business plans are worth watching out for.
Karl Harron is no stranger to the WEA as he tutored for us some time ago. His work has also developed over the years and he is now selling to galleries and prestigious collections. As with other creatives, he not only makes but also teaches in his workshop space. Both Karl and Rachel described their understanding of their materials and how technique and idea development can create unique pieces. It was also clear how important their websites and technology are in the promotion and communication in their businesses. |
Taster Session No.2
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The second session was delivered by Gawain Morrison, Multi-platform producer and the support organisation was NI Screen.
Christine Morrow from NI Screen introduced this slot by explaining the role of NI Screen and she encouraged people “to get out there and make films”. Once this is done, she recommended setting up a web presence and go knocking on doors. NI Screen has been very supportive of this project so their input to this session was greatly appreciated.
Gawain Morrison has had extensive experience of business in various forms: from club and music management to tee-shirt designing and more recently film making. He works locally, in the UK and in Europe. In his words, “Push the creative, think about what you are doing and don’t be scared to be a bit abstract”. As technology has developed, so have his business ideas. Some learning curves have been more acute than others but from his story, it’s clear that energy, enthusiasm and vision are enhanced by each experience.
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Taster Session No. 3
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Delivered by Diane McCormick, Ceramic Artist and supported by Craft NI.
Emma Duggan from Craft NI gave a general presentation of what’s available through Craft NI and how their provision is now developing from the original “Making it” to the advanced programme. Further details can also be found on the Craft NI website.
Diane McCormick uses a range of approaches to her business and has developed a reputation for quality and attractive work. She is unassuming about what she makes and her pieces show a strong use of colour and life. She sells from home as well as responding to commissions. As with other professionals represented in these sessions, she uses her website as a main marketing tool.
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Taster Session No 4
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The last session was presented by Liam McGarry, CEO McGarry Consulting and Wee Man Studios and supported by Ormeau Business Park.
Patricia McNeill from OBP contributed to the session by outlining the Invest Northern Ireland’s “Go For It” programme and other approaches that INI have for business start up. This could be a natural progression for the participants on the main programme or others who know they have an idea ready to get started.
Liam McGarry has experience in working in the Creative Industries as well as advising others who work in this field. His background is in Law and Accounting and over the last year for so, he has been involved in making iPhone games due to be released later in 2010. His knowledge in this area is extensive and his vision involves a global market rather than just local: the natural perspective for digital technology. Liam believes that if you have an idea, test it, see what others think of it, see if they’ll buy it or if there’s a market for it, etc but just do it and don’t be scared of it. |
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