Taster Session No 1 at the University of Ulster in Jordanstown

The first Taster Session for the “Creativity Thirst” in the University of Ulster in Jordanstown was delivered by PR Consultant, Cathy Martin.

Cathy organises Belfast Fashion Week and her background is in Marketing. This was an interactive session where Cathy explained about marketing within her own business as well as offering specific guidance to those attending.

“…live, breath, eat, speak, your business…”

Related areas which she encouraged attendees to develop within their business ideas were:

• Social media: websites which tell stories, Facebook, My Space Twitter, etc. These are free, don’t take much time to keep updated and should be kept separate to personal sites. She emphasised that entrepreneurs don’t need to spend a lot of money on marketing by using the likes of these tools and forums.
• Network: wherever you go, be aware of opportunities of connecting with others and/or promoting your own work. Be well versed in your industry by reading and also know what’s going on in the wider world as well. She was keen that attendees connected current affairs with what’s relevant with you and your business.
• The “four P’s” of marketing: product, price, place, promotion. Consider how these apply to your product.
• Consider what your competitors are doing and forecasting what’s expected for future fashions and trends.

Taster Session No 2 at the University of Ulster in Jordanstown

The second Taster Session was delivered by digital effects expert, Greg Maguire.

Greg started the presentation by showing us an impressive collection of footage from animated films that he has worked on. These ranged from “Avatar”, video games, “Happy Feet”, and a full caveat of animated films which he has been involved in creating. Before returning to Northern Ireland, he has worked for a long time in the US and his experience is extensive. He described the dynamics associated in this area and how business was developed as well as skills in animation.

He continued to explain the design processes involved in the creation of his work as well as explaining related issues and dynamics of teams who are often in different places in the world, while working on one film. This is how the digital industry works.

There was an emphasis in Greg’s talk around networking and developing relationships as well as gaining a reputation of being able to produce what’s required, keeping on time and creating the best quality possible. These skills are necessary right across the Creative Industries and Greg gave examples of how “reputation” has been and will continue to be the catalysis for him securing work.

This was a really interesting session and all who attended were impacted on Greg’s experiences and desire to help others in Northern Ireland develop the necessary skills to contribute to this rapidly growing part of the Creative Industries.

Greg now works out of his own company Wee Man Studios