Happy New Year!
You thought last year was good? Wait until you see what 2016 has in store…..
Last year was an exciting time for the creative industries and forecasts do not see that changing anytime soon. 2015 saw a surge in funding for the creative industries, both privately and from the government in the form of grants and tax relief. The number of UK jobs in creative occupations far outstripped the average growth rate for UK economy, with one in 11 jobs falling within the creative economy. London was hailed as the tech capital of Europe, and the UK became a leader in exported creative industry services with exports in music, performing and visual arts increasing at the fastest rate.
It’s safe to say that it is a good time to be a creative, and we’d like to help make 2016 even better. We are planning on putting together funding and investment information packs and surgeries, as well as hosting quarterly drinks for our clients to meet, collaborate and expand their creative circles. Look out for information in coming blogs.
Inspiration for the New Year
We thought we’d kick off this year’s blog with some suggestions for finding inspiration to help fulfil your creative and business potential. Creative Bloq asked 15 designers for their new year’s resolutions, here are some of our favourites:
- Deliver more on the rock ‘n roll side of things
- Speak to humans
- Work with great people
- Get uncomfortable
- Be a positive influence
Take a look at the full article here.
Ted, as always a source of inspiration and encouragement, in particular, this series to inspire new year’s resolutions. Our favourites include, “Want to be happy? Be grateful”, “How to make stress your friend” and “The art of asking.”
For something entirely new….
In December we attended the launch of UnFold, an innovative new product from WardWilliams Creative client Lyrix Organix. UnFold uniquely fuses poetry, music and literature, creating six poetry books and tracks. Each concertina – or folded book – has been designed by Joanna Layla (White Company, Cardboard Citizens) to accompany the listening experience of the digital EP. The limited edition (of 300) collection is housed in a beautiful debossed white collectors box. The books can be individually cut and folded by the reader to sculpt their own visual poetry – allowing users to explore the rabbit-hole of UnFold even deeper. Unfold is a crowdfunded, youth-focussed, live music, poetry, art and literature experience with a real difference – and real stories. UnFold is about shining a light on the exceptional young lyrical talents of Toby Thompson, Sarah Eliza and Bxnjamin – collaborating with the London String Collective and Camilo Tirado. Listen and buy here.
UnFold have been blazing a trail around London performing at TEDxBrixton, Kings Place and Dalston Roof Park. You can catch them headlining The Roundhouse in October this year. Make sure you check out UnFold and make it part of your creative regime.
Reminders…
The Creative Shootout final is next Thursday, 21st January at The China Exchange and you may remember that our own Erin Achilleas Walls will be on the judging panel. There are still tickets available, it would be great to see you there.
Finally, a quick reminder that end of year deadline for tax returns and final payments for financial year 2014-2015 is the end of this month, January 31st. Make sure you are on top of this important deadline to avoid fines. As always, feel free to get in touch
