Industry Insight

Director of The Design Trust

The Design Trust organises training and promotional events, as well as webinars and video interviews.

Patricia van den Akker is director of The Design Trust, an online business school for designer-makers. She discusses the barriers to running a design or craft business, with 7 tips on overcoming them.

Being a creative brand manager

Jenny Smyth works as Senior Account Manager at Red Cow Creative consultancy. She has delivered creative marketing campaigns for brands like Mr. Men, Little Miss and Where’s Wally?

A freelance brand designer

Fay Blakeley is a freelance brand designer and consultant in Cardiff. She discusses the joys of being her own boss, as well as the challenges of being ultimately accountable.

Working in theatre education

Susan Whiddington is the Director of Mousetrap Theatre Projects, which helps young people to access and engage with live theatre. She talks about the programmes she runs, as well as how she got into a career in theatre education.

7 steps for producing a play

When Troy Fairclough and his sister-in-law decided to stage a one-woman show about jazz legend Billie Holiday, there were challenges to face, along with a tight budget. He recalled the process.

Self-publishing success

After self-publishing her debut novel, Melanie Clegg built up an audience for her writing career. By the release of her third novel, she had sold over ten thousand books. She spoke about her journey.

Sculpting and casting in metal

Making objects from metal casting is a craft that goes back thousands of years. Professional caster James Virgo talks about the process of casting metals and tells us about his creative career.

An archaeological illustrator

As a specialist archaeological illustrator, Tanya Berks creates artistic reconstructions of archaeological sites, but also assists with land surveying, technical drawing, and conservation. She spoke about her career journey.

Finding your performance niche

Paul Alborough performs as Professor Elemental, a steampunk and 'chap hop' performer. He describes leaving full-time work to pursue his creative career, with advice for performers on developing a niche.

Working in opera management

Isabel Murphy used her passion for opera after university to help artists, members and staff prepare for tours. She spoke about her career and how she shaped Welsh National Opera's artistic direction.