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In today’s digital-first world, virtual networking has become a crucial skill, especially for professionals and those aspiring in creative industries. Whether you’re seeking new job opportunities, collaborating with peers, or connecting with potential mentors, building an online network can significantly boost your career. 

If the thought of virtual networking makes you nervous, don’t worry! We’re about to show you how to professionally slide into someone’s DMs, and here’s the thing: almost everyone in the creative industries does it. According to LinkedIn, almost 80% of professionals consider professional networking to be important to career success.  

There are so many benefits to virtual networking; the first being that you don’t have to panic over whether you should go for a handshake or not. It also eliminates geographical barriers, providing easier access to industry leaders and inclusive spaces for diverse talent.  

Are you ready to learn how to create meaningful connections online and open doors to exciting career opportunities? Let’s dive in! 

Find the networking style that suits you 

Today, the opportunities and ways to network online are more abundant than ever. At a recent Creative Access masterclass talent acquisition expert Sara Machado shared her approach to building community – attending webinars and workshops, mapping out key industry figures, and connecting with them strategically. After her Autism diagnosis, Sara recognised the importance of finding a networking style that works for her, especially when social interaction can be draining or you have additional things to consider. 

The bottom line? You can build an authentic online community at your own pace, from the comfort of your home. So, what does virtual networking look like? 

What do these things have in common?  

  • Meeting for a coffee 
  • 1:1 Zoom call 
  • Mentorships 
  • Volunteering 
  • Interacting on social media 
  • Creative networks 
  • Collaborating with peers on a project 
  • Attending online events 

Answer: They’re all examples of virtual networking! 

It’s really common to struggle with imposter syndrome, but networking can help combat that feeling when you make connections with likeminded peers. 

How to be a confident virtual networker 

It is totally normal to be very nervous about networking, but we promise that when you prepare and practise, it will become aa useful and fun part of your professional life. Here are some things you might contend with or need along the way in building your confidence to network: 

  • Preparation. Write a 30 second intro to yourself that you can use to start conversations, with some details about who you are, what you’ve done, what you’re interested in and why you’re reaching out. Keep it conversational, light and direct. As Radio 1 DJ Melvin Odoom said at our Radio masterclass: “Failure to prepare is preparation for failure”. 
  • Be informed. Before attending virtual events or meetings, research the other participants or speakers. Knowing a bit about them will help you find common ground and ask relevant questions. It can also help to be knowledgeable about current trends in your industry and will give you more confidence during conversations. 
  • Purpose. Why are you reaching out to this person? Knowing the answer to that question will be a great reminder when you’re feeling nervous, whether the answer is, ‘I want to know what it’s like being a social media content creator’ or ‘They work for a company I have a question about’. Remind yourself of this. 
  • Embrace the awkward moments. If you have an online meeting with someone and you feel a little nervous, you don’t have to hide it – most people will find it relatable. No one is expecting you to be the smoothest networker and you’ll be laughing when later down the line, you have grown a brilliant network of connections you learn from and engage with. 
  • Imposter syndrome. It’s really common to struggle with imposter syndrome, particularly if you’re from an under-represented background in the creative industries, BUT networking can help combat that feeling when you make connections with likeminded peers. 
  • Confidence: List your skills, accomplishments, and experiences and review this list before networking to remind you of the value you bring. 

🔥 Remember: view networking as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a test of your worth. Mistakes or awkward moments are learning experiences, not proof of inadequacy. 

Professional social media – have you got it? If not, get it.  

It’s easy to leverage all the social media platforms to your advantage once you know how each platform can benefit your networking goals. Each platform is an opportunity to showcase your personal brand in a different way and the likes of Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok all have unique benefits and demographics worth researching.  

For example, at our recent creative showcase Creative Access alumni Tierney Witty, Editor, Seven Dials & Trapeze said: “Publishing is on Twitter, not LinkedIn. Every publishing house will have a Twitter so follow them and send them a message.” Getting involved in BookTok is also an amazing way to engage with the publishing sphere and capture the attention of publishers and peers. 

If you’re interested in TV and production, join Facebook groups. Creative Access intern Lanna Cowles, ITV Sport’s trainee technical assistant recommends Facebook runner groups to make connections in the TV industry, “I was constantly refreshing them and being the first to apply, because a lot of them are first come first serve.” 

Last but not least, LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with 722 million members in over 200 countries, and it was made for virtual networking. 1 in 4 professionals around the world have established new business partnerships by networking there, so create your profile if you haven’t already (Source: LinkedIn).  

Personal branding on social media 

Your social media profile on ANY platform should tell a clear story of who you are, what you care about and your aspirations. You can get this across in your personal statement or bio. What’s that you wonder? 

A personal brand or elevator pitch explains what you do and why you are unique in your field. It incorporates your experience, skills, and interests so that people can easily understand who you are and what you offer. 

You can also use your personal statement at the top of a CV in the profile section when promoting your successes whether at work or university, or when introducing yourself to others. You can incorporate this statement on your Instagram or TikTok by making a video or a post with the same content and pinning it to your profile. 

INSPO: Here’s Creative Access alumni Isabella Silver’s Instagram profile and an example of how to utilise a platform for branding and networking.  

Notice how she has a clear descriptive bio, a variety of labelled story highlights, and a combination of posts that detail her journalistic work, interests, passions and personality. These components create a strong impression of who she is a journalist and make it easy to find and get in touch with her. 

Some estimate that as much as 80% of new jobs are never listed but are instead filled internally or via networking.

Payscale

Horizontal networking 

Whether it’s ‘horizontal’, ‘lateral’ or ‘peer’, it all roughly means the same thing; connecting with people on a similar level to you as opposed to someone more experienced and/or senior. You can do this at any point in your career! If you’re at university and about to graduate, it might look like reading each other’s CVs and sending each other opportunities and roles. 

In a few years’ time, you might be talking with those same peers but about how to negotiate a salary increase or change industry. 

Having networks where you can mutually share and offer support can be especially useful for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. It helps to have a variety of people in your network, and it’s wise to get help with any challenges or collaborate on work projects with people who you, in some way, connect with. 

How to reach out online without being cringe 

“I will respond better to a DM saying ‘Alright mate? How’s it going?’ than an email with loads of unnecessary words. You just need to be casual and say, ‘Here’s what I do, I would love if you could look’. Be specific about what you’re asking of them and spell names correctly!” Jahmal Williams-Thomas, Reporter & camera operator, ITV News Granada Reports. 

Sliding into the DMs of a professional you admire is a craft. We asked virtual networking pro Ella Darlington, Head of comms & marketing at Creative Access for her top tips: 

  • Be specific about what you’re asking for – the person you’re reaching out to genuinely wants to help! However, if you’re vague about your request, it can come across as needing extensive guidance, which may feel like an open-ended commitment. Clear and focused questions make it easier for them to offer meaningful support. 
  • Offer a virtual meet up (or in-person if that works for you) 
  • Keep the communication short and sweet, it’ll help you to come across as efficient! 
  • LinkedIn DM or email is best for someone you haven’t met, or might have only met once 
  • Don’t ask for someone to just get you a job!  

“I will happily meet someone if they’ve looked at my experience and they have a relevant and specific question that I can help with, such as advice on navigating promotions, managing a team or clients in a comms agency, or making the transition from journalism to PR. Or even if someone is looking for a contact in a specific area of Comms/PR/Marketing, if you say, ‘I’d love to get into sports/music/tech PR’ I’ll happily make an introduction.” – Ella Darlington. 

Virtual spaces to get involved in  

Whether it’s a WhatsApp group chat, online event, forum or membership network, there are so many online spaces that you can be a part of. Do some research online to find the right ones for you, as well as asking any professionals you chat to if they know any groups they recommend. Here are some we’ve rounded up to get you started: 

Of course, Creative Access is so proud to host its own community that we welcome individuals to be a part of. We hope you’ve learnt something new about virtual networking and have fun putting it into practise! 

Ever wondered what it’s like to be on the front lines of live sports broadcasting?  

Our Diary of a CA Intern series uncovers the career journeys of the latest entrants in the creative industries, placed by Creative Access. This week we’re joined by the talented trainee technical assistant Lanna Cowles. 

In 2023, a new traineeship was launched in memory of the late ITV Sport technical director Roger Pearce. That trainee is Lanna, a drama graduate from Northampton, who smiles for the entirety of our conversation and is soaking up every minute of her technical traineeship. 

Lanna joined the call with us from a hotel room in Norwich before she dashed to work on the Women’s Euro Qualifiers.  

Keep reading to find out her insights into why live TV is so exciting, why the lifestyle isn’t for everyone, and her advice for those aspiring to work in the sports TV industry. 

One of the best things about this traineeship is that, after this, people will recognise me and I’ll be a familiar face, and that – networking – is a huge part of this job.

CA: Hi Lanna, we are so excited to be chatting with you! Can you give us an intro to your industry and where you’re placed? 

Lanna: It’s titled technical assistant, but I get to go around all of the technical departments within sports television, including cameras, sounds, VT (videotape) and vision. At the start of the traineeship, I was seeing everything and then as the year’s gone on, I’ve chosen the areas that I’m more interested in which are sound and VT. 

Whether it’s football, rugby or horse racing, I experience a real variety of different sports and it’s been great seeing stuff like the touring cars and the Euros! 

My role is to shadow and learn, to ask lots of questions and get to know lots of people. It’s just great. I get great behind the scenes insight and then also get to learn it all. There’s absolutely no pressure on my part; my role doesn’t have any direct responsibility which is good because that’s what the scheme is. 

When you see a replay of that goal or injury, that’s the VT department working very efficiently to get these straight to the director. I enjoy its fast-paced nature.

CA: What’s VT? And why do you love it? 

Lanna: VT deals with any of the pre-recorded content. For example, it could be an interview with Gareth Southgate that has been filmed prior, or a highlights reel at the end of the show. Then they have the exciting part where they clip up any of the exciting action happening live! So when you see a replay of that goal or injury, that’s the VT department working very efficiently to get these straight to the director. I enjoy its fast-paced nature and I like that the department feels at the centre of it all, where vision and sound come together. 

CA: What’s the sports industry like to work in? Especially as somebody starting their career? 

Lanna: It’s definitely a certain lifestyle that you have to get used to – I’m in a hotel room right now! 

There’s a lot of moving around the country, being away from home, and the days can be 10+ hours. They do compensate and give me study days where I can just recap everything I’ve learnt. I love it, it just feels weird being part of something so big like the Euros, because I’m not actually that much of a football fan… It’s just so odd seeing my friends posting on their stories about the Euros and I’m like, ‘Ah, it is actually really cool that I work on this!’ 

CA: Has there been anything that surprised you? 

Lanna: It amazes me how resilient each person who works in this industry is. Whether it’s raining or freezing cold outside, whether there is a 12-hour day ahead of them –  everyone I have spoken to loves their job and they are always so enthusiastic about this industry. I never expected the job to feel so rewarding. 

CA: Have you always been interested in this industry? 

Lanna: I was always drawn to cameras and came from a photography background. Then at university, I joined the student-run TV society, where we had a similar kind of setup that was just more amateur. I just loved it so much. 

I was a runner on a few factual entertainment shows for about a year and a half and I did some production work alongside that, which I absolutely hated. I realised I didn’t want to go down that side of it at all! 

I always knew I wanted a technical role. I wanted to stop being a runner and get that step up, and I wanted to get back into live TV but I didn’t know how, and then I saw this role. It felt like all my experience and my interests aligned because I’d worked on the commonwealth games and had my first taste of sports broadcast which I really enjoyed. It felt like it was the role for me. 

CA: You mentioned that networking is a big part of your experience… How have you found making professional connections so far? 

Lanna: Like with anything at the start, it was really daunting. Everyone knows each other and at each OB (outside broadcast) I’d go to there would be new faces all the time. But once you break the barrier and ask someone what their role is or how their day is going, it’s easy from there on and I’m always interested in what they’re up to! 

Everyone is so welcoming, and they know about the scheme so I’m hoping that it will all help me in the future after this. One of the best things about this traineeship is that, after this, people will recognise me and I’ll be a familiar face, and that – networking – is a huge part of this job. I have good faith that I will continue working in this industry! 

CA: So being ‘good to work with’ is just as important as being good at what you do in TV? 

Lanna: Yeah, it’s such a ‘people-person’ job. You’re working with and talking to people all the time and they are long days, so everyone wants someone who’s got a smile on their face. 

CA: What would you say is the heart of working in the technical side of TV sport? 

Lanna: I think what I love so much, specifically for live TV, is that things can go wrong. 

Weirdly enough – I mean it’s not fallen on me obviously – but it’s quite fun to troubleshoot and solve problems. Touch wood, I’ve never seen anything go wrong while it’s live, but I do hear stories all the time of things going wrong, and it is quite fun having to think on your feet knowing that there is that pressure on you. 

People at home wouldn’t even know when there’s something wrong because there’s backups for everything. The amount that goes into it is insane, I could never have imagined the time and effort that goes into it just to get onto our screens; going up to the satellites and back. I can’t get my head around it. It’s a lot of work and a lot of money is in it too, which is why there’s so much pressure to get it live and faultless. So yeah, I love that it has to be perfect, but also if things go wrong, that’s kind of what makes it exciting. 

CA: You’re a successful young woman in an industry where female representation is quite low, do you have any advice for someone wanting to get in? 

Lanna: It’s so difficult because I’ve always said ‘I just got lucky’, but you have to want it. 

What I did was join loads and loads of Facebook groups for TV, and even if I didn’t think I was capable of a job, I still applied for it. 

Sometimes I got them on LinkedIn, or if you’re looking at the credits of a show you really love, you can find someone’s name or find the production that worked on it and search them on LinkedIn, add them and then message them if they add you back. 

It is really difficult and I do think a lot of it is who you know unfortunately, but do what you can to make connections. I was really desperate for it; I was looking every day, always on my phone refreshing those runner Facebook groups, constantly being the first to apply, because a lot of them are first come first serve, so if you don’t see it within 15 minutes, twenty people have already applied and you’ve missed your chance. 

Something that has helped me get this job was being a part of my TV society at university. I spent more time there than I did with my own degree because that’s what I loved more. If you have the opportunity to join online courses in camera, or workshops, or attending film festivals – even if you aren’t that interested – I say just get stuck in, because it’s the people there that will help you get the job and giving yourself that exposure will increase your chances.  

CA: How long had you been looking at Creative Access for opportunities? 

Lanna: Since I finished university, because I was freelance running and never really had a stable job. I was always looking on Creative Access, it’s always been one of the websites I’ve always looked on. I was on a mentoring scheme through Creative Access at university too. l knew I could get frequent opportunities from it and there’s always stuff on there, I literally love Creative Access. 

CA: Final question: how would you describe your internship in three words? 

Lanna: Thrilling. Fast-paced. Fascinating.  

CA: Thank you so much for your time, we can’t wait to see what you do next! 

Stay in touch with Lanna and follow her work on: 

Instagram: @lannacowles 

Interviews can be intimidating. However, we know that they’re also a chance for you to get to know the employer, as much as it is a chance for them to get to know you. Our expert team have pulled together their top tips on impressing employers and making the most of interviews in the creative industries…

Make sure you do your research

The key to preparation is knowledge and you can only get that knowledge through research. Homework about your target industry or organisation is never wasted time! Research the company and know its clients, recent work and values. How does the work they do resonate with you, and what makes them stand out as a company?

The ‘STARR’ method is a great way to showcase your past success 

STARR stands for situation, task, action, result & reflection. In simple terms, describe a particular challenge, your responsibilities in relation to it, the steps you took to address the challenge – and finally the positive outcome and what it taught you.

Building on your cover letter, think about the transferable skills you’ve gained so far and how they directly relate to specific tasks outlined on the original advert. Your transferable skills could come from your work experience, voluntary roles, personal projects, or hobbies.

Talk about what you’d love to learn from the role

As well as demonstrating what you can already do, your potential employer will know that you are invested if you’re asking about what opportunities there will be to gain new skills and experiences. What are you curious to explore in this role, and what are your long-term goals?

Prepare questions in advance

Aim to ask questions that show genuine interest in the company and the role. You could ask about opportunities for growth, team dynamics, or ask about any exciting upcoming projects or opportunities.

Flag any reasonable adjustments that are needed

Get in touch with the employer if you require adjustments to make your interview more accessible. Examples include wheelchair access, a different format for documents, or more time on an interview test.

Plan ahead so there’s no need to worry about logistics on the day

With an in-person interview, leave plenty of time to arrive at the destination and make sure you have any details about where to go. If the interview is online, etiquette is still important. Test out your video call software with a friend if you haven’t used it before.

Remember to breathe 

A lot of people find interviews stressful or anxiety-inducing to some degree. If this is something you’re struggling with, this might be a helpful time to learn more about mindfulness, breathing exercises, meditation, self-compassionate & other techniques to ground yourself. And don’t forget that an interview is ultimately a conversation where all sides are looking for a positive outcome.

Reflect

An interview is an exciting opportunity but as with anything, practice makes perfect. Even if the outcome isn’t what you wanted, it’s a fantastic chance to learn something new and build towards your goals.

Are you looking to go freelance? 

Freelance life can be liberating: you have great creative control; you enjoy flexible and remote work schedules; and it’s a chance to work independently and be your own boss as well as potentially increasing your earning potential too.  

With benefits like these, it’s no wonder that over 4 million people in the UK are self-employed. The creative industries such as TV, film, radio, music, theatre and many others hugely rely on freelancers with freelancers making up a third of the industry, double the rate of self-employment in the wider UK economy – so you’re far from alone in taking the leap.  

But whilst freelancing can be empowering, like anything, it does come with its challenges such as late payments, lack of sick and holiday pay, and you have to be working autonomously to some degree. Here’s our advice on getting set up as a freelancer in the creative industries so you can navigate securing clients, taking care of your mental health and wellbeing, and ensuring that you’re future-proofed for any tricky situations that may arise.

 

Setting rates and taking care of your finances  

It’s absolutely vital that you make sure you’re clued up on taxes and your finances as a freelancer.  

Firstly, you want to set rates. You can figure out a lot from researching what freelancers in similar industries to you charge on websites like Glassdoor, Fiverr or simply asking those in your network what they charge. From there you can set your own hourly, daily and project rates. Be sure not to undersell yourself and don’t settle for ‘exposure’ just because you’re new to the freelance game. Get a clear idea of a client’s budget and charge your worth.  

Joining an industry union (like the NUJ for journalists or the Musicians Union) can also help give you a good idea of standard industry rates and unions like these will provide legal and financial support, which can be a vital lifeline for a freelancer.  

Prepare your portfolio and work on your personal brand 

As a freelancer, among other new business activities, you have to make time to self-promote your services, skills and offerings to ensure you’re attracting a steady stream of new clients. It’s also goes hand in hand with building up your portfolio to establish your personal brand. By using social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or TikTok you can showcase your work to the world. However, we’d recommend setting up a website solely dedicated to showing examples of your previous work and experience, as well as making it clear how potential clients can get in contact with you. 

Don’t fret too much if you’re not a computer-whizz, there are some really great tools out there to help you create a website like a pro. Websites such as Wix, WordPress, and Squarespace who offer loads of templates that you can use. Here’s a handy guide on how to set up your first website. It’s super helpful to optimise your website with SEO practices (this basically just means structuring your web copy to ensure you rank highly on search engines based on what audiences are searching on Google when people go to search for your services or niche). You can find out more about how to do that here.  

Marketing yourself as a freelancer is key. Shouting out about your achievements on social media, keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date and following and interacting online with others in your industry are all great ways of establishing yourself as a freelancer. The more vocal you are about your achievements and abilities and the more of an online presence you have, the easier it is for clients to find you and use your services. 

You should also ask former colleagues and clients to leave recommendations for you on your LinkedIn profile and testimonials that you can highlight on your website.  

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Build a network  

In our 2023 freelancer survey, 88% of freelancers we spoke to cited networking as a critical factor for success in their careers.  

Take time to map your network. You can even build a spreadsheet with everyone you’ve worked with and jot down how you could be of use to them and vice versa, then ask to go for a coffee to discuss mutually beneficial ways you can help each other. If you’re just starting out, it’s more than ok to be clear about the fact that a coffee meeting will be a chance for you to soak up information.  

Send a message to everyone you know (professionally and personally) telling them about your new career path and asking them to share the news with their friends and keep you in mind for any upcoming opportunities. You can also share the news across social media and ask friends to reshare with their networks.  

And whilst it’s important to build a network of future employers, don’t neglect the power of networking with your peers. You never know who might be in a hiring or commissioning position in the future.  

Ensure that you maintain a work/life balance 

Whilst it’s important to recognise the benefits of a freelance career, it’s equally important to be realistic about its challenges.  

If possible, separating your workspace and living space can be useful in establishing boundaries between your personal life and your professional life. Getting into a good working routine can also support this goal.  

Networking with likeminded creatives or opting to go to a co-working space a couple of times a week can help offset the loneliness that some freelancers feel when they start working alone. You can also join more official networks dedicated to freelancers in your niche or industry.   

Many freelancers feel the pressure to say yes to work due to fears around financial security, however taking on too much work without real breaks can lead to burnout. It’s super important to manage your finances and know realistically how much work you can take on throughout the year to prevent this. Learn how to say no to jobs when you need to take time to recharge your batteries.  

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Don’t forget to register as self-employed!  

As a freelancer you’ll have to pay tax via self-assessment (rather than through PAYE like you would if you were employed by an organisation). You can find out more about becoming self-employed here.  

There are a couple of different types of business that you can operate under as a freelancer: 

As a sole trader, your finances and your business’ finances are one. You’ll be in charge of every element of the business including invoicing and bookkeeping.  

As a limited company, you get to keep your personal and business finances separate.  

Top tips from our community: 

Sadé Lawson, freelance creative consultant in the music industry:

Have all your admin sorted, having a list of clients, making sure you understand when you need to do your tax returns or any legal requirements for a business that you’ve set up is very important.

Olaide Sadiq, freelance TV prodcuer:

My best advice would be for anyone who is looking to go freelance, or is already freelance, is networking within the teams that you’re already working in.

Links to resources and guides: 

As part of our Enhance Your Career series, we’ll be compiling resources to help you climb the career ladder in the creative industries and advocate for yourself in the workplace. 

More and more in the creative industries, employers are looking for transferable skills from varying experiences, versus direct industry experience. If you’ve figured out an industry or career path you’d like to pivot into but are still stuck on how to make the jump, we’ve pulled together our expert advice for getting prepared to switch careers and start applying for those dream roles! 

1. Think about your skills 

These could be from work, volunteering or your personal interests. Don’t feel worried if you don’t meet each and every one of the job criteria – demonstrate your passion and ability to learn. Something we often hear from industry experts is that passion and interest from candidates about the job they’re applying for is one of the most important factors when considering who to take on.  

You can also ask yourself these questions about the industry you’re entering: Do you need a qualification? Is there a free course you can access? Can you upskill within the company you currently work at e.g. undertake training? Is there anything you can do in your own time to hone your skills and make yourself an expert on a subject? 

Remember, your individual experience has value; use your own knowledge and expertise to let employers know why they need your unique perspective.  

2. Future proof your career  

When positioning yourself and your expertise, something to consider is how can you future-proof your career in this industry and adapt to change? A huge topic affecting most industries at the moment is AI. Think about if this is going to impact your new industry, and what skills can you develop to make yourself indispensable? 

3. Talk to people in the industry you want to enter 

We know that everyone bangs on about networking – and, whilst it can feel cringe – we promise it’s worth it. People enjoy talking about their interests and career journeys, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed for heading to a networking event or reaching out to someone you admire on LinkedIn to ask how they got into the field and if they know of any opportunities, events or industry bodies you could access. Most of the time, people are willing to help and would be happily reminded by a follow up email – just make sure not to overdo it.  

You can also attend relevant industry associations and events to expand your network and get advice from others already in the roles you want to enter. 

4. Chat to a careers advisor or a mentor 

You can access career advice for free through resources like the government-funded National Careers Service, and charities like the Young Women’s Trust which offers free coaching for women under 30.  

Research shows that people from under-represented backgrounds who advance the furthest in their careers all have a strong network who nurture their professional development. Creative Access regularly runs mentoring programmes with the likes of Penguin Random House UK and ITV, as well as our own mentoring programme for those on our career development programme

You can also ask your employer to sign you up for our career development programme.

5. Finally, update your CV and LinkedIn! 

Get your CV ready for the industry you’re entering; update your personal profile, make each experience relevant to the skills/transferable skills you’ll use in that role. Read our advice on how to craft the perfect CV and cover letter for the creative industries.

And if it’s been a while since you put together a CV and you’re looking for some more support, you can join one of our monthly CV workshops led by our recruitment team.  

LinkedIn is also one of the best tools for finding new connections and expanding your network. So, make sure it’s up to date with those transferable skills. 

Are you unsure how to navigate *that* salary conversation with your line manager? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! As part of our ‘Enhance Your Career’ series, we’re sharing our top tips and resources that are relevant for every career stage and will help you put your best foot forward when negotiating your salary for a new role or for your next step up at your current one.  

Our expert team see hundreds of CVs every week, we’ve placed over 2,000 individuals and our data shows 92% of those we place stay on in the creative industries a year on, so you can trust us to help you make the most of your career! As research shows, those who are underrepresented in creative industries are often underpaid, so it’s an important conversation that you really want to be prepared for, should you choose to have it. Now let’s get straight to the tips! 

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Tip #1 – Reasoning 

You want to be able to provide a timely reason for wanting to renegotiate, so ask yourself, why now? Potential triggers include: 

  • A job offer. If you’ve been offered a job and the salary is less than what you think you deserve, you could leverage either current salary trajectory or industry standards (GlassDoor is a great resource for checking) 
  • A promotion. Perhaps you’ve been promoted but the salary increase doesn’t match with what you’d discussed, industry standards, or reflect what the role entails 
  • You’ve gained further qualifications. Knowledge is power, and if you’ve recently gained a qualification that significantly enhances your work performance and results, you want to be paid for it 
  • You’ve taken on a leadership role. Managerial responsibilities shouldn’t be taken lightly and if you’ve recently taken on a leadership role, it’s a great prompt for renegotiation 
  • You’ve gained in experience. Often, companies appreciate loyalty and for their employees to stay put, but continue to grow and add value, so it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for a reward for that 

If you have no justification as to why you think you deserve a salary increase, it’s probably not the best time to ask for one.  

Tip #2 – Evidence. You are going to need it. 

Having established why now is the right time for a salary increase, it’ll be much easier to make your case if you can show why you deserve it through evidence of your hard work and the positive impact it’s had. 

Hopefully you’ve kept a log of achievements, projects or outputs and the part you’ve had to play in those, but if not, dig deep into recent projects and make note of: 

  • How you contributed to that successful project  
  • The positive impact your involvement had on those results 
  • The value of your skills to the company 
  • How you hope to continue to contribute to overall business momentum & success 

Tip #3 – Research 

  • Make sure you’re informed of industry standard salaries – check out GlassDoor, Indeed Salary Search, Check-a-Salary – and adjust for your position, location and level of experience  
  • Research other factors worth negotiating besides monetary ones – amount of holiday, ability to travel or work remotely, responsibilities, flexible-working, investment in training – however you should expect to back up reasons why any of these contractual changes will provide greater benefit to the company 

Tip #4 – Practise makes perfect, so rehearse! 

  • Prepare exactly what you want to say and memorise a strong introduction to get the best footing: ‘I’d like to talk about a salary adjustment because of the additional responsibilities I’ve taken on in the last 8 months. I’ve been producing X value for the business, and here’s what it’s resulted in’ 
  • You’ll feel more confident in your delivery if you practise with a friend first, and ask them to prepare you with tough questions 
  • Top tip: why not try role-playing being the other person in the salary negotiation. It can be a good reminder of what the person you’re pitching might want from you. Such as evidence, specificity or reassurance that you’re invested in the business! 

Tip #5 – Set expectations 

The outcome might not be what you had hoped for; what are you willing to compromise on? 

  • Before you go into the negotiation, have a clear idea of the package you’re happy to agree upon 
  • Know that your line manager may not be the end decision maker and understand their constraints 
  • You might decide to pause negotiations, renegotiate a different salary package or walk away 
  • Think about what your next steps would be for multiple possibilities 

Remember, there’s no one better to advocate for yourself than you. We wish you the best of luck and keep an eye on our #EnhanceYourCareer series this summer. Check out our other ‘How to’ resources.

If you’re an employer, check out our blog on why stating the salary puts your organisation at a competitive advantage here. 

Inspired by Erica Dhawan’s recent book, Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance, our director of intern and graduate recruitment, Anoushka Dossa, put together her key tips on how to communicate politely online with potential employers. Be it over email or zoom, read below for how to present your best ‘digital’ self…

What is “Digital Body Language?”

When communicating online, it can be easy to forget that our non-verbal cues – like tone of voice during video calls, or punctuation use in emails – are huge indicators of how we feel. In other words, our digital body language is really important when liaising with colleagues, professionals, and even just strangers online.

Think about the way you’d present yourself in an interview, for example. You’d show that you’re listening to the interviewer by nodding, smiling, and even using words of agreement – otherwise known as active listening.

Or, consider emailing a professional about a potential job role. Would you set the tone with some kind words, or jump straight into your query? And would you use exclamation marks to convey enthusiasm, or just stick with common full stops?

These are all factors to be considered, now more than ever since shifting into hybrid and remote working. So, here are some tips for both candidates and employers on ways to demonstrate good digital body language!

Use of Punctuation in Emails

Although it might seem like a trivial and straightforward part of emailing, paying close attention to the punctuation you’re using can make a huge difference, as it’s a strong indicator of our digital body language. Consider switching some full stops for exclamation marks to convey excitement and enthusiasm, or just taking the time to wish your recipient well in the email! Emojis are a grey area: they can be great for adding some personality to your emails, but don’t overdo it – and avoid using them when emailing about a more serious subject, as you don’t want to appear insensitive.

Email Response Time

One of the most common rules of thumb is to reply as promptly as possible to whoever you’re liaising with over email. Your response time is, in fact, another indicator of your digital body language; the quicker you respond, the more enthusiastic you seem. If you can’t respond quickly, ensuring that you write a brief line acknowledging the delayed response is often welcome! Online our gratitude is often less apparent, or may not be expressed at all. Sending a follow-up email after a virtual meeting can make it clear that you valued someone’s input and how much you value their time.

Conducting Yourself over Zoom Calls

It needn’t be all Zoom Doom! Over the past couple of years, we’ve all accustomed ourselves to online meetings; it goes without saying that there are significant differences between communicating over a video screen and chatting in real life. It’s important to make sure you stay engaged throughout the call, avoiding checking emails or anything else that might pop up on your screen. Be sure to consider the slight lag with all Zoom calls, and allow the other person to finish speaking before talking yourself.

Virtual Networking on LinkedIn

Similar to when emailing, it’s important to take note of the phrasing you use in messages when reaching out to professionals on sites like LinkedIn. Networking websites can feel slightly less formal than emails, so it’s typically more conventional to message in a “relaxed” tone. While maintaining a level of professionalism, you’ll come across more friendly and enthusiastic by simply taking the time to ask your recipient how they’re doing, i.e. “I hope you’re well” or extending the conversation beyond the work-related subject, i.e. “Have a good weekend!”

It may be helpful to take time out to observe your virtual self digitally. It can improve your relationships with others!

Freelancers are all too often the lifeblood and the lifesavers of a creative organisation. They’re the flexible extra resource we bring in when the workload suddenly increases and there’s no time (or budget) to hire; they’re individuals with incredible specialist skills who can change your organisation but you could never afford to hire permanently; they’re the crew on a theatre or TV production who make mind-blowing, award-winning work or in the case of many sectors in the creative industries, like film and TV, they are quite literally your entire workforce.

And yet, as Creative Access’ freelancer report shows, many employers are not treating their freelancers in this way. They are treating them as ‘other’ to their permanent employees; investing in training or wellbeing for everyone except their freelancers or worse, claiming to create a culture of ‘belonging’ that includes everyone except the large proportion of individuals not on permanent contracts.

If you have a creative organisation, at some point you will need freelancers. And here is our best practice for how to attract, retain and support the best freelancers in the business:

Think about their mental health and wellbeing

  • Being a freelancer can be especially hard on your mental health
  • Employers can play an important role in supporting freelancers with their mental health and wellbeing by opening up access to training and employee assistance programmes to freelancers

Give free access to your employee training

  • 78% of freelancers in our survey said professional training was one of the most important areas employers and industry bodies can support them
  • Ensure your freelancers can access all of your internal training
  • Really progressive employers are now offering freelancers a stipend for further professional training – it’s definitely one way to ensure the best freelance talent will remain loyal to you over your competitors
  • Or there may be professional training that your team could provide freelancers such as personal brand building, legal or financial management training

Provide a line manager and a mentor

  • For any freelancer working with you for more than a few weeks, they should be allocated a line manager, who should check-in with them regularly and provide performance reviews as they would with a permanent employee
  • You could also consider offering your freelancers a mentor through Creative Access

A culture of inclusion means everyone

  • If you are truly building an inclusive culture you can’t segregate employees based on their employment contract
  • Freelancers should be included in all social events, if you celebrate birthdays in your organisation make sure theirs is marked too
  • Make it clear you will make reasonable adjustments for disabled freelancers – 91% of disabled freelancers in our survey highlighted this was an issue with employers

Help them build their network

  • Having a strong and growing network is critical for freelancers to find new projects and earn money
  • Look at where you could help by writing testimonials for them on Linked-In or for their website or introduce them to people in your own network
  • Showcase the work they’ve done for you on your organisation’s channels and name check them

By the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook (W&A) Website Team

If you’re looking for a job in publishing, then the chances are that your passion for books is already in the bag. This passion is one thing that you can’t learn, but fortunately every other skill required for publishing roles are ones that you can!  
Pivoting into a career in publishing from a previous industry might feel overwhelming, which is why it’s important for you to know that all the skills you’ll need are likely ones you already have. And these can come from any part of your life, not just your current, or previous, jobs.   

We spoke to a handful of our colleagues at Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, across different departments, to find out more about the different type of transferrable skills they use in their day-to-day roles.   

Communication  

‘Publishing is a highly collaborative industry, and every day I engage with people from my team, other departments and externally. As well as adapting to the people I’m interacting with, I also need to think about the purpose of my communication – Am I sending minutes to a large group of publishing professionals from different departments? Am I pitching a book I’m really excited about to my team? Am I emailing a debut author with no publishing experience whatsoever? Am I writing customer or consumer-facing copy with the aim of garnering interest in a title? Being able to communicate clearly, passionately and flexibly will be key in helping you develop within this industry.’ Jadene Squires, Children’s Fiction Editorial Assistant  

  

Organisation  

‘We publish a lot of books, very close together and my role includes creating my campaigns, but also supporting others with their campaigns. This is alongside managing all our team meetings and admin, therefore the role requires organisation and time management to stay on top of all tasks.’ Anastasia Boama-Aboagye, Publicity & Marketing Assistant  

  

Enthusiasm  

‘There is never a dull day in digital marketing, but you have to be able to multi-task and work to tight deadlines whilst keeping a high energy. Enthusiasm for lots of books, new ideas and working with different members of the team is so important, as it keeps a good flow of creativity and communication which is how big campaigns are pulled together and executed to a high standard.’ Kate Molyneux, Digital Marketing Manager  

  

Empathy  

‘It’s so important to be a support for your colleagues, authors and even empathise with external stakeholder who you may not work with on a daily basis. In the publishing industry, we’re drastically trying to diversify both our publishing and our workforce, and I don’t think this could be achieved without empathy.’ Grace Ball, Children’s Publicity Executive  

Research  

‘You are responsible for finding the best places for that author to be reviewed, featured, interviewed or do a bookshop event. I recommend immersing yourself in the kinds of publications your books would appear in as much as possible, so you get a sense of how they cover books. This information can then be used to inform your work.’  Ayo Okojie, Publicity Executive at Head of Zeus  

  

Eye for Detail  

‘This means paying attention to both the finer details, such as an errant punctuation mark and the bigger picture, such as text flowing too closely to an illustration. I use this skill every day, for example when proofreading copy, checking that an ebook has been converted properly from a print file and, for illustrated books, ensuring that the illustrations are appropriate and match the text. The main purpose of an editor is to make the reading process as easy and enjoyable as possible.’ Jadene Squires, Children’s Fiction Editorial Assistant  

  

Patience  

‘Sometimes, things don’t always go to plan. You could be building a page and a bug could cause an issue, which means referring it to the developers and waiting for them to add a fix before you can return to your task. You might realise that a page is not working as you’d hoped, so you need a break from it and return to it later.’  Heenali Odedra, Deputy Website Editor  

If you’re interested in a career in publishing, head to Bloomsbury Publishing’s Work With Us page to find out more about current vacancies and apprenticeships. For more interviews and advice articles, check out the Careers in Publishing area at writersandartists.co.uk.  You can also search Creative Access’ publishing opportunities here.

About writersandartists.co.uk  

The site is a dynamic, free-to-join community platform that’s home to over 70,000 subscribers. We feature hundreds of free-to-view articles and resources that offer essential practical guidance on both the creative and publishing process, as well as insight into careers within the publishing industry itself. On top of being a digital space for like-minded creatives to connect, the site hosts free writing competitions, and provides opportunities to pitch blog posts or upload writing calendar entries. Exclusive discounts, reward point incentives, and information about industry initiatives (such as work placements or financial assistance) are regularly uploaded to the site.  

By Elonka Soros, Diversity & inclusion consultant and Creative Access trainer 

Whether it’s sparked by the personal impact of the cost-of-living crisis, reflections on high profile cases of bullying at work, or discussion about global conflicts, diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) conversations will continue to top workplace agendas into 2024. Supporting managers and colleagues to navigate these complex issues in a culture of respect and inclusion might take a little planning by HR professionals, but the beneficial impacts will be worth it, says Creative Access inclusion consultant Elonka Soros.  

We did not leave 2023 quietly. World events, political and economic uncertainties, and another round of nasty winter colds and flu are giving us all something to be concerned about. With post-pandemic work life still yet to find its rhythm, it’s no wonder many colleagues across the creative economy have been telling me they are finding it hard to keep going as ‘normal’.  

Senior leadership colleagues talk about the tensions of managing the economic impacts of a tough year for business, alongside the social and emotional fall-out in the workplace. While everyone else, from team leaders to interns, have been sharing the anxieties of working in an era of volatility and uncertainty.   

But 2023 wasn’t all about the troubling news and unease. Throughout last year, co-workers have also expressed a greater awareness of their diversity and acknowledgment that we won’t all be feeling the impacts of external events in the same way. More nuanced understanding of gendered, racialised or socio-economic experiences has in part been prompted by better workplace conversations – often facilitated by inclusion specialists – and the genuine desire of businesses and team-mates to support and accommodate talented colleagues during difficult times.  

“If only I knew what to say or do” 

Motivation doesn’t always lead to action. Feedback from over 200 hours of Creative Access DE&I workshops points to people’s fear of getting things wrong, with inappropriate actions or outdated terminology. This is where HR professionals can help colleagues by providing the tools and a framework to build inclusion competency, and to instil confidence in those leading and supporting a respectful and inclusive team culture.  

At Creative Access, we facilitate discussion, reflection and develop actions that lead to workplace culture change. Our DE&I workshops, mental health and wellbeing awareness sessions, and leadership trainings, are safe spaces where colleagues explore topics and learn strategies, tips and techniques that allow businesses to harness the added value of the diversity of their people, and in their teams.  

As we’re entering 2024, HR professionals will be thinking about what the training needs of your team will be and what will make the most impact. Whether it’s ways of opening up recruitment to a wider talent pool, addressing culture change or developing policies that dial up your inclusion aspirations, here are three tips to help you optimise your next investment in DE&I. 

Prepare for success   

Benjamin Franklin is credited with coining the phrase: “By failing to prepare, you prepare to fail” and in the context of booking your next DE&I training or consultancy, putting a little preparation in at the start not only ensures successful outcomes but saves time and money down the line.  

Online modules and off the shelf training sessions might look financially inviting but can leave participants frustrated as the current context can be overlooked. No two companies are the same and it stands to reason that the training needs of delegates, will also differ too.  At Creative Access, whether you’re engaging on one of our core courses or online briefings, we advise a planning call with the trainer so that your specific challenges are understood, and the workshop can be tailored accordingly. The world is changing very rapidly, and with it, the events that may trigger a need for team reflection and collective learning too. At time of writing, I have just finished another call with HR colleagues asking for my support with frameworks for having constructive conversations around religion, race and community in light of ongoing global conflict.  The Creative Access team is agile and alert to current affairs and best practice. All trainers have personal and professional lived experience across the full scope of the DE&I opportunity for the creative economy. 

You can also prepare for success by letting your team know what’s ahead. Be clear with colleagues about the expected outcomes of the training and share the agenda early on, allowing colleagues time to process the sensitivity of certain topics and share any access requirements.   

Plan-in for the next steps 

Very often the success of training is measured in participant engagement, but the purpose of a DE&I workshop is to effect tangible culture change. One way to ensure a legacy from the training is to plan in the next steps for delegate participation. Successful companies have held facilitated all hands meetings at the end of a suite of workshops where key insights are shared, and actions communicated. Others have provided colleagues with the opportunity to take part in a reflective session a few months after the initial workshop where themes and outcomes of the first workshop are shared and there is space to consolidate learning, share progress and recap to ensure staff have confidence and tools to lead the inclusion agenda.   

Equity and inclusion are the outcomes of ongoing actions. As sure as the world turns, there will always be more we can do or learn, and we will make mistakes – it’s how we respond to them that matters. HR professionals can generate momentum after DE&I training by scheduling in the spaces where colleagues continue their learning, feedback, and collaborate with each other.  

Whether your team needs to have more courageous conversations, manage bullying or harassment, set up and run employee resource groups, or develop the skills of allyship, Creative Access has a bank of ideas for formal, informal, internally generated, or externally facilitated next steps. All of our courses come with exclusive access to further resources, which are shared with all participants, and for HR colleagues there are additional invitations to update at regular free subject webinars. 

Practise makes perfect

A successful programme of training will deliver an inspired and motivated team eager and energised to engage with your DE&I action plans. It may surprise you therefore that at this point, my final tip is a heads-up to ‘curb your enthusiasm’. It can be tempting to rush into a flurry of activity, especially if you feel you’ve been battling to get DE&I seriously on the company agenda, but it could be easy to get very busy with initiatives and still get to the end of 2024 unclear about what you’ve achieved.  

A DE&I consultancy session can help those responsible for leading the change to take stock and identify the best course of post-training action. Taking an honest look at any in-training feedback about where your company is now and helping you plan for where you want to be by the end of the year. You won’t be able to do everything in twelve months, so don’t set yourself up to fail by promising to do so. Colleagues are less forgiving of pledges and statements that are not followed through.  

That’s not to say that you can’t be ambitious, far from it – but four or five priorities, with specific and measurable actions, communicated with transparency, and clear lines of accountability will deliver far more impact than 100 pages of strategy and a thousand flowers blooming.  

At Creative Access we’re ambitious – our mission is sector wide. Like many of the companies we work with, Creative Access is values-led, and data driven – our internal DE&I is as important to us, as supporting you with yours. We developed our Annual Thrive Survey to help us ensure that we’re actively living our DE&I aspirations.  In it we monitor the diversity of our workforce, check for equity in progression and pay, document the richness of our workplace culture, and measure the impact of our training and consultancy.  We have the data and are certain that we’re practicing what we preach so that we can help your business to Thrive too.  

Whatever 2024 brings politically, socially and for our businesses, we can be certain that it will involve more change. Restructurings, new hirings, new business and new people. If you want to know how to navigate business sentiment around DE&I with your team, check out the annual Thrive pulse report by Creative Access which outlines best and current practice for employers around the structures needed to support employees and build inclusive workplace cultures.  

Sometimes a health issue can make completing work difficult. You wouldn’t work with a broken arm, but more invisible conditions can be a little harder to navigate… Informing your employer of any ongoing difficulties you are facing is called disclosure – and it can be very hard to do, but will ultimately help you turn up to work as your best, most authentic self.  

We here at Creative Access have put together our top tips on how to overcome this and helpful advice that’s useful to know along the way… 

What are the advantages of disclosing a disability?  

Adjustments can help you perform at your best, providing tailored support and works to reduce barriers you might face in the workplace. Although this decision is a personal one, we would recommend telling employers about any condition, physical or mental, that you may have, because there could be potential risks if not. 

It’s so helpful when staff feel able to disclose issues. It means companies can be much more flexible and understanding on creating a pathway together to best support that individual. There’s often such a difference when an individual is given the help they need.” 

Which disabilities do I have to tell my employer about?  

The 2010 Equality Act describes disability as a “physical or mental impairment that has substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.” 

You have an ‘impairment’ if your physical or mental abilities are reduced in some way compared to most people. This could be the result of a diagnosed medical condition (like arthritis in your hands that means you can’t grip or carry things as well as other people) but it doesn’t need to be. If you’re suffering from stress, you might have mental impairments – like difficulty concentrating – as well as physical impairments such as extreme tiredness and difficulty sleeping.  

Any impairment can have substantial and long-term adverse effects on your ability to carry out day-to-day activities. It doesn’t have to stop you doing anything, but can make it harder.  

What if I am treated differently when I am open about my disability?  

This is known as disability discrimination, and it is against the law; disabilities fall under the 9 protected characteristics of the Equality Act. There is a difference between your employer making reasonable adjustments and you feeling discriminated against. If you feel uncomfortable by the actions made by your company, we recommend reaching out to your HR Division for further advice. Disability discrimination could include things like failing to provide reasonable adjustments, e.g., wheelchair access, harassment, being treated less favourably and having information about your disability shared without your prior knowledge.  

Most companies have an equal opportunities statement or policy that is designed to prevent things like this from happening, but this is not always the case. Companies often welcome being informed where discrimination is happening in their organisation, so they can take action or make changes to prevent this in the future. 

‘I was so worried about telling my line manager about my panic attacks, but she was really understanding and gave me time off to attend therapy appointments. In the end, it definitely impacted positively on my performance and wellbeing at work.’ 

Do I have to inform my employer? 

You don’t have to inform your employer, but it may be in your best interests, especially if you would benefit from reasonable adjustments being made to make your working day easier. 

What are reasonable adjustments? 

If a disabled person’s difficulties are severe enough to impede efficiency in everyday activities, they may need reasonable adjustments. 

And reasonable adjustments may look like…  

  • A Dyslexic person may experience challenges with reading fluency. Your employer can provide adjustments such as screen reading/read-aloud and proof-reading software or by presenting information visually to help you process documents easier 
  • A candidate with ADHD may experience challenges with time management and organisation and could benefit from shared calendars, a separate working area to help them focus and stationary to help aid their working style  
  • An individual experiencing mental health difficulties such as Anxiety or Depression may benefit from a designated safe space to retreat to when overwhelmed and flexible deadline adjustments. It may also be beneficial to complete a Wellness Action Plan to discuss the working style that benefits you most and anything that could hinder you in the workplace 
  • An Autistic person may get anxious about unfamiliar environments and overwhelmed by bright lightsAdjustments could include assigning a designated colleague to help with moving around the building and a work space with adjustable lights and modified equipment so that the work environment is more recognisable. 

The above are not exclusive to these conditions, but show the array of adjustments that you could be entitled to. Your employer has a duty to provide extra support for you, whether you are applying for a job or are an employee, but they can only do this if they are aware.  

Any costs occurred from reasonable adjustments are covered by the employer; employees are not responsible for paying for these. 

 “I used to avoid going into the offices because I got easily distracted by noises and overwhelmed by the fast-paced meetings. I was really worried about telling my workplace about my ADHD, but it eventually started to affect my work…I’d advise speaking up! Now I have somewhere special and quiet to do my work and its much, much better” 

Ultimately, disclosure of health issues at work is a personal choice, and you can say as much or as little as you want. It might be helpful to think about the role you may play in educating your organisation, or setting an example to those who might also be afraid to speak up about their invisible battles.  

Our Top Five Tips for Navigating Disclosure! 

  1. Advocate for yourself!  
  1. Know your rights 
  1. Don’t be worried about the conversation 
  1. Timing isn’t everything, you can always mention when circumstances have changed. 
  1. Support is available – check out our links below! 

Useful links and content 

  • Creative Access disability survey findings 2022
  • Creative Access employer resource for creating more accessible workplaces
  • Scope is a disability equality charity in England and Wales, they provide information and support, and strive to create a fairer society 
  • Disabilityrightsuk is a leading organisation led, run and working to support disabled people, they have lots of free, helpful advice on their website 
  • Mind provide advice and support to anyone experiencing mental health problems and tries to promote understanding and awareness. This post explores disclosing a mental issue in your workplace 

Still stuck?  

  • Check out the pros and cons of disclosing a mental health issue! 
  • Take a look here where the Diversity Movement has a great blogpost discussing invisible illness. 

On the go? 

Here are some apps that might improve your routine and productivity: 

  • Sensory apps – Range of sensory apps to help with relaxation and overstimulation  
  • tiimo – Visual learners, or anyone who appreciates graphics, typically love Tiimo. This visual daily planner helps users keep a routine, stay organized, and meet goals 
  • I cant wake up! – alarm for those who struggle with sleep/time management (the alarm only shuts off after completing math, memory, and order questions or can play music to prevent a return to deep sleep) 

Writer’s block? No time? No energy? It’s not always easy to stay creative, despite our best intentions, so we’ve put together a list of top tips and resources to help inspire you to get things started…

1.Set up a daily routine

Set aside a little time to create every day, even if it’ s just for 15 minutes. Finding some time in the day for a hobby you enjoy is a great boost for your wellbeing. You might find once the 15 minutes are up, you want to keep going! Getting into the swing of things can be the hardest part.

2.Try something new

It can feel frustrating when a hobby we usually enjoy isn’t going anywhere. Switching things up can help get you inspired, like drawing or painting in a new medium, writing in a new genre and or even learning a new instrument. Lack of familiarity can spark a new idea and even kickstart a new skill.

3.Get inspired by others

Turning to work we love can be a great source of inspiration. If you’re a writer, read widely. If you want to create television, watch lots! Think about art you admire and why you’re a fan. This a brilliant way of figuring out what you enjoy and how you can emulate this in your work with your own style and perspective.

4.Don’t put too much pressure on yourself

Focus on the process of creating something, rather than the end result. The first draft or the beginning stages of a project are rarely perfect. Working on something until it gets to where you want it to be is often the most fun part of a process. Don’t be too hard on yourself and enjoy being creative!

5.Take part in competitions, workshops and training schemes

Some people need a deadline to give them a push and get creating. There are lots of incredible opportunities out there and plenty of great prizes also on offer. We’ve put together a list of them to keep you inspired and motivated. This list will be regularly updated:

Writing

  • Curtis Brown are running a free Weekly Writing Workout, a programme which provides tasks and teaching notes, tips and pointers
  • First Story are sharing creative writing video tutorial series, with videos from Dean Atta, Vicky Foster and Caleb Parkin
  • Penguin are looking for under-represented writers with their competition WriteNow, you only need to submit 1,000 words – Deadline 31/05/20
  • Creative Future are running a writing competition with over £12,000 worth of prizes on offer for underrepresented writers. The theme is tomorrow – Deadline 31/05/20
  • The Phil Fox Award for Playwriting is looking for submissions – Deadline 16/06/20

Film, TV, Theatre and Radio

  • Writers and directors are invited to submit a one-page outline of their film idea to Short Circuit’s competition #SharpShorts – Deadline 15/06/20
  • JustOut Theater would love to hear from writers based in the North for their weekly Radio Plays – Deadline rolling
  • Bitter Pill Theatre are holding The Painkiller Project – a fortnightly playwrighting competition with a £150 prize

Art

  • In Grayon’s Art Club, Grayson Perry teaches viewers how to draw, paint and sculpt as well as encouraging entries to exhibit on episodes
  • MoMa have free online courses on their website where you can immerse yourself in ideas and see your world in new ways through art
  • It’s Nice That believes passionately that creative inspiration is for everyone. Sign up to their newsletters to keep in the loop with everything good going on in the creative world.
  • Google Arts & Culture puts the treasures, stories and knowledge of over 2,000 cultural institutions from 80 countries at your fingertips.
  • Cass Art is on a mission. A mission to fill every town with artists! Read their blog to find out about a range of techniques, opportunities & creative fun for all the family.

Music

  • NPR Music’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts, bring you performances from all over the world. In the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space. Watch these 5 Tiny Desk concerts to calm your mind.
  • COLORS unique aesthetic music platform showcases exceptional talent from around the globe. Discover the most distinctive new artists and original sounds.
  • See artists sharing their work from their homes to yours via Royal Albert Home. Browse their free streaming programme online.
  • Listen to Worldwide FM, an award-winning platform for underground music, culture and stories from all over.

Let us know if you have any more links to the above and get creating…!