Creative Commons: Getting involved in Scotland's creative scene
We speak to some of Scotland’s creatives about the importance of finding community, and how to get yourself involved
Moving to a new city – or perhaps a new country – might feel lonely at times, but luckily for Scotland’s students, we’re known for being welcoming. This friendly demeanour extends to our thriving creative community, where you’ll find an active annual calendar of events. Open the doors to your new home by searching on socials and asking around – you’ll find talks from international design superstars, drop-in co-working sessions for freelancers and side-hustlers, DIY club nights and open decks, and grassroots organisations putting on talks and workshops. We’ve pulled together some of our favourites to get you started.
Born in 2014 from a student project at Edinburgh College of Art, INTL Festival is an unmissable two weeks of creative events in Glasgow, which runs this year from 6-21 November. The programme includes a star-studded conference with talks from Pentagram, OK-RM and Annie Atkins, and a selection of workshops led by those at the top of their game in areas such as sculpture, creative coding, and branding. Mook Attanath, project manager of INTL and an ECA grad herself, suggests students might want to sign up for a Live Project: “It’s an opportunity to tackle a brief that challenges your design thinking, while collaborating with a local design studio that pushes you to develop the best version of your idea.” What’s more, winners from each mentor group receive studio placement offers to get them kick-started with real design agency experience. “It's the kind of environment that encourages you to expand your creative playground,” explains Attanath.
Credit: Stephen Hughes.
For more regular programming, there’s an ever growing list of events run by Glasgow’s grassroots organisations. Colour Theory celebrates and amplifies the voices of BPOC artists in Scotland, while Glasgow Glyph Gang runs talks and workshops for those who are typographically obsessed. Unknown Errors, founded by Ophelia Davis and Yexa Rivero, explores failure (and what comes after) through candid talks. With speakers ranging from top of their game C-suite agency execs to emerging talents, the nights are a refreshingly honest insight into the ups and downs of creative life. Davis tells us about the special environment these events create: “You have creative directors talking shit alongside first year students, and that dynamic can be great – especially for those starting out – to pick people's brains and share resources, and make genuine connections.” She also highlights the importance of finding community to get through the trickier times. “There’s many challenges facing people breaking into the design industry – while our night sadly can’t solve those issues, it can at least offer a platform to help process some of them.”
If your creative interests lean towards music and dance, and you find yourself lured by the irresistible pull of becoming a self-taught DJ (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us) Glasgow has plenty of open decks to get involved in. They’re a great way to hone your skills and practise in front of a crowd, as well as meeting like-minded people. Adrian's Bar, a queer pub on Glasgow’s Victoria Road, hosts Tuesday sessions at 6.30pm (sign up via their Instagram). For femme and non-binary aspiring spinners, FemmeDM regularly organises open decks nights – keep an eye on their social media for details of the next one. And if Friday night is calling, pop into The Marlborough’s grand BSIDE room from 8pm til late (_alluneeed on Instagram has the details).
Credit: Stephen Hughes.
Bouncing back over the central belt, we speak to ECA student Ines Chapelo about her experience in Edinburgh. “I really love how designers in the Scottish community actively want to help and encourage each other, it feels like we all want to see everyone succeed rather than it being focused on being competitive!” She suggests thinking outside the box to expand your creative network. “Volunteering for any charity within or outside your university has taught me such interesting skills and allowed me to work with such talented creatives in different areas. Truly go for any opportunity, even if it feels a bit out of your usual!”
And if you’re already one step ahead and have a side-hustle on the go, join Habits for their regular drop-in coworking sessions in Edinburgh. Usually hosted in a stylish coffee shop or chic hotel, you’ll be able to rub shoulders with freelancers and founders while getting a full day’s work done. Habits also runs talks and networking events (see their Instagram for updates), with previous speakers including Gabby Secomb Flegg, photographer and founder of the quirky Main Character Club.
Once you start looking, you’ll discover endless pockets of creative community in Scotland. As Attanath reflects, “Looking back to my time as a design student, I would have loved to discover just how broad and diverse the design and creative disciplines really are.” So get stuck in, this is your opportunity to try everything.
INTL Festival @intl.international; Colour Theory @colourtheory.scot; Glasgow Glyph Gang @glasgowglyphgang; Unknown Errors @unknown_errors__; Adrian's Bar @adriansbarglasgow; Femme DM @femmedm.uk; Alluneed @_alluneeed; Habits @thisishabits