Hi, I’m Brett, a student at Cardiff University studying MA cultural and creative industries. I have lived in Wales my whole life and have been pursuing a career in the creative industries pretty much as soon as I realized that what I was watching on the telly wasn’t being broadcast through sheer happenstance. I began my course in September of last year to gain more insight into the industry and to meet like-minded people. My interest largely lies within the community arts as I believe that one of the most important ways to allow people to feel empowered and heard is through allowing them an outlet through which to share their experiences.
Aspiring to work in creative industries can be an intimidating prospect. I'm sure everyone secretly harbours the worry that by missing an email or calling someone by the wrong name that you could cost yourself a valuable opportunity. Which is why I consider myself rather blessed that despite being terrible at both checking my email and remembering names I had the opportunity to work with Creative Cardiff.
Myself and my fellow students Katie and Danielle, following a project that had us working quite closely with Creative Cardiff through our MA course, were offered the chance to help consult on some of the work being done in preparation for their 10th anniversary.
My first impressions at the workshop
Obviously it can be quite nerve-wracking trying your hand at anything for the first time but it was made a lot easier by being able to do so with my peers, who I can always trust to be on the top of their game and by the fact that I had gotten to meet many of the attendees prior over the course of my studies. I wish that my reunion with them could have occurred on a nicer day as getting caught in the rain didn't feel like the best omen, but luckily there were hot drinks and snacks that helped to lighten the mood.
Our contributions
Before the discussions surrounding DEG began, myself and my group had the chance to show those present what it was we were able to do for our project, in which we created a hypothetical DEG showcase event. Everyone was so kind in offering their praise for our work and it felt incredibly gratifying to see something I had helped to work on be regarded so well by industry professionals.
The discussions themselves were fun and informal, a meeting of minds and ideas where nothing said was to be judged harshly and there was no reason at all as to why one couldn't speak freely about their thoughts.
It was really interesting to glimpse into what helps to inform certain decisions and how off-hand remarks can lead to incremental tweaking and refining that had everyone present engaging with the brand in a way that felt open whilst still being thorough.
Barry and Chris from the Cardiff University design team were quick to implement any feedback and even though many of the changes were subtle, the fact that they were the product of insightful discussions about the brand and what it represents made everything feel artisanal.
My takeaways
I would definitely describe the experience as a whole as a great confidence boost. Having in the past struggled to visualise what working in the industry might look like and having developed a slightly overwhelming mental image of suits, spreadsheets and three-thousand slide PowerPoints, it was a great help to see that the reality is quite the opposite. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with Creative Cardiff and having seen the quality of work and the passion behind the planning for their 10th anniversary, I would implore any aspiring creative to attend one of their creative cuppas and to keep up to date with their socials.
Huge thanks to the Creative Cardiff team for being so pleasant and giving me such a good first experience working in the creative sector and of course another huge thanks to Katie and Danielle for being so great to work with and for helping me to receive such an opportunity.
Written by Brett Manley
Creative Cardiff turns 10!
Over the last 10 years, Creative Cardiff has hosted over 40 placements and internships for students and emerging creatives, these have ranged from summer placements, working with Student Producers and workshops like this one.
Keep an eye on our channels over the next few months to find out more about how we're celebrating this milestone and reconnecting with our community of interns and placement students!