The Braw and The Brave Meet....Christina Rose Leon

Meet Christina Rose Leon a Glasgow-based jeweller. Specialising in stone setting and enamelling, Christina works closely with each client to create a beautifully bespoke piece of jewellery that will be treasured for a lifetime. From engagement rings to diamond encrusted pendants, Christina is sensitive to the sentimentality of gifting and receiving a something that is not only handcrafted but totally unique and this is evident in her impeccable customer service, as well as the time and effort spent behind the scenes to ensure she produces the perfect piece. For Christina it's all about the client and the vision they are entrusting her to bring to life on their behalf.

Attending evening classes in jewellery making aged 20 was the defining light bulb moment Christina had sought after. "On the first night I made an ugly copper ring. On the bus home I couldn't stop looking at it. I was in awe of this thing I had just made". Whilst she recalls those around her being intimated by the materials and the tools in the workshop, Christina felt instantly at home, confident to just get stuck in and give it a go. Leaving school, unsure of the career path she wanted to take, Christina had been temping in offices and dabbling in photography, trying to gain some experience in the world of work. "I'd recommend this to anyone. It made me more confident. Going straight from school into further education can be difficult for some as staying self motivated and sticking to deadlines can be challenging. Getting paid for something made me realise that my time was worth something and that made me want to work harder". 

Showing a real passion for jewellery from a young age, Christina was fascinated with cleaning and inspecting her child-minder's rings as a kid and obsessing over a jewellery box filled with the intricate 'treasure' she had been gifted by a relative. Growing up she had great interest in how things were crafted and could be found dreaming up all sorts of creations."I've always been good at making stuff but never thought I was that creative. I am a passionate maker". It is an understanding of where her strengths lie that has led Christina to carve out a very successful career. She gets real satisfaction in designing bespoke, one-off pieces for her clients where she is able to breathe life into their ideas. Through her ability to extract all information and inspiration they can offer, problem solving her way through a brief brings Christina to the final design. 

Graduating in 2009 in bench making skills, Christina worked as a freelance jeweller for many years, keeping close links with her college by attending open classes regularly. When her lecturers a few years ago suggested she return to study computer aided design she admits she was rather reluctant at first. Having had no experience in using this kind of software, she realised that the year-long honours course would be somewhat intensive but a worthwhile endeavour. " The first day we were given an image of a ring and told we had less than a week to prepare a 10 minute presentation on how you would make it on CAD. I was studying alongside others who had been using it for 3 years and I had to learn it from scratch!". 4am rises and 16 hour days saw her immerse herself in her studies, determined not to fail at something she was completely new to. Persuading the college to allow her to concentrate solely on stone setting briefs, she was able to make sense of all the skills she was gaining through re-teaching a fellow novice student what she was learning on a daily basis. This is something that was of real benefit to her studies and she now continues to support other jewellers by offering one to one sessions to assist them in their work. 

The creative process can be lengthy with great attention to detail being bestowed on each piece of jewellery commissioned.  It can be months in the making from idea to the finished article being in the owner's possession. As well as the design concerns, it is in Christina's interest to present her clients with all the options within (and sometimes out-with) their budget parameters. Becoming a mind reader and working off of her intuition, it becomes a process of elimination with her presenting a few options based on the information initially given, to eventually narrow it down to the design and materials that fit perfectly. "Some people have no idea what they want but in chatting with them, likes and dislikes they didn't even know they had can be revealed.". The indicisiveness and uncertainty that inivitably comes with trying to extract and pinpoint what it is a client actually wants can add to the challenge of defining the exact details. Armed with everything she has collected, Christina gets to work on each commission liaising with the client throughout the process but has, over the years, learned not to be self critical of what she knows to be her most productive way of working. "I used to lie about when I got up. I now know that I work better at certain times. I'm confident to say what works for me and I won't apologise for it". Quite often having to put her own preferences aside, the journey is entirely client-centred. However working on a something for such a long time Christina admits "I always end up loving it in the end! I know every single bit of that piece of jewellery and you've been handling it for so long that you do become attached".

Realising the importance of being social media savvy is something Christina has always been switched on to. A successful Youtuber and former Dailybooth creative, her love of interacting with like-minded creatives on-line has served her well in promoting her business as a jeweller. "I am on so many social media creative groups as I like to bounce ideas off others. Nowadays it's such an integral part of your business, compared to 6 or 7 years ago". Scheduling in time to promote her work online, as well as catching up on what others are doing in the industry is part of her working week. As a freelance artist Christina not only finds it imperative to stay connected from a business point of view but as a creative, collaborating and sharing ideas helps to keep her motivated and inspired.  Clients' testimonials and their publicity of her work assist in securing that next commission, with the real highlights being in those "she loved it!" emails. 

Christina is invested in every single piece of jewellery she lovingly produces, greatly valuing her client's decision to select her to be their jeweller. The rewards outweigh any of the challenges presented and she is highly motivated by the story and the people behind each and every piece. I was very lucky to be gifted a bespoke ring designed and made by Christina and it's something I cherish dearly. You are made to feel very special when something has been painstakingly produced with you at the heart of every decision made and Christina's exceptional craftsmanship and creativity makes that dream a reality. Christina is a people person and it is her friendly, approachable, professional manner, married with her undeniable talent that makes her exceptional in her field. 

If you could have an unlimited amount of something, what would it be?

"I really want to say sleep. I love a cat nap! Oh, tea too!"

Who dresses like a badass?

"The whole of France! I've always watched French movies and I love how the women manage to look so effortlessly fabulous! I've never been one to follow fashion trends or celebrity style"

Biggest pet peeve?

"People not following the rules. I recently was on a tour of the City Hall in Belfast and the guide asked everyone to stick together and the amount of people that wandered off and then we had to wait on them. When people are late for things it stresses me out too" 

Hidden talent?

"I can hoola-hoop for 2 hours and 10 minutes! I was doing a Youtube video during the Olympics and discovered that I could just keep going!"

Favourite smell?

"I have a candle that smells exactly like these little jelly sweets from when I was a kid. I used to get them on top of milkshakes that my dad took me to get. I cherish that smell as it takes me back to such a nice time" 

Website 

https://www.christinaroseleon.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/christinaroseleonjewellery/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/christinaroseleonjewellery/

Twitter 

https://twitter.com/crljewellery?lang=en

The Braw and The Brave Meet....Martin Corcoran

Meet Martin Corcoran, Senior Tutor at the community music charity, Reeltime Music in North Lanarkshire. I am already feeling rather guilty about labelling him with a singular job title, as in reality, what Martin does on a day to day basis would blow the minds of the busiest of multitaskers. Martin has grown up with the charity and indeed, Reeltime with him. From humble beginnings in the late nineties, Martin and Project Manager Ryan Currie invested the blood, sweat and tears required to elevate what started as a room with a drum kit and some amps, to the multifaceted organisation which sees literally 1000s of young people each year being supported and given opportunities through the arts. Music tuition, song writing, recording and music video production, Reeltime’s goal is to spark confidence within their participants to explore their own potential within a safe, friendly, relaxed and encouraging environment. Their story to date is extremely inspiring and the success of Reeltime and in particular, its youth work, has been possible because of the drive and determination of those who believed in it enough to make it a reality.

Martin’s love of music started at a young age and although it was sport he had initially considered as a career path, when his best mate’s dad had given him a handful of guitar lessons, told him to "bugger off and learn the rest yourself!" , he soon realised where his passion and a natural talent lay. Immersing himself in learning to play guitar riffs and the chords to his favourite songs, Martin could usually be found in the school’s music department or at a local youth music group (later named, Reeltime) devoting much of his time to being in bands and creating music.  With his heart set on studying Electronics with Music at the University of Glasgow, the slight, if not vital issue of not having a qualification in music didn’t faze him. With his eye on the prize he was given the go-ahead by his school to crash Higher Music in his final year, achieving the ‘B’ he needed to get on to the course. His appetite to learn everything there was to know and to hone his skills saw him use his student loan to buy all the equipment he needed to have his own set up at home. “Studio techniques were my thing, I’d record anyone and anything just to get the experience!”

Martin’s commitment to his studies and his craft is impressive but it’s his relationship with Reeltime, spanning almost 20 years and his dedication to the cause (particularly in the early years) that is truly inspirational.  Throughout his time at university, Martin became Chairperson of Reeltime’s Management Committee and with the group’s determination, the formation of new partnerships with other organisations and endless funding applications resulted in Reeltime finally being able to build a recording studio in 2003- coincidently the same year Martin graduated from university. Enthused by their achievements thus far, Martin made the bold decision to continue working at the charity unpaid for a further year, helping to steer them towards further growth and success. Martin, Ryan and joining staff over the years have developed a strong bond and have equally invested their time, energy and life’s work to making Reeltime a place for young people to be creative and become more confident in their abilities, providing endless opportunities to try new things, discover hidden talents and form relationships with like-minded people. Closely collaborating with the local council, as well as organisations such as Creative Scotland and The Princes Trust, tailor-made projects are created to suit the needs of the participants to ensure they are providing a service that does more than just tick the boxes- Reeltime’s work touches lives, makes a difference and gives young people a chance.  “My job has completely changed over the years and will change again. Now it’s more about working with young people to get them engaging and building on their skills and organising projects.....every day is different and I love that!”. Speaking with Martin it’s evident that his love affair with Reeltime has never wavered. He is immensely proud (quite rightly so!) of what the ever-growing team has achieved and he clearly gets that same kick out of the job that started out as hobby aged 16.  “It’s really unique. Other organisations now come to us to model their forms of practise on how we do things at Reeltime! I’m so proud of our reputation and what we’ve been able to do.”   

As with any demanding career, it’s often difficult to make time or muster the energy in your precious downtime for hobbies or interests and Martin admits that up until recently he’d been finding less and less time to practise his instrument. All that changed when he received a phone call from an old school friend 2 years year ago looking for a guitarist for his Thin Lizzy tribute band, Still Lizzy. “It was the kick up the backside that I needed. I hadn’t played in bands for about 5 or 6 years and although it was such a busy period in my life I was determined to do it….and learned 17 Thin Lizzy songs in the space of 3 weeks!”. The band have enjoyed great success playing gigs up and down the country and getting the opportunity to perform and work with fellow musicians is something which Martin considers a real source of inspiration. Mentoring, tutoring, planning, facilitating, recording and delivering are momentarily laid carefully to one side as he is given the chance to step on stage and relive his earlier years of being a musician and it only being about the music.  He recognises the benefits of taking time out to do something he enjoys and to be creative. “It’s about trying to keep a balance! It’s difficult but you almost need to force yourself to take that time to do something for you creatively!”

In addition to playing guitar, his love of song writing from a young age had also fell by the way side over the years and pinpoints joining the Still Lizzy as the catalyst to him releasing his recently completed EP Background Noise Dusting off melodies and lyrics he’d written in his teens and early 20s, Martin decided this summer was the time to finally record and produce the music he’d planned to for several years but never quite found the time to make it happen. Past failed attempts to get other musicians on board, he made the decision to go solo, writing every part, playing every instrument and recording his 6 chosen tracks at his home studio. “The music I write isn’t the kind of music I listen to which I find quite strange! It’s more like the music I listened to when I was about 16. However my playing style has changed. When I was younger it was all about long, intricate guitar riffs…..now it’s more about a nice melody and meaningful lyrics”. What Martin aims to instil in the young people he works with day in day out is the importance of play and being creative- something which he’d forgotten to allow himself to do. “The Picasso quote ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up’ is so true. Everyone wants to play, whether you’re 3 or 63! I just had to get it done, get it out there and let people listen to it!”.

Martin is a grafter and will be ungrudgingly generous with his time, energy and expertises to assist others in their creative journey. He adores music and values the power it has to literally change and shape lives.  As a Creative, however difficult it can sometime be, he continues to dedicate time to his instrument and maintains an element of play to keep those all-important juices flowing. He loves what he does and he does what he loves! Now, if that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is! 

What’s on you iPod right now?

“Recently I’ve been listening to Spotify’s ‘Discover Weekly’ playlist when I do the dishes. That’s where I discovered Zervas and Pepper- their sound is reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac”

Favourite Scottish word/phrase?

“Aye man! I say it all the time!”

What would you like to overhear someone say about you?

“He’s a good guy!”

Biggest pet peeve

“Untidiness”

Who is Braw or Brave?

“My idol Bruce Lee-it’s amazing what he was able to achieve in his short life. What he had to overcome in his life to achieve what he did is just unreal”

Favourite Smell?

“Playdo-I have a tub on my bedside cabinet. When I smell it takes me back to my childhood, in my aunt’s house aged 7 playing with my cousins. It has to be real Playdo though-not the fake stuff!”

I’m happiest when…..

“Chillin’….or when I’m playing!”

What advice would you give your teenage self?

“Push yourself more. I used to be a shy person and although I was confident in a practical sense I found it hard to speak up and give my opinion on things!”

Check out Martin’s EP Background Noise:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/background-noise-ep/id1153272629

Check out Still Lizzy :

https://www.facebook.com/Still-Lizzy-1458591184453717/

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad......YOU?!

As a Creative person fervently working away, honing your craft and attempting to make an honest crust in the process, it’s often difficult to find the time or the inclination to pop your head up out of the rabbit hole every once in a while to assess what it is that is making (or indeed breaking!) a success of the career you’re lovingly carving out for yourself.  It’s inevitable you’ll be in a constant state of changing, challenging and tweaking your skills, practice and end product but taking in to consideration what your other selling points are can be a real eye opener….and hopefully, will ultimately involve opening some doors too.  Yes you want to deliver the best possible body of work you can-one that you’re certain your audiences/clients/fans will devour and delight in. However what I personally have found is a real key in the world of freelance and being a Creative is your personality. Credentials and accolades aside, what gets your two feet in the door and under the table is the YOU in it all. Allowing your personality to come through in every aspect of your creative life I think is essential to achieving those successes you aim for. 

‘People buy people not products’ is a phrase that resonates with me. Yes I can dance, choreograph and teach well but a lot of the feedback I receive is not always focused on the content of my lessons or the work I present but how I was received by others when I was delivering that session or that particular project. If I allow myself to be the truest version of me, even in the most professional of situations or environments and remain confident in who I am, I know I will be better equipped to deliver the goods. This also rings true in scenarios where I haven’t even got the job yet. If I go to a meeting or interview about a potential choreography job, yes my knowledge and prior experience is paramount but of course, they will have been the driving force behind me getting the interview in the first place. The next step is to let my personality and the drive and excitement I have for the work I do shine through. If someone is considering working with or hiring you to do what you do best, they want to feel like YOU are the one they need, as well as your work being the perfect fit.

Now reading this back to myself, I fear it may appear that I'm somehow implying it’s all about charming your way up some career ladder or indeed that I consider myself to have this awe-inspiring, totes amaze-balls personality that folks just can’t resist!. It’s not that at all!  Most Creatives will tell you that they aren't preoccupied with any manner of climbing apparatus, after all what goes up, must come down. There is no ladder, no end point nor final goal for creative types and so, a life’s work is only about new experiences, new information and new connections.  In my experience, in order to take full advantage of one’s ability as a Creative it’s important to play to your strengths and worry less about what you consider to be your weaknesses. YOU are your own unique selling point and not being afraid to allow your personality stretch it’s (fabulous!) legs can be a real barrier between you and your potential. If you’re funny, caring, witty, whatever you feel is you at your best, it’s vital you don’t dull that sparkle for fear of appearing unprofessional or less committed or focused in a work setting. If you are being you, you are relaxed and feel more confident in even the most unfamiliar of settings. In turn, those around you will be motivated, inspired or comforted by how at ease you are and they will feel more able to be themselves. This creates the optimum environment for creativity to flourish! Simples!

We can all think of that one person that, whenever you're with them, they are always the same way. It's refreshing to be in the company of someone who is at ease and is confident that their unique personality will suffice in any situation. They don't feel compelled to mask or alter who they are for each new encounter and that's inspiring stuff right there. In a world that at time feels preoccupied with concealing who we are, in favour of a contoured, enhanced version of the truth, it's empowering to identify and celebrate what makes us the person we are. It isn't about nailing the interview, getting the job and making the big bucks- Que sera sera! Essentially,  if you be you, creatively sparks will fly and we all live for those kind of fireworks!  

Now go DO YOU! x

The Braw and The Brave Meet....Ryan Moir

Photo by Scott Cadenhead

Meet Ryan Moir, a Musical Director, Composer and Performer from Largs. Coming from a very musical family, it’s no wonder he has fashioned himself an extremely successful career in directing musicals, youth theatre productions and pantos, as well as producing, composing and performing with his very own children’s theatre show, The McDougalls. From day dot Ryan was pinning up bed sheets as backdrops and charging his parents 50p to come see his shows. His love of music began at a young age and Ryan fondly recalls many a Hogmanay party at his Granny McDougall's house where everyone had a chanter, accordion or mouth-organ in hand or ‘took a turn’  belting out an old Scottish tune. He was destined to play an instrument but he explains, he didn't quite follow the family tradition,

“Every male, for generations, on my Dad’s side of the family have all played the bagpipes….I remember my Granda sitting me down when I was about 11, trying to get me to do scales but I wasn't really that interested”. His love of music saw him producing umpteen shows in his bedroom and back garden, his siblings and cousins in tow, with their parents being coerced into forming an audience on the sofa bed or garden bench. “There’s many a home video where I'm taking a strop because they aren't taking it seriously enough. This one time it started to rain halfway through our magic show and I was absolutely raging that they were all getting agitated, telling us to ‘hurry up!’”

Ryan admits studying an instrument or learning to read music wasn't something he was that keen to pursue but he had such a thirst for music, he’d return home from youth theatre rehearsals, only then to sit in front of his Casio keyboard for hours figuring out how to play the songs he’d been taught to sing, as well as recording tunes he’d composed on his cassette player.  Eventually going on to study Music and Theatre Studies at Glasgow University, Ryan continued performing and creating work outside of his course. “If I think back, from the age of 17, I was probably trying to build up a career for myself”. Never wanting to be pigeon-holed, Ryan actively sought out opportunities to work with different people and organisations, tapping into other aspects of the theatre other than music. His ‘variety is the spice of life’ energy saw him start to work as a freelance artist after graduating as the next natural step for him to take, seemingly unfazed by the uncertainty of going solo. “I think I’d find it quite odd now to go work for someone else. I like the freedom…creating your own destiny!” 

The McDougalls. Photo by Laura Robbie 

Two years ago Ryan formed The McDougalls, the family friendly, interactive musical touring company who have enjoyed huge success from the outset. “Originally it started as a one-off show we created as part of the children’s’ summer programme at Irvine Harbour Arts. Instead of putting on your usual workshops I came up with the idea of making a show aimed at preschoolers”. Ryan explains that although he is Artistic Director, it is very much a collaborative effort from all involved. Home town friends of his, Ruaridh Forde and Colleen Garrett, join Ryan and his sister Angie Moir on stage as up to 10 different characters in the McDougall Clan and behind the scenes they all have an input in to the creation of each production. “Everyone has a voice and a responsibility. Everybody wants it to do well”. From Ryan’s point of view there’s a reassurance of working so closely on something he’s so passionate about with people he knows well and trusts. Ruraidh and Ryan attended the local youth theatre together and after years of putting on shows together at home, Angie was bound to end up alongside her brother on stage. The emphasis is on fun and making things magical as the McDougalls take children and adults alike on various exciting adventures with Max, Mollie, Maisie and Auntie Aggie. Plenty of madness, mayhem and sing-along moments ensue and their sell-out performances in theatres, schools and arts centres across Scotland prove how entertaining and engaging their shows are. The company’s creative process is one which everyone is invested in “After pinpointing the big moments and a loose structure, as the musical element is so strong, we tend to figure the songs out first and then write the dialogue to link them all”. Although they set aside time to brainstorm and work collaboratively on each project he admits, “it’s a bit of a messy process…I don’t think there’s a linear process to anything. We know when the deadline is and we've just got to get it all done”. Although essentially a children’s show, entertaining every single audience member and providing a family experience is at the heart of what the company aim to do, ”Music is a great way to span the generations…it’s got to be of a standard so that the adults can appreciate and engage with it too”.

In establishing your brand comes the conflict of taking every opportunity offered and the possibility of compromising your artistic integrity in doing so. Ryan wants what they have created thus far to continue to go from strength to strength and has a clear vision of how that can happen without jumping through unnecessary hoops, altering their act for that chance of that one-off gig. “There’s no harm in being picky about what you take on if it means you’re protecting your brand. Making decisions not to do certain things, from a financial point of view, in order to stick to what you’re ultimately aiming to be is something you become savvy to over time”.

With the expanding success of a company comes the need but uncertainty of inviting other creatives or specialists to help raise ‘your baby’ and help bring the vision to life. “Initially when you’re starting something you’re frightened of involving other people….but now we’re working with students and graduates and we’re getting work that is good quality, affordable and giving them the experience and a good opportunity”. Ryan’s ability to be so hands on with every aspect of the company and the shows they produce is the key to their continued success and although he claims “I’m not particularly phenomenal at anything but I like to have an interest in various different things” arguably this is what makes it all work. His passion, determination and the sheer enjoyment he gets from creating something he feels is his is the driving force behind it all. Supported by his fellow performers and collaborators, Ryan is someone who is keen to support others in gaining experience wherever possible. Having been a youngster grabbing every opportunity presented to him he recognises the importance of opening the doors to fellow young creators. “We recently realised that everyone working on The McDougalls, from the cast, to lighting and sound are all under the age of 26”. Ryan is not one to rest on his laurels, he acknowledges that certain pitfalls of putting your work out in the world are inevitable but what motivates him is the responsibility he feels to keep to going even when things are challenging “If I don’t just go for it I know I’ll let down other people. When you've put so much work in to step one, it would be daft to just give up on it”

As if all that wasn’t enough to contend with, Ryan also runs Largs Youth Theatre, with 150 children between the ages of 3 and 18 attending classes every week. As well as acting, singing and dance tuition, the chance to delve into other mediums such as film making is also offered to aspiring creatives. Ryan over the past 3 years has also taken on the role of Musical Supervisor for some of Coventry based theatre company Imagine Theatre's productions, creating all the tracks, writing band parts and sourcing musicians for their annual pantos in various UK venues. It’s evident that he is hungry to work and engage with others and his talent, professionalism and work ethic serve him well. For someone so busy, spinning plates effortlessly left, right and centre, is there even time to reflect or allow self-doubt to creep in? “I’m always anxious about starting something new. Even when you know it’s going to be fine, you tend to lean towards that Scottish pessimism of expecting the worst but it doesn't hold me back….then in the end you’re often pleasantly surprised!”. Ryan is confident in his work and isn’t fazed by trying new things or asking for what he needs. That ‘if you don’t ask you don’t get’ attitude aligned with his positive outlook and friendly demeanour allows him to achieve his gaols and press on.  

 I had the pleasure of working with Ryan for the first time this summer on ATG’s Theatre Royal, Glasgow’s Stage Experience 2016 production of The Wizard of Oz and immediately warmed to his super friendly, laid back approach. I felt welcomed and supported by Ryan from the outset, as someone new to the organisation (Ryan also delivers weekly classes at the theatre) and thoroughly enjoyed a crazy-busy two weeks piecing together a full-scale production (starring 75 children and a real live Toto!) with him and the team. Ryan is a grafter in the truest sense of the word but he’s unassuming and appears to take everything in his stride. Going above and beyond the call of duty to produce the best work possible is an intrinsic to what he is all about but when you’re motivated by such love for what you do Ryan explains “you just kinda get on with it” 

What are you listening to?

“At the moment it’s all children’s songs…one’s from all over the world as I’m prepping for the McDougall’s Christmas Show ‘Chaos at Christmas’”

If you could have an unlimited amount of something, what would it be?

“Time! Everything is so fast paced-I’d like longer to think about things, reflect and plan.

Also time to be able to switch off”

Favourite word?

“Yes! I like yes people!”

Last film you watched?

I recently saw the new BFG film and really enjoyed it!

Biggest pet peeve?

“Waiting on people! Oh and people sauntering….I'm not a saunterer!”

Best song lyrics?

“’Let it Be”-I've always been a big Beatles fan.

Life motto/mantra?

“Just get on with it!”

Favourite musical?

From a sentimental point of view I would have to say,’Oliver’.  I played the part of Oliver when I was wee and it takes me back to that time whenever I hear the music from it”

Favourite place in the world?

“I like Scotland. Driving about in my car, I like looking at all the hills and the nice scenery….all my best ideas come whilst I'm driving around in my car!”

If you could do one thing to help the world, what would you do?

“Get them all singing! It’s the power in that 1 or 2 minutes of singing a song where people can forget all their worries. I'm not saying it’ll solve the world's problems but it can for that 2 minutes”



Be sure to get your tickets for The McDougall's fun-filled, magical festive production, 'Chaos at Christmas'.

On from 15th December at Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine 

CollaboGREAT!

Us mere mortals are forever in life trying to 'make the team'. As a kid on day one of primary school scanning the playground for a buddy, to being a twenty-something newbie at the local gym's spinning class, hoping a friendly face will look your way-we all want to be part of the gang! It's human nature to gravitate towards other like-minded individuals who you feel bring out the best in you. Those folks who just 'get you' and allow you to express yourself, experiment and explore without judgement. 

As a freelance dance artist & choreographer,  I'm often working & creating alone. Yeah, I may be teaching up to 250 people in just one day and meeting heaps of new folks every week but I'll be out there, most of the time, delivering sessions on my own with only my ideas, knowledge and experience in the mix. Of course the freedom is very liberating, with no one to question or quash your decisions but in the same light, when creativity grinds to a halt, you're left feeling like you've asked me, myself and I one too many times to expect to get any pearls of wisdom in reply! The light-bulb moments at times will dwindle, where you've spent the last hour staring a blank piece of paper hating every single idea that has floated to the surface of your muddy pond water of a brain. The struggle is real and sometimes you wish could just go fishing some place else! 

This is where collaborating with others saves the day. Teaming up with fellow Creatives will inspire and motivate you to beyond what you thought was possible. Their input can conjure up ideas and offer moments of clarity that would have never come to fruition on a solo mission. I can safely say that in every collaborative project I have worked on, there has always been that stroke of genius moment, a new lesson learned or validation of my work that I needed. That's not to say that plain sailing is guaranteed- too many cooks may not spoil the broth entirely but it sure can throw the odd spanner in the works along the way as creative differences become apparent. However, hurdles aside, the pros of working collaboratively arguably out way any potential pitfalls in my opinion. 

 Like a chain reaction, someone else's decisions or actions help you steer your own plans for a project, with that common interest in making something tick beautifully at the heart of everyone's agenda. A Director's specific vision for a scene in a production, a designer's urge to use a glitter ball or a choreographer's signature style is bound to assist your own creative process. Peering out of your comfort zone and opening yourself up to the unknown feels a lot less scary when you're in the company of others who are willing to do the same. Venturing into a new project can be like the first day at university-it all seems a little less daunting when you take a mate along who is in the exact same boat as you are. When there's someone to say 'yes, that works!' Or 'yeah, me too!', the doubting Thomas in your head is less likely to be heard or adhered to! 

Recently I've had the privilege and pleasure of working more and more collaboratively which actually helped inspire the creation of this blog! I'm sure I'm not alone when I admit that I often feel the initial pang of inferiority when presented with the opportunity to team up with others. My self-doubts of 'not being good enough' or 'being found out as an imposter' are a given- it seems near impossible for me to approach any new venture (solo or collaborative) without a hint of self doubt and that's something I have come to expect but realise I can overcome. Being on a team is exciting and inspiring but it's blooming terrifying too! 'What if they don't like my ideas?' 'What if mine clash with theirs?'. These are quickly dashed when you get to work and discover that your counterparts are scarily similar to you- they too have their own self doubts and creative demons to deal with and they don't have all the answers that you thought they would! You soon realise you're in a gang of peeps just like you and all your strengths and weaknesses compliment and support each other's. Questions and answers are often met with considerable ease when there's more than one brain in the mix and you all provide a safety net for everyone to try stuff out without fear of failing miserably and having no where to go but down in to the black hole of 'No Ideas-ville'. 

Collaborating with others is a real highlight for me! It makes me feel that I'm not out there on my lonesome. That this freelance malarkey has achievable squad goals and I'm safe in the knowledge that I'll be saved from running out of inspiration, as long as I make an effort to team up with others to create things. You're bound to learn and grow with each new encounter and your own input will have undoubtedly inspired others! 

My advice to any Creative is to take a leap of faith when it comes to working with others. Don't go in there with pre-conceived ideas of how it will all go down. Be open to new things, be confident in your own abilities and ideas and be ready to be inspired by others. Like any self respecting superhero alliance, individually the members are pretty darn great but together....they are KICK-ASS GREAT!