Over the last few years, more of my work has included social engagement. Not only creating final design and illustration pieces, but also going into communities to deliver workshops, empowering others to be more creative and have a voice on what's being designed.

Whether it's the branding for Salford's Child Friendly City incentive, Q and A's with attendees at a live scribe event or running a session at the opening of Stockport's Stockroom, social engagement has now become a part of my overall offering.
Since joining GRIT studios in late 2023 I've been able to combine these skills much more often, and I thank them for spotting new opportunities for me to do so too.

You see - full disclosure - when I'm not designing and illustrating, I'm performing and teaching. I've performed and taught comedy and improv on and off for almost twenty years. I'm also involved in TEDx Warrington. I consider myself a 'creative generalist' and have for a long time. It's a slow burn to skill up in a few different areas, but the career rewards, I think, are much greater.

Having an eclectic skill set offers a few different ways into a project. My involvement can involve helping to spark curiosity, build trust, and create a space where people feel safe to express themselves. It's not just the 'what' of a projects outcome, but finding the best 'how' to get there, where everyone feels invested.

Art can be a catalyst for change, and I see my role as helping others tap into that potential. Whether it’s sparking joy, raising awareness, or building community, I’m there to make creativity a shared experience—one that lingers long after the workshop ends.

Previous clients for this work include:

Salford City Council
Trafford Council
Stockport Council
Grit Studios
Sickfest
Stockroom
Greater Manchester Youth Network

I had a wonderful time this week, to co-hosting TEDxWarrington 2025.

With Co-host, Andrew Thorp, we introduced 18 speakers, 18! I was convinced it was going to over run with that many great talks, and there was some great talks indeed! One in particular that really struck a personal chord (I'll post about that later).

This year was bigger than the last 2 I've bene involved in, had 2 stages and around 300 in the audience at Warrington Youth Zone, converted for the night specially for the red spot.

It's been a long process coming together, and I've had the pleasure of being a part of the whole process, curating the speakers, coaching on humour and hosting. It's an inspiring task, working with Kirsty James and all the other folks that make up small army of volunteers that I've come to know so well since 2022. Several dozen good eggs!

There are so many moving parts on an event like this, and the videos of the talks are still to come!

Can't wait to see the official photos when they come through too. Well done all involved, and much gratitude to be part of it.

Links:
Book John as an event host