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

After much preparation, Manchester's Pecha Kucha (number 39) blasted off with some wonderful chaos. Nine speakers took to the stage at Cultplex, all very experienced speakers, some with a lot of improv experience, some not so much, as was planned.

Talks are usually written and planned, but on this occasion, the speaker wouldn't know the content of the slide deck, or the subject they were going to speak on until they arrived on the stage.

Working with Kyle Soo to make this happen, we'd been chatting about if for over a year. He has an amazing team who have helped him bring great Pecha Kucha events to Manchester, and this was no different. Cultplex, the indie cinema in the Green Quarter was a perfect venue too. (amazing pizza).

I'd had far too long to procrastinate over the ins and outs of how to keep it fresh for a whole night, which in the end didn't need overthinking. I also delivered my talk in song.

Thanks to Kyle, his team and the amazing speakers who took part.

Eve Holt
Hannah Cox
Simi Abidakun
Short Supply
Rob Stuart Hudson
Kate McCabe
Max Cross 

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