G.F. Smith: Colour in Context

Last month, G. F. Smith visited Manchester with their evening of Colour in Context at the Museum of Science and Industry. We had the opportunity to listen to talks from creatives and how they use colour (we also all received a wonderful goody bag and free pizza- always a plus in my book).

I heavily recommend you check out the below speakers; each are very inspiring in their different fields.

Luke Stephenson gave an insightful talk on photographing birds and the strange habits of pigeon fanciers.

Set designer Gemma Tickle wowed with her amazing ideas, including creating giant flumps.

 Fashion designer Kit Neale examined how, as a nation, us Brits are very orthodox when it comes to office/formal wear. We need to take note from other cultures and bring in some colour!

Rain God

My piece for Before I Could Draw.
An exhibition where illustrators used skills acquired over a lifetime to re-interpret their childhood pictures.

I found a bunch of old drawings from when I first became interested in indigenous/ancient folklore and mythology as a kid.

Age 23.

Age 11.

2022NQ Print Shop

2022NQ is a fantastic bar, gallery and events space found on Dale Street in the heart of the Northern Quarter of Manchester.

They've recently launched their online printshop where you can exclusively buy prints from my High Spirits prints series, as well as work from many other talented local designers and illustrators. Check it out!

Blab Talks

BLAB is a series of talks in Manchester, organised by Matt Booth, which feature speakers from all across the creative spectrum. From designers to illustrators, photographers to UI developers. No matter what your job in the creative industry (arguably any industry) or background, BLAB offers a look into the lives and inspirations of some exciting, accomplished people.

The most inspirational of which I believe is Gavin Strange, senior designer at Aardman. His talk was so motivating and heartfelt, and his can-do attitude left everyone glowing with positivity afterwards. 

Luckily, all the talks are recorded and uploaded to Vimeo, so I strongly recommend making a pot of tea and settling down to watch it for yourself (you can hear me woop at the mention of Adventure Time at 43:25, sorry..)

Some of my other favourite BLAB speakers include:

Mr Bingo - Illustrator

Kevin Meredith (LomoKev) - Photographer

Peter Crawley - Multichannel Designer/Illustrator

Nik Roope - Industrial and Digital Media Designer/Entrepreneur

If you're interested in attending a future BLAB talk you can do so through their Meetup page. 

Follow their Twitter for updates on upcoming events. 

You can also watch videos of past talks on their Vimeo page.

Draw North West

Since moving down to Manchester at the beginning of last year I discovered a bi-monthly meet-up group in the city centre which goes by the name of Draw North West.

Through which I have met so many lovely illustrators and artists, and learned about creative events and exhibitions around the city.
The creative community of Manchester is something I find incredibly heartening, and makes me proud to be a part of such an accommodating community.
Attendees range from students from the local university to well experienced freelancers. Everyone is eager to talk about their latest ideas, recommend inspiration and just have a laugh and a doodle.

Tonight is the 10th DNW meetup- a little bit of a milestone. Here's to many more!

This meetup's poster was drawn by the uber talented Emma Reynolds. I think it perfectly captures the spirit of DNW.

If you fancy rubbing shoulders with other arty types, head down to Common Bar tonight on Edge Street in the Northern Quarter of Manchester.

Draw North West
@drawnorthwest

Dr Martens Store Opening

Amongst other recent Manchester related news I've recently become a Dr Martens ambassador. Through which I received this gorgeous pair of victorian flower boots!

There's a brand new store opening on Market Street on the 2nd of August, so if you're in and around Manchester, check it out.

Manchester Bands

While in Manchester I've seen some great bands. Here are some of the notable ones.

The Duke Spirit

Performed at The Ruby Lounge

"The Duke Spirit are an English rock band based in London. Their sound has been seen as a melding of influences ranging from alternative guitar bands such as The Jesus and Mary Chain and Spiritualized, the tremulous rock'n'roll of bands such as The Gun Club and The Patti Smith Group, to distinctive rhythmic 'Atlantic soul' and Motown influences."

We Have Band

Performed at The Ruby Lounge

"We Have Band are a three-piece electronic music group from Manchester and London.  The band have remixed many artists including Gorillaz, Bloc Party, Micachu, Peter Bjorn and John and M83 amongst others."

Boots Electric

Performed at Academy

"Boots Electric is the alter ego of guitarist and vocalist Jesse "The Devil" Hughes, who formed the eclectic garage rock duo Eagles of Death Metal along with longtime friend and Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Home in 2008., Known for his enthusiastic dance moves and unpredictable stage behaviour."

Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam Six

Performed at The Deaf Institute

"Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam Six have captured the imaginations of every species of listenership – both at home and overseas. Since forming in late 2006 their music has infiltrated almost every creative niche, being adapted into animated short films, burlesque routines, musical theatre, fringe festival revues, documentary soundtracks, motion picture scores and even a comic strip."