Climbing The Creative Ladder by Beth Cole

Beth joined the Artswork Professional Development team in March 2022, one of the 16 young people to join our third cohort under the government funded Kickstart scheme. In this blog she gives a little insight on her thoughts and experience so far.

I have recently began working with Artswork as a part of the Kickstart scheme. It has already grown my confidence knowing I can be a part of a supportive organisation that aim to help and support young people. This opportunity has also inspired some of the thoughts and feelings I have had on my own journey.

Art and creativity have always been a form of relaxation and enjoyment for me, but it seemed like a stretch to incorporate it into my career. From messing around with papier-mâché, to holding my very first exhibition, I have learnt to see art in the everyday.

My GCSE and A-level time was filled with creative subjects, and I enjoyed plastering my work across boards and inside books, however, I started to sense a feeling of doubt about it. With people around me making what I did feel insignificant, I was hardly supported with my dreams.

Creative subjects began to seem less valued than those of STEM, with schools and colleges pushing academic courses as the ‘only way’ forward.

Whilst practicing photography, I discovered more the link that art has with society; how you see it used in adverts, on TV and incorporated into product packaging. I realised that art is used to communicate information using typography, through fashion, use of colour and so much more. I felt a sense of pride whilst creating my work, in a way that I could be a part of this movement and I began supporting small artists online. I used this mindset to block out the disbelief people had about creative arts, and realised I wanted to become an advocate for it.

Restoration and urban projects are something I believe should be used more, especially in areas of creative deprivation. Young artists should have space to express their work, whether that is in a small shop or pop-up stall. Even the smallest space can have a huge impact on an emerging artist’s career and how humbling it is to have the experience of being seen as well as heard.

For me, to be able to show your passion is freeing and not many artists feel as though they can achieve this without having a handful of contacts to get on the ladder. It is important to collaborate and to be inspired by other artists, and to not get this confused with the number of agencies you know, especially at a young age.

I am lucky enough to have found Artswork as an exciting first step into my career and by helping young people on their feet. This opens many doors and more ways to inspire future generations. This opportunity has made me more hopeful for my own future as well as working together as a charity and as an organisation to inspire others.

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