Attending the Alana McDowell talk within Belfast’s creative scene at Blick Studios

I spent yesterday working in Belfast city centre. I was born in Belfast. So I could be bias. But Belfast has a brilliant atmosphere, especially around the Cathedral Quarter. The Belfast Cathedral Quarter has always felt like a hub for creativity and startup energy. When I worked with Raise Ventures, I spent a lot of time in this area, surrounded by the energy of the startup scene. The streets, the people, and the atmosphere make it the perfect place to feel connected and inspired. One of my main reasons for wanting to spend more time here is to connect with others in Northern Ireland’s bustling creative community.

Yesterday was also the perfect opportunity to try out hot-desking at Blick Studios in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. The high ceilings and open space of Blick, combined with the diversity of creatives—designers, artists, tech enthusiasts—all sharing the same co-working area, makes it a truly inspiring environment. There's a unique energy in spaces like these, where just bumping into someone can spark new ideas or lead to unexpected collaborations. Blick was hosting a creative talk by an incredible designer and artist, Alana McDowell, and I knew this was a chance to experience the inspiring vibe of the space firsthand.

The event was a sell-out, with around 25-30 people attending, creating a perfect environment for networking and connection. One of the best things about events at Blick is the sheer diversity of talent in the room. There were designers, artists, and entrepreneurs, each bringing something unique to the conversation. I had the chance to meet an artist named John Dam Crothers, who blends illustration with augmented reality. We discussed our interests in tech, design, and creativity. These kinds of interactions, where you feel synergy, are what make these events so valuable.

Alana McDowell’s talk was truly inspiring. Prior to the event, I was somewhat familiar with her work, but after looking her up on Instagram, I realised that I had already come across several of her projects. Her work at Kelly's Cellars and collaborations with Jameson whiskey stood out to me, especially as someone who admires well-crafted branding. Alana’s approach to art feels distinctly Northern Irish to me. She doesn’t focus on political themes, as many murals in Northern Ireland do; instead, she uses her work to celebrate culture, brands, and community in a way that spreads joy and positivity.

Alana’s talent for working with colour, typography, and large-scale murals is remarkable. In a place where murals have traditionally been political or historical, her work brings a fresh, uplifting energy. One piece she created for Larne council genuinely makes me feel happy just looking at it. If I were on Larne council, I’d commission Alana to paint the entire area! There’s something incredibly powerful about using art as a tool for positive transformation, especially in a place like Northern Ireland, where murals have such a deep-rooted significance. I believe all communities here should explore opportunities to bring more art to public spaces, not as symbols of division but as expressions of hope, culture, and creativity. Personally, I’d love to live in towns and cities filled with color and positive energy around every corner.

Similar to Blick, Seedhead Arts are also running creative events through events like the annual Hit the North festival. This event attracts hundreds of street artists to Belfast, who transform the city’s walls into vibrant canvases. They paint, teach, and share their art with the community, creating a visual celebration of creativity. It’s this kind of initiative that I’d love to see spreading to other towns across Northern Ireland, replacing divisive imagery with art that brings people together and radiates positivity.

The main takeaways for me from Alana’s talk were not only about her artistic journey but also her business acumen. I was inspired by her career path—starting as a screen designer and evolving into a business owner who collaborates with well-known brands. Observing how she manages her social media presence and engages her audience offered valuable insights into building a brand that is authentic and connected. Her story reminds me of the importance of staying true to one’s roots while also being open to evolving creatively and professionally.

If you’re interested in Belfast’s creative scene, I’d highly recommend attending events like these at Blick Studios. They’re a fantastic way to learn, connect, and be part of Northern Ireland’s thriving artistic community. You can explore more about upcoming events at Blick on their event page. These gatherings are a welcoming space for both seasoned creatives and those new to the scene, providing inspiration and a platform for collaboration.