Anyone who knows me or has followed me on social media will know I’ve been a part of The Collective throughout this past year. A few people have recently asked me what it’s all about (and whether it’s a cult). Needless to say, having benefited so much from the support of this amazing bunch, I’ve signed up for another year-long adventure!

So I thought I would take a look back at the past year, sharing some of my personal highlights through the rollercoaster that has been 2020 so far.*

*Ceci n’est pas a sponsored post - I genuinely just love The Collective and want to tell you alll about it.

The Collective is a gorgeous community for independent creative womxn, by Delicate Rébellion Magazine Editor Hannah Taylor (summed up beautifully here).

Members this year have included professional artists and illustrators, talented bloggers and writers, designers of super covetable (sustainable!) fashion and accessories and entrepreneurs with impressive brands from skincare to vintage markets, interior design and more. Women from all different backgrounds and industries, at every stage of their own creative biz journeys but with plenty in common. Read all about em’ in the Online Directory.

The group lives in a private FB Group (floating high above us all in the clouds👩🏻‍💻☁️), where we have regular live workshops from incredible mentors (which you can rewatch to your heart’s content), weekly accountability posts (“share your top 3 goals for this week”), celebrate wins and generally hang out. If you have a dilemma or are feeling curious, chances are, someone in the group has experienced something similar or can offer advice.👯‍♀️👯‍♀️

For me one of the biggest highlights has been finding a tribe of like minded souls, all cheering each other on and sharing tips and experiences. Freelancing is notoriously solitary and I’ve made genuine friendships with such lovely, down to earth and talented people that I feel really thankful for.

The Things I’m Most Proud of This Year..

My social media following and engagement have grown too. There really is no aspect of my business that hasn’t benefited from my membership, despite the pandemic putting so much on hold. I’ve taken on new, more ambitious commissions and set bigger goals than I would have dared this time last year. I’m not alone in making strides - you can read more success stories and wins from other super talented members here.

Global Pandemic? No Problemo! (Well, no - very much a problemo, gulp).. but the group has really kept me sane. In what has been a super overwhelming year, being a part of this little online space has helped me to keep positive and focused on my goals big and small. From panic stations to a woman of action!

Workshops by Lovely Mentors:

There have been so many brilliant workshops I’m not even sure where to begin! Rachida Benamar of RAMA Publishing inspired and motivated me to keep daydreaming (also - the life changing power of saying no).

I did mood boarding and branding exercises with Claire Jakstas of The Alchemy of Design, chose a website platform with Cat Byrne of Gatto Web and went onto build this very site. I set out a Blogging Content Plan with guidance from Emma Jane Palin, grew my Pinterest monthly views from zero to 60k+ thanks to (actual “Pinner of the Year”) Lex Gillies and so much more.

Though I’m not a visual artist, I just loved learning more about the business of art from Skye Kelly-Barrett, art director, curator and agent at ROAR Illustration Agency and illustrator of dreams Jacqueline Colley’s workshop gave me a push to be brave and share more work with the world. We’ve had lunchtime wild card workshops on How to Write the Perfect Brand Bio from Ruth MacGilp, a Digi Detox from art director, copywriter and social media creative Ella Hagi and an Intro to PR from Rosie Davies-Smith, founder of PR Dispatch.

Workshops like the recent How to Get a Book Published by writer and speaker Katie Treggiden & An Intro to Trademarks, IP & Important Legal Stuff with lawyer Seona Burnett were perfectly timed with the completion of the first draft of my novel this month. I also loved setting my brand values with Creative Edinburgh Director Briana Pegado.

“Falalala..”

Other Highlights…

I’m In for Round Deux - Are You??

If you are thinking of joining, don’t wait! Doors close for another year on the 30th September. You can read all about what to expect in the first month, check out the impressive list of lovely mentors and learn more about the new Pay It Forward option, with sponsored spaces to ensure that no creative talent misses out because they can’t afford a membership at this wild time.

For a more in-depth glimpse into the heart and soul of this curious, gentle community, read The Delicate Rebellion’s Powerful Little Storm Issue, featuring the best artists, writers and creators you ever did see.

In the meantime, see these beaut Insta stories to screenshot from @inthecollective story highlights & share to help others get to know you a little better (you can find mine on my grid). Member or not, I’d love to see yours. Follow #AllHailTheDreamers for the latest too. xoxo

If my words, ideas & tips have been useful and you would like to, you can buy me a cup of coffee via Ko-Fi (a fantastic, secure platform to help you support writers and artists online). You are wonderful and it’s so, so appreciated.