BDF Gather 2024: Our thoughts

We attended the latest BDF Gather event on the 10th of October. With the theme of “Loud & Proud”, the event focused on the work and lives of four influential creatives born in Birmingham and that express, using bold language and creative output, how proud they are to be Brummies. 

Since two members of our marketing team attended the event, we decided to give you the impressions and insights they both gathered for each of the talks.

Gustavo 

Zöe’s creative journey took so many different paths, and it’s a true model of how listening to your inner voice can guide you in your career path. From working for various companies, including a dream job that wasn’t so dreamy after all, to going solo and creating her own products, she was able to get to know herself and the creative output she needed to do. For the Punks & Chancers brand it is all about creating a sense of community, and it was very inspiring to see how even the smallest of expressions can create a sense of identity for a group of people and become a movement itself. 

Sarah

Learning about the journey that Zöe has been through was truly grounding. From creating pieces for the biggest, most expensive brands, to pulling back to creating content for their community. Being part of the creative community, it’s exciting to see your name under big brands and companies. However, Zöe highlights the emotional connection of creating for your own community. You can relate to the people in and around your life in a more meaningful way.  

Gustavo 

In the times we live in, we are hearing more and more about what makes our individual identities. We don’t all come to this world equal, even to the degree of how we perceive experiences, learn and develop. Casey’s talk about neurodivergence and how the labels we impose on people’s behaviours and attitudes can have a deep impact on their development and growth, was certainly eye-opening. It was inspiring to learn how having a better understanding of ourselves and embracing the labels that actually represent who we are, can enhance a sense of liberation that allows us to learn and develop in our own unique way. 

Sarah 

Listening to Casey’s talk was an emotional point for me. His talk was about the negative labels that we use towards other people. The talk was highly focused around ADHD and the labels that people can be called before diagnosis, and the misunderstanding they can receive from others. As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD only a year ago at the age of 23, I understand the negative labels that can be associated with the signs. These being not only from myself, but others as well, all without having an understanding and knowledge of what is the cause.  

Gustavo 

Jodie Ann is someone that sees the world looking for magic, and therefore can give that magic back through the work she does. From her own personal lie experience filled with both joy and tragedy, she understands the power that letters and words have to create positive energy and heal. Words and messages connect people, not only in the aspect of written letters, but also invading our physical spaces, like the Walk of Light project in Bearwood, which is a true representation of how creativity through both word and images, have the power to unite a community, enhance our day to day, and bring magic to tour lives in an uplifting way.

Sarah 

Jodie’s talk was very open in terms of mental health and challenges she faced. Hearing about the ‘A Million Lovely Letters’ project, reflects the care Jodie has for others and their wellbeing through the movement of words. It was truly emotional to see the impact of these actions. Taking creativity to a very personal level that was therapeutic to those who received it but to herself as well, another example of creating with her community to connect more personally.   

Gustavo 

So…Trevor went to space. He was aboard one of Virgin’s Galactic flights. And this was a trip that started since he was in primary school. As a director and producer, Trevor has always been looking to stay in touch with his inner child who dreamed about going out to space, and in a sense his creative journey led to the moment when he was finally able to fulfil that ambition. Being able to stay true to the dreams and influence that originated your journey can guide you to be your most creative self and express who you are. 

Sarah 

Trevor’s dream became a reality. As a child he always wanted to go to space and was obsessed with the idea, this led him to creating stories for school projects and eventually directing a movie. Seeing how he takes his interests throughout his career is really inspiring, the work he produced shines with his passion. In 2023 his dreams became a reality when he went into space! Seeing the process, he went through to get to his goal was truly inspiring.  

BDF Gather are a series of evening talks organised by the very creative people at Birmingham Design. Each event is centered around a theme and aims to deliver their thoughts, experiences and processes of creative people from a diverse range of practices and creative expressions, truly demonstrating that creative work can be found in any kind of sector. It only takes passion and a desire to create.