If there was ever a year that called for some serious self-reflection and change, it was 2020. Amid the many lows, highs and confusion that the year brought, we took some time to review where we can be most useful, and where there was room for improvement.

So here we have it: From today, we’re announcing more ways that you can get involved, accompanied by a new website, new look and a new name...

Why we’re sparing you the ‘Lecture’

One of the most obvious of these changes is our name, as we lose ‘Lecture’ and replace it with ‘Creative Lives’. Why? Well, we wanted to make sure we were reflecting the variety and difference that characterises the many routes into the creative industry.

Since our original name was (fun fact) inspired by a sign outside a university lecture theatre, it came to represent a more traditional, uni-led path into creative work. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, we wanted our name to capture a broader range of experiences.

Instead, ‘Creative Lives’ is taken from the interview series that has become the very heart of what we do. These features have seen us profile over 500 people in well over 100 different roles – from sound engineers to data illustrators. They have also captured the generosity, openness and transparency we see as the future of the industry.

For all of these reasons, Creative Lives in Progress felt like a great fit. And we know it’s a little longer; you can always call us Creative Lives for short!

Notice anything different?

With a new name, comes a new look. And thanks to a rebrand by our sister company, Anyways, we are moving into a colourful new phase, where individuality takes centre stage.

Our former (and more sober) blue has been replaced with a large colour palette, a catalogue of shapes, as well as a range of playful typefaces. This means we’re now able to celebrate and spotlight our featured creatives with elements that reflect their uniqueness, too.

You’ll also notice that our website is looking much fresher! This includes clearer navigation to help you discover everything from advice-filled guides, to our events.

What to expect next...

On top of continuing to share advice-filled articles, and all the latest and most exciting opportunities via our Opportunities Board, we are also introducing monthly events.

Portfolio Reviews
We know that relationships are invaluable to any career, and particularly when you’re starting out. This is why we are now hosting free, online portfolio reviews each month – to help create those connections.

Each session will welcome an amazing array of industry professionals to share advice and feedback with attendees in small breakout groups. Taking these online was initially prompted by lockdown, but it also allowed us to open up access and welcome participants from all over the UK.

The reviews are open to creatives in the first two years of their careers, and you can see more information here on our next event, as well as via our Eventbrite page.

Monthly Pep Talks
Following the success of our first two Pep Talks, we will also be running these monthly on Instagram Live. Each session will feature a different creative, as they share a golden piece of wisdom, or mini pep talk, as well as answering questions from the audience.

You can tune into our last two Pep Talks here, and please do join us this Wednesday as we hear from the brilliant Josie Tucker as she discusses founding a creative studio for climate activism.

Guides

Plus, we decided it was about time to collate all the incredible advice we’ve gained over the past few years – to build on an official series of Guides.

These will take shape across important topics when it comes to creative careers, from finances to imposter syndrome and everything in between. We have the first of these launching later this week, so keep an eye out!

It’s worth mentioning that all of this is made possible with the support of our company partners, who now have a dedicated landing page on the website. Through individual profile pages, you can discover more about the way they work, and available opportunities for emerging creatives.

In addition to our original partners Paul Smith's Foundation, Google and Dropbox Design, we are welcoming: Dixon Baxi, WeTransfer, Zendesk, MediaCom, WIX, Wieden+Kennedy, Sony Music, The Academy, Man vs Machine, Koto, Land of Plenty, Wolff Olins, Amplify, Animade, Zag, Moving Brands, Art&Graft, Builders Club, Lovers and Human After All.

Despite this being a challenging time, we believe this is also an incredible moment of solidarity. We’ve been so encouraged to see creatives and companies coming together to offer support and opportunities.

It’s our continued mission to provide a bridge to these opportunities, ensuring you gain access and information on what's out there; and we have lots more to come.

With all that said, we really welcome your feedback, suggestions and comments – so please don’t hesitate to reach out. Tell us what you think and how we can help, as we continue to champion the many Creative Lives in Progress!