In the Spotlight: Nic Golighty

In this spotlight interview, we are excited to speak with Nic Golighty the talented graphic artist behind the branding and vision of Tees Valley Creates: The Freelancer Network.

Hi…., let’s introduce you to the network, tell us a bit about you.. 

Hello! I’m Nic Golightly. I’m a multidisciplinary creative working across design, illustration and social practice, collaborating with a diverse range of communities. I love nothing more than working with others in order to create visual outcomes which initiate change.  

I’m a member of artist collective Blimey! and an associate artist with artist led arts organisation Navigator North and charity Blue Cabin. 

You are based in Tees Valley, did you grow up here? 

I’ve lived and worked in Tees Valley for the past 20 years. I grew up in a tiny village in East Yorkshire, on the outskirts of Hull. I came to Tees Valley to study and found a wealth of creative opportunities in a really interesting growing creative scene.  

For my first ever gig I was lucky enough to land on my feet and be invited to be part of a residency working with young people in a Middlesbrough Gallery. This extended from a, initial three-week project, to a good few years working with numerous young people. I’d found my calling in design, making and informal education. 

Over the next decade I honed my skills in social practice, pedagogical approaches and design, which enabled me to work across England, later reaching further afield within the UK and abroad. 

Can you tell us a bit about your journey into the creative and cultural freelancing world? What sparked your passion in this field? 

I have always loved design, whether it be cool watches, lamps, chairs or posters and typographic layouts. In education I chose to study art and design, visual communication and then a degree in Graphic Design at Teesside University. I have always thrived when challenged to respond to a creative brief. I think this is what drew me to being in this particular field. I also enjoy the pick and mix nature of being a freelancer. It provides me with choice and autonomy, which I thrive on. I have worked in education, but returned to freelancing to work within the creative industries. Teaching has remained an essential part of my practice, in a variety of forms. 

What are some key moments or experiences in your life that have influenced your creative work or approach? 

There are many moments that have influenced my creative work – working with Navigator North to develop creative spaces in and around Tees Valley, losing my Mum, being invited to work with Blue Cabin, working on a yearlong residency collaborating with young men in Deerbolt Prison.  

Visits to Chornobyl, Kyiv and Slavutych in Ukraine with artist friend Claire A Baker was a key turning point for me. It solidified working themes for my own work and was the foundation of mine and Claire’s collaborations. Artist peers that you meet in one scenario can turn out to be future collaborators and important friends who provide mutual support…and great bants!  

What does a typical day look like for you as a freelancer? How do you manage the variety of tasks that come with the role? 

This question really made me chuckle - two days rarely look the same! I wish it was a serene meander to my studio at the end of the garden, to listen to music and make work. The truth is, it’s usually a dash to get my two kids off to school. Then I begin my own working day. Sometimes this includes a small studio dog to keep me company or fellow creative friends.  

In the studio I work on designs, make zines and books, curate creative packs for young people, make illustrated films, lead online workshops or presentations about pedagogical approaches to creative learning.  

The working day usually grinds to an abrupt halt when the kids return from school. Gone are the days of working until the wee hours! The key to success for me these days is rest and boundaries. 

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a freelancer, how have you navigated them? 

I’m not shy in admitting that my mental health has really been a huge challenge. Looking after myself in more recent years has been something I’ve had to become very aware of, particularly since lockdown and dealing with the grief of losing people very close to me. This has meant stepping back from roles, forcing myself to work less and really focussing on ways in which I can find balance between being a parent, creative freelancer and staying afloat.  

I’ve reached out to professionals outside of my field in order to seriously consider the things I need to sustain both myself and my practice. I worked with the wonderful Health and Nutrition Coach Amber Keatley-Shaikh to get my nutrition in order and sought out strongwoman guidance and training from former strongwoman Jenny Todd (4x England’s Strongest Woman under 82kg, 2017 Middleweight Arnold Amateur World Champion). This makes my brain work. It’s not perfect, but it sure helps me maintain more balance. 

Most rewarding part of being a freelancer in the creative and cultural sector? 

Seeing my work make change and altering people’s perceptions has to be the most rewarding aspect of my work. As an Associate Artist with Blue Cabin, we work together to develops and strengthens relationships between care experienced individuals and the people in their lives through creative activities… I’m no super-hero, but working with young people to show then different creative ways of exploring their own life story is a huge privilege to be part of. 

What are you most looking forward to as a member of Tees Valley Creates: The Freelancer Network? 

I’m looking forward to being part of a new network that is established across the whole of the Tees Valley, bringing together an eclectic mix of individuals together. I’m looking forward to having opportunities for sharing, funding and learning. 

There have been so many networks that have launched in the past (with the best intentions) and then gone silent after an initial burst of enthusiasm and funding. I am hopeful that the Tees Valley Freelancer Network, with the support of Tees Valley Combined Authority, will continue its support far into the future, responding to the needs of freelancers.