The Creative Exchange: With York Fashion Week

There is no single route into the creative industries. What we learn can come through experience, collaboration and conversations with other people in the field.

The Creative Exchange, created by York Fashion Week, makes those conversations easier. The free event gives students, emerging creatives, established professionals and local businesses an opportunity to get practical, one-to-one advice.

I have now taken part several times, offering photography guidance and answering questions about working in the industry.

Advice from across the fashion industry

The Creative Exchange brings together expertise from across fashion and the wider creative sector.

Attendees can speak to professionals about photography, fashion design, modelling, model agencies, hair and makeup, journalism, branding and social media. My fellow experts have discussed everything from developing a fashion brand and approaching agencies to improving social content and understanding how different creative roles work together.

I have taken part alongside professionals including Nicky Hayer, Isabelle Randall, Anthony Frith, Chelsea Talbot and Lacey Wilson from Face Model Management, as well as other specialists from York’s creative community.

This range of experience is important because fashion depends on collaboration. Designers need photographers, photographers need models and makeup artists, and businesses need people who understand branding and communication. The event helps people make those connections and see how the different parts of the industry fit together.

The photography conversations

The people who have booked appointments with me have ranged widely in age, background and experience. I have spoken with students considering photography as a career and hobbyists looking to develop their work. We have discussed approaching models, organising shoots, finding opportunities and building a more focused portfolio.

Models have also asked for advice about their own portfolios, including what types of images to include, how to show their range and how to work effectively with photographers.

I have met designers and business owners exploring professional photography too. These conversations often focus on what their images need to communicate, where they will be used and how photography can support a consistent brand.

The appointments are a focused conversation, helping someone clarify an idea, solve a practical problem or identify their next step.

Making creative experience more accessible

Networking can feel intimidating, particularly when someone is new to the industry or does not already have an established network. The Creative Exchange offers a more purposeful and welcoming way to meet people. Attendees arrive with real questions and can speak directly to someone with relevant experience.

You do not need a finished portfolio, a detailed business plan or a perfectly polished idea. You can come along with something you would like to explore and have an honest conversation about it.

If you’d love to hear more, feel free to book an appointment with me and keep up to date with new events here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/36818386143