But I’m not creative… We think you are!
Well, I think you are.
Since we’ve started sharing the news about House of Toad, our new coworking space in Glasgow, a lot of people have been saying to me “I would love to work there, but I’m not creative.” I’ve heard this so many times and I’m here to tell you: Yes you are! We’re all creative, in some capacity. Sure, you might not be an artist or a designer, or might feel like the idea of drawing or painting is really intimidating, something you haven’t done since childhood? But creativity isn’t just a practical skill, it’s a thinking skill too, and I do believe that we all have creativity in us. Cooking, house work, even admin and accountancy can be really creative. It’s about thinking outside of the box or inventing an interesting or different way to do something that helps you, or helps other complete something.
In my work I teach a lot of workshops with children and young people - the most creative of all! They have no boundaries, they don’t care what people think (well not as much as us adults do), and they often think about things in a non-linear way, which is so exciting to see. So we all started out super creative, we just lost a bit of it along the way. For me, thinking, writing, even exercising (rollerskating or dancing), can spark creativity - it’s not hard to get those juices flowing, but sometimes we need to be led by example. Working alongside other people and seeing what they are up to is really inspiring and motivating to me. It’s the main reason why I started Toad’s Caravan, Glasgow’s first coworking space and creative production studio, back in 2010.
Try working at our place - for free!
Our work space really is for anyone, whether you see yourself as a creative or not. I would like to invite you, whoever you are, from whatever line of work, to come and try working with us for a day in February. We like Fs, and we thought that you might Fancy working for Free on Fridays in February? No strings attached, just sign up via Coherent, our desk booking tool, enter your details and book the Fridays you would like to come in and work.
Our main coworking space is in the largest room in the house, with a stone carved ceiling, complete with gargoyles, ships and unicorns. This big space is where you can pull up a chair, plug in, surf the net with ease on our fast wifi network, stay warm, dry, professional and productive, with other people busying themselves around you. This room is quiet and members are encouraged to take calls in the mews/break-out space in the back. You can sit out back to work too - it’s lovely and bright, and a bit more informal if you like a wee natter during your working day. We have complimentary coffee and tea which you can help yourself to. Mi casa es tu casa! We want you to feel at home here - we don’t mind if you bring your slippers…
