WTFunding: BRICKS Magazine

This week, BRICKS launches the first instalment of its new series that is demystifying funding in the creative industry.  

In a cost-of-living crisis and while in-house, full-time creative employment is at an all-time low, we understand that the routes to a successful – and financially viable – career in the creative industry look increasingly unclear.

While freelancers make up around 15% of the UK workforce as a whole, they represent over one-third of the creative industries, increasing to as much as 70% within the visual arts sector. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, self-employment had been steadily increasing in the UK economy, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre). And as of 2023, this rise has begun again, seeing a new wave of emerging talents launching their own self-initiated projects, exhibitions, magazines and brands. 

For many creatives, the idea of launching their own independent work would be the dream scenario, but without external funding coming from somewhere, it can be difficult to produce professional-quality work within their own means. 

This is where funding becomes essential, but many emerging artists and future entrepreneurs don’t even know where to begin when it comes to funding their ideas – where do you get it? How do you apply for it? How much can you receive? Are you even eligible? 

That’s why we’re launching our new series, WTFunding, to help demystify funding in the creative industry, whether it's for a self-initiated creative project or an emerging business.

And for the first instalment, we’re speaking to none other than BRICKS Magazine founder and editor Tori West, who produced the first copy of BRICKS during her final year of studying at Bristol University. Tori has carved her own career path in the industry despite coming from a working-class background – as working-class people makeup as little as 16% of the creative industry – and has since gone on to work with clients including Bimba Y Lola, TikTok and Valentino. 

Below, Tori shares how she first got BRICKS off the ground, surviving the pandemic and the importance of building multiple income streams for your business.