Did you know that all of the musicians who appear in the half-time Super Bowl concert are not actually paid for their performance? 🤯 The recent show has brought attention to the ongoing debate surrounding artists working in exchange for exposure, a practice that has become increasingly prevalent in the music and creative industry. From high-profile performers such as Rihanna to small up-and-coming artists being asked to work for free, the conversation surrounding this issue is more relevant than ever. Exposure has long been touted as a valuable commodity in the music industry, with many emerging artists being promised increased visibility in exchange for performing for free or for a reduced fee. While exposure can certainly help artists build brand awareness, this practice has serious consequences for the industry as a whole. By accepting payment in the form of exposure, artists are effectively devaluing their own work and contributing to a trickle-down economy that is harmful for everyone, especially for small artists and creatives. Rihanna may not necessarily need a few extra quid... but small artists and creatives are particularly affected by this trend. As they are often asked to work for free in the hope that the exposure will help them gain traction and increase future revenues. 📈 Yet, this rarely translates into tangible benefits or reward, and these artists are often left with nothing to show for their work other than the exposure they received. 😐 Sadly, this perpetuates a cycle of underpayment and exploitation that undermines the livelihoods of artists, creatives and many small businesses alike. The reality is, If we honestly value ART as a culture... It’s only right that artists get adequate compensation to forge sustainable creative careers and hopefully get rid of the ‘starving artist’ stereotype. Would you work for FREE for exposure? 💭 #Creatives #SuperBowl #Brand #SmallBusiness #Exposure #Culture #Artists

Running a small business is like a rollercoaster ride… add a partner co-founder into the mix and it gets even more mental!! 😜 Through the tough times we are learning to have patience and compassion for each other. Being able to trust the process is not easy… To keep focused on the mission, we try to not let any success go to our head and not let failures or silly mistakes go to our heart. 💟 Of course there are daily ups and downs, twists and turns that challenge our sanity at times… but, that's what makes it all the more memorable! 💥 Everyday there is something new to learn, ways to develop or improve and grow together as a team. 🙌😍 If you're feeling a bit mehhh and ready to try something new for 2023… we say go for it! 💪🚀 Whether it's starting a business, podcast, fitness journey or painting... push yourself out of the comfort zone and make it a masterpiece. 🖼 Remember, every artwork started with a single brush stroke! 🖌 NorteyPitcher👨🏿‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨

Think of yourself as the next Picasso or Van Gogh, or curious to explore your artistic capabilities with confidence? Start off 2023 by having a blast with Art Sippers. Are you up for the challenge? 🎨🖌️🍸 Read the full blog here https://indiebloom.co.uk/indiebloom-4/2023-art-sippers P.s Check out Indie Bloom website - If you are keen to discover small indie companies!

The words we use to speak to ourselves can either open up possibilities or prevent us from experiencing a world of opportunity. 📈 It’s funny, by just adding the word 'yet' to any negative statement about our ability to do something, we are telling our brain a very different story, one that is based on potential rather than fear. 😳 Many people believe that creativity is a talent that you're either born with or not, but that's not entirely true. 🚫 Creativity can be developed and nurtured like any other skill, just like learning how to drive a car. (I passed my test on my 2nd attempt 😅) A key factor in developing this valuable asset is by having a growth mindset. 💪 What is a growth mindset? In simple terms as defined by psychologist Carolyn Dweck, it's the belief that abilities can improve with effort, while a fixed mindset is the belief they cannot change. This finding should give us ALL a bit of hope, especially those who consider themselves “not creative the creative type.” Of course, this cognitive strategy does not mean that you will now go on to become the next Picasso, or Basquiat 🎨 ...but with this handy bit of knowledge under your belt, you might be more likely to take on risks and try new creative projects, without the dreaded fear of failure. Are you a person who says "I can't?" 👀 Maybe the next time you face a difficult task or challenge... You will consider saying “I can’t, yet?” 🚀 #GrowthMindset #Creativity #Confidence #Challenges #ArtSippers

And what better way to start the year than by creating beautiful artwork together. Our first live event of the year brought our community of SIPPERS together to paint our way out of the January blues with a Picasso-inspired Blue Period artwork. 💙 It was a sipping success and we couldn't have done it without all of our amazing members who joined us. This year, our mantra is "Consume less. Create more." We want to challenge ourselves and our community to push out of our comfort zones and set new goals. 🚀 Whether it's learning a new skill, starting a new project or just being more creative in our daily lives, let's make this the year of taking action and making things happen. Creative-confidence is key to achieving our goals. It's about being authentic and true to ourselves and our ideas, even if they are not popular or conventional. It's about taking risks and being vulnerable. And it's about having the courage to put ourselves out there and make a difference. So, let's make 2023 the year of being creative and confident. 💪 ...We can't wait to see what you create! 🎨 NorteyPitcher 👨🏿‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨 #Creativity #CreativeConfidence #CreativeCoach #Goals #Wellbeing #MindfulActivity #Community #Art #2023

In my early 20's, I used to suffer from a lack of confidence... I lost my mojo and fell into a bit of a funk 😑, which I managed to hide really well from friends and family. But, it manifested in my daily life with feelings of imposter syndrome, lack of direction and the inability to be assertive with my decision making. ⚖️ After LOTS of reflection, I realised that having low confidence and limiting beliefs was beginning to reduce my personal drive and ambition. 🚀 To try and shake it off... I threw myself out of my comfort zone, by pursuing standup Comedy and in work by taking on managerial positions. 🙌 I never saw myself as a “creative”, but after a trip to Japan visiting @Teamlab_borderless in TOKYO... I picked up a paper and crayon for the first time in MANY years for the ‘sketch aquarium’, this is where the picture you draw is digitised and brought to life in a huge life-sized sized aquarium in front of your eyes... swimming together with the other sea creatures drawn by other people. 🐡🦑 I quietly sat down and coloured in my little Seahorse and to my surprise I found myself melting into what I can only describe, as some sort of zen ‘flow state’. 🧘‍♂️ There was a profound moment of BLISS 😌 where all of my internal noise reduced, my mind calmed and I began to feel immense pride and genuine joy with my creation aka 'little Eric'. 🙃 This was a feeling that had been alien to me for so long... hence my confused grin in the picture 🥴😅 After witnessing its effects on my emotional state, I thought that maybe ART is the perfect low risk medium, to allow me and perhaps others to step outside of their comfort zone... 💭 By looking at a blank canvas, I was able to face underlying anxiety, explore self-doubt and internal judgements. 👀 Learning a new skill at any age can lead to feelings of discomfort, uncertainty, vulnerability, and the fear of failure. By taking on a fun creative challenge 🎨🖌 in a controlled encouraging environment, you can slowly build up your own creative-confidence muscle and mental fortitude.💪 Have you ever lacked confidence? 💟 Nortey 👨🏿‍🎨

Many of the team at Ishka: Aviation Finance had not picked up a paintbrush in years... or EVER before! 🖌️🎄 At the beginning of this creative experience you could feel the tension in the air, with several colleagues offering nervous glances at each other and wry smiles filled with anxiety. 😳 There was even one colleague who decided not show up in the morning, due to the fear of failure. 👀 ✅ Change is a challenge ✅ Learning is a challenge ✅ Painting is a challenge ✅ Art Sippers is a challenge Stepping out of your comfort zone is NOT easy, but through the process of creating art you can cultivate a growth mindset culture. In 120 mins, we took these uncertain amateur artists on a transformational journey from Zero to Picasso. 🙌 The Result: Take a look at the unique 'Snow Good' Christmas artworks created by the team... perfect for any wall or festive decoration! 🖼️☃️ Are your employees ready for the #ARTSIPPERSCHALLENGE ? 🎨 #CreativeConfidence #CorporateCulture #TeamBonding #Creativity #OfficeParty #GrowthMindset #ArtSippers

🎁 This time last week we were wrapping up our final public event of the year! 🎨🍸 #ChristmasBonanza Soo lovely to finally see members of the SIPPERS Family 💟 seeing old faces and new faces at the event brought back soo many memories! 🙌😊 After a few mince pies 🥧 some cheeky sips of mulled wine 🍷 everyone was up for the festivities! 🎅🏻 The creative juices really started flowing... With an extra little shot of this random, but ridiculously tasty sip @Frangelico 🥃😍😛 #GoodSpirits You all smashed it with this painting 🙌 Take a look at these 'Penny The Penguin' artworks 🐧 #ArtSippersChallengeComplete ✅️ Sending BIG hugs and love 🤗 for everyone who joined one of our in-person or virtual events during this crazy year! 😜 NorteyPitcher 👨🏿‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨

👋 Let us transform your office into an event space! 👋 Let us transform your team into artists! Taking you from from Zero to Picasso in 120 minutes 🤩🖼 With BOTTOMLESS sips giving you that little extra creative-confidence to make bold decisions. 🍾 Check out these amateurs creating incredible 'Northern Night' artworks! 👏🌌 Why not bring your colleagues together for a creative experience to remember!! 💟🎅 Is your team ready to take on the #ARTSIPPERSCHALLENGE ✅ Stay Curious. Stay Creative. NorteyPitcher 👨🏿‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨 #TeamBuilding#TeamSocial#Creativity#ChristmasParty#OfficeParty#OfficeRoom#CorporateGifting#BottomlessDrinks#ArtSippers

Well this is not surprising... With rising inflation, supply chain issues, office heating and lighting bills increasing faster than the Bank of England’s new interest rates. 📈 This has resulted in many companies having little or no budget to reward employees’ (aka your very own Santa’s little helpers) to a fancy end of year Christmas party. 🎅🏻🎄🍾 If you on the other hand really want to celebrate your superstar employees, but… ✅ Struggling to find what to get them? ✅ Can’t be dealing with another Secret Santa! ✅ Don't want to buy anyone useless or throwaway tat!! ART SIPPERS are here to save Christmas, with creative corporate gifting! 🎨🥂 Make your team feel recognised and appreciated with entertainment in a box. 🎁 Each experience box comes pre-wrapped in a lovely flamingo bag and includes premium art materials, a tasty chocolate treat and a cheeky alcoholic sip to inspire creativity. Conveniently delivered to your employees' front door. 🏡🙌 Be Mindful. 🧘‍♂️ Consume Less. ♻️ Create More. 🖌️ Want to find out more: 💌https://www.artsippers.com/corporate-gifting

I passionately believe that curiosity and creativity has never been more crucial to encourage innovation and provide nuanced perspectives to support inclusivity, diversity and wellbeing within the workplace. I previously delivered successful brand activations within the experiential marketing and events industry for 10 years: Product Launches, Pop-Up Stores, Retail, Sporting Events, Festivals, Corporate and VIP Experiences. ⭐ So, why did I start ART SIPPERS? In my early 20's, I used to suffer from a lack of confidence (I lost my mojo and fell into a bit of a funk), which I managed to hide really well from friends and family. However, it manifested in my daily life with feelings of imposter syndrome, lack of direction and the inability to be assertive with my decision making. ⚖️ I understand that having low confidence and harbouring limiting beliefs can reduce one's personal drive and ambition, which can prevent you from achieving or simply pursuing your goals. I never saw myself as a “creative”, but after a trip to Japan visiting teamLab Inc. Planets TOKYO. I picked up a paper and crayon for the first time in many years for the ‘sketch aquarium’, where the picture you draw was digitised and brought to life in the massive aquarium in front of you, swimming together with the fish drawn by other people. 🐡 I quietly sat down and coloured in my little Seahorse and to my surprise I found myself melting into what I can only describe, as some sort of zen ‘flow state’. 🧘‍♂️ There was a profound moment of bliss where all of my internal noise reduced, my mind calmed and I felt immense pride and genuine joy, which was a feeling that had been alien to me for so long (hence the massive grin in the picture below 😊). After witnessing its effects, I noticed that ART is a perfect low risk medium, which allows individuals to step outside of their comfort zone. By looking at a blank canvas, guests are able to face underlying anxiety, explore self-doubt or any internal judgements. 👀 Trying to learn a new skill or anything with unknown variables at any age can lead to feelings of discomfort, uncertainty, vulnerability, and the fear of failure. So, by taking on a creative challenge in a controlled encouraging environment, participants can slowly build up their own creative-confidence muscle and mental fortitude. 💪 You can measure profits and loss, but you can't measure corporate culture and creativity. With many companies now offering work-from-home or remote options, employers need to BE MORE HUMAN in order to cultivate collaborative and connected workspaces. 🤝 By championing team bonding experiences, employees will feel more engaged and aligned with the business, in-turn generating a positive ROI and improving general productivity. 📈 Is your company ready to take on the #ARTSIPPERSCHALLENGE? 🏆 Let us guide you on a transformational journey from ZERO to PICASSO in 120 minutes! 💡 #CreativeConfidence #Culture #CorporateWellbeing #Creativity #MentalHealthAwareness #TeamSocial

People always give me and Josie Anna Pitcher lovely kind words of encouragement like "you guys are smashing it!" 💟 But, honestly running a small business feels like an emotional rollercoaster...🎢 some days you are screaming with joy and others days you are screaming for the ride to stop! 🤢 Many entrepreneurs say that starting a business is HARD... I’m starting to think running one is even HARDER. Elon Musk is quoted as saying that "running a startup is like chewing glass and staring into the abyss" 😬😳 This comes as no surprise, when every part of your business has the potential to stress you out and keep you up at night… be it the lack of sales, supplier issues, technical meltdowns and even co-founder meltdowns (with all events taking place before you've had a chance to have your lunch!) Simon Sinek calls this journey ‘the infinite game” and it can be mentally exhausting on days to find the positivity to keep persevering with your quest.📍 With the ongoing economic uncertainty and geopolitical issues, many small business owners like us are feeling the pinch, as consumers are tightening their belts and household spending habits are becoming more regulated. 🤓 Despite the long hours, the financial stress and the general ups and downs of running your own company… We still see immense personal and relationship growth and are ready for the challenge ahead! 🙌🏆 "Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality" - Jonas Salk If you are running your own business... hang in there! ✅️ If you are thinking of starting a business. Go for it! ✅️ We are optimistic that YOU can make it on the other side. With that said our new motto is “Look at the blank canvas… FEEL the fear and do it anyway!” 💪✨️ Stay Curious. Stay Creative. 👨🏿‍🎨 👩🏼‍🎨 #NationalEntrepreneursDay#CreativeConfidence#Culture#WorkWellbeing#SmallBusiness#Events#ArtSippers