The Portrait Show

Simon & I did a portrait of each other we reflected on the journey we went on together from meeting to both getting on stage to share our stories

Meeting & the spark of connection

We first met at a Happy Startup School Masterclass at Platf9rm in Brighton at the end of 2023. I was launching my offering of creating portraits in six colours. Simon shared his profession as a photographer capturing life authentically. Our worlds collided connecting over creating art that reveals true essence

From connecting to collaboration

After first meeting our paths went in our own directions then we met again at Summercamp in September 2024. We picked up where we left off sharing our perspective on art and our creative journeys. One week later Simon reached out with an idea. “Why don’t we do a collaboration?”  Simon taking photos of me and me creating a portrait of Simon. No grand plan other than an exchange of art

The year before reuniting at Summercamp

Over the year before Summercamp I kept seeing Simon’s work on Instagram I was drawn towards his raw creativity and themes around being yourself & authentic

The collaboration wasn’t on my mind but I resonated with Simon’s approach capturing the true essence of something

The collaboration day → October 4th 2024

On October 4th 2024 Simon came over to my flat. I started the portrait by drawing an outline of Simon then we went for a walk Simon captured photos of me playing with his collection of cameras

It was less formal and more about getting beneath the surface and capturing each others in a natural unposed way

The portrait process

I was creating Simon’s portrait and hearing Simon’s story simultaneously. Simon shared what photography means to him and his passion for the craft. I wasn’t only listening I was also feeling what he was saying. Those feelings translated onto the canvas in each brushstroke. Brushstrokes were light heavy fast slow. The portrait wasn’t just capturing the look it was also a representation of the emotions we were both feeling in the moment

Simon on capturing photos

For Simon capturing my portrait was a free flowing process with no pressure to get the perfect shot. It was about being in the moment experimenting with what felt right. Simon had no idea what the photos would look like until they were developed. Keeping the capturing purely in the moment

Being seen and heard authentically

I’ve been looking for someone to take photos of me that I can use for my business. I wanted to have someone capture me doing the work. Simon didn’t just take photos he saw me in a way that was natural and real

Capturing naturally

We both have a natural approach to capturing people. Simon blends into the background documenting life in an authentic unobtrusive way

For me creating a portrait is about getting to know the person listening to their story and feeling the energy of who they are

Our processes became a dialogue between us a creative exchange that reflected one another back to each other

Shared creative journey

With art you often see the work but don’t always get a chance to meet the artist behind the work

That was a cool aspect of our collaboration experiencing each others creative process in the moment flourishing our friendship through creating the work

Full circle moment & exchanging portraits

We both got on stage and gave talks sharing our stories supporting each share those talks

I was already booked in to give a talk at Sound Affects but doing Simon’s portrait in the build up grounded the talk that I gave. We exchanged the portraits we created of each other live during the talk

One week later Simon gave a talk at Woodzy & Friends

Summary

This collaboration has been more than just an exchange of art. It’s been a gentle organic process that has helped both of us grow pushing past the fear of public speaking moving closer to being more ‘ourselves’

—

a story about creating connection through creating art giving our creativity a voice

—

Learn more about Simon Edwards → Instagram

I was blessed to meet Miguel at Speakers Collective Southern Summit. After the workshop I gave we got talking. As a Photojournalist & Filmmaker & Psychotherapist Miguel’s work deeply resonated. One phrase he shared stayed with me

"Through my work I give a voice to the voiceless."

It immediately connected with my own mission helping people to tell their story being true to themselves both on the inside and the outside

—

After our initial conversation we followed up with a phone call and it felt right to invite Miguel onto the podcast and create an episode together

Our discussion unfolded naturally touching on themes that are at the core of both our passions storytelling and the courage to express who you are

Here are some of the insights we shared:

—

Capturing the true moment - Finding the balance between being in the moment and resisting the temptation to over-edit or script it. Authenticity is key don’t get too caught up in making it “perfect” or capturing what you “think” people want to see

The danger of over-scripting - as soon as you start over-scripting the moment is lost instead read the environment and connect with the person you’re with letting the story unfold organically

The stories are already inside you - instead of relying on a script which could feel forced or repetitive feel the moment choosing the stories to share in that moment

The purpose of a story - The essence of a story is connection and relating to people with the same storylines even if the circumstances are different

The power of sharing stories - if you are alone with your demons they are more powerful sharing those stories with others allows you to connect with people who have faced similar challenges and together explore how to deal with those storylines weakening the power of those struggles bouncing forward

The mind as a library of stories - Seeing the inside of your mind like a library. Walking through the aisles bringing stories out as and when you need them rather than relying on automatic pre-scripted stories

Let go of old stories - to grow you must let go of old narratives. Like a snake sheding it’s old skin you must shed old stories that no longer serve you to become stronger and evolve

The courage to use your own voice - it’s easy to follow the loudest voice but it takes courage to speak with your own trusting to connect with others with your truth

Sharing trigger moments - a single trigger moment can feel scary or sad or even cause anger but that can also be the start of a powerful story. It isn’t about having everything figured out sharing the raw beginnings with others can guide it into a more powerful direction

Release what drags you down - sometimes it’s difficult to let go of the parts of you that are holding you back but letting go of what no longer serves you so you can move forward with greater clarity and strength

The power of language - creative language that could be used for something destructive could also be used for something constructive. Changing something that is a weapon of destruction into a weapon of creation. Freeing the creative energy inside of you into a piece of value

Steps in the creative process - by dividing the creative process into smaller steps points of connection are created that could be used to connect with others who share your creative process or teach someone else something valuable bursting open the journey to creation with rich opportunities

The trap of overthinking - it is easy to get stuck in your own thoughts. It’s essential to act and not just think

Allowing yourself to express and capturing the truth - At the heart of storytelling is the ability to express your truth. Giving a voice to the voiceless means allowing yourself and others to speak freely without fear of judgment

—

Thank you Miguel it was an honour to connect about storytelling and the power of letting your true self shine through giving voice outside to the you inside of you

—

Learn more about Miguel Amortegui → miguelamortegui.com

Do you want to get clear on the vision of your business?

—

That is exactly what I helped Sarah Samuel do in one day

—

Sarah is a published author on books on Mindfulness, and an experienced group leader, coach, therapist and breathwork facilitator moving towards launching her new programme ‘Sacred Rage’

In one day I helped Sarah release her future vision for her business out of her mind and brought it to life in the form of an illustrated book to see her vision outside of herself

Completely illustrated by Sarah!

—

We did that in 3 steps…

Step 01 → Listen

I guided Sarah through her vision by listening deeply and asking thoughtful questions creating space for Sarah to share freely and openly

Step 02 → Illustrate

Together we divided the vision into 16 pages each representing a part of Sarah’s business vision. I guided Sarah through illustrating each page unleashing Sarah’s inner artist and clarifying her vision within her own hand drawn style

Step 03 → Book

I packaged up the 16 pages into a complete book giving Sarah a tangible visual story to now use to communicate her business vision authentically to new potential clients and collaborators

—

“Asis really got me

Sharing with him what I want to create really increased and focused the energy of the day and the expression of what I want to express

It was a relaxed day he really structured what I was saying into 16 pieces which covered what is it I am doing who it is for why would they need it why my own story is relevant and the actual offer

Structuring it into 16 pieces like a presentation slide Asis really encapsulated what I was saying into a few words & visuals”

—

Learn more about Sarah Samuel → sarahsamuel.co.uk

—

Want to illustrate your vision outside of you?

Let’s have a conversation. Send me a message and let’s explore how we can do this for your business

Have you ever wanted to see yourself outside of yourself to help you see yourself to show yourself to others?

—

That is exactly what I helped Marc Convey create a 16 page illustrated book that reflects Marc to help him see his vision outside of him

—

Marc has had a profound journey so far overcoming trauma at an early age defying the odds transitioning through life carving his own path filled with adventure rising to the top of the poker world and founding multiple companies now on a path as a solopreneur moving as a speaker inspiring others to own and tell their story at his core blasting through adversity as he goes inspiring others to do so too

We reflected on our relationship that only started 2 months and the creation journey of the book I created for Marc

—

3 Highlights...

Dissolving Structure for Free Expression → How removing structure created space for Marc to be able to freely express himself evolving into a stripped back illustrated book helping Marc seeing himself outside of himself

a Lo-Fi Creative Process → How a stripped back lo-fi creative process was liberating for Marc and how it helped him feel empowered to fully unleash the creative right side of his brain to further evoke his left side

Turning squiggly thoughts into a readable story → Marc has a unique gift as a super-connector. He had an idea for a speaking event when we first spoke to then go ahead orchestrating and knit it together in only six week. We met at the start of that journey the thoughts were already there. I helped Marc piece them together helping him further realise the super connector quality in himself channelling it towards bringing the Speakers Collective Southern Summit to life

—

Read more about Marc Convey → on Substack

—

We both believe everyone has got their own unique essence within them already

—

I had the privilege of supporting Joel at Your Away Day a retreat day for founders & solopreneurs and in turn I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the space in between supporting

The day led to creating a spontaneous podcast episode with Peter Middleton a friend and a soulful life coach which came from Peter asking the question ‘how was last night?’ asking about the talk I shared at Sound Affects hosted by Jak Hutchcraft

In the moment thought the most honest answer would be good to capture in its purest form as it came out to share with others

So the podcast episode was born…

—

I shared a reflection of the talk

I shared my origin story the journey of struggling to speak with my stammer to finding flow state

I shared how I am channeling energy towards storytelling and helping people see themselves through visual and sounds to turn their intangible essence into something tangible

—

Peter further opened up about how he is bringing heart connection to the modern world and how is reinvigorating spaces of connection

Specialising in coaching people around transitions Peter shared how he is helping people find more connection bringing more belonging into their life whilst walking alongside them to help them create agency in that space

—

We spoke about how our worlds meet as a creative and as a coach to help people flourish & grow

—

Thank you Joel for creating a warm inviting away day filled with rich people

Thank you Jak for inviting me to share a talk at Sound Affects

Thank you Peter for the enriching reflective conversation and an insight into the soulful coaching you are offering and doing for people in the world

—

( we kept the podcast episode pure with no edits keeping it pure and true to the moment)

—

Learn More...

Peter Middleton

In Your Corner by Joel Lawton

Sound Affects by Jak Hutchcraft

On a recent visit to Otley to see family in the house where I grew up good friend & designer Dave King came over and the conversation flowed into a collection of topics

We spoke about…

🎶 - The Beatles - We explored the idea of getting out of your own way and letting creativity flow reflecting on how if John and Paul had judged their early ideas too much the world might never have seen the magic of the Beatles

📖 - Going to India Together - We discussed the importance of connecting with family stories. Before our trip I took the time to hear my Grandma’s story in her own words. Experiencing the places tied to those stories deepened my connection with her showing how experiencing someone's story can bring you both closer

🔎 - Traveling - We talked about the value of venturing into the unknown. There’s so much we don’t know until we allow ourselves to experience it and embracing that uncertainty can lead to incredible discoveries that were unknown before

🏖 - Holidays - We reflected on the balance between exploration and relaxation. Sometimes it’s okay to trust yourself to just be in the moment allowing things to unfold naturally

—

Great Question from Dave…

If you were an ice cream flavour which would you be?

Recently met Sian Carr a childhood friend and Phycologist in Otley the town where we both grew up

We spontaneously started recording our conversation which flowed into a shared stream of consciousness

—

We spoke about…

—

What adventure does your inner child want you to take them on next?

Do you ever feel like you are not ready to do something? or spend time talking about doing the thing? or get stuck planning time to do the thing?

—

Marcus is a motivational speaker & coach & musician. We met for a coffee for the first time to talk about how we could collaborate

One of the things we spoke about came to life

We got talking about our passion for writing songs then started talking about making a song together four days later we did exactly that jamming together for the first time we made a song

We created something from nothing letting it flow pushing past the planning voice and created one of the things we wanted to create resonating on common ground

—

Next time you meet someone you want to create something with could you use the time planning to create the thing to actually create the thing?

—

Learn more about → Marcus Thomlinson

If you want to do something go let yourself out and play and create and share with someone because you never know what it might mean for them

I went for dinner in Unithai a family run Thai restaurant in Hove in an unexpected conversation with Mr Phong (the owner) we got talking about music sparking an act of genorisity within him lending me his Phin a Thai string instrument

I returned the Phin today and wanted to share the story to celebrate Mr Phong & his supermarket restaurant Unithai

—

Keep expressing yourself and sharing you don’t know what it might spark in another person

—

Visit → Unithai in Hove⁠

If you made a song in under 5 minutes and shared it with the world how would it sound?