Earlier this year, I had the exciting opportunity to step outside my usual creative projects and dive into something completely new – film! It all started with an invitation to be involved in a short promotional film for Great Western Railway (GWR), and from there, the adventures snowballed. Alongside an artist friend, I spent a couple of wonderful days traveling across the scenic West Somerset landscape, hopping on and off trains, buses, and even a heritage steam railway, all to showcase how easy it is to get to Taunton by train and explore the surrounding areas.
Promoting the Delights of West Somerset with GWR
The focus of the GWR project was to promote the charm and accessibility of Taunton, with particular emphasis on how well-connected the town is for visitors looking to explore the stunning spots of West Somerset. As someone who spent years in the area, I know how magical it is, so being part of this felt very close to my heart.
We ventured from Taunton to nearby gems like Minehead and the historic village of Dunster, both of which offer that perfect blend of quaint English charm and breathtaking scenery. As we journeyed between these locations, the film captured the ease of travel via GWR’s network, making it ideal for anyone planning a Somerset getaway. It was an incredibly fun project, not only because I got to spend a couple of days travelling and chatting with a fellow artist but also because I could share my love for the area with others through a new medium.
Another Film Adventure: The Chalet By Hip Haus at the Fitties
As if one film adventure wasn’t enough, shortly after, I had the pleasure of working on a second short film – this time created by my husband. The film was to promote The Chalet by Hip Haus, a lovely seaside accommodation at the Humberston Fitties in Lincolnshire, owned by our good friends Jill and Lee.
For those unfamiliar with “The Fitties,” this unique area is a conservation zone that’s full of history. Originally a World War I military camp, it later became a hub for holiday chalets in the early 20th century. Today, the Fitties is a blend of quirky chalets, wild coastal scenery, and a community that holds strong ties to the past. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the place, with its colourful chalets nestled between the dunes and its peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a seaside retreat. The Chalet By Hip Haus is one of these beautiful properties, offering a truly relaxing escape.
In the film, we highlighted not just the chalet itself but the overall experience of staying in such a unique location. From the windswept beaches to the sense of community, we wanted to capture what makes the Fitties such a special place to unwind.
My First Wall Mural: A Creative Challenge at King’s College, Taunton
Stepping away from film and back into more familiar territory, I also took on another “first” earlier this year – creating my very first wall mural. This project came about just before we left Somerset, and it now proudly sits in the newly refurbished food servery at King’s College, Taunton.
The catering manager approached me after being inspired by something similar he’d seen at another school. I have to admit, I was slightly daunted at first. Mural work was new territory for me, and the scale of it was quite different from my usual prints and designs! However, once I got my head around the challenge, I began to create a paired back linear design that represented the main buildings on the King’s College campus.
With the help of Shane from Designa-Sign (someone I’ve worked with closely over the years), the mural was printed and applied with expert precision. Shane did a fantastic job bringing the design to life, and seeing the finished piece in place felt like a real achievement. It’s always nerve-wracking when you step into something new, but I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out – and the feedback from the King’s College community has been incredibly positive.
Embracing New Creative Adventures
This year has been full of unexpected projects and new creative challenges, from being in front of the camera promoting Somerset and Lincolnshire to stepping into mural work. It’s reminded me how important it is to embrace the unknown and try new things, even when they feel a little out of your comfort zone.
Whether it’s hopping on a train for a GWR film, painting a wall mural, or working with my husband to showcase a special seaside retreat, each of these experiences has pushed me to think differently and expand my creative horizons. And I can’t wait to see where the next adventure takes me!
