From Artist to Facilitator: Unlocking Creative Careers with Factory International

Jasmin Issaka
Jun 21
5 min read

My colourful psychedelic illustration of the Aviva Studios building, home of Factory International.

If you ever told my past self that I'd be standing in front of people teaching them how to be creative, I would’ve laughed and said, Future me, what are you smoking?! But if you told me I’d absolutely enjoy the pants off it, I’d probably scream, OMG—wait, you can time travel!?

Over the past three years, I’ve had the absolute joy of not only working with Factory International as a visual artist and musician, but growing alongside them as a creative facilitator. It all started with the Inspire Schools Project, where I joined as an emerging facilitator—and since then, I’ve been harnessing my psychedelic, multi-disciplinary illustration, design, and art skills to inspire, uplift, and creatively challenge young people (and adults!) across Manchester and beyond.

I’ve planned and led everything from a psychedelic painting workshop inspired by the Yayoi Kusama exhibition in 2023 for families and young people, to David Hockney iPad Drawing Workshops in 2025. I've also delivered multiple after-school clubs, arts events, and creative workshops that celebrate bold expression, accessibility, and the joy of making.

My Latest Adventure: Creative Careers Unlocked

One of my most exciting recent projects was Creative Careers Unlocked—a fantastic workshop series led and developed by the insanely talented Patrick Boyle (bassist of the psychedelic jazz, hip-hop fusion band Woioi and an incredible creative educator), and supported by Factory International’s very own Senior Creative Learning Manager, Amber Calland.

Patrick Boyle doing his teaching thing in a funky technicolour cardigan I wish I could steal

We were also joined by Rakhel Oji—a rising graphic designer and illustrator who recently graduated from the Adidas Creators Programme at Factory. Despite being new to facilitation, Rakhel brought such fresh insights, sharp observations, and ideas that helped shape how we delivered the sessions. (Check her awesome portfolio here)

Before diving into the workshops, we had the chance to review the brilliant groundwork Patrick had already laid out. Instead of showing up with a rigid plan, he opened the floor for collaboration, critique, and creative input. This created a welcoming, co-creative atmosphere where each of us—new or seasoned—could contribute to shaping something meaningful.

Plus, we were offered the NSPCC Child Protection Introduction safeguarding training as part of the programme—a reminder that growing as a facilitator is as much about responsibility as it is creativity. These are the little touches that make Factory International’s creative learning work feel so intentional.

Reaching Young People Across Greater Manchester

Over the course of three weeks, we delivered workshops to five different schools across Greater Manchester—reaching students from all backgrounds, ages, and levels of additional learning needs. That commitment to inclusion is something I genuinely value, because I remember how pivotal it was for me to see creative professionals visit my school growing up. Representation matters, and showing young people the full spectrum of what’s possible creatively is so important.

Creative Careers Unlocked Presentation and Feedback slide

The aim of Creative Careers Unlocked was to introduce students to the many pathways available in the creative industries—one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors. But let’s be real: it’s still not the easiest industry to explain, especially to family. I remember trying to convince my Ghanaian first-gen immigrant parents that becoming a graphic designer was a real career move, not just a detour from being a lawyer, doctor, or accountant.

From Imagining to Experiencing

The students were tasked with designing their own dream festivals—thinking through every stage, from programming and branding to operations and logistics. Through this, they learned the various roles behind the scenes in festivals and cultural production—creative directors, marketing, front-of-house, operations, and more.

Students were illustrating, planning and collaboratively creating their own festival plans.

Students were exposed to the various departments and roles that are involved in creating a festival.

It couldn’t have been better timed: with the Manchester International Festival about to kick off in July, students could see how these roles play out in their own city.

The final workshop day was hosted at Aviva Studios, Factory International’s iconic creative space. The students toured the venue, took part in a lively panel discussion with Factory staff, and finally saw their new knowledge come to life in the real world. Their eyes lit up. You could feel the shift—from curious to inspired. And honestly? I hope I bump into some of them again in the creative world someday!

The students had the opportunity to visit the amazing Aviva studios and experience behind the scene's development of a festival.

One of the many fantastic factory panel from left to right we have: Aaron Thomas, Carly Bainbridge and Gary Briggs.

Wow, what a superstar panel! I ended up learning so much from (left to right): Dawn Walters, Kayleigh McGann and Miranda Parker!

What I Learned Along the Way

Supporting young people in discovering creative careers has been a gift. But what surprised me most is how much I’ve grown too. Facilitating in schools reminds you fast: things won’t go to plan. Your best assets? Being adaptable, positive, resourceful, and always open to feedback.

Throughout the programme we consistently requested feedback each day from students, which helped us help the students learn at their best.

Working with a strong team like Patrick, Rakhel, and the wider Factory crew reminded me that collaboration is a superpower. And the more we build supportive, joyful creative spaces for others, the more our own practice flourishes too.

Dream Team Patrick Boyle and Rachel Oji (sorry for the terrible sneaky shot!)

So to all the creative weirdos, bold thinkers, and imaginative minds out there—thank you for being part of my journey. Whether you’re a future funky illustrator, psychedelic designer, or just a brilliant team player in the creative world—I hope our paths cross, and I hope you know: your creativity is your career.