Creative thinking is a core skill needed for the modern world, helping communities and individuals challenge traditional beliefs and develop solutions for problems such as climate change, discrimination, and economic crisis.

Over the last decade, the government has developed the curriculum to have a greater focus on academic subjects and grade-focused learning which has had a negative impact on students’ opportunities to pursue artistic interests within their studies.

Emma Redfern, from Sheffield, home-educated herself after leaving school because of bullying and anxiety. She ultimately found a more creative education that suited her and has since founded Studio Self-Made, a creative online education platform that offers digital internships to enhance creative portfolios with practical work experience through a network of small businesses.

Big Change supported Emma with early stage funding and support to develop and test her idea for Studio Self-Made.

Studio Self-Made is a creative online education platform that supports creative young people in their transition from education to the working world. Focused on supporting young creatives, the platform offers:

• Digital Internships: Hands-on opportunities to build and enhance creative portfolios with real-world experience
• Online Community: A diverse, supportive network where emerging creatives can connect with like-minded peers and collaborate with small businesses and enterprises eager to offer employment opportunities.

Emma’s goal is to build a creative ecosystem that nurtures young creatives; offering students career opportunities and encouraging them to support the next generation of artists, designers and creators through mentorship and employment opportunities in the future.

In 2024, Emma launched the Freelancer + Founder Roadmap, a 3-month group mentoring programme designed to give young people a step-by-step guide to a sustainable creative career.

Emma’s lived experience of bullying and anxiety was linked to being in a high-pressure education environment whilst dealing with issues at home. She left school during Year 9 and homeschooled herself for nine months before finding a creative and arts education in a specialised learning environment, which helped her achieve academic and career success.

During her fashion degree, Emma was unable to take on a traditional work placement due to the expectation of working unpaid, in a full-time role in a different city. This spurred her to use the placement year to test out her own business idea. The Calming Club is a creative, self-care brand and product range - during the pandemic she sold over 1,500 products to more than 15 countries!

Emma is committed to using her skills to equip other young people with the knowledge, experience and confidence to help them navigate personal and professional challenges.