Pride Month 2024: Celebrating a Newcastle graduate who is making a difference and inspiring inclusion

This year, we are delighted to highlight the work of one of our inspirational alumni who is making positive changes within their local community and beyond.

Liv Collins (Fine Art, 2021) is a writer, designer, and activist who founded Liv Collins Studios. Her studio supports womxn, non-binary, and LGBTQIA+ artists and business owners. She offers services in art writing, bespoke graphic design, creative consultation + curator-based work. Liv is dedicated to championing diverse creatives through her work as an art writer, graphic designer, and community arts facilitator.

Hi Liv, thanks for speaking with us! Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about where life has taken you since graduating from Newcastle University?

I founded Liv Collins Studios, a creative space championing womxn, non-binary, and LGBTQIA+ artists and entrepreneurs. My work spans funky graphic design, art writing, and community arts engagement. Starting Liv Collins Studios a year after graduation, with significant support from Newcastle Uni’s Start Up team, I transitioned from feeling lost to proudly owning a business. Although I’m still navigating it, I’m delighted with the progress.

Wow, what amazing achievements! What inspired you to seek a career promoting equality and inclusivity and why is it so important to you?

My activism roots run deep, stemming from childhood passions for feminism and environmentalism. As a queer womxn, I’ve always been acutely aware of societal inequalities. Art has been my medium to connect, raise awareness, and champion causes dear to me. I particularly focus on highlighting womxn, non-binary, and queer artists who have been historically overlooked. My business is built on social justice principles, guiding my work and collaborations.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?

My goal is to empower marginalised creatives and celebrate womxn, non-binary, and queer founders. I aim to close the gender disparity gap and celebrate diversity in all forms. If my work can make someone feel informed, hopeful, and joyful, that’s my greatest accomplishment. My biggest achievement so far is sustaining myself as a freelancer throughout 2024.

What would you say is the best things about the work that you do?

I love the variety in my work, from designing graphics for feminist organisations to collaborating on community projects like book-swaps around Newcastle. The ability to write, design, research, and collaborate with brilliant people makes my job feel surreal and fulfilling.

Do you have any future plans you would like to share?

I’m excited about launching an audio series focusing on failure, traveling as a digital nomad, co-hosting creative writing workshops, and spending time with family in Wales.

Would you say your time at Newcastle University has helped you achieve your goals?

Newcastle University was instrumental in my journey. The support from tutors, friends, lecturers, and the Start Up team enabled me to become the freelancer and business owner I am today. Studying Fine Art taught me to think critically and expansively, channelling my ideas into meaningful projects.

What are the stand-out moments from your student days?

Creating a confetti-filled interactive installation for my degree show was an epic way to wrap up my degree. This installation was about my relationship with my Welsh grandparents, and explored familial love, longing and lineage through the joyous mediums of sound art and confetti.

As well as this, co-founding the indie clothing brand livNman, and an enriching but challenging ERASMUS semester in Montpellier.

But really, the stand-out moments were the smaller, everyday ones. Like making a cuppa and hanging out in my friends’ studios, talking about art and whatever was on our minds. Spending afternoons in the sun, or swimming together in Jesmond pool – or giggling over a dinner of veggie pasta. The best moments were the ones where we were together, enjoying the moment and not worrying about what the future might bring.

Finally, what one bit of advice would you give to somebody who has recently graduated from Newcastle?

If you’re a creative with a business idea or social enterprise, reach out to the Start Up team for support and potential grants. They were an absolute lifeline for me, helping me navigate the anxiety-inducing post-uni period.

The best advice I can give is not to rush into finding the *perfect* job or figuring everything out immediately. We’re all just winging it, and life after university can be quite strange. Embrace the uncertainty! Take the time to reflect on what you truly want to do and where you’d like to live. Try things out, and remember, you can always change your mind. This is the perfect time to follow your interests and intuition and see where they lead you.

To stay up to date with Liv’s amazing projects, please follow them on LinkedIn here.

Do you have news to share with our alumni community?

Get in touch and share your latest news and achievements so we can let your fellow Newcastle alumni know!