An Ode to Two+Two

It's my 5th year participating in Two+Two UK - the one-day event bringing teams of creative and marketing students together to work on a brief just like they would in the world of work.

My first venture came before lockdown at the Cooperative building, I was blown away by the talent on show and the passion of everyone involved to make the event a success not for themselves but the students taking part.?

This is something that really stuck out to me, at bearded fellows we have worked and guided people to get into the industry as we know it's a closed door, so closed we had to make our own agency to get a foot in!?

Bearded Fellows believe in creativity with purpose.? This event gives purpose to everyone involved. The mentors the students and the judges. I never leave this event without a big smile across my face.?

I was privileged to work with a winning team during lockdown and seeing those students now working in the industry is so rewarding.? It might be my driving force for years to come.?

I keep in contact with the young creatives, I don't want them to stop creating.? We all know people finishing university and then working in a call centre.

?They need to know the jobs are there and the industry is still working when they step off after graduating.?

Two things resonate with me about this event

?1-?A team is put together and they begin creating for pitch.? It's a team of 5-6.? That's a start-up agency. That's bigger than the Bearded Fellows team was for 6 years!?

Even if the idea doesn’t win, I want each student we work with to leave with confidence and the belief that they have something great.

They could meet up next week and continue to pitch. Where else can you find a team with the same drive and ambitions as you??

2) the main thing I want to help these aspiring creatives with is pitch and presentation.

?Having spent over a decade performing and acting before Bearded Fellows was set up I have a unique set of skills when it comes to giving confidence on stage.?

Having worked with performers students, graduates and business owners to help communicate and perform on stage. I feel it is my duty to pass this skill set on.

??You can have all the ideas in the world but if you can present them coherently with confidence you will never get your foot in the door.

I take time, to bring out the quiet team members, and get them confident enough to pitch, having the superpower of presentation skills it's my mission to give people confidence themselves. ? It's something that is hard to learn and communicate when you are selling work, yourself, your agency your ideas if they can leave with just this im happy.?

There are a few shout-outs to the creatives I've met along the way.?

Amira Barwany won in 2019 and has worked at Havas Lynx for almost 5 years. From a room full of creative ambition to a half-decade into your career is a sight to see!

Will Turner Louise Pinnegar Theodora Mihai and Chelsea Grimshaw who won in 2021 with a fantastic idea and team collaboration in lockdown. These people did a full pitch from their student houses on Miro and video call. It was a sight to see and proves a strong creative is achievable whatever the circumstances!!!

This year I see Molly Linford join me as a co-leader managing and guiding the mentors.?

Knowing Molly as she came as a participant at two and two to seeing her get a job role at IMA -Home, to now be a leader is proof that this is the best event to help students get their foot in the door and start a career.

A big shout out to Julie Ollerton Phil Cookson and the rest of the Creative Resource / team for creating something that makes a difference?

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. And if you are an agency owner or lead creative, get in touch with the team to find out how you can help the next generation of free thinkers.?