Kevin McCaul and Emma Hetherington founded Allies Creative Studio in 2025, at a time when human creativity is being tested more than ever. The Irish studio is built on a simple philosophy: feel the fear, do it anyway. It’s the mindset that pushed them to start the business and the same one they bring to every client and every project.
In this talk, they’ll take you inside their first year – landing work with the world’s most awarded bar – The Dead Rabbit NYC, distributing London Fashion Week with COAT Paints and collaborating with brands across the world, as well as some of the most loved names closer to their home.
They’ll unpack what they believe it really takes to start a studio in an intensely competitive industry – without the gloss. The risks, the doubts, the reality behind the wins and the lessons learned the hard way.
If you’ve ever thought about starting something of your own, this is the push to feel the fear and do it anyway.
Venue
BCU Parkside P350
graphic District
Birmingham City University – Parkside Building,
Cardigan Street,
Birmingham, UK