About
About Visible Ink
Visible Ink Youth Hub is a free and central hub for Brisbane’s young people to explore new ideas, access resources, have a say and connect with community partners, enabling them to grow as active citizens and contribute to a better Brisbane.
Visible Ink Youth Hub provides:
spaces to rehearse, hold meetings, plan, organise and deliver projects and events and access youth networks
resources to help get your ideas off the ground and staff support to provide you with help and information
the Enterprise Program – a youth enterprise program providing support and resources to young people to help get their ideas off the ground
Art Space, Zine Library, Maker space and Media Studio.
Visible Ink is a Brisbane City Council program which offers free space, resources, and staff support to young people aged 12-25.
OUR HISTORY
In 2001 Brisbane City Council developed a youth strategy to better support young people across the city. During consultation, young people said they wanted a space in a central location that was just for them where they could rehearse, host events, run workshops and develop projects free of cost. They hoped that the space would provide opportunities to collaborate, make friends and meet like-minded people that shared their passions about things that were important to them. Eventually, no matter how supportive parents were, young people knew they would outgrow their living room or garage, but they needed a safe, practical and affordable space. Meeting at coffee-shops to build a business, dancing in parklands at night or finding the cash to hire rehearsal spaces in the CBD just weren’t possible for most young people. As a result of all this feedback was the creation of Council’s youth development hub, Visible Ink.
Visible Ink opened on the corner of Constance Street and Green Square Close in 2002 in what is fondly recalled as little more than a shed. It was named by young people who thought it reflected the self-initiating attitude of it’s founding members. The concept was simple – resource young people to become more visible in what they do across Brisbane – with a vision to change the way young people were perceived by the community, engaged with the city around them, and were celebrated for their contributions. The space was a success with over 16,000 young people through the door each year. So Visible Ink had to move in 2005 to a larger facility on Berwick Street and began including more services for young people such as enterprise support for young businesses.
Every year more and more people heard about the space, and it continued to grow and grow and grow until a new space was again needed. Luckily the original site on the corner of Constance Street and Green Square Close was available, so a design for a purpose built creative-based space and an office large enough to house the whole Youth Development team was created. Visible Ink moved back to its original site in 2011, celebrating 10 years, and offering over 25,000 young people a year a safe and secure location to rehearse, meet, create, record, make, build and design anything their heart desires.
TYPES OF SUPPORT
| Music Production
Emerging musicians and producers can access the studio and staff support to navigate the industry and collaborate with collective creatives. |
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| Grant Writing
Staff can help to plan for and apply for funding including finding the right fit and planning for a strong application. |
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| Enterprise
Make an appointment to discuss how to develop a startup, a not for profit, a project and setting professional goals. |
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Outside of the Visible Ink space, Council’s Youth Development team work across the Brisbane regions to support young people in their local area and coordinate a range of programs for youth. You can find out more about these programs on Council’s website or by having a chat with our staff.
Where is Visible Ink
We are located in Fortitude Valley, a short walk from the train station, on the corner of Constance St and Green Square Close. We recommend people use public transport to get to the space, as there is limited street parking, but paid parking is available at the Valley Metro. If you are picking up or dropping off cumbersome equipment, call ahead to see if our loading bay is free.
We share the building with other services including Open Doors – supporting young members of the LGBTI community, Hart 4000 – a homelessness connect service, and the Maida Lilley Community Center – who provide additional community space for hire.
Hours of Operation
Council’s Visible Ink Youth Hub (Visible Ink) is now open for bookings by appointment only.
The youth space is available for:
- Multi-use space
- Multi media room
- Art space
- Equipment Hire (collection and drop off)
- Printing (collection)
To adhere to current health advice, Visible Ink will observe the limit of 20 people at any one time, with a maximum of two people per room where appropriate.
To enquire about making a booking, please go to visibleink.org/#space-bookings with your details.
Council encourages all residents to continue to practice safe social distancing and hygiene while using Council facilities.
As updates are available, they will be included on Council’s website. For more information visit Council’s website or phone Council on 07 3403 8888.
Brisbane City Council is working closely with the Australian Government and Queensland Health and are following their expert health advice to help minimise the transmission of coronavirus.
For health advice or information visit www.health.gov.au and download the Government’s COVIDSafe app
Rights and Responsibilities
A SAFE AND WELCOMING PLACE/SPACE | THE LOW DOWN | WHAT TO EXPECT | ALL THE OTHER STUFF
We ask that when you utilise Visible Ink you do so respectfully both as a physical space and towards other young people accessing it, as well as our staff.
When accessing Visible Ink young people have the responsibility to:
- Provide honest information about their needs and the support needed from staff,
- Respect other young people and staff’s privacy, personal space, rights, and worth,
- Accept the consequences of their actions and any decisions made,
- Not discriminate against other young people or staff on the grounds of sex, race, culture, language, religion, marital status, physical or intellectual disability, or sexual preference,
- Adhere to the principles and guidelines of Visible Ink regarding respecting the space, equipment and safety of all people within the space,
- Remember that Visible Ink is a smoking, drug and alcohol free space,
- Participate in decisions about what services, activities or the level of participation they wish to access,
- Create and/or view media content responsibly and with respect, especially using internet facilities legally,
- Express any feedback or grievances with staff clearly and calmly via email, phone or in person.
Young people accessing Visible Ink have the right to:
- Access free resources and the space, and receive assistance from staff that is supportive and flexible to their needs,
- Be respected by other young people and staff in the space,
- Not be discriminated against by other young people or staff within the space based on the grounds of sex, race, culture, language, religion, marital status, physical or intellectual disability, or sexual preference,
- Privacy and confidentiality with the ability to approve any sharing of information with other services as needed,
- Refuse any services or activities suggested by staff and are able to leave the space at any time,
- Give feedback or express any grievances calmly without it affecting their assistance received.
Visible Ink staff have a responsibility to ensure young people feel safe, included and supported within the space at all times. It can be a bit hectic sometimes, so to do this we ask that you help us out by:
- Using respectful language at all times,
- Not entering the staff office unless you have been invited in,
- Organising days or times for additional support that you might need with making or creating, so we can have the staff available to help,
- Looking after the space by cleaning up after yourself, accessing your bookings on time, and being respectful of the equipment at Visible Ink.
Spaces
Spaces | Booking Form
During opening hours young people can come into the space to have a tour, utilise the Maker and Creative Spaces as well as the Copy & Destroy Zine Library. All our rooms are available to be booked between 7am and 10pm, seven days a week.
“I love Visible Ink. I can just come here and teach myself new things because I have nothing to lose.”
– Nikki
Bookings for Rooms and Equipment are taken through online booking forms, but if you have any questions feel free to have a chat with us. Outside of our opening hours you will need to have an access card to get into the space, details about this will be included in your booking confirmation, so please read them carefully.
Just be aware that Visible Ink isn’t staffed Sunday-Tuesday so please allow enough time for your booking to be processed if you want to access the space on those days.
REHEARSAL SPACE: A 50 metre square multi-purpose space that has a timber floor, full length curtains, floor to ceiling mirrors for rehearsals. The room is also fully air-conditioned with access to a projector, screen, sound system and free WiFi. Suitable to seat up to 65 people with a small stage.
MULTI SPACE: A dual purpose rehearsal and meeting space with timber floors, a mirrored wall and good natural light (or complete darkness via blinds). This room can seat 20 people at foldaway tables and also has a projector, sound system, whiteboard and free WiFi access.
MEETING ROOM: Suitable for small group meetings or activities, fits 8 comfortably. This room has WiFi access.
MEDIA STUDIO:
The Visible Ink Media Studio is a free facility providing access to professional equipment and software for young people with a basic knowledge of Audio Production and Film Editing Software. You must attend an Induction Session before booking this studio, to book your Induction click here, tell us what you want to use the space for and we will reply with an invitation to the next Induction Session.
This Studio features professional audio and graphic design tools including:
- Audio Software: Pro Tools 12, Garage Band, Ableton, Logic Audio, Audacity
- Film Software: Adobe Premier Pro and Creative Suite for Graphic Design and Film editing
- Hardware: iMac with Focusrite 2i2 Interface, Rode NT2A Microphone, KRK Rockit 8 Monitors
CREATIVE SPACE: Stocked with visual arts supplies from paint to pastel to plaster, this space is available during Visible Ink’s opening hours for you to come along and be creative. Anything made in the space is yours to take home, and it’s all free. We also host an Arts Collective – check out their Facebook page for upcoming events, workshops or meet-ups.
MAKER SPACE: Visible Ink provides free internet, computers and printing services for young people during our opening hours. We have a lot of young and emerging bands, zinesters and groups working on festivals, events and rallies that hang out in the Maker Space. It’s a great place to connect with other creatives and get inspired.
BREAKOUT SPACE/KITCHEN: We have an awesome lounge and kitchen area to chill out and relax in with free tea and coffee. It is stocked with crockery and utensils, we just ask that you clean up your mess and throw your stuff in the dishwasher.
ENTERPRISE TENANCY: We have hot desk options available for young people starting out as a part of our VI: Enterprise program. We offer young people, under the age of 25 years, a safe and central space to pursue creative or professional ventures, see our Enterprise page for more details.
COURTYARD: Our outdoor area is a nice place to relax, have some lunch and catch the breeze.
COPY & DESTROY ZINE LIBRARY: The zine library showcases our collection of zines, from current and past zine makers. We also have an archive of zines spanning the past decade, if you wanna have a blast from the past. Come in and have a browse!
Availability | Booking Form
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Enterprise
Enterprise | Enterprise Application
The VI: Enterprise program offers young people, under the age of 25 years, a safe and central space to pursue creative or professional ventures. There are a whole range of options available for building knowledge, skills and confidence through workshops, networks, mentors, advisors and industry support.
Council’s VI: Enterprise is committed to strengthening pathways and partnerships to other co-working, creative spaces to support young people’s projects and ideas. This program sits in a unique part of the start-up and enterprise ecosystem. It is a free and neutral program for young people with emerging ideas looking to develop confidence and knowledge that delivers on Council’s 2031 Vision for a Smart and Prosperous City.
Applying a range of opportunities and resources from Council, private partnerships and community organisations VI: Enterprise engages young people to facilitate, showcase and produce a range of events, workshops, and experiences around Brisbane.
Enterprise Participants might pop along to some of our workshops or events run in partnership with other organisations such as EVA (Emerging Visual Artists) Workshops, QMusic Industry Connect or generationYOU Inspire.
Enterprising Young People are individuals, groups or Collectives or Copy & Destroy, who want to grow their skills and confidence through utilising Visible Ink staff knowledge, goal setting, training, and opportunities to develop skills and experience. While these young people may not need an “office space” as such, they are a part of VI: Enterprise.
Enterprise Residents receive the additional support of having access to a hot desk space. The offices located in the Visible Ink Youth Hub are a collaborative co-working environment, where Residents share space with like-minded companies or individuals, be they creative, professional, or social enterprise. To become a resident an application can be made to be registered and assessed.
To be considered for a place in the VI:Enterprise program, young people need to be:
- 25 years of age and under
- Emerging or a start up
- To have a purpose
- Aiming for financial sustainability
- Require space and or resources on a regular basis
We support diverse groups of young people including people interested in Music & Production, Creative Arts, Not for Profits, and Startup’s
Developing Artist In Residence
Developing Artist-in-Residence
The Developing Artist-in-Residence (DAIR) program offers a year-long opportunity for young and emerging Brisbane artists by supporting their skill development and knowledge of visual arts. Based in Visible Ink’s Youth Hub in the Fortitude Valley, the residency gives an artist a chance to practice in a creative, shared co-working environment, with access to multiple resources and materials, at no cost.
The program also suits people who wish to test new ideas in a peer-to-peer environment and connect with others through their work.
The residency may culminate in a new site-specific installation at Visible Ink, an exhibition, workshops, and a personal workspace.
Skyler Castillo has been visiting the Youth Hub since 2016. Skyler’s ability to access the extensive range of resources and meet like-minded people has proven to be invaluable to her skill development.
Skyler has been creating her unique illustrations, photography, murals and practicing 3D printing on site. Skyler’s work and colour palette have been influenced by alternative music and early 2000’s band merch. She also loves to incorporate monsters into her work.
“I find myself gravitating towards online tutorials and those artists who conduct them. I love Bob Ross and BROM as painting influencers. Photographers like Ryan McGinley and Peter McKinnon help give direction to my photographic style,” Skyler said.
Skyler loves to work in the shared space with other creatives. She joined the developing artist-in- residence program in 2018 During her residency, Skyler has been able to run 3D printing workshops and facilitated a workshop with other Visible Ink users to help her develop the concept for her mural.
“We changed the design a few times but this one was the group favourite. We wanted it to reflect nature and bring the outdoors inside with bright colours and a splash of fantasy or imagination because Visible Ink and its users are everything creative! It will be a great backdrop for photos,” Skyler said.
The road represents the personal journey and a sense of adventure for the emerging creative community in Brisbane. The young woman at the front has a backpack with a paint palette and brushes showing that they are an artist and have paved their way with creative thinking. She also wears glasses, a jumper, some pins, a pink-coloured hair. Her smile shows that she is confident in herself and where she’s headed.
Skyler’s mural installed at the Youth Hub
Skyler, proudly standing in front of the installed mural
During her residency, Skyler has been:
- exploring the gardens for different resources to create a new body of work
- in the space, experimenting, documenting, creating and reflecting her body of works
- running workshops for visitors to the Youth Hub.
About the program
The residency is designed for artists interested in:
- supporting the development of creative practice in Brisbane
- exploring the emerging world through composition, subject or promotion.
This residency provides artists with opportunities to:
- present their work in a professional context to diverse audiences
- access resources, materials and facilities required throughout the duration
This residency expects artists to:
- liaise regularly with the Visible Ink staff and present at the beginning and conclusion of the residency about their experiences and practice developed
- curate a final exhibition of their work at the end of the residency at the Visible Ink Youth Hub or an accessible gallery that supports emerging young artists.
Applications for the next developing artist-in-residence open soon!
If you are interested in becoming the artist-in-residence and contribute to Brisbane’s creative economy, request an outline of the submission criteria by emailing visibleinkvalley@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Note: the program is not a funded position. The selected artist will not be paid but supported in-kind by the Visible Ink Youth Hub in Fortitude Valley.
COPY + DESTROY
Visible Ink hosts the Copy + Destroy Zine Library, a collection of independent press covering nearly two decades of ideas from young artists and writers from across the country. It is an open access space to all young people during opening hours.
If you have never heard of a zine, welcome to a library filled with self-published limited-print independent press that covers everything from art, poetry, essays, activism, comic or stories. So come on into the space, chill out, leaf through the pages and get inspired.
COPY + DESTROY ZINE LIBRARIAN
Hosting a collection of zines from across the country and even a few international titles takes time and energy, which is why Visible Ink has a resident Librarian who can catalogue, categorise, collate, archive and maintain the titles available for the public.
So what does the Librarian do other than organise zines? Depending on your interests and knowledge you can plan and run pop-up Copy + Destroy Zine Libraries at events such as Valley Fiesta, facilitate zine making workshops across Brisbane, and coordinate the Copy + Destroy Zine Collective. In exchange, we offer our Librarian some additional perks around printing and training as a part of our Enterprise programming.
If you are interested in learning more about being the Copy + Destroy Zine Librarian for Visible Ink, just email us and we’ll have a chat.
COPY + DESTROY ZINE COLLECTIVE
So you like zines, have been making, creating and want to meet other like-minded people? You can join our Collective to chat all things zines, attend workshops, meet-ups or events. You can also use our resources to make your own, partner with us to host zine launches or anything else you can think of.
The Collective is run by volunteers interested in sharing their knowledge and ideas. It’s a shared space for local zine enthusiasts to meet and create together in a safe and inclusive environment.
Enterprise Application
Enterprise Stories
Please meet our Developing Artist In Residence – Shelley Cheng
How did you hear about Visible Ink and why did you want to use our space?
I heard about Visible Ink through my friend. I thought it would be great to have access to a supportive space to specifically work on my art and personal projects.
Does this space make a difference to your work?
Having a quiet office space and access to the makers’ space helps me focus on my writing and art projects. I get too distracted at home because I don’t have any dedicated spaces for my creative practice. Being a part of DAIR has definitely helped me make more use of the space, as I’m typically at uni or work when the space is open.
What are your goals as an artist?
I hope I can make accessible art that provides visibility, comfort and solidarity to marginalised people. I think representation is really important and art can be an important tool to facilitate that.
What kind of development opportunities have you had at Visible Ink?
During Valley Fiesta in 2017, I was invited by Visible Ink to do a live painting performance in The Pod. I am currently a resident artist with the Developing Artist in Residence Program
What are you currently working on project-wise?
I am currently working on an interactive art installation about systemic racism, I want to build from my previous installation which was used as both an educational tool and a public activation. I want to talk about how racism is prejudice and power, and how it’s about function not intent. Many people get defensive when their racist behaviour is named or challenged because they don’t think they are racist or they didn’t intend to offend. The conversation often gets derailed and the person becomes defensive, plays victim or gaslights the person they caused harm to. Using a very basic example, if you accidentally stepped on someone’s foot, it’s still going to hurt that person, regardless of whether you intended to hurt them. In the same way, if you do or say something racist, it’s still racist regardless of your intentions. I want to talk about racism, fragility and the labour that marginalised people are forced to provide every single day. I think using art to start this conversation may be more accessible to many people.
What do you think of Brisbane as a creative city, what makes it unique or what could be different?
I think people don’t generally think of Brisbane as a creative city compared to places like Melbourne and Sydney. But I think there are quite a few people here doing really important and disruptive creative work both individually and collaboratively. I think the arts scene in Brisbane is quite small and cliquey, meaning access to ARIs and arts spaces is difficult for people who aren’t already ‘in’. I think there could be a lot more funding and support for the arts, which would also increase the public’s appreciation for the arts and open up more spaces for people who don’t take the typical art school route.
What do you do, why did you choose to go down that path, and what do you love about it?
I initially wanted to pursue an arts education but I ended up doing a double degree in law and journalism. I chose this degree because I wanted to use my privilege and lived experience to support disadvantaged/targeted communities by providing legal support. I also wanted to develop my writing skills with a focus on accessibility. Now that I am 4 years into my degrees, I am very disillusioned about what change can actually be achieved through the legal framework and good journalism.
Where can people get in touch with you? E.g. a website / social media www.facebook.com/shelleychengartist
Donny Fraser – Skater, Co-Founder, Youth Ambassador
Australian Skateboarding Community Initiative: a skateboarding group with a focus on development and opportunity for young skaters and their communities.
A QUICK CHAT: Bri Lee – Writer, Co-founder of Hot Chicks with Big Brains, Enterprise tenant
We met Bri Lee (25) last year. She appeared at the window, enthused by the prospect of free printing. Since then, she has been a consistent user of Visible Ink, patiently waiting as we work through the backlog of printing requests.
Bri is a writer, and the Founding Editor and Manager of Hot Chicks with Big Brains (HCwBB). “I started HCwBB back in 2014 as a rather niche, online-only, feminist interview series. I would go interview and photograph successful women, and my best friend Anna would turn the content into beautiful readable PDFs.”
Since then, the HCwBB entity has expanded its focus. “We launched the first copy of our print magazine in 2016, and now we’ve grown into a more flexible, inclusive online and IRL community of feminists. We have a podcast, blog, and lots of events”. These ventures have been met with growing interest – “Each print run of the magazine increases a little, and each time we sell out faster than previously. We have a new partnership with Metro Arts for our movie nights too!”
Bri and Anna have been friends since primary school, and now run the business together. Anna is the Art Director and Assistant Manager, and their roles frequently overlap and intersect. Bri’s own writing career is progressing quickly, as her first book will be published next year and she is a regular at writer’s festivals. Bri credits the motivation behind this creativity to being inspired by others. “I interview successful women all the time and every one of them I meet motivates and inspires me in different ways. I’m lucky to have my work also be the thing that inspires me to do more work”.
Being amongst a community of creatives is one of the reasons HCwBB works from Visible Ink. “It feels good to be surrounded by other people doing cool things as well…There’s a chill vibe and a nice level of trust. I just rock up and get on with things.”
You can find out more about Bri on her Facebook page or about Hot Chicks with Big Brains via their website.
#visink #enterprise
Sarah Moran – Tech Geek, Co-Founder and CEO, Youth Ambassador
Girl Geek Academy: creating a lifelong community of women who love to learn tech, teaching women to launch their own tech start-ups.
Lincoln Savage – Event Producer, Founder, Youth Ambassador
Vast Yonder: producing arts and music events across Brisbane such as Junglelove, Scribble Slam and Brisbane Street Art Festival.
It's what you make of it - Some Youth Led Initiatives
Resources
Free Equipment | Booking Form
Want to document an awesome project or capture your performance on film but don’t have the gear you need to do it… Just use ours! Visible Ink has a range of equipment to support young people to start their own business ventures and creative projects.
We currently have the following resources available:
- Yamaha PA Stage system
- Portable/Battery PA system
- DJ Deck
- Microphones and stands
- LED Lighting system
- Studio Lighting kit
- Spotlight and stands
- Projectors
- DSLR Cameras with a variety of lenses
- Tripods
- GoPro Video Cameras (with optional helmet)
- JVC Video Camera
- Fuji Digital Stills Cameras
- White screen or Green screen backdrop with frame
NOT FOR HIRE but can be used during opening hours:
- Lino printing resources
- Free WiFi and computer workstations with 10Mb upload capacity
- Photocopier, printer and scanner
- A3 Lightbox for artwork
- Badge maker
Visible Ink has three badge makers that you’re welcome to use during our opening hours. If you’re planning on making more than a half dozen badges including large scale projects, you’ll need to supply your own badge parts. Our machines can produce three sizes – 25mm, 35mm, 57mm – for your projects. Parts can be ordered online, for an Australian supplier check Badge-A-Minit (they have all the sizes available for our machines).
We know, that’s a lot of stuff. So how do you get your hands on it? Easy send us an email or use this form and we’ll book some gear for you!
THE CATCH
We do have a few conditions: equipment loans are for one week at a time with pick up on a Friday and drop off on a Wednesday during opening hours. It does take a while to sign out our equipment, especially if you’re borrowing some of our larger systems, so please allow ample time to fill out some paperwork. If you haven’t used the equipment before, let our staff know when you book and we’ll give you some tips for how to set it up.
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Printing | Printing Request Form
If you’ve got something to say or show, chances are you’ll need a way to get the word out. Visible Ink has facilities for limited run printing in colour and black & white.
Visible Ink is here to support young people to get their projects up, so if you’re publicising an event with posters or pamphlets, publishing a small press zine or putting a design onto a badge for your bands merch table, we can help get the ideas onto paper.
We’re obviously not running a print shop, so limitations apply but we give you the opportunity to experiment with your design and get print-ready to take to commercial printer.
All printing can be done from our computers and printing services at the space during our opening hours to print: 50x A4 or 25x A3 Colour, 100x A4 or 50x A3 Black and White sheets.
For special requests or large scale projects have a chat with our team about how we might be able to accommodate you in person or fill in a Printing Request and we’ll get back to you.
Printing request Form
[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]Youth Week 2017 @ VI
Brisbane Youth Week is happening again from 31 March – 9 April and the crew at Visible Ink are getting ready for a range of events and pop-ups in the Valley. Check out our full Youth Week lineup here.
Brisbane Youth Week provides opportunities for young people to share ideas, have their voices heard on issues of concern to them, attend live events and celebrate their contribution to the community.
3D Printer | Booking Form
Visible Ink have a 3D printer available for small scale projects and concept experiments. It is free to use, but be aware you need to be inducted to use the printer by completing a tutorial session. Tutorials will be taking place during the month of March on Thursday’s from 2.00pm to 4.00pm, please contact staff to register for one of these sessions.
Contact staff by emailing visibleinkvalley@brisbane.qld.gov.au to register your interest.
Youth Week 2017 @ VI
Brisbane Youth Week is happening again from 31 March – 9 April and the crew at Visible Ink are getting ready for a range of events and pop-ups in the Valley. Check out our full Youth Week lineup here.
Brisbane Youth Week provides opportunities for young people to share ideas, have their voices heard on issues of concern to them, attend live events and celebrate their contribution to the community.
Badge Makers
We have three badge makers – 25mm, 35mm and 57mm – in the Creative Space available for use during our opening hours. You can test out a few ideas and get a feel for the machines.
If you’re planning on making more than half a dozen badges, including large scale projects, you’ll need to supply your own badge parts. Parts for all three sizes can be ordered online. For an Australian supplier check Badge-A-Minit (they have all the sizes available for our machines).
Use our badge making tool to layout your designs and space one, two or all three sizes onto a single printable PDF.
ZINE – /zi:n/ (pronounced zeen) [noun] informal – a magazine, especially a fanzine.
If you have never heard of a zine before, they are self-published limited-print independent press that cover everything from art, poetry, essays, activism, comics or stories.
A great way to share your stories, experiences or passions, Visible Ink have everything you need to make your own zines. Chat with our staff when you swing by and they’ll help you out.
Getting started with zines
Updates
We are now open on Saturdays from 2-5pm!
Young People
Young people defining Brisbane | Get Profiled
Dylan Cattanach talks music and songwriting
With a passion for unpacking songwriting to be more than just structure and chord progression, Dylan Cattanach hopes to produce emotion and connection when creating new music. I’ve grown up with music. My father is in a couple of cover bands with some other friends and my uncle is a muso. Either I’ve been hearing it live… Read more »
Tara Lawrence: co-founder Elsewhere Theatre Company
“I love what I do and it makes me so happy to see my actors striving for their best while enjoying the full process.” Co-founder and instructor for Elsewhere Theatre Company, Tara runs the Brisbane program (they are also running out of Melbourne), which on a day-to-day level involves directing productions as well as running… Read more »
Cantalopez Collective: creators, collaborators, journey makers
What happens when a hip-hop artist and an engineering student meet at a poetry symposium? Made up of Pastel Don and Mulan Theory, Cantalopez Collective is a shared passion for innovation across multiple genres and a dream of being able to create music for a living. We sat down with the Collective over lunch, talking… Read more »
Skyler Castillo: dabbler, artist.
Just 20 years old, into sketching, film and aesthetics, Skyler Castillo has become a regular fixture around Visible Ink, starting out as a volunteer at Brisbane Youth Week and going on to co-found a monthly creatives meet-up, KISVIS. Her passion for creation, motivation to learn, and open, friendly approach to collaboration make working alongside Skyler… Read more »
Get Profiled
Are you doing inspiring things around Brisbane, or are you part of a group that’s going to take on the world? At Visible Ink we meet many dedicated, motivated and active young people who work hard to achieve some pretty massive goals. Tell us about your project so that we can help spread the word.
Skyler Castillo: dabbler, artist.
Just 20 years old, into sketching, film and aesthetics, Skyler Castillo has become a regular fixture around Visible Ink, starting out as a volunteer at Brisbane Youth Week and going on to co-found a monthly creatives meet-up, KISVIS. Her passion for creation, motivation to learn, and open, friendly approach to collaboration make working alongside Skyler a lot of fun and we love having her around the space.
Q: So how did you first hear about Visible Ink?
I first found Visible Ink through my school. We were just having a day trip around the city and from the second I was introduced to the space I fell in love with the chill atmosphere. They [Visible Ink] haven’t been able to get rid of me since. I use the space mostly just to develop my skills as an artist by hopefully working on bigger and bigger projects as well as collaborating with other artists.
Q: What does developing your skills mean for you project-wise and how does that relate to being an artist?
Well currently I’m working on building up my portfolio of work. I’m hoping to work in the Art and Graphics industries in Melbourne at some point, although really I’m kind of just winging it. I’m an artist at heart. I’m just your stereotypical struggling paint nerd and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s a saying “What’s bad for your heart, is good for your art.” and I think finding ways to get around a barrier or block is what makes artworks so good. Plus let’s be real, drawing a pretty picture is pretty dang cool.
Q: What are a few of your projects and what are you working on project-wise currently?
Currently I’m building some 3D-printed prosthetics using online resources (check out e-nabled) I’d like to get some working models out of the printer and stylise them so they look more like art to bring attention to what technology can achieve. Lately, I’ve also been exploring digital art, a medium I haven’t gotten into until recently but it has been a fast learning curve.
Q: What would you say led you to where you are today? How was it that you got started?
Probably growing up in an uneasy neighbourhood with little-to-no money, yet I always found a way to do art. I’d borrow friends colouring pencils overnight and ask the teachers for printer paper to make my own sketchbooks. I’ve just always enjoyed being creative so I’ve never let anything get in the way of that. I think this has also incorporated it’s way into my work as far as subject matter goes, I’ve been inspired by almost anything that nobody else sees. Trying to explain things to people can only go so far – and I’ve never been great at describing things – so to me it’s more meaningful to create the visual representation of the warm rays of the sun through leaves or the black abyss, then to merely say it in words which would just sound off and cringe.
If you’re passionate, you’ll find a way. Just keep at it. There’s advice people just don’t give you about starting out or deciding on a direction. So in the end practice makes all the difference, even if it’s just doodling every other day. If it’s finding time do draw, paint, create on the bus or train, while talking to people, while drinking coffee, there’s always five minutes you can doodle on a piece of paper. And if it’s materials holding you back, there’s heaps of free ways to get what you need. Volunteering at events or finding youth spaces like Visible Ink – almost all are equipped with art supplies – even at your school, ask your teachers if they can help by making it a part of your school work somehow. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and do a project for free to gain experience and see where that leads you. Brisbane is surprisingly filled with opportunities.
Q: Now that you’re on this path, what keeps you motivated to keep moving forward?
Just my overall passion for trying new things, this is what I do in my spare time this is what I want to do for a career. If I slow down I’m not moving closer to my goal.
Q: Other than hanging out at Vis Ink, what else do you get up to?
Most of my hobbies are creative as well. I do film projects here and there. Recently I have been dabbling into photography, which started just as a reference platform for my art but I fell in love with it after learning from photographers like Peter McKinnon and Mango Street. I’m also a terrible drummer but it’s fun and hot damn, it lets off steam!
Find me at @kitten_phlegm on Instagram and feel free to message me for art meet ups and collabs!
Events
Youth Week at Visible Ink
Brisbane Youth Week is an annual celebration and showcase of young people from 12-25 years of age. It provides opportunities for young people to share ideas, attend live events, workshops, activities and forums. Youth Week celebrates the contribution of young people to the community.
In 2019, Youth Week saw 9000 people attend more than 100 activities and events across Brisbane. Activities included DIY workshops, panel discussions, skate deck painting, Queeriosity event and all-ages music events. Physical activities included skate and scooter competitions, pool parties, K-Pop dance event and a soccer tournament.
Get involved in Youth Week 2020
The next Youth Week will run from 1-9 April 2020 and there are lots of ways to get involved.
If you are between 12-25 years, you can email the Youth Week team to find out how to:
get involved in the Youth Management Team
volunteer
facilitate at future events
perform at future events.