MA Design Practice Alumnus Lily Rose Cockfield was welcomed to campus this month to speak to our students about her creative business. Since graduation Lily has worked on a wealth of community projects and briefs and describes herself as a multidisciplinary practitioner specialising in, “transforming ideas into bespoke murals, creative workshops, and original artwork, always involving my clients in the idea and design process.” Lily has studied at the school since college level studying UAL Art & Design and A-level Textiles, progressing on to our BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design degree and finishing with an MA in Design Practice. Last year she was nominated for Young Entrepreneur of the Year and has taken up a space at Hartlepool’s The Bis where she runs her creative enterprise. We caught up with her to find out more about her work, read on to find out more.

Tell us about your practice?
At the heart of my work, over the last couple of years, I have developed a passion for inspiring creativity and encouraging people to see themselves as artists, regardless of background or experience. I believe visual art is a powerful tool for building confidence, improving wellbeing, and sparking new ways of thinking. Whether delivering a single workshop or leading a long-term project, I create inclusive, hands-on spaces where people feel empowered to experiment and grow.”

I collaborate with charities, schools, organisations, and businesses on a wide range of community-focused projects. Each session is tailored to the needs and abilities of participants, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. My work has always been about connection, using creativity to bring people together, foster self-expression, and strengthen community bonds. Every project is an opportunity to uplift others, encourage personal growth, and leave a lasting impression. This isn’t just a career anymore, it’s my purpose. I don’t just make art; I create experiences that help people view the world and themselves, through a more imaginative and expressive lens!

You have a space at The Bis in Hartlepool what has been the impact of having this space?
I have been lucky enough to have my own studio at The BIS for just over a year now and I absolutely love it! It’s an amazing space and I am surrounded by supportive, friendly people. I am inspired everyday being at the heart of other thriving and successful creative businesses. Having a space at The BIS has encouraged me to be more organised, professional and productive. The staff support that you’re able to access through the BIS, is incredible. I have had opportunities to learn, connect, network and grow my business, that I potentially wouldn’t have had anywhere else!

Can you tell us a little about being a young creative managing their own business?
Being a young creative managing my own business is incredible and something I always dreamed of! I took the leap and set up LROSE.DESIGNS in October 2024, once I had finished my MA in Design Practice and I haven’t looked back since! I have made my dream job, a reality! I am determined to make this a sustainable career that I can continue doing forever. I am constantly looking to learn and develop my practice and I know I will continue to do so throughout my creative career. Age is definitely just a number. In the creative industry there are all types of people and businesses at different stages in their careers. I find that it’s best not to compare, look at everyone as potential collaborations rather than competitors. It’s all about mindset, if you believe in yourself and your practice, then no one can get in your way, you will make it work!

How did you find connecting with our students at your recent talk?
The talk I had with the MA students was amazing for me. I couldn’t wait to share my experience’s and any tips or advice that could help them in their creative endeavours. I hopefully inspired them by showing them the reality of running a business as a young, freelancing creative practitioner! I reflected on my journey throughout my time at The Northern School of Art, in hopes that it would make them relate and know that they can also make it in the creative industry!

What is your advice for students that are starting their own business?
For anyone thinking about setting up their own business, my advice would be to do your research and learn about all aspects of running a successful business through accessible courses and training. Whilst figuring out my first year of my business, I completed the Creative Catapult course at Enterprise Made Simple. It was absolutely life changing for my professional development. I would also encourage anyone to prioritise networking, going to events and to support others in the industry. The more you put yourself out there and say yes to opportunities, the more you will succeed no matter what you do!

What challenges do you think creatives face when developing their businesses?
There are many people developing businesses that may face challenges along the way, such as self-doubt, imposter syndrome and lack of confidence. I don’t think that ever goes away, it just improves with experience. There will be different challenges for all businesses, but you will never learn how to face these head on, if you don’t put your practice, into practice!

Do you feel your experiences at the school have positively impacted your business and practice?
My experiences at The Northern School of Art, continue to positively impact everything I do in my creative career today. I grew up alongside The Northern School of Art over the last 8 years and I have developed my practice into what it is today. I will forever be thankful for the incredible impact the institution has had on my creative journey. From my college days to my undergraduate degree, and then my MA in design practice, the school has consistently provided an environment that fosters growth and creativity. The facilities are outstanding and every staff member goes above and beyond to support anyone, they are truly dedicated, which has hugely impacted where I am today. The Northern School of Art has not only shaped my skills and broadened my perspective but it’s opened doors to opportunities that have been life changing for my career. Now, as an alumnus and freelancing creative, I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to The Northern Arts ever growing creative community!

You have been working with Middlesbrough council to help deliver a series of consultation sessions on special educational needs development of young people, can you tell us a little about this project?
Open Door Art (Chris Layfield) was approached to run a selection of consultation sessions with SEND pupils across Middlesbrough, funded by the council. I work closely with Chris and the team on various projects but this one specifically was absolutely brilliant to be a part of. We were using art as a medium for young people’s voices to be heard. Asking them questions around school, what they enjoy and what makes them feel like they belong. I worked closely with primary school children and college level students. We used graffiti banners and boards to encourage collaborative discussions, ideas and feedback from students! The best outcome we were hoping for was that the participants felt comfortable enough to express their feelings, no matter how they wanted to do that. It was a great project and so positive to hear that councils are using creativity and art as a way to listen to people!

Tell us about Industrial Roots & Healthy Futures project!
For The Industrial Roots & Healthy Futures project with the NHS Foundation, Tees valley museums and Arts Council England, I am very excited to share that I am working as an artist in residence for the NHS University Hospital Tees, from June to September 2026. The project brief was looking for an artist to create two large and visually striking, industrial heritage and health themed artworks for the stairwells of the Community Diagnostic Centre on Bridge Road, Stockton. This was definitely something I was more than interested in! I emailed some questions and proposed creating murals instead of art installations, running over 10 workshops with community, staff and patients and having a final exhibition at the end to celebrate the community and all participants involved. They were happy for me to include this in my application. Just a few weeks later, I got an email that I had been chosen, I was absolutely over the moon! I was also feeling apprehensive and nervous with it being such an important and amazing project.

After meeting with the NHS foundation, I felt confident and went away to designed the project. For this specifically, they stated that they wanted the project done in June or July. Personally, I could see so much potential in this project and thought it would benefit from being a longer duration to achieve more community input and developed ideas. From here I then created two project plans. One being an 8–9-week duration, the other being 14/15weeks. I extensively thought out the logistics and pitched this in our next meeting. I felt nervous still, but confident and ready to express my thoughts. Before even telling them the 8-week plan, they agreed that it will be much more beneficial for everyone involved if it was longer. They loved my ideas for a longer-term project and they wanted to give it the time to flourish! I have already started running drop-in style workshops across all NHS hospitals in Tees Valley!

I’m getting staff, patients and community involved, to gain insights and ideas around the theme. These ideas will be developed into artwork by the community at Preston Park and Stockton community centres, and we have physical artefacts for people to take inspiration from, thanks to tees valley museums! The final artworks will inspire the overall designs for two permanent large murals for the stairwells of the CDC. The murals will transform the spaces and celebrate the Tees Valley’s rich industrial past—steelmaking, shipbuilding, railways, and chemical industries, reflecting resilience, pride, community, innovation and the importance of health and wellbeing.

I am working closely with Donna Fairhurst (senior corporate Project Support officer) & Jo-Anne Cole (access & engagement officer, Tees Valley Museums) to make this project incredible. We are organising an Exhibition at the Community Diagnostic Centre for the end of the project, to celebrate the participants, the process and the overall artwork. The murals will be co-curated with staff, patients, and the local community, ensuring they are rooted in shared stories, lived experiences, and a sense of place!

Lily will also be in attendance to speak to graduates at our graduation ceremony. Keep up to date with Lily’s work on her Instagram: @lrose.designs

Interested in turning your creative practice into a sustainable business? Make sure you check out our new MA Creative Enterprise programme! This postgraduate pathway quips you with knowledge, practical experience, and technical skills to develop your own enterprise. Find out more here.