Sometimes I find that people often feel that taking the creative path is a hard one. Indeed, it can…read moreat times be a case of Struggle Street: population 1. But never fear, Visible Ink is here to help. It turns out the government IS there for the people often in ways you wouldn't even expect. Visible Ink is a government branch set up to help Brisbane youth (between 12- 26) with their creative pursuits. It doesn't matter what branch of creativity you work under, Visible Ink has space and facilities that are useful to pretty much everybody. They have rehearsal spaces, an art room, photocopiers, free access to internet and computers and office space for meetings and workshopping. The fine folk at Visible Ink often have a hand in local events around town. One such event was this year's Valley Fiesta, where Visible Ink had a stage where musicians who regularly use the facilities could perform. The staff at Visible Ink are great to chat with about your plans- they're masters at giving out practical and useful advice and thinking about your plans in ways you'd never imagined. To use office space and facilities, you do have to fill out an application form that will often take 3-4 weeks to be processed, where you have to site why you want to use the space (FYI: it's ok for you to use the space for non commercial ventures as well). If you're between 12-26 and want some help in setting up your creative venture, maybe you should stroll on down to Visible Ink in Greensquare Close, Fortitude Valley.

Visible Ink is a veritable smorgesboard for creative folk in Brisbane. Set up an office space,…read moreparticipate in community-based workshops, borrow equipment, make use of the rehearsal room, or even make and distribute your own zine. This is a space for young people (under 26) and gives often marginalised young people a chance to express themselves in ways they wouldn't normally have the opportunity to. There are five Visible Ink spaces across Brisbane, however, this review is for the Fortitude Valley space. I was lucky enough to be a part of the 2010 Visible Ink Incubator program and was able to make friends and work with young people in our community doing everything from animation to music composition to film production. Perhaps the best thing has been seeing these friends use Visible Ink as a spring board to bigger and better projects and opportunities - which I guess is what is at the heart of what Visible Ink do. Tenants and Incubators can take advantage of the knowledge of staff across all facets of setting up a business, organising an event (however big the scale) and feel empowered to bring their ideas (within reason) to life.

The pathway to any creative career is never straightforward. This is particularly true for aspiring…read morefilmmakers now that technology is so cheap and accessible. Why go to a film school when you can buy a decent camera, editing software and a laptop and cut together a home movie? This is where QPIX comes in. You don't need to have a university qualification in filmmaking to access this organisation. QPIX is set up by Screen Queensland to provide professional and educational support for all aspiring filmmakers. There are master classes for specialty areas within filmmaking, semester long courses for people wanting to learn in a structured environment, short courses for people who want to learn on their own but require some guidance and even holiday courses for school kids. In addition, they also produce a slate of Queensland short and feature length films every year using Queensland cast and crew. Without this support, local emerging filmmakers would have difficulty breaking into the Australian film and television industry. So if you're the sort of person who enjoys shooting movies on your iphone and then spending hours playing with editing software, perhaps it's time to talk to QPIX about taking the next step.

Driving pass the Griffith Film School at night is like witnessing a cinematic set for a devil's…read moredinner party. The dramatic up-lighting emphasises the red stain glass which looks just like hell's hearth and dark shadows play dramatically across the window panes. By day it is just an educational institution, home to emerging filmmakers, game designers, animators and scriptwriters. The Griffith Film School boasts impressive facilities with its computer labs, editing facilities and film studios. Its new 92-seat cinema features a five metre screen, digital projection and Dolby 7.1 surround sound. It is a learning facility as well as being available to hire for private screening functions. Some of Australia's most respected filmmakers are amongst their Alumni including Peter and Michael Spierig, documentary filmmaker Peter Hegedus, scriptwriter Alice Addison and director Anthony Mullins. So if you fancy a career in filmmaking, you can't go wrong with a degree from this worthy institution.

The Film School (or GFS) is the hub for the filmmakers, animators and game designers of Griffith…read moreUniversity, the building is beautiful, the amenities are clean and kept and the facilities are second to none. As a third year film student I have had the privilege of meeting industry professionals and award winning creatives, I have learned the latest techniques on the most up to date software, I have had a chance to use some of the best and most recent cameras in the field and have had a blast doing it. The teaching staff are friendly and truly care about each student and each project as if it was their own. As a soon-to-be graduate I feel confident that I can leave this school with the skills I need and the knowledge to get me to where I want to go.

I recently read that dabbling makes you a better business person. Maybe they made it up for the…read morepurpose of their buzz word filled article, but I genuinely love the idea of being able to dabble in all types of things from arts and crafts to social psychology and photography. Thankfully, organisations like Laneway Learning make this possible. Having watched Melbourne based friends, via gloating Instagram feeds, trundle off to Laneway Learning classes it was exciting to learn they were establishing a chapter here in the Sunshine State. It's early days and the classes are still building but it seems that each week there's something new to take your dabbling fancy. My first Laneway Lesson was in the art of Miso. For $15 ($12 for the class, $3 for materials) it was a reasonably affordable night in the heart of the CBD at Bean Cafe. Gav, Bean's owner, kept the cafe open and students could buy a cold brew coffee or wine. Each teacher is just finding their feet and there's allowances that must be made during this period. I was a little disappointed that one of the recipes our teacher shared was "just from Google". I expressed this in my feedback form as, call me a cranky old woman, but with the teacher being Japanese herself, I would have loved to take home her own recipe. But like I said, allowances must be given as everyone finds their feet and way. I learnt a few tips and tricks and have experimented making miso marinated hard boiled eggs, miso soup for breakfast and more since the class. I'm really looking forward to hopefully making it along to more classes including the one to make lemon curd and another to learn more about typography. Happy Dabbling!

I have recently attended a haircuts class, organised by Laneway Learning Team. I was surprised how…read moreprofessionally the class has been organised by the team, as well as how professional was Sara Courtney, an instructor who lead the course. The class was held in friendly environment of the Bean cafe and I have received a lot of satisfaction and useful information from the class. Thankfully to Sara, I now know a secrets of how to make great Hollywood stars level haircuts in just 10 minutes. A bit thanks to Laneway Learning Team, personally to Sara Courtney for organising such a beautiful class! Hope to see you soon! :)))))

As a kid I was crazy about arts and crafts activities. I was the perfectionist crying in the corner…read moreif my googly eyes were a little off centre or the clag glue had smeared my coloured paper. My mum who fancied herself an artist would give me unhelpful advice and tried to fix that bunny rabbit/ Christmas tree/ mother's day present herself until we would both run off in temper tantrums. SKC (Start Kidz Creating) would probably have been a great experience for both of us. The staff at SKC are mobile art educators bringing innovative, specialised craft activities to parties, functions and events. I ran into SKC at Sunnybank Plaza Shopping Centre where they had set up a mask making activity outside Coles. My girlfriend's two kids immediately begged to have a go. The staff were helpful and patient though I wasn't sure why all the kids were decorating their masks in exactly the same patterns and colours. Mask painting is a fabulous craft idea but it seemed there could have been more room for originality with the decorations. Nevertheless, my girlfriend's kids had a blast. The group can cater for kids from Prep through to Grade seven so the next time you want a party idea, give them a call.

This may not be the university for the real world, but this is the place you go to follow your…read moredreams in the face of everyone asking you how you're going to get a job afterwards. This is the place to go when the desire to work in a creative field outweighs logic and parental approval. This is the place to study fine arts, design, photography, sculpture and a myriad of visual arts. As a professional student, I've enjoyed walking the paths of many educational institutions. There's been University of Queensland, Southbank institute of Technology and Macquarie University but none compare to Griffith, Queensland College of Art. On the exterior, the QCA is in desperate need of refurbishment - walls need to be repainted, the main shoebox building should be razed and resurrected taller, angular with a funky facade made of colourful panels and glass. Strip back its worn exterior though and you'll find plenty of resources to help you achieve your career goals. The college has three gallery spaces at the Southbank campus for student exhibitions. They facilitate regular educational seminars through their network with industry and international art schools. The relative smallness of the campus promotes a sense of community and encourages collaboration across creative disciplines. I remember during my time studying an animation degree, I decided to exhibit some ceramic pieces. Even though I was not enrolled in the ceramics course, the staff from that department was extremely generous sharing their knowledge and equipment for my project. So if you've ever thought your childhood scribbles had potential or if you were begging your parents for acrylic paints by the time you were five because of the limitations of crayons, perhaps now is the time to consider a creative career.

Let your creativity flow and don't be afraid to dream. At Queensland College of Art you'll be able…read moreto develop yourself as an artist as you grow up. Let your imagination free and express yourself in your own way.

I found this place when I was looking for an alternative to Office Works. I needed to do a whole…read morelot of wedding related craft (thrifty brides do stuff themselves OK) and I wanted to give my money to a smaller retailer without paying a fortune. Hi Edsco! This stationery warehouse is, well, a warehouse which means its ginormous. I found everything I needed here, and the array of new binders, great pens and colourful slim pick wallets made me want to go back to uni. Oh, and even though it says Yiada St, the parking and entrance is on Tanimbla St.

Another wonderful school stationery supplier on Brisbane's Northside. The showroom is HUGE and…read morethey have an amazing range of educational products catering from pre-school aged children all the way up to university students. EDSCO have an online ordering system in place for anyone wishing to have school booklists filled (these can be collected at a later time or delivered), and can order in products which are not available in store (which, unless it is peak time, is highly unlikely). The owner, Maurie Young is a former principal who prides himself on supplying the local community with the best quality educational materials. You will find all your back to school needs here .

Brisbane Institute of Art is a not-for-profit community college with classes designed to suit all…read moreskill levels and lifestyles. They offer short courses over a weekend for people interested in learning the foundations of jewellery making, painting, ceramic or photography. There are also regular evening classes throughout the semester for those who prefer a structured framework to develop their skills. I've previously studied painting and ceramics here and found the tutors knowledgeable and the classes friendly. However, I think these classes are tailored towards hobbyists. I was frustrated with the emphasis placed on creativity over technical skills. Having also done short painting and sculpting courses at Southbank Tafe and Queensland College of Arts, I think a short course with QCA Enterprise or Southbank Tafe would suit people wishing to pursue their art seriously and the prices would be comparable as well. NB: Some subjects at Brisbane Institute of Art can count towards a Certificate in Art or a Diploma in Art but check with staff for clarification. NB: Opening hours refer to the office hours. BIA is open on weekends and evenings for students attending classes