Life as an Artist in the Highland Dance World
I came into the Highland dance world not as a dancer but as an artist—someone with a vision to bring creativity, innovation, and fresh ideas to a space that had room for something new. My goal was simple: fill a gap in the market with personalised items, bold new designs, and creative flair that dancers could connect with.
Growing up, I never had the opportunity to dance—there were no local classes where I lived—but that hasn’t stopped me from supporting the dancers who dedicate themselves to the art. Instead of being on the competition floor, my role has been behind the scenes, designing, developing, and creating. If I were a dancer, I wouldn’t have the time to do what I do with such dedication - as it takes hours to run the brands and the studio.
Unlike many in the community, I’m not at competitions every weekend, I don’t travel the circuit as I live on an Island and costs are expensive to be traveling every weekend. This means very few people know me personally as they don't get to meet me and say hi, they only see my work on line and with the dancers wearing the clothes to comps and games. I work from my studio on the island, designing, making, and shipping orders worldwide. My focus is on the art, the ideas, and making sure dancers have something unique to express themselves with.
It’s incredible to know that my designs have become a permanent part of the Highland dance world. Seeing my images and designs as school logos, or used for comps, on clothes, gifts and the smiles of the dancers who wear HD.
I have many plans for Highland and dance and all the brands I run - being an artist in the Highland Dance World has been very interesting indeed, lots of stories and designs all recorded for future reference and in the portfolio of HD, looking back at the first designs through the development of the visuals in the life as a visual artist in the Highland World.
Highland is very dedicated indeed, I have nothing but respect for the dancers and the energy behind all they do.
And I have met so many great people, dancers, teachers and dance mums along the way.