Collaboration, Creativity, Curiosity: Six Reflections From Four Years Working Independently
Four years. Twelve countries. Countless collaborations. Here are six reflections that continue to shape my work across creative technology, youth engagement, and education.
Dublin Winter Sun
Over the past four years, working independently through HoloGen has taken me further than I ever expected. HoloGen began as a small step into creative technology consultancy, but it quickly grew into a way of working that has brought me across many countries, into youth centres, universities, cultural organisations, community groups, and creative-tech hubs.
I’ve met people doing remarkable work and had the privilege of learning from them in ways that continue to shape my practice. It has taken a huge amount of effort—long days, constant adaptation, and a willingness to build everything from the ground up—but I remain deeply grateful for the opportunities and the trust people have placed in me.
After more than thirty years in non-formal education and the creative sectors, shifting into independent work gave me a new vantage point on how quickly the digital youth and creative technology landscape is evolving. Looking back, six observations stand out.
1. Collaboration is essential
Creative technology is moving fast, and no single person or organisation can keep up alone. The strongest work I have been part of brought together youth workers, educators, artists, technologists, and community partners. When people combine their strengths, the work naturally becomes more ambitious and more meaningful.
2. Youth work needs more artists — and the arts need more educators
These two worlds enrich one another. Artistic practice brings expression, experimentation, and imagination into learning environments. Educational practice grounds creative work in purpose, structure, and accessibility. When they overlap, young people benefit from programmes that feel alive, relevant, and genuinely engaging.
3. Curiosity keeps the work moving
Platforms change. Tools evolve. Young people shift faster than any of the technology we use. Staying curious—trying things out, exploring new methods, asking questions—keeps the work fresh and helps avoid falling into old patterns. The moment curiosity fades, the work slows down.
4. Independent work is demanding, but it opens space for meaningful projects
Working for yourself means holding uncertainty, managing your own momentum, and carrying a lot of responsibility. But it also gives you the freedom to build projects that reflect your values and to partner with people who share them. That balance makes the workload worthwhile.
5. Gratitude goes further than we think
The most important part of my work has been the people involved: young participants, youth workers, teachers, creative practitioners, technologists, and partners across the world. Their openness, humour, and generosity have shaped every project. Nothing meaningful happens alone.
6. Choose kindness, even when it’s not mirrored back
Working across sectors and countries means meeting a wide range of approaches. Not everyone operates with openness or generosity. Some guard their work, compete unnecessarily, or overlook collaboration. Remaining kind and steady—regardless of the tone around you—keeps your own standards intact and makes long-term relationships possible. It is a quiet strength that supports the work more than people realise.
These six points continue to guide how I approach creative technology, digital youth work, and cross-sector collaboration. Each one keeps me grounded in a field that shifts month by month.
As HoloGen moves into its next phase, my focus is on deepening the work around creative AI, spatial computing, immersive learning, and supporting organisations to build meaningful digital and XR programmes. If you’re interested in exploring a collaboration or discussing any of this work further, I’m always happy to connect.