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About us

Tern Heads is a membership platform delivering employability advice
directly from those working in the creative industries.

We demystify what it’s really like to work in creative sectors while
making it easier for employers to access & support emerging talent.

we aim to remove barriers such as:

exposure

by providing a platform dedicated to entry level portfolios and recruitment opportunities.

network reach

by hosting forums, events & profiles, enabling members to interact & connect with each other.

appropriate skills

by collaborating with employers in a range of sectors, to understand what skills are required.

resources

by keeping prices & time investment down, but accessibility & interactivity high for all members.

accessibility

by banning the advertisement of any unpaid work on our site. (NMW minimum required)

locality

by hosting most of our content online to ensure members can access help & advice wherever they are.
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our unique insights
help us to help you!

Tern Heads was launched by working
creative people across multiple industries.

We have all been in your shoes:
Battling imposter syndrome, interview prep,
first-day nerves & unpaid hours.

Traveling along our different career pathways has
given us insights into the common skills & traits
required to ‘succeed’ in this industry.

Now we are interviewers, mentors, employees,
freelancers, educators & employers ourselves
& we are here to share those insights with you!

the founding team members of Tern Heads

meet our
founding team

Sam Wells

Founder & CEO

Paul Butler

Creative Careers Advisor & Head of Industry Outreach

Robin Auld

Product Services & Operations Director

Alice Letherbarrow

CMO

meet our industry
guest speakers

check out our
advisory board

meet our content partners
writing • zooming • advising

Sam
Wells

Specialist sectors: Graphic Design

Having lived as a student, graduate, intern, and junior designer myself – I know the huge impact that industry insight (and fair pay) has on a person’s career prospects. My 14+ years working as a professional branding & packaging designer has always been blended with roles in graduate recruitment & mentoring.

How I can help:
I bring emerging creative talent, educators and businesses together to analyse education and recruitment funnels, demystify job roles, and identify the skills and support needed to fulfil long term career goals and employability targets.

Paul
Butler

Specialist sectors: TV & Motion Design

I have has spent over 35 years working in the creative world of broadcast media and visual communication as a Motion Designer and Design Director and recently as a lecturer on a Digital Media course at Brunel University.

How I can help:
I offer support and guidance as a creative careers coach; and promote the creative industries in schools, colleges, and higher education.

My coaching prepares people for the workplace, through support and guidance on creative portfolios, CVs, self-promotion, networking, and interview techniques.

Robin
Auld

Specialist sectors: Theatre & Live Events

I have worked with and managed, architects, cultural services departments and government training organisations on major creative sector infrastructure and public art projects. As a conference speaker I have spoken at government and creative sector seminars and conferences in the UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Nigeria, and my understanding of the drivers in the creative economy are supported by senior level experience in theatre, film, live events, and public art.

How I can help:
I help companies wishing to attract fresh creative talent to set up a bespoke grad schemes, or professional development pipelines for a more streamlined and successful recruitment experience.

Alice
Letherbarrow

Specialist sectors: Illustration & Graphic Design

Having gone through the creative system, I know first-hand what it is like and wish we had Tern Heads ten years ago! I studied Graphic Design at Falmouth University and after internships/placements, went on to become a packaging and branding designer at a London agency. From there I became freelance and dabbled in illustration. In 2021, I set up Sesame Creative Design Studio in Greater Manchester, where we do full branding and brand management for some fabulous clients like Tern Heads!

How I can help:
If you would like to share your story, insights, tips, or partner up on any form of content, please send me a message.

Sign up to hear about our events,
recruitment tips & more!