Live Project Diary
07.07.25 Finlay
05.07.25 Finlay
Alongside the usual book making, this week we’ve been looking ahead. We’ve started confirming dates for our September launch events, which is exciting and will keep us busy in all the right ways. After spending so much time with the physical copies, it’s exiting to start thinking about how the book might live in physical spaces too.
We’ve also been developing the campaign direction, working out how to build something around the book that still feels personal. There’s a lot of care and detail wrapped up in each copy, and we’re aiming to carry that through in how it’s seen, shared and experienced.
31.07.25 Finlay
Right now we’re focused on printing and online strategy. Siripat and Nidhi, two of our volunteers, are helping with press outreach and book assembly. As pre-orders come in, so does interest from the press – which is great to hear!
Rachel’s also been lining up events for September so we can celebrate the launch properly. Everything’s moving in the right direction. Now we just need to keep momentum and get the books out into the world.
22.07.25 Finlay
We kicked off the day with final product photography before going live. The sun didn’t show again, but a photographer in the building kindly shared a lighting setup that helped us get the shots. Not the coolest setup for our warm studio, but we made it work.
It was all hands on deck as we styled different setups to bring out the details of the book. We got there just in time and the product is now live. If you haven’t already, head to the store and have a look.
18.07.25 Finlay
Final day before pre-orders open for 4,4,4&2. We’re wrapping up the website and product page, and pulling together the social campaign and launch comms. It’s full on at boom, but we’re excited to finally share the book with the world.
17.07.25 Finlay
Today we’re ticking off a few of the bigger tasks. We’re making the pre-order page, confirming the printer for the final cover, and reviewing the timeline so far to make sure everything’s still on track.
Pre-orders go live next week so we’ve started shooting some final images of the book. There’s a lot of small details worth slowing down for so we’ll be thinking carefully about how to bring those through when it’s time to share.
17.07.25 Viki
As I edit through some most recent images from the studio, it’s also good to look back a bit to see how everything is coming together. A couple weeks ago, I took the trip with Finlay to sunny Fife and photographed the journey of Blue Bins and ITPOASH to STAND.
Over the past weeks I have been photographing the process of making 4,4,4&2 at the studio with Finlay. I love seeing the book coming together, catching glimpses of pages and getting to know its contents through the lens. As the pre-order date is fast approaching, it’s nice to see new faces in the studio working together on the book and getting to document it.
15.07.25 Finlay
It’s a busy one in the studio. We’ve got two new volunteers helping us sprint towards the pre-order and launch of 4,4,4&2. Their extra hands have been a massive help as we trim, fold and collate the last of the advance copies. It’s hands-on, slow work but also a reminder of how much care goes into every book.
We’ve been live streaming parts of the process on Instagram, giving a small glimpse into what it takes to make each copy. If you missed it, we’ll likely do a few more soon so keep an eye out.
10.07.25 Finlay
We’ve just onboarded a couple new volunteers to help with the marketing and production of 4,4,4&2. Great to have more hands on deck as we gear up for launch.
We’re also going to livestream some of the production. Should be smooth enough by now. I’ve made more copies than I can count!
08.07.25 Finlay
Looking back at Gerry’s book, which came together fast and still landed well, we’re now seeing what we can carry forward and what we can push further to make 4,4,4&2 feel like a proper finale.
Pre-orders are nearly here so we’re moving quick. The identity is strong so it’s mostly about working through the to-do list and getting everything lined up.
Of course, books are still being made in the background too.
01.07.25 Finlay
A couple exciting people have got back to us about advance copies. They’re both doing good work around dementia awareness so it feels right that the book will end up in their hands. Before I finish up early this week, we’re printing a few more to get them looking just right.
We’re also locking in our pre-order plan, which will open to the public on the 22nd of July. As always, newsletter’s the best place to keep up.
26.06.25 Finlay
Paper’s restocked so we can get printing on the disappearing ink pages again. Between trimming and collating, we’re also reviewing the strategy to keep pushing the pre-order launch of 4,4,4&2.
24.06.25 Rachel
Quick call with Mags to tell her I’m coming home. I remind her about the book and let her know it’s already making its way around the world. She’s chuffed to the gutties.
23.06.25 Rachel
Funding applications, follow up, running across town for meetings, melting.
20.06.25 Rachel
The evening of the Members’ Meetup and… the venue doesn’t have air con. We make it work regardless, hoping to double attendance from our first ever international event. As known and new faces flock through the door, when the time for speeches comes I look round to realise we’ve more than tripled, spreading the word of our work to a whole new audience. Sweltering, but worth it.
19.06.25 Rachel
Calls with Alzheimer’s Scotland, Free Agent and Edinburgh Uni to spread the word of 4,4,4&2 and continue the search for sponsorship. Much follow-up to send, many fingers to cross.
19.06.25 Finlay
We’ve made it to Fife. Viki and I are visiting the STAND group in Kinghorn. I’ve been going since 2022 and it’s always a pleasure to see familiar and new faces. Laurie, who wrote the cover piece, was there too.
17.06.25 Rachel
We clear the diary to spend the whole day prepping everything needed for Carlos to work on the video supporting the launch of 4,4,4&2. Many audio recordings, searches for files, fluffed lines and reworked scripts later, we’re hopeful…
16.06.25 Rachel
Quick call with Euan W, in the midst of his daughter’s birthday. We chat through multiple [failed] attempts to wrangle any form of cash out of institutions, how we might piggyback onto healthy ageing conferences and how we secure sponsorship for the launch of 4,4,4&2. There’s frustration, and laughter and slight frenzy but – above all – a dedication to find a way. We hang up as he heads straight to the birthday cake, and I trek through the Athens’ summer heat to recce the venue for Friday’s Athens Members’ Meetup. Let’s hope they have air con.
13.06.25 Rachel
Maggie’s husband, my adopted Grandad, George, would never drive on Friday 13th. He had multiple accidents which led to the decision. I think of him as I click submit on a pivotal funding application, and curse my deep rooted superstition.
13.06.25 Finlay
Two more books out the door!
12.06.25 Finlay
We’re planning our visit to Kinghorn to catch up with Gerry. Always good to see him. We’ll be sharing Blue Bins as part of our Life Advice project and hand delivering 4,4,4&2 while we’re there.
12.06.25 Rachel
Storyboarding with Carlos H We chat through how on earth we might fit so many years’ worth of work into a three minute video, which feels near impossible but forces us to focus on the most pivotal points – of which there are so many. The planting of a seed, hopeful promises, lockdown diaries… I think of rivers bursting their banks, the Fife coastal trail, Zoom countdowns and narrative flows. I have a quick call with Danai P to help make it all make sense, and we continue.
11.06.25 Rachel
A long overdue catch up with Dawn I, to chat through 4,4,4&2 distribution plans and how we ensure we get the books into the hands of those who need them most, and could use them to incite the most needed change. Always worth aiming high…
10.06.25 Finlay
As more copies head out, our materials are starting to run low. We’re sorting a fresh round of paper, photos, stickers and stock from art shops and suppliers.
While we wait, we’re printing what we can. Pages are stacking up across the studio, ready for the next stage of collating and finishing.
06.06.25 Finlay
We’re working on a few last bits to go with the book. That includes house pages for introductions and acknowledgments. We’re also adding a sticker to the packaging to let people know the sealed book will begin to fade once opened.
Each copy will react differently depending on how it’s stored or handled. The reader can decide how much they want to intercept that. Keep it sealed, or let it live out in the open. Like us, no two books will be the same.
06.06.25 Rachel
Good chats about research methods, outputs and project legacies with the team at the Binks Hub – we discuss any potential crossover with the finale of our work to rewrite the story of dementia, should the stars align and an exhibition be possible. They’re flat out so it would depend on lead times and capacity, but maybe just maybe…
Almost immediately after our chat, I hear that an exhibition might indeed be possible… in c. six weeks. I’m in Athens, due to move back home, take a week off and get to London before that point. Finlay’s also on holiday.
05.06.25 Finlay
We’ve been slowly growing awareness of the book more publicly. If you’ve looked at the site recently, you’ll spot 4,4,4&2 showing up in a few places. We’ll keep building on this across socials as more advance copies make their way out.
In the background we’re shaping a marketing plan to roll out the book over summer and into autumn. Rachel’s been head down making things happen, and so far it’s all sounding really positive. Can’t wait to share more soon.
03.06.25 Finlay
Bit of a mix today. We’re getting features online and prepping more copies. Headphones in, music loud, pushing through.
The book’s coming together at pace now. One page at a time.
03.06.25 Rachel
Funding applications spilling outside of Mondays.
02.06.25 Rachel
Another Monday, another funding call. This time, for a collaborative series touring Scotland to support people living with dementia to explore their creativity. We’d be just one of the partners involved but would have scope to play a large role in shaping the concept. Intersectionality, schools, STAND, architects, workshops, media, language, framing… tick tick tick. Someone else filling out the application form? Big tick 🙂
30.05.25 Rachel
A very, very exciting online call. Might our dreams of one day making an exhibition of this project be realised? It’s a long shot, with one of our craziest deadlines to date, but it might *might* just happen…
30.05.25 Finlay
We’ve been going back through early process, including scans, to build a bank of posts we can share. Maggie’s thermal photos came up again. They’re black and white but you still feel that quiet, candid energy.
You start to see the shape of the book take hold here. Not just in content but in tone. A glimpse of Maggie and how she’s moving through the world, living with dementia.
29.05.25 Finlay
Viki’s joined us to document the making of 4,4,4&2. As you’ll pick up from our notes, the process is pretty hands on. She’ll have to keep up as I move from one cutting mat to the next.
We’ll be sharing this with you soon, giving a proper look at how the books are put together, bit by bit.
Outside of that it’s business as usual. We’re finishing off the CMYK pages before moving on to the disappearing ink, which will get vacuum sealed once collated and sent out.
29.05.25 Rachel
Molly back from Aus to further spread the word of Gerry’s book and drive sales across independent stockists around the UK. We’ve met few who can hear Gerry’s story and read his words without feeling compelled to hold onto them, and yet selling through the second run is proving consistently challenging. The differences between magazine publishing and distribution vs books never fail to astound me. Still flying the flag for magazine tours…
From Athens, I’m reaching out to relevant parties with news of the project. Like so many sectors of the creative industries, the dementia space is often wildly inaccessible – the fact that I only managed to gain any traction when I was hit with personal lived experience still galls me. For every silence, OOO and note of disinterest, we go again. I think of intersectionality, and mixed media artworks; fusion food and public debate that drives us collectively forward. I think of frustration. I go again.
28.05.25 Rachel
A meeting, in-person, with a potential collaborator in Athens. We discuss hosting an event together and how we might spread the word of our work; how much to share regarding our disappearing ink, we’ll leave TBC… 
28.05.25 Finlay
Another trip across town to gather materials for future editions.
27.05.25 Rachel
Maggie’s 89th birthday.
I can’t be there in person so a jumpy video call has to suffice, squashed into the window of her care home in an attempt to reach better signal. I think about connection, and milestones, and re-reading her diaries [with consent] to shape 4,4,4&2. They opened a whole new window into a life I thought I knew inside out; in truth, multiple lives. Hers, mine, and all those which are connected by these both. I think of this diary, writing this now, and make a note to show her it in person as soon as I’m home.
27.05.25 Finlay
Spent the afternoon bookmaking, getting another copy ready to send. It’s a labour intensive process but I feel lucky to step away from the screen, moving around the studio between our stations for printing, trimming, folding, assembling and finally packaging.
26.05.25 Rachel
A chat with… someone who is a filmmaker!! I’m reminded, again, of the power of community and what it is to be supported by others. Fingers crossed for a Carlos shaped miracle…
22.05.25 Rachel
From afar, attempt to shape what becomes an overly ambitious plan for a series of shorts sharing the story of our work to date. They begin, as so many of our projects do, with a simple story – told in passing and planting a seed for what will lead to many years worth of research, development, connection and learning. It’s a story I’m convinced of the value of sharing, but I appreciate we’re not filmmakers. Time to review the references and rethink what’s best…
22.05.25 Finlay
We’re working to bring the physical into the digital. Exploring how tactile processes can be carried across motion and static. Starting with the origin story, we’ll be sharing publicly in detail how this project came to life and why we’re looking to rewrite the story of dementia.
21.05.25 Finlay
Our first advance copy of 4,4,4&2 has been sent!
21.05.25 Rachel
Book group green light!
21.05.25 Finlay
A quick stop at the art shop today to stock up on materials and finish our first set of copies. No complaints spending time in the sun and supporting local while we’re at it.
20.05.25 Rachel
Membership pinned.
Splash page on site.
Disappearing copy.
Socials.
Share with members.
Here we go…
Chats with potential venues, campaign feedback, plans for a dementia focussed Indie News Week and plans for a video showcase. No holidays any time soon 😅
20.05.25 Finlay
We’re back to printing more issues, with the first round of the release heading out to our community near and far. After a few runs of the publication, there’s a rhythm to the process now. Prep the print files, get the paper ready, print, trim, punch, stick, collate, finish.
19.05.25 Rachel
Monday funday funding applications. ☠️
16.05.25 Rachel
A call with BOLD to discuss two very specific points – how do we more tightly align with dementia researchers and academics, and can we hold a collaborative book group online for In the palm of a spider’s hand. Positive musings on both.
The differing pace of academia and business baffles me as ever.
Chat with GF Smith about the further stock required and the best place to send advance copies to. We worry about the Post Office, and Royal Mail, and the general lack of care precious cargo runs the risk of experiencing. We think about ordering more bubble wrap.
15.05.25 Rachel
We prep the final visuals to soft launch 4,4,4&2, knowing we need to hit go whilst proceeding with caution and care for what might just be our most important project to date. A nod to disappearing ink, a glimpse into the publication, a selection of family photos. I think about memory, and legacy, and calling Mags to share the news.
15.05.25 Finlay
It’s been busy. The public announcements for 4,4,4&2 have gone live with a teaser across our socials and newsletter, pointing folks to the new page on our website. If you haven’t had the chance to check it out yet, please do and share it with anyone who might be interested.
You’ll see when you land on our homepage that the identity from print is starting to take shape digitally. It’s been exciting to rework a few elements and see how they come to life in new ways.
There’s still plenty to do. We’ve got a weekly campaign plan in motion and we’re all chipping away to help 4,4,4&2 shine.
14.05.25 Rachel
Touch base with our latest design studio client for our regular check-in; they’re keen to what more about our dementia work and the mechanisms by which they enable this. It’s a part of the business we need to tighten up on, as it’s such a unique offering. Top tier design deliverables alongside bettering the lives of others? Pretty special.
From Natalia <3
13.05.25 Rachel
A very unexpected email from Gerry re funding for A Little Life Advice.
Our member Raina writes this month’s edition of The Features, sharing the personal story of her own connection to dementia. The statistics of the leading cause of death in the UK pepper our day to day, yet it’s often the individual, human narrative which more frequently stops me in my tracks. I wonder how many of those we speak to day in, day out, have a personal connection to our work? I wonder, more pressingly, how many soon will.
11.05.25 Rachel
Catch Melissa, boom’s newest addition, for a drink in Athens. Over peppery orange wine, we chat about travel and work and relationships. Stroll home bemoaning the lack of a snap.
09.05.25 Rachel
A call with a London contact to plan a summer event. Book tours vs magazine tours, why not both…?
08.05.25 Rachel
A call with an IMA sub-group to discuss sharing a marketing employee – for us, with the focus of spreading the word about our dementia work. I wonder if a silver bullet does exist, and if so which of our ideas it might be.
A pechu kucha presentation to our newest clients, sharing insights into our process and how their support will directly enable the finale of this vital project. Always good to connect the dots; always good to be reminded that this should be clearer… loop back on the call regarding a marketing employee from earlier, keen to press on…
07.05.25 Rachel
A call with CS to pitch boom saloon membership for those unsuccessful in their applications. That’ll be a no.
05.05.25 Rachel
A reply from Big G.
04.05.25 Rachel
I spend my weekend hiking Hymettus and searching for monasteries with Rhona. I think of Maggie’s fountain of “useless information,” as she calls it, so often biblical. I think of what dementia has stolen from that and the conversations that will never again be enjoyed – long and lingering and apparently useless, yet forever treasured with hindsight. I wonder how we each might act if we had any way of knowing what was to come. Might we hold onto the words we once considered trivial, grasp them and remember them as visceral instead of the fleeting, vaporous moments we allow them to become.
I photograph the fauna and pick a single flower to press – a visceral memory to be grasped when the time comes.
02.05.25 Rachel
Call with Danai to discuss marketing Maggie’s book, 4,4,4&2. As expected, we have somewhat grand plans. Danai pushes us to share less in advance and keep the most of the story for when the publication has launched… might that be a lightbulb we see before us?
01.05.25 Finlay
We’ve locked the advance copy cover. Materials and design are final. Here’s a very early look.
01.05.25 Rachel
Email Gerry and Trish and STAND to make plans to deliver their book of life advice in person.
Send a link to the photo story.
Email Lorna at BOLD to plan another event.
More ironing out of the launch plans for 4,4,4&2. What’s the fable about perfectionists who never make it to the point of action…? Finlay’s off on holiday soon so we make the call to dive in when he returns, refreshed and raring to go – leaving the clock ticking on confirming the plan of action…
I doodle of diamonds, and burst pipes.
30.04.25 Rachel
A call with 64 Million Artists to brainstorm how we might fund A Little Life Advice – a spin-off publication we created with STAND following a series of workshops delivered as part of the January Challenge. It’s a unique format which holds some incredible poignant words and I can’t wait to find a way to bring it to market. Many of our earlier years were spent running with projects without any funding – something we’re attempting to move away from. Always tricky when you can see the potential in a project. Let’s see how long before we snap with this one…
29.04.25 Finlay
Following our chat with Owen and the plan we’ve been shaping, we’ve started building out a rough week-by-week. Beginning to fill in socials, web, email and more. Trying to get clear on how we start talking about 4,4,4&2 in public.
28.04.25 Rachel
Another Monday, another application slog. By the end of the day we have five live [two more than target] but little more hope of success. I ponder the future of arts funding, who gets it right and how we might collectively replicate the experience. A tall order, but how did we move so far from anything fit for purpose?
I think about adaptability, and flexibility. I think about continuing.
We share the latest instalment of our photo story documenting the various phases of our work to rewrite the story of dementia. Our longest, most complex project to date, I realise [not for the first time] that there’s much work to be done to open up and explain exactly what went into getting us to this point. I think of the days, weeks and month’s worth of research. I think of the hours on the road. I think of the people.
25.04.25 Rachel
I took this month’s members’ meet-up call from the terrace outside my front door in Athens, mottled by the Greek sun. Together with members from around the world, we discussed the latest developments of 4,4,4&2, our plans for launch, the challenges of being female and how far our society still has to come.
I hung up and watched a red dragonfly dance in the wobbling beams of late afternoon sunlight as I thought about strife, diversity and support.
I didn’t take a photo.
25.04.25 Finlay
After looking over cover options we’ve decided to run with two versions. To get ahead with promo we’re putting out a small batch of advance copies for friends and press. It’ll reflect the final version but keep a little back. Because of the modular format anyone who wants to swap later can just ask.
24.04.25 Rachel
Incoming! Launch campaign POA, call with Owen [s/o Owen!] to discuss, finalisation of cover, campaign identity and initial posts, confirm impact page on site. HWG!
24.04.25 Finlay
We met up with Owen, one of our members, who works in PR across art and culture. Had a quick chat about early marketing ideas and how we might approach launch. This week marks a quiet shift. We’re moving from just designing the book to thinking more seriously about how we share it.
23.04.25 Rachel
Call with Euan at HW to discuss funding and the meaning of ‘tech’ in the dementia space. His best example? A printed business card to show to bus drivers which notes the passenger has dementia and may need some extra time dealing with payments. No need for further explanation, negation of any misunderstanding. If only all funding applications were as open minded…
22.04.25 Rachel
From funding to sponsorship, with a belief that there’s more than enough money in the world – we just need to find a way to redistribute it. Answers on a postcard please 🙂
22.04.25 Finlay
We’ve been exploring cover ideas that feel personal and handmade, taking cues from recipe books, textures and quiet details that carry meaning. We’re also shaping the campaign to balance behind the scenes honesty with moments that build anticipation.
To help guide decisions, we’ve put together a document comparing the current cover directions with what’s realistic in terms of print and cost. It’s already bringing clarity to the process. We’re feeling good about where it’s heading and look forward to making a final soon.
21.04.25 Rachel
18.04.25 Rachel
Good Friday in Athens and the atmosphere is palpable. What it is to be surrounded by the full spectrum of living generations, contemplating, reflecting and celebrating. I think of the difference made in the lives of people living with dementia when still able to interact across this full spectrum – the improvements notably made in their mood, depression rates and physical ability. Such a simple act, and yet one we’ve fallen so far from incorporating into our society, our structure and our day to day.
“There’s nothing quite like holding a little hand in yours.”
Try to squeeze in a meet with Danai to discuss the launch campaign for 4,4,4&2 – beware trying to pin Greeks down over Easter!
17.04.25 Rachel
Here we are, woefully overdue yet back again to sharing updates following a move to a different country and a crazily busy period. I’ve [re]started a smaller journal, filled with musings that normally flood my head and rarely make it to the outside world. I think of all the people living with dementia that we work with when I write in it – what it is to have an outlet and to be able to use words to give voice to the things that challenge you internally. I think of the resistance, the disbelief, the lack of self confidence ingrained in others due to the narratives that society places upon them – constantly told, following diagnosis, of everything they are now lesser in. Less ability, less independence, less cognition, less time. What it is to give people something more.
Booked into my diary in two hours is a reminder to send 64 Million Artists an update on the book of life advice that we created with STAND following our workshops in January. Two differing forms – the first, a one of one publication especially for STAND themselves and the second, what we hope will be our latest publicly available book – they are wholly unique and some of the most pleasing forms we’ve worked on in recent months. I don’t doubt for a second that only publishers will understand this but… is it too much to say I miss them dearly?
Did dementia follow me to Athens? Five years of research assures me it is a global condition and yet, I realised today, for me personally it feels so wholly rooted to my experiences in Scotland. Touching down in Athens, I reconnect with a photographer whose father is undertaking his own dementia journey – and I feel a jolt. Our work touches lives around the world. I know this, and yet to be confronted with it – to see Gerry’s book in the hands of a stranger whose phone rings with a foreign dial tone – amplifies the urgency of all that we’re working on.
Best get back to it.
11.04.25 Finlay
To mark the publication, we’ve been revisiting the front cover. We’re testing different print techniques to find the right fit for what 4,4,4&2 carries. Maggie has also been making some brush and pen lettering herself, which brings a personal warmth we’re excited to work with.
9.04.25 Finlay
The campaign for Maggie’s book will be a special one. There’s a lot to share and a lot to get right. Our job is to make sure it’s striking but just as considered as the publication itself. We’ve been pulling learnings from previous launches like In The Palm of a Spider’s Hand and exploring what could live online, in person, through events or even exhibitions.
8.04.25 Finlay
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27.03.25 Finlay
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20.03.25 Rachel
11.03.25 Finlay
A busy day, and what a transformation. Comparing the publication to the early drafts, you’d hardly believe they’re the same thing. It carries the weight of everything that’s gone into it. All the people, all the hands, all the memories.
Just a few things left to iron out, not bad for a book that needed more PDF files than I have fingers.
11.03.25 Finlay
8.03.25 Finlay
7.03.25 Finlay
4.03.25 Finlay
We’re making our way through the final checklist before printing a full draft on the actual stock with all the finishing touches. As always, a mix of nerves and excitement.
28.02.25 Finlay
It might look ridiculous, but this is the reality of print decisions. Uncoated or coated? Off-white or bright white? These choices take time.
27.02.25 Rachel
A million and one diary entries to backtrack to but, for now… finally opening the paper!
27.02.25 Finlay
Finalising the cover details for the book, figuring out measurements, materials, and how to best represent the passage of time through earlier to later cooking memories.
21.02.25 Finlay
Shelves are built, glued, clamped, and already holding magazines. The opening is just around the corner. Things are coming together fast!
20.02.25 Finlay
18.02.25 Finlay
The long-awaited OSB board has landed. Of course, it had to arrive on one of the windiest days… not the easiest task carrying a 1.2m x 2.4m sheets into the building.
14.02.25 Finlay
We’re working on shelving for our pop-up shop participants. Keeping in line with our collage-inspired direction, we’re applying the same approach to our price and information tags. Layered, cut, and composed with care. The raw texture of OSB will complement the design perfectly.
13.02.25 Finlay
The paper has arrived! Like any print delivery, there’s a mix of excitement and hesitation before opening the box. Will it be exactly as expected?
7.2.25 Finlay
Spotted in the wild!
7.2.25 Rachel
Planning for Gerry’s book group and diving into the questions to ask on the evening. We make sure to get Gerry’s insight and check if there’s anything he’d like to ask himself – I know firsthand how much it means to him to read and hear about what others have taken from his words. The event itself is a new format for us and, in truth, one that might not fly. We had hoped it would provide an opportunity to gather in a relaxed, informal atmosphere to discuss the works that we put to paper in the company of others, sharing our thoughts and furthering important conversations. For one reason or another, we have struggled to get bums on seats so it looks like this one might have to be chalked up as a fail fast experiment – but let’s see what those who join think!
6.2.25 Finlay
6.2.25 Rachel
Could that have been… a very good meeting with a massive construction firm who actually understand social impact?? Stay tuned for potential news of a mass industry shift… you won’t believe the third point that was raised!
4.2.25 Rachel
To trusty Malt and Hops for our volunteer meetup, and an explanation of how each and every effort undertaken at boom saloon contributes to our wider work.
3.2.25 Maxine
Rachel shared a link to the Modern Sudan Collective’s 2025 Conference last week – an absolute gold mine of talent in the film, architecture, design and other creative industries.
Reached out to several people and got some quick and positive replies. Lots of great content to come out of this hopefully, on topics and countries we have yet to cover.
31.1.25 Finlay
31.1.25 Finlay
We’re deep into shaping the direction of our pop-up shop, leaning into collage as a way to celebrate our catalog of print. As always, we’re finding ways to reuse our seconds. Nothing goes to waste!
31.1.25 Rachel
A very good meeting with a very good member, Andy, filled with very good attempts at putting the world to rights. Speaking of alternative funding models for Scotland and how on earth we might collectively fund change going forward, I leave emboldened and hopeful and thinking of regeneration and futures and what is to come.
30.1.25 Rachel
Back to Glasgow, for Creative Mornings and two back to back GF Smith launches with Gmund. In the morning, I hear more about the work of the Govanhill Baths Trust, including heading to the City Chambers with flour and eggs when their previous emails, calls and petitions failed to incite any response. I think of our member Leah, whose insistence of ‘West Coast Best Coast’ is forever front of mind whenever I step off the train at Queen Street, and I think of the people who refuse to take no for an answer and get things done. I think of the differences between Edinburgh and Glasgow; between the UK and Greece; between Europe and Asia. I think of all of this on the train back home, packed to the brim with Gmund samples and overflowing with ideas of the words that could fill them.
30.1.25 Finlay
This past week has been busy as we shifted our focus to hosting a pop-up shop on the 22nd of February. The identity has started to roll out, a collaged direction emphasising the physicality of our products and selling them in person.
Today however I get a chance to dive into early proposals for a publication on life advice from the groups of STAND, as Rachel collected from workshops in Fife as part of her work with 64 Million Artists. We’ve had a few discussions but it’s time to scan, sketch and pull together some variations that are a little closer to reality. The speculative beginning is always enjoyable!
29.1.25 Rachel
Another volunteer call, this time with a lecturer at Imperial College [and an old friend!] who comes armed with a wealth of knowledge and more initial ideas that I could shake a stick at. Firm yes, immediately. Can’t wait to get started.
28.1.25 Rachel
A discussion of how we grow membership and why we have such low conversion rates currently. This month, we’re testing two new tacks – towards the end of February, a direct ask to all non-member newsletter subscribers, taking a leaf out of the Daily Maverick’s book with tone and pitch. It took us a very long time to publicly share that the challenges our work addresses should be better supported by the state, yet we receive no public funding or state aid. Let’s see if the needle shifts at all as we spread that message.
Later on in the month, we’ll hold our first ever pop-up shop to raise funds for the finale of our dementia work. Bringing together a selection of our members, it looks set to be a fun new format to test… now we just have to work out the mechanics!
28.1.25 Rachel
A discussion of how we grow membership and why we have such low conversion rates currently. This month, we’re testing two new tacks – towards the end of February, a direct ask to all non-member newsletter subscribers, taking a leaf out of the Daily Maverick’s book with tone and pitch. It took us a very long time to publicly share that the challenges our work addresses should be better supported by the state, yet we receive no public funding or state aid. Let’s see if the needle shifts at all as we spread that message.
Later on in the month, we’ll hold our first ever pop-up shop to raise funds for the finale of our dementia work. Bringing together a selection of our members, it looks set to be a fun new format to test… now we just have to work out the mechanics!
27.1.25 Rachel
A call with another potential PR sponsor. Quickly qualified as never going to be a PR sponsor.
24.1.25 Finlay
Paper… paper… paper. Rachel has been meeting with GF Smith to secure a paper sponsorship. Thankfully it looks like it’s going a head and we have the luxury of using beautiful stock, with a vast collection of colours, textures and weights. From our sample book we’ve been tearing out the pages, holding them side-by-side.
We’ll be using up to six different types of paper. Each of them have their own purpose, their own reason to be selected. It’s also important that each of them work together visually and compliment the strong use of purple throughout the publication. I think we’ve selected some beautiful stock and cannot wait to sign off the final selection and print our first copy on it.
24.1.25 Rachel
The Storm, unexpected childminding and talks with the IMA and Impress about News Clubs, and how we best cover the topics our audience most wish to read about. After we hang up and I pick the morning’s crumpet out of my keyboard [did I mention the unexpected childminding?] I think on how this would best translate to our projects. Could we cast the net to our members to help fill where possible, capturing their ideas and the change they’d like to see incited? It would likely be a complex, ambitious and unusual way of working… which sounds right up our street.
Jalan Sin Chew Kee – one of my favourite streets.
23.1.25 Rachel
With news of a stock change from GF Smith, it’s back to the drawing board with swatch books and colour selections. Colour is such a loaded element of design, whether you attach it to a country, a religion or a football team. When interwoven into any of our work, it is only greenlit following a lengthy research process when the considerations behind any choice fully justify it. I think back to how much time we have spent explaining this thinking, how despondent I now become to anyone absent mindedly seeking “a pop of colour.” Personally, I find it hard not to visualise a ticking clock or growing to-do list when I see text in red, or congratulate myself for a task accomplished when the words I’m reading are in green. I think back to what we lightly touched on with ‘Sensing Dementia,’ a brief addition to our workshops with STAND which asked what dementia looks like, sounds like, tastes like, feels like and smells like. What came back was insightful. It was also the first time I publicly got on my soapbox to question who decided dementia should be purple and how a broadly differing group of people felt about being singularly monotoned. Audrey quickly put me in my place! For her, a long term member of STAND and someone we’ve collaborated with since 2020, walking into a room of purple t-shirts signalled an immediate community and a sense of belonging within those she knew would understand her. The irony of the disappearing ink we’re printing Maggie’s book with has never escaped me – it is available in one colour only.
Purple.
23.1.25 Finlay
Today we are meeting with a local bookbinder to discuss the options for our cover. We are still largely making the book by hand ourselves, but we’d like to know what help we can get and where. We’ll dive into embossing, material choice and production process to help us hit the ground running.
On the way there we got a taxi from the studio into town. To our surprise the driver was previously the managing director of Eastern print… A big deal from what I could put together, at least before my time. Recently I’ve also had the chance to chat to a web developer who was also a driver, he was looking to build his portfolio. Sometimes you get the best unexpected chat from jumping in a strangers car!
22.1.25 Rachel
To Glasgow to meet Claire at GF Smith. Half way through sharing the latest updates to Maggie’s book, I remember I have the test prints from yesterday in my bag. Showing 90gsm printer paper to a GF Smith rep… 🙈 members aside, few get to see the inner workings of our publications as we go. Safe to say the stock will be MARKEDLY different for the final product!
21.1.25 Finlay
Once we made the final call with the openers, I started going through each chapter taking note of the overarching elements. These are then pieced together, each with their own harmony.
20.1.25 Rachel
17.1.25 Rachel
10 back to back volunteer interviews in one day. Never again.
16.1.25 Finlay
We started off the day comparing the design options for our chapter opener pages. The purpose of them is to contextualise what follows, and with the variation of each chapter we have to carefully consider how we encapsulate each of them.
16.1.25 Rachel
Back to the studio to make final edits to Maggie’s book – final_FINAL_V8.pdf files incoming…
We’re in the throes of making the final calls on the chapter openers, positioning of hole punches, use of colour and how we best pair the standard ink with the disappearing to colour match them perfectly. A pretty tall order when one of them is constantly changing as it disappears!
Content wise, Maggie’s book will be – by far – the most personal publication I’ve ever put my name to. Above and beyond this, it also dives into the archives of my family – a topic I’ve spoken about on stages all around the world and subtly interwoven into features within the pages of boom saloon previously, but never to this extent. There’s something about sticking to a monotone colour palette which retains a certain element of mystery to be known only by those who were there in person – should we edit all photography to purple, my family will remain the only ones to know that the birthday cake was actually yellow, the jumper putrid pink with a green and white unicorn. In some ways this appeals, in others I’m not often one to do things by halves. Would this be doing things by halves…? Internally, we’ve agreed there’s no right or wrong design decision. Cue a family dinner, FaceTime and Alexa drop-in to make the final call collectively.
14.1.25 Rachel
Finalised the agenda for The RSA event; 60 sign ups so far, let’s aim for triple digits…
13.1.25 Rachel
As 64 Million Artists’ January Challenge continues, I travelled back to Kennoway to give another in-person workshop to STAND – together, we’re playing with words to unlock their stories and create a book of life advice. Older people have so much to teach so many; I wonder when and where and why we forgot that? My car’s exhaust fell off whilst I was driving [fairly fast] along the bypass the night before; I’ve yet to find the life advice to be inspired by sparks flying in the pitch black and pouring rain as a full dual carriageway beeps and flashes as if you’re unaware you look like you’re in the cockpit of a sparking rocket… but I’m sure there’s something to be found in there somewhere. Resilience, perhaps? Or the need to always know a very good mechanic.
13.1.25 Finlay
Today we ticked off another couple tasks off our POA. This included reaching out to local book binders and printers, finding out what’s possible for the cover. It’s suddenly starting to feel real! But it’s an exciting feeling know that it’s closer to being in other peoples hands. We’re now onto the small tasks of adjusting margins for print files, helping accommodate the binding method, one never used on a boom saloon publication before.
10.1.25 Rachel
Catch-up call to pitch a deal of corporate membership in exchange for a PR campaign to launch Maggie’s book – need to send further info to take to decision makers.
Thought about decision makers. Thought about chess.
Planned a book group for Gerry. Emailed a potential sponsor about a book group for Gerry. Got a reply the same day. UNHEARD OF.
10.1.25 Finlay
To round off our first week back in the studio for 2025, we made a plan of action to get Maggie’s book ready for production. We’re really close to rounding out the publication, and if everything goes as expected the first fully produced copy is iminent. To finish up on Friday we counted through the pages of our mock copy. Noting the paper stock we want to use and counting the final tally to share with G. F. Smith.
9.1.25 Rachel
9.1.25 Finlay
Today we visited the group in Kinghorn and held a workshop doing some word play. I’m sure more news on this will come soon from Rachel’s side, but I can assure that it’ll be filled with great words as always.
There is never a dull moment at these groups and I recommend anyone experiencing dementia to visit a STAND meeting if they are based in Fife, or a similar support group where possible. They make everyone feel at home, even for someone like myself who has no first-hand experience within my family or friends. Plus the hot rolls will keep anyone coming back!
8.1.25 Rachel
Admin aDmIn ADMIN for RSA call. Spoke to Gerry about RSA call. Laughed about admin. Had a call with RSA to discuss admin for the RSA call for admin…
7.1.25 Finlay
At the end of the day we took part in boom saloon’s prompt for day 7 of The January Challenge, ‘A Word-less Construction.’ I attempted to make a stack of books as high as I possibly could… the outcome was more interesting than the secure structure anyway.
7.1.25 Finlay
This week we are back off to Kinghorn, where one of the many weekly meetings arranged by STAND take place. I can’t wait to see some familiar faces again, it’s always insightful and full of laughs.
We’ve prepared a few sources to help their thinking around life advice. I’m sure they’ll have plenty to say.
7.1.25 Rachel
6.1.25 Rachel
Clarified some of the finer points of scheduling when working with people with dementia; again, realised how defiantly our world is designed only for certain subsets of individuals.
Chased STAND again to circulate the big book of life advice opportunity; wondered how many people might give up on supporting others when it requires multiple efforts.
Spoke to Gerry about turkey and sprouts.
3.1.25 Rachel
Emailed every book group under the sun in Edinburgh and Glasgow offering special rates for Gerry’s book. Thought about book groups. Thought about a boom saloon book group.
Cast a net for a PR sponsor to support the launch of Maggie’s book > visually, thought about NEWF.
2.1.25 Rachel
Emailed Kim, Hilary and Claire to confirm plans for The January Challenge workshops with STAND. Made sure to leave lots of time for cake, as is the STAND way…
Replied to Ange from Elli Cares; collaboration thwarted by international time zones, thankfully a rare occurrence. Asked NHS researcher instead.
Recorded a video for STAND groups who can’t be at the workshops in person to still partake in the big book of life advice; could share the concept further…? Members life advice?
18.12.24 Finlay
Before the end of the year we wanted to celebrate our members who help us in our mission to democratise creativity for good. As a way to proudly display their names and help better connect one another, we took inspiration from boom saloon’s past and brought back the wonderwall. This is a public list of all the founding members, members, donors and sponsors. Mentioned on our homepage you can also view the wonderwall by visiting here.
18.12.24 Finlay
Today we’re hunkering down to get the final pieces of the last working draft. We’ll be running around town picking up samples and finishing the publication together in the studio. A lively last week before the holidays. Holding the mock example in our hands will be a nice way to round out the year before we get moving along with production.
17.12.24 Rachel
Planned a poetry reading for Bright Care for February. What it is to find people with shared ways of thinking.
Rough drafted script ideas for the RSA event.
17.12.24 Finlay
This week we are completing a final mock copy of the publication. We’re printing everything to scale, trimming, folding and finishing too. All of this will be timed and documented so that we can estimate production times and optimise the workflow. We’re both extremely excited!
One of the last things areas of development is the cover. We want to keep it a balance between elusive and insightful, inspired by the content. Rachel sketched out a few layouts and from there we worked together to produce a physical version for the final draft. Nothing quite signifies the nearing end of the development stage than binding it with a tacticle cover.
13.12.24 Rachel
Spoke to Ange at ElliCares about joining the RSA event as a speaker.
Asked STAND to help spread the word of the January workshops. Thought back to the early days of this work, how little knew and how worlds collided to spark something that will never again happen.
Thought of Ellen, and David, and Eleanor and Nickie. Remembered Gerry telling me about his conversations with Fiona. Remembered what it means to have someone you can be truly vulnerable with, and what it is to admit you feel fear.
13.12.24 Rachel
Had a call scheduled with Pat to discuss the Kinghorn workshop. No call, no reply – blamed Friday 13th and reminded myself never to drive on this day.
12.12.24 Rachel
Caught up with Gerry, bounced around ideas for STAND’s book in January. Collectively decided to leave it open re discussions of dementia – focussing on life advice in general, regardless of whether or not you’d like to speak about dementia. Thought back to all those who dislike ‘the D word’ and all those who seek solace in discussing dementia with others with lived experience.
Emailed the plans to Kim for Kennoway. Emailed the plans to Pat for Kinghorn. Emailed Hilary to find our how to use the plans to enable people to take part remotely.
Trialled the process of printing and hand-finishing a chapter, including the specialist ink pages. Each step feels worth it when we see the final result coming together!
Editing has reached Chapter 5, and we’ve printed up to Chapter 2 – this will be our mock-up for testing and feedback. We are hoping that we can share the book early in the new year.
Shared the overview of the RSA event with a potential speaker. Made a [mental] note to remember to ask Gerry if he’s feee to join. Thought about how much we joke about me forgetting things when I don’t have dementia. Thought about humour, and the role it often plays in our conversations around pressing topics.
Narrowly avoided having to replan the entire Kennoway session…
Chased down the events lead at Aaron House care home to try and get them engaged in The January Challenge via the care homes pack we consulted on. Wondered how we better disseminate this amidst the challenges of only being in when you’re in. Shared the pack with Alex and Gus at Capital Theatres.
Emailed GF Smith about paper sponsorship.
Crossed everything.
12.12.24 Finlay
We’re currently in the middle of confirming the final paper spec with GF Smith, who are kindly sponsoring the publication. It’s always exciting to see their range of stock, and it really brings the project to life.
This week’s disappearing ink tests are looking at time tracking how long it takes to fade in open and enclosed spaces. Watching it disappear feels like magic, though it’s a challenge to predict exactly how it will behave.
Trialled the process of printing and hand-finishing a chapter, including the specialist ink pages. Each step feels worth it when we see the final result coming together!
Editing has reached Chapter 5, and we’ve printed up to Chapter 2 – this will be our mock-up for testing and feedback. We are hoping that we can share the book early in the new year.
Rachel’s back from Athens next week. It’ll be exciting to sit down together, run through the book, and make the final calls. Being in-person always brings fresh ideas – and we’ll get to nail down plans for the initial launch.
11.12.24 Rachel
Followed up with plans for the January event with 64 Million Artists and The RSA. Made a note to check Gerry’s schedule.
Penned copy to send to book groups and clubs to further promote Gerry’s book.
10.12.24 Rachel
Pitched a deal for PR for Gerry’s book in exchange for corporate membership. In a landscape where everyone has skills but no one has cash, working to strategise however we can.
Thought about En Route and Reactivate Athens. Thought about 20×2. Thought about ambition.
Thought about collaboration. Thought about exchange. Thought about reciprocity so thought about Ruth.
Directly invited engaged readers to gifted membership to support our next steps. Made a Gift Guide to support our next steps.
9.12.24 Rachel
Longlisted for a Churchill Fellowship.
Confirmed meeting with Invisible Dust to discuss what comes after rewriting the story of dementia.
6.12.24 Rachel
RSA Fellow connected us to ElliCares. Thought about joining The RSA [again].
Met a writer I wanted to show Gerry’s book to. Still awaiting arrival of Gerry’s book…
Bemoaned the Greek postal service.
Marked up final edits to Maggie’s book from the terrace as the sun set over Athens. Fell in love with Greece again, in spite of the postal service.
5.12.24 Rachel
Sketched out the event plans for January’s collaboration with 64 Million Artists and The RSA, exploring healthy ageing and how we work to rewrite the story of dementia.
Asked Gerry and Trish for their thoughts on what kind of book STAND would most like to create as a legacy. Thought about advice. Thought about Baz Luhrmann. Thought about sunscreen.
Googled life advice books. Wouldn’t recommend 🦄 🌈 🦩 ✨
5.12.24 Finlay
Spent some time mixing together different CMYK proportions to match our disappearing ink’s tone, it felt like my eyes went a little crazy, but we got there…
Rachel and I have been meeting throughout the week to discuss disappearing and treated elements within the chapter. We hope that no two books will be the same, this requires us to create multiple iterations of the same page. It’ll be such an exciting element that makes each version unique, reflecting the diseases better.
Printed chapter 1 of Maggie’s Book. We tested to see how long it will take to print, trim and finish a chapter. This will help us determine the time needed when it comes to full production.
We looked at how the disappearing ink and coloured CMYK ink reacts to different paper stock samples from GF Smith. Interestingly, they all have their own pace of erasure, some as a quick as a day, others taking longer than the copier stock tested to date.
Although it’s dark at 4 and bitterly cold, I can’t complain about our view of the sunset from the studio. I love watching the sun rise up in the East and move its way across the hills.
So many sheets of test prints fill every empty surface in the studio. It might look like a world of chaos, but I’m sure I know where everything is!
4.12.24 Rachel
Emailed Euan rejected funding applications for the audio version of Gerry’s book. Failed to not get excited about an in to NatWest.
Questioned the concept of sponsorship and funding and how you fix something so systemically broken.
Thought about flying ants.
Emailed biz contacts to share new shop products and clarify how they support our work.
Got good feedback about Gifted Membership; still sold no Gifted Membership.
Call with 64 Million Artists and RSA to discuss healthy ageing and dementia event in January. Not in charge of tech 🙌
3.12.24 Rachel
Emailed Alice at Invisible Dust to discuss plans for the next project.
Soft launched Gifted Membership to fund the projects.
Had a call with Euan Winton at HW. Spoke about Gerry’s book, spoke about Maggie’s book, spoke about rough plans for faxes on loss, faxes on damage. Tried not to get too excited when he mentioned meeting NatWest tomorrow, discussing the idea of them funding an audio version of Gerry’s book.
2.12.24 Rachel
Wondered how many times today I’ll hear “how is it December already?”
Another funding rejection.
Got the recording from the NHS webinar; further enraged by funding rejections.
Canon passed their well wishes on to the team.
Potential partner got a new puppy. Now unavailable until January.
Asked NHS for a meeting as a potential partner.
Questioned whether the NHS is the right place to look for financial support…
Remembered the impact of projects.
Worked on specifics for The January Challenge and how we’ll work with STAND.
Made a note to share news of TJC.
Planned a call with Euan Winton at Heriot Watt. Attempt #87 as alumni seeking support.
Asked for help to promote Gerry’s book.
29.11.24 Rachel
Debriefed on the Edinburgh and Athens Meetups, discussed how we work with members’ feedback to better the offering.
Emailed online Meetup attendees to share the link. Worried no one would turn up.
Sent a newsletter about Maryam, the anonymous Afghan female journalist, on to a performer from the Creative Riot now studying women’s health.
Thought about courage.
28.11.24 Rachel
Rescheduled our call with Bright Care to discuss a showcase of Gerry’s book. “The joys of care management.” [Not my words.]
Sent the latest edition of The Mirror, in an all new video format. Smiles all round.
Emailed Gerry our questions for the webinar with NHS Scotland.
Emailed new friends in Athens to remind them of this evening’s Meetup. Worried no one would turn up.
Emailed Sylwia with final plans for hosting the Edinburgh Meetup. Worried no one would turn up.
Edited the fourth chapter of Maggie’s book.
Wrote copy for a bundle of Gerry’s books on the shop.
Chased GF Smith for paper sponsorship for Maggie’s book. Made a note to call Maggie on Alexa soon. Remembered the first time I learnt that Alexa can be the greatest tool for people with dementia.
Thanked Canon again for printing Gerry’s book and confirmed delivery of another 1,000 copies. Dropped on the street in 61 boxes but I suppose you can’t have it all.
Recorded the NHS webinar. More smiles which made me think of Maggie saying “dementia isn’t allowed to be funny.” Oops.
People turned up!
27.11.24 Rachel
Today, Karen Harvey shared a link to her ten year old blog, which inspired us to write this.
This is the beginning of our live project diary, whereby our perhaps overly ambitious plans for field notes shall evolve to find a home.
Today I worried about Gerry and why he hadn’t made it to our three-times-arranged Zoom call.
I sent him yet another What’s App and got a reply. I sent a response and didn’t.
I emailed our contact for Thursday’s webinar with the NHS to double check the link and wondered about the state of healthcare in the UK.
I had a headache.
Karen wrote about how we are all dust and I pondered this while I posted updates and questioned whether or not to email Trish, Gerry’s wife, again.
Having spent many hours on the floor of the SNFCC collating notes from our strategy workshops, curated them with Finlay and we noted [him]/ quaked in our boots [me] at how many opportunities there are for our community projects, and the membership required to enable these.
Checked my phone twice as often as normal in case Gerry replied.
Shared news of our newsletters. Much news.
Had a fit of rage in the shower due to the ways of working of the powers that be, and how this shackles us; realised it is this exact fury that is needed to drive boom saloon forward.
Gerry replied; dropped everything to chat.
Met Philipp for dinner; spoke about unpaid care and how this should be supported.
One million vacant hotel rooms available each night in the UK. One million.
Emailed 64 Million Artists and the RSA to confirm a date to meet and discuss an online event in January, exploring healthy ageing and how to live well with dementia.
Sent Sylwia a script for Thursday’s Members’ Meetup. Tried to strike the tone of trusting yet engaged, not no-show at the Oscars.
Started this diary. Made a note to gift Karen honorary membership in thanks.