about me
A message from Em...
Em Claire Creative is the creative practice of Em Claire (me), a Derby-based poet, writer, mixed-media artist and creative educator.
My work brings together visual art, poetry, storytelling and reflective writing. I am interested in the ordinary details of life: local places, memory, humour, identity, community, small observations and the emotional weight of everyday moments.
After years working in education, English, Media and creative learning, I am now developing a wider creative practice that connects art and writing in accessible, meaningful ways. Em Claire Creative is built around the idea that creativity does not have to be polished, perfect or intimidating. It can be playful, honest, reflective and rooted in real life.
My current work includes poetry, mixed-media artwork, visual journalling, creative writing prompts and the development of future workshops. These workshops will use art as a starting point for writing, memory, conversation and self-expression, especially for adults who want to reconnect with creativity in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Em Claire Creative is about making space for art, words and community. It is for people who want to create, reflect, tell stories and notice the world around them differently.
my journey
2015 - 2026
English teaching, safeguarding and teenage mentoring
Worked as a secondary English teacher and creative educator, supporting young people through English Language, English Literature, creative writing, reading development, intervention and exam preparation.
This experience included mentoring teenagers, tutoring teenagers, supporting vulnerable learners and developing inclusive approaches for students with SEND, anxiety, dyslexia, ADHD, trauma-related barriers and low confidence.
Safeguarding, emotional awareness and child-centred practice have been central to this work. My teaching and mentoring experience now feeds directly into my creative practice, especially Art as a Story, creative wellbeing workshops and future mentoring projects.
2022 - 2026
SENCo, SEND specialism and inclusive learning
Completed the SENCo / Special Educational Needs Coordination qualification and developed specialist knowledge in SEND, accessibility, reasonable adjustments, differentiation and inclusive education.
This work strengthened my ability to plan for learners with complex needs, including students with neurodivergence, literacy difficulties, anxiety, communication barriers and additional learning needs.
My SEND background now shapes the way I design creative workshops: clear structure, flexible entry points, visual support, modelling, sentence starters, accessible materials and a calm, supportive environment where people can participate without feeling judged.
2023 - 2026
Head of Media, GCSE Media Studies, A Level Media and digital creative practice
Developed specialist experience in Media Studies, including GCSE Media Studies, A Level Media Studies, Creative iMedia and digital creative production.
This included teaching students how to analyse media language, representation, audience, industry, narrative, genre, ideology, advertising, film, television, music videos, newspapers, magazines, social media and online platforms.
I also supported students with practical and technical media production, including planning, design, digital portfolios, website-building, creative briefs, project development, evaluation and exam preparation.
My media teaching experience connects directly with Em Claire Creative because it brings together storytelling, visual communication, audience awareness, branding, digital platforms and creative identity. It has also strengthened my understanding of how websites, social media, images, text and design work together to communicate a clear message.
2026
Creative mentoring, teenage support and community practice
Continuing to develop creative mentoring work with young people, including teenagers who need support with confidence, self-expression, communication, literacy and identity.
This builds on my experience as a teacher, tutor, SENCo, Head of Media and creative educator. It also connects with my developing work with The Mighty Creatives, where creativity, mentoring, safeguarding and child-focused support are central.
My approach combines structure with empathy. I use writing, art, discussion, reflection and creative tasks to help young people feel heard, supported and capable of expressing themselves.