The joy of collaboration

Being a mural artist is an exciting and, at times, challenging job. When you're working on a large-scale project, there are always moments of trial and triumph—stretches of creativity balanced by periods of hard, physical work. Recently, I had the chance to experience these highs and lows alongside another fantastic artist, Hazel Oakes (or as many of you might know her, Nocciola the Drawer https://www.nocciolathedrawer.com/). Together, we took on a mural project for Stockton Borough Council, co-designing two murals with youth groups from Newtown Community Centre and Hardwick Community Centre. Let me tell you, having someone to share this journey with made all the difference.

One of the biggest advantages of working collaboratively is the mutual support that naturally emerges. Hazel and I had each other’s backs from the start. Whether it was problem-solving on the spot, celebrating a small win (like nailing the perfect shade of paint), or just being there to give a pep talk when things didn’t go as planned, we supported one another every step of the way. It’s easy to feel isolated when you’re out there working solo, but having someone by your side who shares your vision is so empowering. We became each other's cheerleaders, boosting each other’s confidence and energy whenever we needed it.

And let’s be honest—there’s also a lot of administrative work that goes into a mural project. I’m talking emails, risk assessments, phone calls, and all the logistics that aren’t nearly as fun as painting. Having Hazel as a partner meant we could divide the workload, making the whole process so much smoother. When you trust your collaborator, it’s easier to step back when needed, knowing they’ll handle things just as you would. Trust was key for us. There were times when I had to step away from the project unexpectedly, but I knew Hazel would step in and do an amazing job without missing a beat.

Of course, it wasn’t all work and no play! We had a blast working together. Whether it was dancing during tea breaks or chatting while we painted, the joy of collaboration made the whole process more enjoyable. As artists, we also know how important it is to capture those moments for sharing on social media. From the start, Hazel and I agreed: if you weren’t painting, you were capturing the moment. It was great to collaborate on social media too, creating reels and posts together so that only one of us had to take the time out to manage that side of things.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this project was the involvement of the young people from the local community centres. Having them witness the creation of these murals firsthand was incredible. They asked so many great questions about our jobs, how we became mural artists, and even jumped in to help. Some of our friends also dropped by to paint with us. The excitement of seeing two women painting massive works of art in their neighbourhood was palpable—this is something you don’t see every day in this area. I still smile thinking about one passerby’s comment: “Oh, they’re lady painters!”—said with absolute surprise.

There’s something undeniably powerful about two women coming together on a project like this. One female mural artist is fantastic, but two women working in unison? That’s when something spectacular happens. Together, Hazel and I were able to create something that not only resonated with the community but also made the entire process more fun, more manageable, and more meaningful. This project reminded me how much there is to gain from working with others. Collaboration isn’t just about the final outcome—it’s about the journey, the shared experiences, and the growth that comes from working together.