deanleivers.bsky.social (@deanleivers) — Bluesky Profile

2 weeks ago

Please sponsor me for YMCA Sleep Easy 2026 Help Dean Leivers raise money to support YMCA Derbyshire

Less than a month to go until the YMCA Sleep Easy event, raising vital funds for YMCA Derbyshire.

Here's the link for more info and how to donate so that I can hit my target! www.justgiving.com/page/dean-le...

#charity #fundraising #ymca #endhomelessness

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2 weeks ago

I've been working with Bobbins and Buttons on some upcoming instructional videos, sequencing footage, creating titles, adding music and balancing colour to get the best possible results before they go live!

#creative #freelance #video #collaboration #eastmidlands

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3 weeks ago

Proudly presenting…'Crow Man' an animation project made alongside one of my fabulous Mighty Creatives Creative Mentees.

Looking forward to seeing what we get up to next!

#creative #freelance #mentoring #workshops #eastmidlands

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1 month ago

A wooden desk with two open laptops, a coffee mug, a laptop sleeve, and colourful “Arts Award Scrap Book” worksheets in the foreground. A pencil rests on one of the scrapbook pages, which is decorated with bright doodles and the text “This book belongs to…”. One laptop shows a video with a cartoon thumbnail and a list of comments.

Arts Award!

The results are in and all participants in the Alfreton Home Education group achieved Arts Award Bronze! A huge well done to everyone for such a strong set of portfolios and big thanks to Black Shale LCEP for support and funding for this opportunity.

#creative #freelance #artsaward

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1 month ago

A person holds open a blue jacket to reveal its shiny light blue inner lining. They wear a white blouse and beige trousers. The jacket has metal snap buttons along the edge.

A person stands against a white background wearing a matching pink and white checkered short-sleeve shirt and shorts set. The outfit resembles loungewear or sleepwear, styled casually.

A close-up of the inside of a pink herringbone-patterned jacket, showing a shiny paisley lining. Buttonholes are visible along the edge, and a hand holds the jacket open.

A person stands against a white background wearing a blue button-up jacket over a white top, beige high-waisted trousers, and white sneakers. They smile with a relaxed posture.

Always great to work and collaborate with Julia at Bobbins and Buttons in Leicester. If you're into dressmaking or would like to learn how to make your own clothes go and check out her work and store!

#photography #eastmids

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1 month ago

Well, January went by a bit quickly didn't it? Here's some books, music and TV that I enjoyed and you might too!

open.substack.com/pub/deanleiv...

#BookRecommendations #TVRecommendations #MusicRecommendations

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1 month ago

Animation update.

Continuing to try out layering ideas using a little DIY lightbox, and just enough time this week to put together a small test film.

Production brought to you by me, a mentee and The Mighty Creatives.

#creative #freelance #animation #mentoring #eastmidlands

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1 month ago

Please sponsor me for YMCA Sleep Easy 2026 Help Dean Leivers raise money to support YMCA Derbyshire

I'm hoping for much better weather than we've had this week, although there are a lot of people that won't be in a warm house the day after sleeping rough!

Here's the link for more info and how to donate www.justgiving.com/page/dean-le...

#charity #fundraising #ymca #endhomelessness

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1 month ago

Please sponsor me for YMCA Sleep Easy 2026 Help Dean Leivers raise money to support YMCA Derbyshire

For this years charity fundraising activity I've decided to once again opt for a YMCA Sleep Easy event, this time raising vital funds for YMCA Derbyshire.

Here's the link with more info and how to donate: www.justgiving.com/page/dean-le...

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1 month ago

Steadily getting back into the swing of things. This week I started work on a new animation with a mentee for the Mighty Creatives, which we hope will incorporate light boxes and stop motion.

Lots of experimenting and interesting ideas!

#freelance #mentoring #eastmidlands #creative

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2 months ago

How to ease back into work post-Christmas (without burning out by week two) Aiming to

For anyone else who isn't anywhere near 100% this week. Thank you Creative Boom 🙏

www.creativeboom.com/tips/how-to-...

#CreativeRecovery #WorkSmartNotHard #PostHolidayRoutine #BeatBurnout #JanuaryMindset #GentleProductivity

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2 months ago

This Month I've Mostly Been...

This month I decided to run down, in no particular order, my favourite books, movies/TV and albums from the last 12 months.

Check out the blog post over on my Substack open.substack.com/pub/deanleiv...

#bookrecommendations #filmrecommendations #musicrecommendations

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2 months ago

A fun bit of animation to finish the year with one of my 'Mighty Creatives' creative mentees. Genuinely have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure my job isn't a dream!

#freelance #mentoring #creative #animation #education

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2 months ago

A great morning with Samantha Jayne Peberdy working on the layout and text placing for our children's book 'The Bongazingajangle' which we'll be sharing in early 2026!

#childrensbook #autor #illustration #eastmidlands #freelance #Collaboration

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3 months ago

Colorful children's book cover for 'The Bongazingajangle.' A surprised red-haired child in blue overalls and green boots stands before a large, abstract jungle creature made of swirling brushstrokes in green, blue, pink, and white. The title appears in playful green lettering at the top; the bottom reads 'written by Dean' and 'illustrated by Samantha.' The scene suggests a whimsical, magical adventure.

A little look at the cover design work in progress for 'The Bongazingajangle' a children's story by Dean Leivers and Samantha Jayne Peberdy.

We are so excited to be putting this collaboration out into the world in 2026!

#book #creativewriting #illustration #story #childrensbook #eastmidlands

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3 months ago

One of my Mighty Creatives mentees has entered his experimental photography phase. This week some light painting! We made a little video clip using his stills too.

#mentoring #photography #lightpainting #derbyshire

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3 months ago

Cone-shaped Christmas trees made from colorful crocheted squares stand in a decorated indoor space. Each tree features a patchwork of vibrant yarn patterns. Chairs are arranged for an audience, and a musical group performs in the background. A small traditional tree and wall art add to the festive atmosphere.

A large ensemble of musicians in teal shirts performs indoors, led by a conductor in a dark suit. They play wind instruments like flutes and saxophones, seated in rows with teal and black music stand banners. The audience watches from chairs in a multipurpose hall with wooden floors and white walls.

Three smiling individuals stand in the foreground of a musical gathering. One wears a red top and glasses, holding a colorful booklet; another claps joyfully in a blue-green checkered sweater; the third wears a cream sweater with red patterns. A teal banner in the background reads “UNITY Concert Band.”

A close-up of a vibrant patchwork made from crocheted squares, each with unique colors and patterns. Some squares feature geometric designs, while others have festive motifs like a red triangle resembling a Christmas tree. A string of black lights is draped across the textile.

🎶 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas…In Blackwell Parish at least.

📷 Some recent photographs for Greater Creative as they unveiled the festive trees created during the 'Squares' project. Over 5000 crocheted squares were made by local residents which were stitched to create the trees!

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3 months ago

Not overly sure how niche Costa is but each to their own.

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3 months ago

A detailed miniature model of a butchers shop named “W.H. Brown & Son,” featuring a red facade, striped awning, and open door revealing colorful sweets inside. The shop window displays candies, and a chalkboard sign lists treats like sherbet lemons and jelly beans. The model sits on a wooden surface with a white backdrop.

A miniature grocery stall with shelves of tiny jars, crates labeled “milk” and “drink,” and baskets of eggs and produce. A vintage-style “BUY BRITISH” poster and a “Colman’s Mustard” box add nostalgic flair. The scene includes realistic replicas of food items and packaging, arranged with careful craftsmanship.

A miniature cobbler’s shop featuring a red counter, wooden chair with a carved cat design, and a workbench filled with tiny tools like brushes and scissors. A cylindrical “POLISH” container and boxes labeled “Twist” and “KIWI Shoe P” add realism. A cutout figure of a cobbler in an apron stands beside the workspace.

A small model of a horse-drawn ice cream van painted cream and red, with “ICES” written on the side. A brown horse with white markings is harnessed to the front. The van has a vintage design with windows and wheels, blending nostalgic charm with whimsical detail.

We went back to get the finer details of the Home Truths 'Recreate the Streets project. All of the models are amazing and there are so many details to explore.

Big thanks to Platform Thirty1 for the loan of the office/studio space for a morning.

#photography #studiophotography #derbyshire

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3 months ago

This Month I've Mostly Been... November 2025

This Month I've Mostly Been…November 2025

Another run down of the books, films and music that entertained me over the last month. open.substack.com/pub/deanleiv...

#bookrecommendations #movierecommendations #musicrecommendations

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3 months ago

🚨Lovely feedback claxon! 🚨

Always nice to hear (I won't let it go to my head though).

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3 months ago

Two people, one older and one younger, closely examine a panoramic artwork on an easel in a gallery. The older person points at the painting while discussing it, surrounded by others viewing art in a shared, educational space.

Seated woman in yellow apron works on a craft project while a man in a green apron labeled “POTTER RHYME” guides her. Table is covered with paints and brushes in a collaborative art workshop.

Elderly person wearing headphones smiles while viewing a detailed miniature butcher's shop with red door, green windows, and a “Quality Meats” sign. Indoor setting suggests a communal or therapeutic activity.

Miniature diorama of a vintage grocery store with shelves of branded goods like flour, vinegar, and cornflakes. A shopkeeper figure stands behind a counter with fruits and packaged items, under warm lighting in a box-like display.

"Things I've Been up to Lately"

Photo Coverage for Greater Creative's 'Re-create the Streets' event. What an amazing day to see the community coming together to celebrate heritage in Newton. You can read more about the wider project at blackwellparishhistory.co.uk

#photography #events #promo

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4 months ago

A creative photograph showing a child’s face reflected multiple times through a kaleidoscope effect, creating a pattern of repeating eyes and facial features.

Close-up of several printed ‘Arts Award Scrap Book’ covers featuring colorful art-themed doodles of paintbrushes, palettes, and pencils on a white background with an orange border.

Person holding a pen and writing on an ‘Arts Award’ worksheet titled ‘Participating in the arts’. The page shows a mind map around the question ‘What art forms can you identify?’ with branches listing art forms such as drawing, painting, dance, acting, and photography.”

A group of children and an adult gathered around a table with a colorful polka-dot tablecloth. The adult, wearing a name tag labeled "Dean," is demonstrating a photographic process, holding a print over a red tray commonly used in darkroom photo development. The scene is in a cozy, home-like setting with books and household items in the background, as the children watch attentively.

I've gone Arts Award crazy over the last few weeks! Continuing sessions with the Home Ed and Creative Connections groups in Alfreton and also a half term 'Discover in a Day' session with a group of young leaders in Newton.

Lot's of great work produced and reflections by the young people involved.

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4 months ago

A postcard pinned to a corkboard with a blue pushpin. The card shows two stylized white birds outlined in black, flying in opposite directions. Behind them, pink text in bold capital letters reads “YOU HAVE COME SO FAR.” The background of the card is light pastel pink.

It's really important to be kind to myself from time to time, and reflect on just how far I've come over the last decade or so. I've been part of so many great projects and had experiences I never thought I would, with some of the most supportive individuals and for that I'm very grateful indeed!

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4 months ago

This Month I've Mostly Been... October 2025

This month I've mostly been…' (October 2025)

My monthly round up of the entertainment that I've slotted in between the usual work/life activities!

Find the (very) short read here: deanleivers.substack.com/p/this-month...

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4 months ago

Panoramic view of a residential area surrounded by dense greenery. In the foreground, a multi-story brick apartment building and other homes are nestled among mature trees. The background reveals taller urban buildings, suggesting a transition from suburban to cityscape. The sky is overcast, casting soft, muted light across the scene.

Krefeld, it has been a trip!

So many positives with our group of young people, what a great experience to share with them over the last few days. More posts to come in the following week or so but for now we get to explore a little before coming home.

Auf wiedersehen! 🇩🇪

#YouthProject #project

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4 months ago

A dark blue British passport with gold embossed text and the Royal Coat of Arms rests on a gray travel bag. The bag is partially unzipped, revealing a bright orange interior. Behind them is a solid teal wall, creating a clean, modern backdrop. The passport text reads: “British Passport – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”

So today's the day. Kit bag packed and passport dusted off. Germany work trip here I come! 🇩🇪

#YouthProject #project #leicestershire #Germany #Education #culturalexchange

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4 months ago

Session number FOUR already, with the Home Ed group in Alfreton on their Arts Award journey alongside @calmandcraftyclaire. This week we're off to see a local exhibition but for now here's some images from animation week.

Big thank you to platformthirty1 and Black Shale LCEP for the commission.

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5 months ago

Two children’s hands arranging green leaves and small plant stems on pieces of paper with green backgrounds, placed on a wooden board. One child is wearing a bracelet, and a pencil lies nearby on the table.

Two children wearing gloves are using sponges to apply a yellow liquid onto pieces of paper at a wooden table. The table also has a container filled with dark liquid, disposable gloves, plastic safety goggles, and an open box of gloves. The scene suggests a hands-on science or art activity.

This week I started working with the Home Ed group in Alfreton where a group of young people are aiming to complete their Bronze Arts Awards. We started with cyanotype photography looking at its history and examples of artists working with the process.

#photography #project #derbyshire #ArtsAward

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5 months ago

Some things I read, saw and listened to last month over on Substack. You might like them too!

deanleivers.substack.com/p/this-month...

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