OUGD602 - Why I Want to Stay in Leeds

I have been looking for studios that I want to work for after I graduate, and location has been an important factor in that. I want to stay in Leeds. I have found some great studios, in London, Copenhagen, Sweden.. but right now I don't consider them an option due to where they are. In the future I would love to move to Copenhagen - it is a great place and has some of my favourite studios. But I don't feel ready to move abroad right now, and that is something I would consider in the future.

Grimsby
I'm originally from Grimsby, and that isn't far from Leeds. Although I don't go home often, I like that my family are only a short train ride away. It's easy and cheap to get to from Leeds, and I wouldn't like the idea of a long and expensive journey home.

Routine
I have a routine that I like here in Leeds. Everything is easy to get to and I usually walk everywhere which I like because I don't have a car, and if I had a job here I wouldn't have a long commute (something I really don't want). There isn't anything I would change about Leeds, there is a good choice of cinemas, a great gym that I love, stores that sell whole foods and different niche products that I wouldn't be able to get in Grimsby and took me a while to find here. I know they would be sold in other places, but I just like everything here - I don't really like change. There is a great selection of bars and so many things to do, I just think the city has everything. Leeds feels like home now I have been here a while and I don't feel ready to leave. I wouldn't like to live in Leeds and commute somewhere else either as I hate commuting - it takes up too much time out of my day when I could be doing more constructive things.

Creative Community
There is so much going on in Leeds, and the creative scene is thriving. No matter what you are interested in, there is something to suit everyone. Workshops, talks, events, exhibitions - there is always something happening. The creative industry here is growing and there are many talented people here, so why would I want to leave that? I really enjoy going to events like Hey! and Digitaleeds and have made some really good friends and contacts from going to these. It feels familiar and I like being able to go to events on my own and seeing people I know there that I can talk to. People are always so happy to help and I love the atmosphere that exists. Alongside digital events, there is also a new illustration event that has just started, Leeds Print Festival, as well as many different shops that sell prints and magazines.