UPNORF presents “Have you made it?"

At UPNORF, we’re passionate about championing the talent, grit, and creative energy that’s alive across the North. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Have you made it? A podcast shining a spotlight on northern artists, designers, musicians, writers, and makers of all kinds.

Hosted by Beth, Have you made it? is a series of proper conversations with the North’s creative minds, diving into what they make, how they make it, and the real meaning of “making it” today.

Real conversations with northerners

Each episode of Have you made it? is a space for open, genuine chats with creatives about their practice and the realities of coming up in the north. It’s about sharing the truth behind the work: the challenges, the inspirations, and the moments that keep you going.

Beth, who grew up in Hull and spent time living and working in London before moving back up north, is a content producer working primarily in tech and UX design. Having seen the difference in creative opportunities between north and south first-hand, she’s passionate about creating a platform that doesn’t just shout about Northern talent — but builds community around it.

Why Have you made it? matters

If you’re from the north, you’ll know: making it in any creative industry has always been harder up here. Whether it’s fashion, art, music, or writing, there’s a real divide, and too often, northern voices don’t get the spotlight they deserve.

But beyond the challenges, there’s an incredible richness of talent, community, and creativity across northern cities. What’s missing is the network — something that connects artists in Manchester to writers in Hull, or musicians in Leeds to designers in Newcastle. As one, the north could be its very own powerhouse that could potentially no longer rely on moving down to London to find creative opportunities. 

Have you made it? is about bridging those gaps. It’s about visibility, connection, and creating a space where different disciplines can meet, inspire each other, and thrive.

Follow UPNORF on Instagram for updates, featured creatives, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and more ways to connect with the community.

A podcast for northern creatives

You don’t need a huge following, a fancy studio, or a “big break” moment to be part of this. Have you made it? is for the artists who are grafting. The designers with side projects. The musicians playing small gigs. The writers filling notebooks. Anyone who’s making, creating, and building something meaningful.

If that’s you — or if you know someone who’d be perfect for the podcast — drop us an email at upnorfmag@gmail.com. Beth is always looking for new voices and new stories to share.

The first episode is just the beginning. In the upcoming episodes, Beth will be sitting down with an artist from Hull who has a studio above a coffee shop, a writer from Middlesborough who had to move to London to get a job in music journalism, a photographer from Whitby who lives the creative hub of York, and more — kicking off a season full of inspiring conversations you won’t want to miss.

Follow @UPNORF_ and join us on this journey as we celebrate the North’s incredible creative community.