13AM Studio

We’re currently at 147/195 countries in Project 195. What’s left isn’t random, it highlights how the world is connected, and where it isn’t. That’s why we’re building @13amStudio to connect those gaps. The first phase was about momentum. This next stretch is about precision and the final 13 will be about going there in person. Africa (17 remaining) A large portion of what’s left sits across Africa, countries like Chad, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau and Niger. Not because of a lack of creativity, it’s there in abundance, something already proven by the 37 African countries we’ve brought into the project so far. The challenge is visibility and access. Many of these countries aren’t present on the platforms we typically rely on, or accessible through the same routes that worked earlier in the project. It forces a shift towards building connections through people, communities, and networks on the ground. And in many ways, it reinforces exactly why 13AM exists, to create more connectivity and opportunity across regions that are often overlooked. Asia (10 remaining) Across Asia, the challenge becomes more complex. Missing countries such as Bangladesh and Iraq have growing creative scenes, but with more limited global exposure or pathways into international platforms. Others present entirely different barriers. In places like North Korea, access is extremely restricted, making direct outreach exceptionally difficult. Even in countries like Bhutan or Timor-Leste, the challenge is less about talent and more about finding a way in. At this stage, it becomes less about searching, and more about understanding how to reach. Europe (6 remaining) In Europe, it flips again. Remaining countries such as Andorra, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Monaco, are microstates. It’s not about finding communities, it’s about identifying individuals. Vatican City, the smallest recognised country in the world, presents an even more specific challenge. The pool of people is incredibly small, and therefore the creative landscape is naturally limited. South America (4 remaining) Across South America, Guyana, along with Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Saint Kitts and Nevis, the challenge becomes more about connection. These regions are rich in culture and creativity, but often underrepresented on global platforms. Discovery here relies far less on traditional channels, and far more on word of mouth, personal networks, and local knowledge. Oceania (11 remaining) In Oceania, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and others present a different kind of challenge altogether. Geography becomes the main barrier. These are remote island nations, often with smaller populations, limited connectivity, and fewer direct links to global creative platforms. In some cases, the digital presence is minimal, which makes discovery significantly harder. The project hasn’t changed, but the challenge has. 35 to go. Then the final 13. #13AM #Project195 #Art #Creative #Inspiration #Community #StartUp

Building 13AM | Week 1 Today is my first day working full-time on @13amStudio For the past couple of years, I’ve been building this alongside full-time roles, most recently as Head of Content at Colchester United, juggling early mornings, late nights and every spare minute to keep things moving. Now it has my full attention. Over the past couple of years, 13AM has grown into a global creative community of over 300 artists across the world. The ambition now is to become the first creative movement in history to unite artists from every single country on Earth. We’re currently at 146/195. The next target is 182 by the beginning of June. From there, the plan is to travel to the final 13 countries to complete the project in person. That’s where things get real. And to make that happen, one of the immediate priorities is securing sponsorship and partners who want to be part of something genuinely global, positive and inclusive in an increasingly divided world. At the same time, I’ll be ramping things up across content. More video, more storytelling, and a much bigger focus on documenting the journey. Daily short-form content, with weekly long-form YouTube videos starting very soon. My aim is to build 13AM into a global brand and creative movement, documenting the entire process along the way. The reality is, this will be the most challenging project I’ve ever attempted. The odds are stacked against us in more ways than one. But I believe in what we’re building. Over the next year, it’s all or nothing. I’ll be documenting everything here as it unfolds. 36 countries to go. Then the final 13! #13AM #Project195 #Art #Creative #Inspiration #Community #StartUp