MIDLE was founded by Luke Savage, a York-based graphic designer, editor and MA Graphic Design student. The project grew from Luke’s experience of working simultaneously across academic study, freelance design and professional creative practice. While developing his own career, he became increasingly aware that the transition beyond education was rarely determined by creative ability alone. Students and graduates were often expected to understand portfolios, applications, professional communication, networking and industry expectations without always being given clear or accessible ways to develop those skills. Luke began investigating that experience through his postgraduate research at York St John University. The research gradually moved beyond defining the problem and towards creating a public platform that could respond to it. As Founder, Editor and Creative Director, Luke has led MIDLE’s research, identity, editorial direction, contributor communication, publication design, website development and early partnerships. MIDLE remains founder-led, but its purpose extends beyond one person. Its future is being developed through the involvement of contributors, advisers, educators, studios, venues and organisations committed to supporting emerging creative practice.