Life’s SECOND ACT, curated.

A space for RE-INVENTION, INTERNAL ARCHITECTURE and the spirit of EXPLORATION.

Championing the INDEPENDENTS.

With NORTHERN soul…

Life, Well-Adjusted

Featured
FINDING TRUE NORTH: The Second Act
FINDING TRUE NORTH: The Second Act

Standing at a crossroads at 56? Damien Wilkinson explores the "Second Act" of life—trading a 35-year finance career for creative writing and personal reinvention.

SETTING THE COMPASS: The North of Here Charter
SETTING THE COMPASS: The North of Here Charter

Not a retirement, but a step-up. Damien Wilkinson presents the North of Here Charter—a 6-point manifesto for authenticity, curiosity, and creativity in the Second Act.

LIFE, WELL ADJUSTED: A Year With A Rescue Dog
LIFE, WELL ADJUSTED: A Year With A Rescue Dog

Thinking of adopting? Read Damien Wilkinson's heart-warming journey of re-homing Jasper, a Show Cocker Spaniel, via Spaniel Aid, and their life in the Yorkshire Dales.

Featured
BETWEEN THE LINES: Patrick Grant, Less
BETWEEN THE LINES: Patrick Grant, Less

Is our love for fast fashion a crisis? Damien Wilkinson reviews "Less" by Patrick Grant. Explore the history of craft and why "buying well" matters more than ever.

SIGN POSTS: The Mixtape
SIGN POSTS: The Mixtape

A deep dive into the analogue era of the mixtape. Damien Wilkinson explores the nostalgia of TDK tapes and his 5-year tradition of romantic monthly compilations.

BETWEEN THE LINES: Austin Kleon’s Steal Like An Artist Trilogy
BETWEEN THE LINES: Austin Kleon’s Steal Like An Artist Trilogy

Stop waiting, start creating. Damien Wilkinson reviews Austin Kleon’s "Steal Like An Artist" trilogy—the essential guide for anyone looking to show their work.

BETWEEN THE LINES: Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being
BETWEEN THE LINES: Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being

More than a music memoir. Damien Wilkinson explores Rick Rubin’s "The Creative Act," a succinct guide to the creative process and an essential toolkit for life.

BETWEEN THE LINES: Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
BETWEEN THE LINES: Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

A shepherd's journey and a career pivot. Damien Wilkinson reviews Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist and explores how its message of following dreams rings true today.

THE SOUNDBOARD: A 2025 Music Review
THE SOUNDBOARD: A 2025 Music Review

From the New York swagger of Geese to the operatic scale of Rosalía’s LUX, Damien Wilkinson reviews the standout albums and rising stars of 2025.

FIELD NOTES: Father John Misty, Royal Albert Hall, 15th April 2025
FIELD NOTES: Father John Misty, Royal Albert Hall, 15th April 2025

A night of "tasteful splendour." Damien Wilkinson reviews Father John Misty’s sold-out debut at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring a full performance of Mahashmashana.

FIELD NOTES: Billy Joel, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, 9th August 2024
FIELD NOTES: Billy Joel, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, 9th August 2024

A legendary "One Night Only" event. Damien Wilkinson reviews Billy Joel’s first-ever Cardiff show, featuring Chris Isaak and a surprise appearance from Joel’s daughters.

Ink & Audio

Wayfaring Gear

Featured
VISION ON: A Life in Sharp Focus
VISION ON: A Life in Sharp Focus

A camera journey across generations. Damien Wilkinson explores his family’s photographic legacy in Bradford and his return to "proper" gear with the Fuji X-T30 III.

WAYFARING GEAR: Edwin Jeans - Big In Japan
WAYFARING GEAR: Edwin Jeans - Big In Japan

Elevating the everyday. Damien Wilkinson reviews the Edwin "Made In Japan" range, featuring denim from world-renowned mills like Nihon Menpu and Kaihara.

WAYFARING GEAR: Dr Martens Made In England
WAYFARING GEAR: Dr Martens Made In England

Heritage on your feet. Damien Wilkinson reviews the Dr Martens Made In England (MIE) range, crafted in the original Wollaston factory using premium Quilon leather.

WAYFARING GEAR: Hestra Gloves - In Good Hands
WAYFARING GEAR: Hestra Gloves - In Good Hands

From Swedish lumberjacks to the Yorkshire Dales. Damien Wilkinson reviews the Hestra Wakayama and Deerskin models—an investment in craftsmanship and warmth.

Featured
WAYPOINTS: The Record Cafe, Bradford
WAYPOINTS: The Record Cafe, Bradford

A sanctuary for audiophiles and ale enthusiasts. Damien Wilkinson reviews The Record Café on North Parade—Bradford's iconic hub for vinyl, craft beer, and tapas.

WAYPOINTS: The Mess Room, Skipton
WAYPOINTS: The Mess Room, Skipton

A Grade II listed fire station turned bohemian music hub. Damien Wilkinson reviews The Mess Room in Skipton, featuring the "Big Mess" gig space and local craft taps.

WAYPOINTS: Victoria Hall, Settle
WAYPOINTS: Victoria Hall, Settle

A jewel in Settle’s crown. Damien Wilkinson reviews the historic Victoria Hall (est. 1853), a vibrant independent charity venue for music, theatre, and community life.

WAYPOINTS: Tiny Rebel, Cardiff
WAYPOINTS: Tiny Rebel, Cardiff

Liquid treasure in an old vault. Damien Wilkinson reviews Tiny Rebel Cardiff—the neon-soaked home of Clwb Tropica and American soul food right next to the stadium.

Waypoints