roofs | design + illustration

I really wanted to go into business to take charge of my finances. Also, for a designer to work directly with a client, is an excellent opportunity to develop more skills, and deliver far more personalised solutions.  It also offers far more freedom and creativity, and means more time for developing personal projects; you can plan them to suit your schedule and family.

Although I really lacked self-esteem at the time, and wasn’t sure if running a business was really for me, I approached HBV Enterprise because designers are expected to know about the marketing, advertising and accounting necessary to run a business, and my arts education, although good, hadn’t given me any of that.

HBV told me about the New Entrepreneur Scholarship (NES) and so I plucked up the courage to apply in competition with everyone else.  I was offered a place, although at the time I wasn’t sure if I would even make it through the full NES programme, which offers a lot of support, because of my lack of confidence.

However, with the support of HBV and NES, my questions were answered and doubts challenged.  I got all the help I needed to develop my business plan, and successfully win a business start-up grant.  So I decided to go for it.  I also met some really inspiring people, and enlarged my network of contacts.  As a result, I now feel far more confident and secure as a person and a freelancer.

I think the UK is an amazing place to start a business, because of all the help and resources that are there. Also I feel the financial systems are very much on my side.  The first tax return was a surprisingly easy; I did it on-line and it took me just few minutes.

Of course there are challenges; it’s like doing two jobs at the same time, and that’s without being a Mum as well.  Also, the never-ending chase for new customers and commissions can be exhausting. Some graphic designers working for big companies are on the edge of leaving their jobs but still feel too safe, and scared to look into taking the risk I took, but for me it really worked.  I have freedom of expression, one-to-one contact with my clients, choice about how and when I work, and full control over my life and finances.

My main business services are print and web graphic design services, and print and web publishing. I take a project from the draft to final delivery to customer’s door or screen, making sure of a high quality job. The next step for me is to have an HBV Business Review to look at how I can expand and network into new fields like magazine and book illustration and design. So, the future for me is looking good.

My advice would be to any woman thinking of going into business and that’s simple: Just go ahead!