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10 years of unemployment.
Absolutely flown by since I quit a job I hated, went off, and started a studio with friends.
Here’s some things I’ve learnt along the way, along with some questionable style choices.
Absolutely flown by since I quit a job I hated, went off, and started a studio with friends.
Here’s some things I’ve learnt along the way, along with some questionable style choices.
Firstly, don’t get too caught up in other people’s advice, do things your way. Make your mistakes, learn from them.
And dance, like no one is watching
And dance, like no one is watching
23 was probably too young to have a team and be a Creative Director. Managed it, did my best, and learnt A LOT. But more time developing would have likely been more beneficial, so whilst everyone’s eager, slow down, relax, you’ll get there.
Be creative in everything. Maybe.
Say yes to anything, initially.
There’s a steep learning curve on the basics of running a business, and dealing with clients (good and bad) taking on anything allows you to learn faster, the things you like and want, and vice versa.
There’s a steep learning curve on the basics of running a business, and dealing with clients (good and bad) taking on anything allows you to learn faster, the things you like and want, and vice versa.
Once you’ve learnt these things, learn to say No.
It’s fine, you’re doing them, and you a favour.
It’s fine, you’re doing them, and you a favour.
Still, try things.
Figure out what works for you.
Like creating a t shirt brand. It worked, for a bit.
Figure out what works for you.
Like creating a t shirt brand. It worked, for a bit.
I once stayed at work until 3am and then was back in at 7am.
Don’t do this, it didn’t change my career, it wasn’t worth burning out for.
Instead, rest. Go again.
Don’t do this, it didn’t change my career, it wasn’t worth burning out for.
Instead, rest. Go again.
Have a guitar handy so you can make up songs whilst you work.
(And probably be the best undiscovered band in the world)
(And probably be the best undiscovered band in the world)
When getting a studio, use all the space you have, if you don’t use it, downsize. This is not a step back, it’s smart.
(We had a whole house and used pretty much 1 room, did absolutely love the building though - Viva Victoria Road!)
(We had a whole house and used pretty much 1 room, did absolutely love the building though - Viva Victoria Road!)
If you buy cheap, you often buy twice.
Have the best time with your teams. It helps everyone.
And it's these moments you'll cherish the most.
And it's these moments you'll cherish the most.
Build a culture where everyone believes anything is possible.
Dreams do come true.
Dreams do come true.
This is purely here to remember when we could go on trains.
Pause and invest time into archiving/ documenting your work.
So many things i don’t have, as I was busy caught up in the next thing - Eg. 4 years ago I was exhibiting at London Design Week, and have zero good photos, only this.
This burns me.
So many things i don’t have, as I was busy caught up in the next thing - Eg. 4 years ago I was exhibiting at London Design Week, and have zero good photos, only this.
This burns me.
Get an accountant
Always, always, double check with your accountant, never think you know.
Bigger clients, does not automatically mean better work.
You can be super creative with small budgets too.
You can be super creative with small budgets too.
Look for anyway to encourage fun and play within your space, to let off steam.
We reinvented darts.
Think the whole team will stand by it being the greatest sport known to the galaxy.
We reinvented darts.
Think the whole team will stand by it being the greatest sport known to the galaxy.
If things arn’t right, change it, faster.
We eventually got to a point where we closed the studio, it wasn’t working for some of the directors, who wanted to pursue other things, which is great! But we stayed probably longer than we needed to, out of respect for each other.
We eventually got to a point where we closed the studio, it wasn’t working for some of the directors, who wanted to pursue other things, which is great! But we stayed probably longer than we needed to, out of respect for each other.
On this, closing something, doesn’t mean it’s failed.
We were in a good spot, it just wasn’t quite ticking all the boxes for everyone - which is life, and completely normal
Focus on, and enjoy the great memories and experience you’ll have.
We were in a good spot, it just wasn’t quite ticking all the boxes for everyone - which is life, and completely normal
Focus on, and enjoy the great memories and experience you’ll have.
Having partners brings a different, collaborative dynamic - running solo can be faster, but you can get bogged down with decisions without a sounding board, if you’re someone who really struggles with that, maybe considering teaming up. Avengers!
Finally, getting drunk on the first day at work, was absolutely the right way to start a business.
To those who have been part of the ride so far, thank you, so much 
Here's to the next 10 years.
Off for a little cry now.
Here's to the next 10 years.Off for a little cry now.
