Artistic inspiration pays off for designer hit by job loss

Jan 13 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A NORTH Shields artist has turned a blank canvas into a work of art after seeking help from Business Link to launch It's Your Picture, an e-commerce business specialising in photo to canvas gifts.

After being made redundant from his role as a graphic designer, David Seagrave Hindmarch saw an opportunity to make the most of a difficult situation and fulfil his self-employment dream.

David explains: “Being made redundant was tough but I’m not the type to sit back and wait for things to happen, so I started to investigate opportunities to set up my own business in the creative field.

“By using software that helps transform photos into oil paintings I found there was an opportunity to set up a business that complemented my interest in photography, graphic design and art.”

David was keen that his new venture got off to the best possible start and so contacted Business Link for advice and guidance.

Support has covered all areas of starting up a business including business planning, ideas for cost-effective marketing, cashflow forecasting and pricing structures. Business Link adviser Paul Brown was also able to assist the business in accessing funds from the North East England Investment Centre towards the development of the e-commerce website and helped David to source a website developer via the North East England Service Provider Register.

David added: “The support I’ve had from Business Link has been priceless. Paul was able to help me to work out a strategy to get the product to market and was invaluable in helping me to not only get the website up and running, but to develop a fantastic brand for the business.

“In the early stages it was sometimes difficult to stay positive, especially with a family to support, but Paul was fantastic in helping me to stay focused as he totally believed in me and in the concept.”

The website www.itsyourpicture.co.uk officially launched at the beginning of December and is already attracting a high volume of inquiries on a daily basis from across the UK.

As the business develops Paul hopes to employ two members of staff.