News: Hollie’s designs are Jolly Good!
Well done to College alumna Hollie who’s quick thinking saw her timely themed Christmas cards drum up a lot of positive attention on social media last week – with some of her designs going viral!
Hollie progressed through a range of courses at the college and graduated with a First-Class Honours in Digital Media Design after also completing her top-up degree with us. After completing her studies, she set up her own her own business creating bespoke prints and cards.
CaliPrintsByHollie has gone from strength to strength and not only is she a top-rated seller on creative selling platform Etsy, her creations have been causing a stir online for all the right reasons! Last week some of her lock-down themed Christmas card designs went viral as she put her creative twist on Boris Johnson’s latest round of announcements, turning them into humorous Christmas cards and the orders have since been flooding in.
Hollie tells us how the courses she studied with us helped her gain the skills and confidence to go it solo, and she hasn’t looked back since.
College gave me the confidence to design confidently and start my own business which has gone from strength to strength during lockdown.
Hollie Robinson — CaliPrintsByHollie.
What made you decide to set up your own business?
After finishing my course, I decided to freelance as a way to fill time and build experience whilst looking for a job. Whilst freelancing I came across Etsy and saw the opportunity to make money from my designs. Initially I started off with prints and these took off immediately. As this progressed, I decided to venture into card making and I haven’t looked back since.
How did your courses at the college help and inspire you to be where you are now?
Initially my course helped me with the basic tools I needed to get started. As I progressed through the different levels, college helped me start by business by giving me the platform to be able to design confidently and sell my products to the public.
What has the response been to your business?
Since I started CaliprintsByHollie in 2018 I’ve had lots of interest, both on Etsy and private orders too. My Etsy shop just keeps growing and growing and I am so excited to see what the coming years will bring.
Over the past year and during lockdown my business has thrived and is becoming even bigger. I have hundreds of new designs and I am so thankful to be doing so well during such hard times.
What are your top tips for creative students wanting to set up their own businesses?
To start your own business, you must be dedicated and believe in what you’re selling. Start simple and don’t over complicate things – I started with a much smaller product range than I have now and then expanded as time went on.
Understanding how to find solutions to problems is key. To do this you need to be present, always put in 110% and prepare yourself to deal with setbacks and criticism.
Most importantly though, you must enjoy what you are doing!
Take a look at Hollie’s designs on her Etsy shop or Instagram page.
Published on:
- 30th November 2020 (3:49 PM)
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