New year new website!
New website, new blog! I’m going to be using my website to blog monthly (hopefully) about business life, any new projects I think you might find interesting and some behind the scenes into my life. I hope you’ll enjoy and follow along!
For a long time (nearly 8 years!) my website was built around selling products. Prints, illustrated designs, tea towels, mugs, coasters and more. When my business first started, it was perfect for me, I was sharing my work, building my confidence, and finding my feet as an illustrator.
But over the last few years, my business has changed massively, and my old website no longer reflected what I actually do day to day.
When an online shop no longer works..
My previous website was built on Shopify and centred around products. It worked well for selling my illustrated products, but as my work evolved, it didn’t show the whole business. The projects I was most proud of murals, workshops, live illustration and the community led work didn’t have a portfolio or place to live other than my instagram or Linkedin.
I wasn’t solely making things to sell anymore, I was working with people and my website needed to reflect that.
Schools, community groups, councils, charities, businesses, collaborating, listening, drawing live, and creating work that couldn’t all fit onto a product page.
How my business has changed..
My work is much more service based over the past few years, I work as an illustrator for hire on projects such as
Community murals
Illustration workshops for schools and groups
Live illustration and visual note taking at events and Weddings
Collaborative projects with organisations and local communities
A big part of my practice is about connection helping people feel seen, heard, and involved through drawing. Whether that’s a child picking up a paintbrush for the first time or a room full of people watching their ideas come to life visually.
I needed a website that showed that so I decided to stop putting it off and create one!
Why I moved from Shopify to Squarespace..
This change in my business is why I chose to move my website to Squarespace. I wanted a platform that show cased my work one that focused on storytelling, imagery, and process rather than products, my shopify website has done me proud for so many years and I’m so proud of what me (and my husband) designed with no clue of what we were doing but it was time for a change!
As a service based illustrator, it’s more important for potential clients to understand
How it feels to work with me
The types of projects I take on
The impact illustration can have in real spaces and communities
This website is built to show that more clearly, making it easier for people to explore my services, view past projects, and get in touch.
Making it easier for the right people to find me..
This new website is also about ease. If you’re looking to commission an illustrator, book an artist for a workshop, or work with a community focused mural artist, I want you to quickly understand if I’m the right fit.
I’m based in the UK and work across Stoke-on-Trent and beyond, partnering with schools, organisations, and communities who value creativity, collaboration, and accessibility.
Moving forward..
I’ll still be sharing illustrated products, but they’re no longer the centre of my business. This website reflects where I am now and the kind of work I want to grow more of.
If you’re interested in working together, I’d love you to explore my services or get in touch. And if you’re a fellow creative or just interested in art, business life or being a Mum then follow along.
Happy New Year ducks!
Chloë x