Why I started my business

I’ve always believed that every design has a story to tell, no matter how simple. Visual storytelling speaks a language that transcends words, whether it’s an illustration of a dog that captures its bright personality or a portrait that holds a quiet memory of a loved one. It’s universal. It’s emotional. It connects. That belief is at the very heart of why I started my illustration and graphic design business: to help people express ideas and stories through visuals that are deeply personal, meaningful, and lasting.

Art has always been part of me

Art has always been a large part of my life. My childhood was filled with drawings for family members, though one of my favorite memories is how I used to sneak stick figure drawings into their luggage. I loved the idea of surprising someone with a small piece of my tiny imagination. It still makes me laugh thinking about it.

Later on, I took art as a subject in high school and loved every minute of it. It was the one class that never felt like work. When it came time to choose a career path, I knew I wanted to do something in the creative industry, something that would let me continue nurturing that passion for art.

But after finishing university, I hit a wall. I found myself stuck trying to close the gap between my education and the professional world. That’s when I came across The Curious Academy and decided to enroll in their digital marketing short course. It turned out to be a great turning point for me. Surrounded by passionate small business owners and supported by the lovely Louize (a mentor who left a real mark on me), I had a light bulb moment. With a little bit of guidance and a leap of confidence, I finally said the words that had been sitting with me for a while: "I’m starting my own business".

A moment at the Curious Lounge, where a brewed coffee sparks creativity.

A love for Art and Design

Graphic design gave me the tools, and Illustration gave me a voice. Together, they became a way to capture meaning, emotion, and identity. I’ve always been drawn to the idea that a design isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about what it holds. A design can carry memory, personality, and values. That’s what I love most, it is endless, turning those intangible things into visuals that resonate.

Whether I’m working on a personal commission or a playful illustration, I see every project as an opportunity to tell a story in a way that words sometimes can’t.

Navigating the unknown

Starting a business wasn’t / isn't easy. One of the biggest challenges was simply finding my way, learning how to trust my instincts, putting my work out there, and embracing the unknown.

With support from people around me, I started stepping out of my comfort zone and discovering that growth doesn’t come from perfection, it comes from doing. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is: just start. Fear might always be in the background, but the moment you move anyway, you begin creating something real, and that’s where the magic begins.

Looking ahead

My vision for the future is simple: to keep creating art that connects. I want to collaborate with individuals and businesses to help bring their stories to life through illustration and graphic design. Whether it’s a small detail that matters only to them or a business asset that helps them show up in the world with confidence, I want to be part of that journey. No two stories or designs are the same, and that’s what keeps this work so fulfilling.

Let’s create together

If you have a story to share, a memory to capture, a brand to build, or even just an idea you want to explore, I’d love to help you bring it to life through thoughtful, creative design. Whether it’s for personal use or your business, let’s create something that feels honest, beautiful, and uniquely you. You can check out my work or reach out to start a project at https://www.kirstenbdesigns.co.uk/ .