Brainbox studios is a business aimed to help other companies become more known through things like designing logos for them and assisting them to build up their own independent websites, whether or not they are beginning from scratch or trying to gain a wider audience.
Each knew little about business when they began. They put plans into action by meeting up with government schemes and enterprise schemes which taught them the basics on business.
They began work by collaborating with Scarlet Moon Hair, and a local deli. These, including Rocky and Witness Skate and Surf were all companies they worked on branding for, designing their logos and websites for them.
Emma and Vik make a point of keeping up to date with things like modern technology, as another thing they specialise in is designing apps for companies, and helping them get started on social media sites.
They also work on promotional materials such as poster design for advertisements, badges and stickers. Both of them are strongly driven creatively, producing very inventive, creative and imaginative designs. They pride themselves in thinking outside of the box for new ideas and ways of promotion.
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| Example of their work for Scarlet Moon, found on the Brainbox Studios site |
Q&A with Emma:
Q: What made you decide upon opting for freelance?
A: I wanted to be my own boss and be in control of my work. I also didn't want to move down south, I wanted to promote the North and do positive things here.
Q: How could you afford it?
A: I had no funding or money and it was a nightmare. I was actually on the dole for 3/4 months in the beginning. I used my Mac to make websites and try to get out there. I advise you to try to take it slow though, there is no pressure. Take baby steps. Otherwise you may end up in trouble financially.
Q: What is the worst part of it, the least enjoyable?
A: I find the business side to be the worst part. We look very young and so do not always get taken seriously. People judge us on that, but we are driven, and want to prove people wrong.
Brainbox Studios plan to keep focussed and on top, and inform us that they sometimes find being themselves and being professional to be quite difficult.
They are also currently thinking of employing apprentices, however they work from home right now and are feeling reluctant to move out and find their own office, but with their workload growing they know that this will soon be necessary. Their workload means that at a minimum they are working for about 30 hours a week, but feel it is important to balance this around leisure time.
They both design and advise other companies on how to work. A way of working for them is by organising a plan for the week and writing them out on huge whiteboards that are kept within their office.
Their first ever client was a friend who gave them a chance at designing a flier, this was important for them as it gave them a foot in the door. Emma informed us that once your ability has been recognised, you have been given a chance.
She also told us that keeping up a discussions and therefore a connection with your client is important, as this helps to build up a relationship and trust. This is key, because it means that they are likely to return to your business in the future.
Some extra advice that she gave us within this lecture was to use contracts in your business, and to remember to add terms and conditions each time, this is highly important and will ensure that you wont be 'ripped off' in the industry.
Although Brainbox studios are mostly focussed on the graphic design side of things, I have found the experience of learning about them and the independent business ideas very interesting because it was something I had never before considered. Even though right now I don't particularly think it is something that I would be interested in doing upon leaving university, I do believe it to be something I should keep in mind.
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