CORONAVIRUS - a brief pause for P&P

I just wanted to say P&P will be off for a couple of days - just whilst I make sure my family are all set up for the Coronavirus UK lockdown.

Many of us find ourselves in lockdown at the moment or in self isolation and will most likely be without paid work over the next few months. The one thing we can do is keep on designing and building our portfolios ready a time for when things do get better.

Maybe we can have a go at tackling some things we never had the time for when busy completing client work!

How about finally putting together that  Society6 shop or Spoonflower Shop you've always fancied? Just look at these examples below from Society6...

Preparing work for these online platforms takes quite some time, but needs no physical resources and can be done from home just using digital files. They can also be completed without any financial cost other than your time.
You probably wont expect to get any sales just now, but at least you will be ready for when things take a turn for the better.

Above : Artworks from Society6 Below : Fabrics on Spoonflower

Maybe now is also the time to indulge in that dream project you have always fancied doing but could never afford the time. Something big - like illustrating a kids book, or creating your own greetings card range.
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Other jobs that can be done include updating or creating your website, decorating/tidying your studio, revamping your logo/brand identity.
If you need inspo How to Style Your Brand is the best book I've read on this topic.

Top agent Lilla Rogers is offering a free course to help designers and over 9000 of you have already enrolled.
There are plenty of other fab courses to do as well if you have funds such as those by Victoria Johnson and Bonnie Christine.

If you are making products such as cards, cushions, wall art prints etc. why not use this sunny Spring/Summer at home to photograph them for your online shop or style them for Instagram. You'll then have lots of lovely bright snaps that you can still be posting right into the Autumn when days are too grey for photography.
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Make it in Design are recruiting people who can share their knowledge or teach their skills to others.
See the advert on the jobs board here.

Make it in Design are also offering a free course for anyone in need of help and ideas during this unsettling period. It will also be great for anyone home schooling children.
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I am certainly planning to do some decluttering in my home and studio during the lockdown!

The most important thing of course is to stay home to stop the virus spreading. Stay safe and protect yourself and your family.