Kelly is an illustrator and sole trader selling artwork and products as well as hosting creative workshops. Image Freelancer: Kelly Zou School: Edinburgh College of Art Three words to describe your entrepreneurial journey: Passionate. Challenging. Grateful. How did you come up with the idea? After six years of working in the IT industry I decided to make a change and come to the UK to pursue what I truly love. I studied MA Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art and I am now an illustrator. After graduating I registered as self employed and started doing commissions, attending art fairs and selling my work online and through local galleries and shops. I also run occasional workshops with organisations like HelloArt. What is the idea? To create meaningful and beautiful artworks that bring joy and inspiration, and which connect people. I aim to express my passion through art while also building a successful business. As an artist, my goal has always been to leave the world with something meaningful and beautiful. I aspire to bring smiles to people’s faces with my comics, create relatable experiences through my paintings and inspire others with my stories. Ultimately, I hope that my art can contribute to making the world a better place. What role has Edinburgh Innovations played in your entrepreneurial journey? Edinburgh Innovations has provided me with valuable guidance on running a business, and provided me with spaces where I can sell my artwork. Additionally, I presented at the Freelancer’s Workshop where I shared my business and freelance journey with other students. What’s next? I aim to expand my product range and to sell my works through galleries and shops outside of Edinburgh, as well as online. Additionally, I plan on running more workshops and to begin teaching online to reach audiences all around the world. Give entrepreneurship a go Inspired by Kelly's story? Why not try our Freelancer's Workshops? Learn the basics of how to become a freelancer or sole trader and discover the wider support available with our service and beyond. In this two-part series we will help you explore the possibility of becoming a freelancer or accelerating your already established freelancing journey. These workshops will give you insight into what it takes to become a successful freelancer including how to operate lawfully, marketing yourself and ensuring you get paid. Be part of it - book your place now Image This article was published on 2024-07-01
