New to the blog is an ongoing series on capturing my talented client’s stories. I’ll be chatting with my lovely clients and featuring their story every quarter sharing their business journey and photos from our shoot together. The ultimate collaboration! Grab a cuppa and have a read of one of my very first Client’s Stories…
I’ve worked with Nia for years now, and together we’ve built a collection of gorgeous imagery to reflect her unique brand and stunning feline inspired art. From Product photography in my studio to a Lifestyle shoot in her newly established shop front in Budleigh, we’ve had shoots galore!
Nia creates everything from greetings cards, prints, tote bags, enamel pins and cushions, as well as custom designs and prints for cat owners who want unique illustrations of their furry friends. A cat lovers heaven!
I’ve had a good chat with Nia from Niaski and asked her to tell me little more about her work. Keep reading to find our interview and photos from our shoots together.
After graduating from Falmouth University in 2008 as Graphic Designer, I worked mostly within the arts sector, designing marketing material, posters and print. It wasn’t until about 2014 when I took a screen-printing course I discovered that I enjoyed making work for myself and work that could potentially sell online. The course led me to create my Salvador Catli and Frida Catlo illustration in which I created tote bags and well the rest is history.
How would you best describe your style and work?
It’s bold, colourful, feline themed and full of humour.
Do you enjoy working as an independent business / freelancer?
Very much so, it’s been incredible to be your own boss, it’s also extremely hard too, especially when the sun comes out and all you want to do is sneak off to the beach and chill out.
Tricky question… do you have a favourite product?
My enamel pin designs are the products that kickstarted my whole business, I enjoy creating little wearable works of art.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I have a 4yr old and a business to juggle so a typical day is a hard one to pin down, but once the little one is sorted at nursery or childcare, it’s a 15min stroll to the studio along the seafront, I grab a coffee from my favourite café and then head to the shop, lights on and prep the orders for the day that need to be shipped out, whether that’s online shops such as ETSY or NOTHS or my wholesale side of the business through platforms like FAIRE.
How does your location inspire you?
Up until last year my entire business was being run from my spare room, but I realised I needed to separate business and home, so I decided to not only move to a studio/shop but also move location. I now have both shop and home in a beautiful seaside town and the location just allows me to enjoy any time I do get away from work.
What’s been a highlight in your business journey so far?
I think seeing my brand and my work stocked in some amazing places like, Anthropolgie, Urban Outfitters, Barnes & Noble and galleries such as The Andy Warhol Museum and the MOMA.
What does the next year hold for you?
I’m hoping to settle a bit more into my new routine of having a studio/shop, keep expanding on my current product range and have more fun in my new surroundings.
If you were to share any words of wisdom with readers looking to start a creative business, what would you say?
If you have the passion and the energy for it then just go for it, I worked every evening and weekend alongside my full-time job for years to build this business up to where it is now and at no point did it feel like a chore because it was something I absolutely loved and that’s how I knew I had to keep going and juggle and spin as many plates as I could, so that I could turn that passion into my business and my full-time job.
You can find Nia on Instagram or shop her gorgeous feline products from her online shop or drop in and say hi at Niaski, 32 Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 6NH.
