Freelance graphic designer Laura Crane shares her thoughts on establishing a good work space When I first started freelancing I worked from my home office. Although it was small, and far from glamorous, it suited me well and I spent eight happy months there with my cat sitting on my lap and occasionally walking across the keyboard (most awkward when I was Skyping clients!) When business picked up, I decided to move out to Duke Studios in Leeds. Lots of people I’d met at networking events had told me about the advantages of a co-working space so I thought I’d give it a go. I immediately fell in love with the bright, open space and friendly collaborative atmosphere. With so many talented and successful people running their own businesses there, I knew I could gain a lot of inspiration working alongside them. There is such a fantastic supportive design community in Leeds (and across the whole of the UK) and being in a co-working space like Dukes has put me at the centre of that. To be honest I’ve never looked back. There’s always someone to bounce ideas off and plenty of opportunities to get involved in creative events. Having people around me makes it easy to remember to take breaks too. If you work from home you can always set little reminders on your computer to take a breather, stretch, go for a walk and eat.
“friendly
collaborative atmosphere”
“plenty of
opportunities to get involved in
creative events” One big lesson I’ve learnt from working at home, and co-working, is that it’s vital to make your space comfortable. Bad posture and poor seating in the past has given me lots of back pain so now I try and take much better care of myself.
Website: www.intrepidgraphics.co.uk 90
“it’s vital to
make your space comfortable”