2023 was a great year where I finally made significant strides on some goals that had been on my to do list for years.

On reflection, I put this down to the combination of two things; setting some time aside at the start of the year to get to grips with my time management and the confidence and clarity I gained whilst developing my own brand identity.

For as long as I can remember I have struggled to manage my own time, simultaneously planning to achieve everything, whilst complaining that my busy diary was the cause of my failing to do so.

I had had enough of being a victim and the long and short of what I learnt at the start of the year is that I had been setting unachievable goals which in turn had been demotivating me, eroding my confidence and burning me out.

This realisation saw a new attitude of consistent and steady progress and in the spirit of that, my work highlights from the year consist of exciting but unfinished projects.

Here are the 4 exciting new ventures I started in 2023…

1. Bringing my own brand

In the 12 years I have been working, predominantly as a signwriter, I briefly had 50 business cards once. Otherwise, I have relied on word of mouth to advertise Small Type Studio.

I always knew I wanted to build an epic brand and branch out as a more complete design studio. I knew it started with creating my visual identity and going through the branding process but a lack of confidence was holding me back. In many ways, I was also waiting for permission. From whom, I am not sure, I am my own boss after all!

In the end, I gave myself the green light and as I went through the branding process my confidence grew. It was so satisfying to see my social media visuals and my website represent me and my business. As well as looking good, the process also helped me to clarify my goals, mission and direction.

Now I understand that my business is focused on supporting independent businesses with great design that helps their unique personalities stand out. Hand lettering is a big part of this because it has such a powerful ability to convey personality but it is not the business's objective.

This subtle change in the way I frame my objective has allowed me to offer much better solutions to my clients and has given me the all clear to launch new services such as visual identity design, CNC signage and display products, with many more avenues floating around my consciousness for the future.

With the foundation of the Small Type brand and identity now in existence I am very much looking forward to building on it in the future with advice for independent business owners, inspiring quotes and fun illustrations across my socials, in addition to new services and products.

2. Expanding my services back to graphic design

Not only did I create my own visual identity but I also created a visual identity for children’s safety trailer company Conker of Cambridge.

I loved jumping back into the world of graphic and visual identity design, combining it with the lettering and layout knowledge I've gained from a decade of signwriting and creating more comprehensive design work that tells my client's stories.

Spring 2024 is when I'll officially roll out my design packages, and I am excited to give other businesses the confidence and clarity of a visual identity!

3. The Studio Under The Birch Tree

Another very exciting plan came to fruition last year, my partner, Henry started building an epic studio space for me at the bottom of our garden.

I feel so lucky and slightly overwhelmed, there's plenty to sort out on top of a house that's being renovated but I'm embracing the child in me who spent most days organising her belongings and I am sorting through my art supplies and old sketches to make way for all the new work that will be happening in there.

Major bonus, this new studio will look over my garden and if you follow me on my socials, you know how much I love to garden, another project very much gaining momentum!

4. Things are getting a little sweeter around here…

As well as building my studio, a few years back, Henry built a CNC machine.

A CNC machine is a computer programmed machine that can cut and carve wood. We knew this was going to be a game changer for both of our businesses but the possibilities were endless and so since then, we've been knee-deep in sketches, 3D models, prototypes and ONE fully functional tabletop candy cart!

Eventually, we will collaborate to release a series of display products for shopkeepers and market sellers, starting with this little cart.

As well as prototyping some products to sell, we have started producing more CNC signs for clients which I see this becoming a larger share of my sign business in the future as it opens up options for 3D, shaped and carved signs.

Over to you…

So there you have it, my 4 highlights for 2023! If you would like to stay up to date with any of the new services and products mentioned in this blog, why not sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Instagram?

I would love to know what excites you the most about my current ventures, what you got up to in 2023 or what big tasks you’re struggling to get the motivation for. Head to my Instagram @smalltype.studio and let me know!