As the nation gradually emerges from lockdown, many people are looking at huge changes in the way they live and work.
Simple activities, like shopping and socialising that we have always taken for granted are now either more difficult, impracticable or sometimes even downright impossible. As ‘normal’ life returns, we have an opportunity to be the architect of a new ‘normal’.
You may have used the enforced confinement and free time to rediscover an old hobby or even learn one from scratch. You may also have found that you have a real talent for it and wish you could do more of it, even to the extent of finding a way of using it to earn a living in this new world.
For those with a talent for art, graphic design, photography and upholstery there is a very real possibility of earning cash by creating physical products with your images.
The demand for cushions, mugs and many other products with unique designs or photographs on them has rapidly increased and by incorporating your own unique designs, you are creating your own unique brand and, with the right products, you can create your own saleable product range.
Anthony Devine is an experienced upholsterer with his own school in Manchester, the Ministry of Upholstery. He explains how at the start of lockdown he brought his 24” Epson SC-F500 printer and a 50cm by 50cm heat press home and set it up on his dining table.
He then set about creating a unique range of cushion covers displaying rainbow designs sent to him by proud parents and selling them to raise money for NHS charities.
He says, “At 24 inches wide, the Epson SC-F500 fits easily on a normal desk, or even the dining room table. It is also perfect for transferring those overnight designs into samples ready to put in the morning post or take to that important meeting. With a little practice, you will soon also be able to design, print and makes cushions or lampshades or other home accessories.”
Newcastle based Your Print Specialists (YPS) has set up a unique initiative called the Your Print Institute. These are hubs based around the country with specialist Ambassadors, like Anthony Devine, who are helping to drive the new revolution of home-working creative people and supporting them to achieve their dreams. YPS has developed a range of flexible bundles specifically designed to allow creative people to get creative and make money. The bundles include a printer, heat press, sewing machine, starter packs of material and a range of expert advice, training and support. They are ready to use straight out the box.
Alison Murray is another person who has developed their love of photography and art into a potential new business. She takes photographs of smoke and uses software to turn these into unique, string images. To turn this into a potential on-line giftware business, Alison investigated her options for printing onto various products, from canvas and metal to cushions, mugs and coasters.
“I received a lot of excellent help, advice and encouragement from YPS and I have to say the Epson printer is perfect for me. It is very easy to use and the colours are incredible.
I am still in the early stages of using the printer, but I am really looking forward to taking advantage of all the options it gives me.”
Anthony adds, “Technology like the Epson SC-F500 simply did not exist when I first started my career over 25 years ago. So to have this technology in your home and be able to be so reactive is amazing. The opportunities it presents to a start-up business from your kitchen table, spare bedroom or garage rivals any professional printers in quality, beats them on delivery lead times and above all; costs. A number of large print companies don't encourage or support young designers or small print runs, which is another huge benefit of working with YPS and Epson.”
If you would like to learn more about how you can take your creative talents and turn them into a profitable home business, check out YPS' Business in a Box.
