HANNAH SHARP

We got the pleasure to do an interview with Hannah Sharp, who is a participant in our Dig Deep Program. We explored why she wanted to take part in the Dig Deep Program, her new business and how she has found building her business.

Can you introduce yourself - your name and what you do? 

I’m Hannah Sharp and I am a Belfast-based freelance designer and illustrator.

Why did you want to take part in the Dig Deep Programme? 

I was really excited about the opportunity to develop my own business while networking with other talented local creatives!

What is the new business that you have been developing? 

I have been working on building a business around my personal brand in order to create and sell nicely illustrated, sustainably made printed products. I also wanted to explore new ways of developing my freelance design and illustration practice.

What has been your biggest hurdle since you started your business? 

I think the Coronavirus lockdown and its effect on just about everything has been the biggest hurdle! From affecting the supply chain to its effect on mental health, I think it has been a bit of a weird time for a lot of businesses as well as individuals.

How do you see your business developing in the future? 

I think I’m going to continue to explore the direction I want to take my business in and build it up at a pace that suits me. It’s been a goal of mine to develop new products and open an Etsy store, so I’m working towards that goal!

What misconceptions did you have about starting your own business? 

I think one of the biggest misconceptions I had is that there was a time limit, and I had to get everything done now, otherwise, it would be too late. I’m slowly learning that it’s better for me to take my time and build a business that is more sustainable, instead of throwing everything I have into a business right now, not thinking it through properly and burning out.

What have you learnt about yourself since starting the programme? 

I’ve learned a lot about how who I am as a person and my values translate into my business. I think the exercises I did on the Dig Deep programme to determine both my values and the values of my business have really helped me out in a lot of ways. These have really been my compass if I have gotten lost in what I want to do or what direction I want to take my work.

What/who influences/motivates you? 

I am motivated by my desire to learn new skills or to learn something I haven’t tried before! I have always been in love with art and design, so I think my creativity has really driven me to explore and create new work.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far since starting your business? 

I think my biggest accomplishment is that despite the troubles of this past year, I am still pushing forward as a creative. I can take the skills that Dig Deep has taught me and continue to apply them to this business or other professional creative endeavours I have in the future.

What have you learnt about your business in the last 3 months? 

It can’t be my business without me. So I need to look after myself first and foremost. I also need to establish what I value and what is important to me, because it is a really strong foundation to build a business from.

What things are you going to implement in your business in 2021? 

I am going to continue to build my creative practice through my freelance work while also maintaining a focus on my mental health.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Find the fun in whatever it is you do! I was so ambitious and focused when I was younger, I sometimes forgot to enjoy the process of whatever I was doing. To be honest, it’s something I’m still working on! But it's so important to enjoy yourself in what you do. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, can you change it? Or can you find a way to enjoy it?

Where can people find you online?

@hannahlizsharp on Instagram, hannahsharp.co.uk online!