Celebrate – 1st June 2022 marks the 9th Birthday of DesignR Studio, it seems just a few years ago I left my design job and decided to go freelance. Daunting and risky as it seemed at the time, it’s been incredibly hard work and with multiple unpaid hours put in, it’s all been worth it. There have been peaks and troughs but I am proud to have continued to develop and evolve the business, working with an array of local companies. 

The covid pandemic has been the biggest challenge so far, with businesses working from home and marketing budgets slashed. It was a frightening time for me as a small business owner that relies on working with other businesses, but through gritted teeth and the support of friends and family, we stuck it out. Lots of other small businesses didn’t make it through the other side, so I am proud to still be here with DesignR Studio. 

With Thanks – Huge thanks to all of my clients past and present and a special thanks to those who I have worked with and continue to work with from the early days. Thank you again… for the continued trust you have put in my brand and business. My ongoing success relies on the loyalty and support of clients like you 

I look forward to more enjoyable business experiences with you. I sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence you have in DesignR Studio and look forward to working with you on your next design, marketing, or print project.

Cherished collaboration – A special appreciation goes to the small network of trusted collaborators that I have built working relationships with and more importantly friendships with over the years, without the technology of video calls and these cherished people I wouldn’t have seen or spoken to many people during the workday through the whole pandemic. My partner, my family, Tricia, Brian, Liz, and Stella, you know who you are, thank you. 

Changes  – With more than 15 years of working in the design-for-print industry, I have never seen such an increase in print production costs. Due to the increased and sustained pressure on the prices in the print supply chain, several products are being impacted by an increase of around 12%. These continued, sharp rises in the cost of raw materials, international pulp prices, courier services, and business utility costs have meant supply costs have increased, so I am having the review print prices monthly to reflect this. Unfortunately, this does also mean design fees are also increasing, due to software licences, energy, and production increases, this is also reflected in the fact I haven’t adjusted my prices in more than 7 years also. 

Going forward – I continue to learn and evolve as a designer and move with technology as design techniques and trends change. Covering Design, Print, Web, Media Buying, and Marketing, myself and my small network have trusted local businesses that can provide you with a wide range of business services to support any SME company, if you are interested in having a chat please contact me hello@designrstudio.co.uk.

Whats’ New? – If you stayed with me this far and you’re not asleep,  then I have some more news, myself and my partner Adam are expecting our first child together, and we are looking forward to the next chapter of our lives. 

But what does this mean for DesignR? I will be taking a little time away from the studio in November and December, I will be checking in on the business from January 2023, before returning to work in February part-time. In terms of reordering your printed products during maternity leave, I won’t be too far away from my emails, so I will still be processing orders and taking on smaller design projects.

All I ask is that you give me a little more time for me to respond to emails, process orders and artwork, and continue to support my business. This next chapter is going to be different and this plan may change by then but I aim to keep things going and continue supporting your business and providing design and print services going forward. 

Regards

Rachel – DesignR Studio