I was taking part in an Instagram Challenge recently and the prompt was ‘hype yourself’. I found it quite difficult at first to think what to write and then I reflected on why this was and this is what I wrote.
For a long time I didn't think I was qualified to start my own creative business as I didn't even study art or textiles for GCSE. But I've reframed those thoughts, so here’s my attempt at hyping myself...
- I have 25+ years of crafting experience and have designed and made hundreds of my own creations
- I'm mostly self taught, meaning I'm adept in solving problems and developing my own techniques (I started long before YouTube could give you an instant tutorial)
- my skills were developed through curiosity and experimentation, not to meet the needs of a syllabus so I've developed expertise rather than a superficial understanding
- I've used many patterns and kits designed by others so I know what goes into making the best kits and writing the best instructions
I pour all of that insight and experience into designing kits for my customers to encourage you to follow your creativity and curiosity.
I also now have a qualification to back up all of my experience, having recently completed my Level 3 City & Guilds Accredited programme in Hand Embroidery (the certificate should be here this week!)
My certificate arrived this week and they also made a video from a selection of my work which you can watch below.
I think for now I’m happy that I’ve proved to myself I am capable and don’t feel the need to pursue any further qualifications but instead I want to spend the time on personal enquiry and experimentation as this is how I like to learn and play.
