Back in 2013, I created the brand Kelly Louise Creations with a new logo. I had been focusing on my creativity and skills development in a different direction than my degree. As I had studied and worked with glass and ceramics mostly, this had presented a challenge. In order to continue after leaving university and Wolverhampton, I had to change medium. My previous brand; rookerface designs, had it’s own website which I designed and created myself with a portfolio of work. But since the flash software support stopped, that website unfortunately disappeared quite literally into thin air. I was understandably devastated that all the hard work I’d put in was gone forever without a trace. This sparked the need to start again with my current brand.
Social Media and Learning
Since May 2020, I have focused on my Instagram profile and sharing my work on an additional platform. Previously, I only used Facebook which I have been drifting away from over the last couple of years. I’ve actually been surprised at how many different techniques I use in my creative practice. Now I am building online galleries for them, I’m astounded at the variety. I am very much inspired to continue learning new skills and experimenting with materials and techniques. In the past, I would attend in-person courses to take full advantage of workshop facilities and equipment. Unfortunately, it’s not been possible to do so recently. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this has been difficult to do anything sociable. So I took to the net where I have watched videos and tutorials to learn finger knitting, string art pattern techniques and urban sketching with watercolour application.
All things Digital
Learning new practical skills is not all I have learned during this isolating period. I’ve also taken an active role as a volunteer member of the International Women’s Association of Modena (IWAM) in updating and creating content for their website. It’s been so enjoyable, that at times I have lost track of time and almost missed the beginning of online lessons I had to teach!
I have been part of an incredible group of women in the IWAM Digital Team who are very supportive. I’ve also learned how to use an add-on theme called Divi Builder within WordPress. I’d previously blogged a lot on WordPress and you can see most of those posts within this website blog. With this foundation in the basics of WordPress as a platform, I started off with some confidence in my abilities. Working with a fellow member and website editor, I learned so many aspects of website design. With this incredible connection, I seized a great opportunity. I gained a tutor to learn how to create my very own website using the platform I was enjoying spending so much time on.
Kelly Louise Creations Online
And so, it has begun… currently my website has a homepage, about me, gallery and blog pages. I have developed a style I am happy with and that I feel is reflecting my creative personality. It is by no means complete, but I am thoroughly enjoying investing my time in it (while I have quite a lot of it free). Developing my personal branding and sharing my skills and passion with a wider community. I hope that alongside a new LinkedIn business page which I also created about a month or so ago, I will increase my visibility. Customers will be able to find me and commission me to create new and bespoke works of beauty for themselves or as gifts. If you are interested in commissioning work, please get in touch via Instagram private message (until my email accounts are set up).