A FORMER Carlisle Combined Court employee has new designs on life after deciding to launch his own business.
Graphic designer Graham Chmylowskyj is now aiming to use his website, print, logo and social media expertise to help others as they start and run their own companies.
Graham, aged 42 and from Boreland, near Lockerbie, has set up Down to Earth Design, and aims to offer a service which is “simple, effective and affordable”.
Hailing from South Queensferry, just outside Edinburgh, Graham studied art and design and illustration in the Scottish capital during the mid- to late 1990s before relocating to London, where he continued studying.
After marrying Charli, he moved to Manchester, re-training in graphic design and carrying out freelance work while also employed full-time by the Employment Tribunal.
Then came a move further north as Charli secured work at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary, where she is employed as an information and support radiotherapy. Graham joined Carlisle Combined Court, Earl Street, working first as an usher before later moving into administration in the family section.
Now he has made the move into self-employment.
“This is me going at it full tilt for the first time,” Graham says of his new graphic design venture.
“It’s really aimed at small businesses and start-ups. I know the situation they’re in; I know the kind of thing they’re going to need; I know the kind of budgets they’re going to have.
“Because I am in the position myself, I understand what the small business or new business needs. I can provide what they require for the budget they have.”
Speaking about starting his own business, he said: “Do you you know, I’ve never felt more calm.”
Graham is also a keen portrait painter who produces football-inspired graphic design in his spare time.
And as he discussed the task and potential pressure of designing his own website, he stated: “There was a feeling that it was never going to be finished because you are always looking at something. It’s the artist’s curse!”
One of his first clients is his wife, who runs a photography business away from her hospital work.
Charli said: “Of course I am going to say Graham’s work is amazing. But not only that, he has a very intuitive and fuss-fee way of working with clients that provides them with the design that’s in their head, right there on screen.”
To view Graham’s website, visit downtoearth.design.
