Richard Gregory – Studio Kind

Why did you become self-employed?
I first started working as a freelance designer 20 years ago, having been employed in the same studio in the same role for 10 years. For me it was the need for self direction and to have the freedom to take risks. I did an MA which gave me the drive and confidence to make the change.

What main challenges have you faced whilst being self-employed?
The biggest challenge has been developing professional confidence.

How do you make it work? (Are you full-time self-employed, or part-time?)

Creating a limited company with my partner Zoe and working together to build a creative consultancy was the most challenging and productive thing I’ve done. I now work full time on filmmaking and video production under our original company name KIND. Working with and for people whose values I share has had the biggest impact on my professional life. My childhood aspiration to be a fine artist is something that has revisited me in a big way and I work towards this when I can, painting, drawing and silkscreen printing. Developing my studio as a space to share with the creative community, for exhibitions and workshops is all part of this journey.

Do you have one piece of advice you would like to share about being self-employed?
Think and plan beyond what you think is possible and stay open to risk taking and change.

KIND. website: www.kinddesign.co.uk

Studio Kind Instagram: @studio.kind
Video Instagram: @kind.motion
Fine Art Instagram: @richardgregoryartist
Personal Instagram: @wavedreamer