| Business Gateway

About the business

Through her business Veriette Illustration, Louise Clifford creates one-of-a-kind designs for fashion brands and private clients alike.

“I have a passion for portraiture and the human figure, and specialise in fashion, beauty and portrait illustration,” says Louise. “I think it’s important to forge a good working relationship with the client. From start to finish, there should be a flow of information ensure the final result is exactly what the client is looking for.”

With a portfolio brimming with beautiful work, Louise knew she had the artistic ability to make a success of setting up in business for herself. Her illustrations have even featured in international publications. But she found the support of Business Gateway invaluable in getting up and running.

Business Gateway’s free workshop programme is a great resource. I have learned about bookkeeping and also picked up important digital skills through the DigitalBoost programme.

How Business Gateway has helped

There is no doubt that Louise knows her craft. Not only does she have a degree in illustration, but she also has plenty of experience behind her. But she was also well aware from the outset that the challenges of starting a business call for a different set of skills.

“There is a lot to think about, but there is also a lot of support to call on too,” says Louise. “My Business Gateway adviser was great and guided me through the start-up process. In addition to one-to-one advice, he also identified some funding, which I plan to use to market the business.

“Business Gateway’s free workshop programme is also a great resource. I have learned about bookkeeping and also picked up important digital skills through the DigitalBoost programme.”