ALANA MCDOWELL
We got the pleasure to do an interview with Alana McDowell, who is a participant in our Dig Deep Program. We explored why she wanted to take part in the Dig Deep Program, her new business and how she has found building her business.
Can you introduce yourself - your name and what you do?
I’m Alana. I’m a freelance illustrator and graphic designer from just outside Belfast. I create illustrations and designs that span across a number of mediums from digital to mural work.
Why did you want to take part in the Dig Deep Programme?
After graduating I moved to London where I spent seven years working in creative agencies, working on predominantly graphic design based projects. My last role, however, was in an experiential marketing agency where I got the chance to use my illustration skills in bigger campaigns and to style and Art Direct projects.
So when I moved back to Belfast last year, I wanted to combine these skills I’d picked up and forge my own way at home. When I saw the Dig Deep programme it felt like the perfect opportunity to get to know people in what felt like a new city and to gain confidence to set up my own business.
What is the new business that you have been developing?
When I first joined Dig Deep, I had plans to develop a company that created bespoke pieces for events, such as hand-painted jackets/prints/props, custom-designed invitations and event styling. But working through the programme made me realise that I already had the bones of a business with my own freelance illustration and that it was something I was truly passionate about. I just needed the confidence to pursue it on its own without creating a new face or brand.
What has been your biggest hurdle since you started your business?
Establishing myself in a new city during the lockdown, without being able to physically meet people/attend events/work onsite with freelance gigs.
How do you see your business developing in the future?
I hope to establish myself as someone that can make stand-out creative work for brands and campaigns, to have a recognisable style that is covetable enough to keep me busy with commission work and to want to hang on your wall at home.
What misconceptions did you have about starting your own business?
That it had to have a brand face that disassociated from myself personally and that people would appreciate my work more if it was packaged differently.
What have you learnt about yourself since starting the programme?
Dig Deep has given me the space to reflect and to ask myself questions that I wouldn’t have if I weren’t prompted. It’s been a bit of direction in what has been a chaotic year.
What/who influences/motivates you?
Seeing people around me making amazing creative work and making a living doing what they love.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far since starting your business?
I have managed to work for new clients such as Vans, Jameson & Copeland Distillery. All pinch me moments.
What have you learnt about your business in the last 3 months?
Having done a complete u-turn on the business I had originally planned to set up, the biggest thing I learnt is clarity in what I enjoy doing and where I see myself in the next five years.
What things are you going to implement in your business in 2021?
This year I hope to set up a shop and begin creating prints which will hopefully be the start of an ambient income for me in the coming year.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Have confidence. Get uncomfortable doing what you enjoy. And try not to get too side-tracked doing what you think you should be doing, rather than what you would like to be doing.
Where can people find you online?
Website: www.alanamcdowell.com
Instagram: @alanamcdowell