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surface pattern design
Entrepreneurship
creativity
I'm Kate! I help fellow artists, creatives & surface pattern designers create a balanced business life, doing what they love
Read more about me
wellbeing
There are certain obvious things that my business can’t live without (internet access, my computer etc.) but there’s also a few non-biz related things that I can’t live without. My non-biz essentials if you will. These are the things that keep me inspired, motivated and eager to get on with the work day, which is essential when working from home alone.
Nothing fancy, just milk and 2 sweeteners please, in the biggest mug you can find! It’s efficient really. I don’t actually count how many coffee’s I have in a day (I’d rather not know – it’s probably an obscene amount) but always have my last one of the day at 4pm so that it’s out of my system by bed time.
I’m never without a lip balm – I have one in most rooms at home and 2 in my bag. Carmex is my classic go to, in case you were wondering.
I’ve been a huge fan of podcasts for years, starting with true crime podcasts and now creativity and business podcasts. There’s sooooo many good one’s out there I love making the most of my time so being able to create and learn something new at the same time is a great (and do-able) way to multi-task. (who knows, maybe I’ll have a podcast of my own one day).
Naturally, me being such a fan of organising everything in one place, you can find my favourite podcasts playlist here – I’m always adding new episodes and shows to it so follow along to stay in the loop.
At times when I can’t focus on what’s being said in a podcast, like when I’m writing emails or blog posts, or when my brain’s just being super noisy, I’ll grab my current favourite playlist and chill out with some acoustic indie tracks or upbeat pop songs, depending on what I’m working on that day.
In recent years I’ve become a big fan of scented candles. A really nice smell feels like a little treat and really gets me feeling inspired and ready for the work ahead – it has become a bit of a starting work routine now.
Are you even an artist if you’re not slightly obsessed with notebooks and stationary jokes
I have started using digital notes for business related notes – the search feature is a huge time saver for me when I’m looking for something in particular. Which is very useful, but you still can’t beat a nice sketchbook imho
I used to imagine spending days sitting in hip coffee bars, working away on my laptop with all the other cool kids, but it’s actually too distracting for me. And I always forget something important, like my laptop charger! Plus I like being surrounded by books, magazines and other bits and bobs I find inspiring, with everything I need close at hand.
One of my favourite things about my office/studio space is the huge pinboard I bought last year. It’s filled with quotes, colours swatches and inspiration for the collection that I’m working on.
I’d love to hear what your must-have non biz related items are for a good days work? Share below in the comments
Hi! I’m Kate, a surface pattern designer and creative business coach from Manchester. My passions are creating playful patterns & illustrations for the young, and young at heart, and combining my entrepreneurial knowledge with the psychological skills as a former mental health nurse, to help other creatives navigate the emotional and mindset challenges running a creative business brings, so they too can build a business and life they love
Hello!
Helping wholehearted, purpose-driven creative entrepreneurs redefine success on their own terms and bring their passions and dreams to life with more ease, joy, confidence, fulfillment and freedom.