Stepping away from the familiar is always a challenge and that’s just what Esther Young has done with the launch of her creative consultancy Creatorship.
After 20 years in the industry, starting with Swan Mill/Swantex, Esther has walked away from her role as head of creative at IG Design Group to strike out on her own, and is now creative director and lead consultant of her own business.
“My mission is to inspire, mentor, and inform creators, producers, designers and manufacturers, through project collaborations and consultations. Drawing on my industry and studio expertise and knowledge, to creatively and commercially influence, engage and succeed,” Esther told PG Buzz about the recent launch of Creatorship.
She added: “I think the lightbulb moment that made me decide to take the plunge was ultimately knowing that I could collaborate with so many businesses and industries. I believe the creative process, and a creative mind is absolute gold, so my first love is always greetings but knowing there is a whole world of opportunities, brands, products and businesses, was just far too tempting!
“I wanted to be brave, to step away from the comfortable and the familiar, to be very self-aware and determined to launch something with authenticity, passion and drive.”
Having worked for Swantex as studio designer and assistant studio manager straight out of university, Esther moved to the retail side as assistant buyer for Peacocks on their greetings, pets, gifting, socks and nightwear section, before returning to her first love with IG Design Group where she moved from design manger to creative manager and then head of design.
With almost two decades of creative and commercial design for retail experience under her belt, Esther has designed the Creatorship experience to offer an array of services, from coaching and mentoring to full project ownership, presentation and delivery via an “authentic, collaborative, and navigatory” approach of consultancy sessions and project collaborations.
With a wealth of experience in the greetings industry, from inception and conception, through to brand development, and range selection, the South Wales-based Creatorship team are flexible so happy to travel for in-house and on-site discussions although they mainly work remotely using video conferencing for one-to-one and group sessions.
Esther, who can be contacted through the new website www.creatorship.co.uk, said: “For many years I have dreamed of launching my very own consultancy, it’s a vision that I have been nurturing and developing for some time. I feel privileged and proud to have worked within the greetings industry for many years. It’s an industry that is fast paced, reactive, creative, nostalgic, and constantly evolving through design and trend, consumer insight, and importantly to adapt in order to migrate to sustainable products and manufacturing. Last year was a time for me to really reflect and think about my values, and goals for the future – for me, Creatorship allows me to do what I absolutely thrive on, influencing, advising and inspiring.
“We love to work with small businesses, and help move your ranges, products, and design forward with you. We understand that, as an SME, it can often be lonely and daunting making all the decisions alone. We can discuss your budget, and create a bespoke service and quote. For small businesses, we can offer short creative brainstorm sessions, which will get you thinking, keep you motivated, and keep you focused.”
Working with a group of very experienced and talented artists and designers, Creatorship is as happy with small businesses as with senior level campaigns, and also enjoy collaborating with established design studios to offer support as a fresh pair of eyes or bringing in a new approach.
Top: Esther Young is relishing the challenge of launching her own consultancy
Images: Marie Palbom Photography @mariepalbom_photography
