THE CREATIVE'S GUIDE TO STARTING A BUSINESSS: HOW TO TURN YOUR TALENT INTO A CAREER

Unfortunately the book doesn’t deliver what is promised in the headlines of the chapters. In my opinion the book is written too much from a subjective point, therefore useless in most other (design) discipline. I really tried to convince myself of the book, didn’t work. Don’t recommend nowadays.

I purchased this book as I am looking to start my own branding and creative agency and saw really good reviews.I flicked through the book once it had arrived and I’ll be honest, I did initially think that the book was not going to be of much use as I was unaware when purchasing that the examples and Harriet’s experience of starting a business is based around a Jewellery business and the case studies are all of similar industries.However, I started to read the book and try to apply what Harriet was saying to a branding and creative business and my background. Once I started to do this I realised that it wasn’t that difficult to follow what Harriet was saying.Our processes are very similar and a graphic designers process is probably a little simpler because I don’t need to source as many materials, etc as a jewellery creative does!Overall, a fantastic read and it’s really given me confidence to take the next steps on building my branding and creative agency!

Harriet Kelsall has written a book that almost any creative will find useful. If you work through ALL of the exercises you’ll have a working and presentable business plan after a few short hours. Maybe you just need encouragement to keep going, you’ll find it. Maybe you need a mentor...Harriet has advice about finding one for you. Maybe you need a laugh at the crazy things we do to get that dream contract...there might just be one of those in here too. Read this book, use this book, learn from this book.

I’m a jewellery designer that has been working in the industry over 25 years and had admired Harriet’s work.I needed advice on a few things as I’m currently in the process of producing my own collection, so turned to this book as a fellow creative attended a talk that the author gave and the feedback was excellent.Harriet’s writing is friendly, informative without being patronising and the case studies give so much varied advice from different creative fields.Having so much experience in the jewellery industry but little knowledge on how to start a business, this book has been invaluable for advice in pricing, planning and growth.Thank you Harriet, it was almost like having a chat over a cuppa!

I’ve been making jewellery as a hobby for over 10 years and recently decided to try and make money from doing something I love. I came across this book and have found it so inspiring and has encouraged me to go ahead and start my jewellery business. So many useful case studies and advice on all aspects of setting up a creative business. There are so many business books out there but this is really tailored for creatives. Love it, a must have!