My business is called Red Instead and I offer web design, graphic design and photographic services. I've been building and coding websites, designing graphics and taking photos for over ten years. I was responsible for designing the creative elements for Brilliant Idea (the logo, flyer, popup banner and website) and I was really happy to be involved as helping other women in business is something I’m really passionate about.
A couple of years ago I decided to return to graphic and web design as a profession, after spending six years as a work at home mum running my own handcrafted accessories business - sewing and making things and selling them online and at the Bus Depot and Handmade markets. Of course, my business needed branding, marketing, product photos, a shopping site and a blog and so I was able to keep up with the photography, graphic and web design that I loved so much as well. Over time, I realised where my heart really lay, and I knew that I wanted to go back to the industry I had worked in before I had my children, so in 2009, I decided to wind up my handmade business and relaunch Red Instead as a design and photography business.
I'm really excited to be following my passion and helping other people realise the dreams they have for their own business. I've picked up a range of jobs through my contacts in the handmade scene as well as through the women going through the Brilliant Ideas program, and I know there are many micro-businesses in Canberra that would benefit from a well designed business card, web presence or professional photographs of their products. The years I spent setting up and working in my own business can only help me see things from my client's side, which helps both of us to share the same vision, and allows me to implement a well-thought out visual communication solution. I’m looking forward to helping many other small businesses, whether it’s to set up a website, blog, or shopping site, and I’m also keen to talk to my clients about social networking and what it could do for their business. Photography is also becoming an important part of my business as I take product photos for clients to use in their online shops or in their event marketing.
Jen Leheny, Red Instead
Posted April 2010
