Suzi

I’ve always liked art and wanted to work in something creative, but I didn’t really know what my options were. When I was 19, I had my daughter and that was a scary time but it gave me purpose and I knew I had to take responsibility. I was looking after another human being and I wanted to show her that you can do anything you put your mind to.

I went to Fife College to study Art & Design and then continued on to study Visual Communications at Abertay University. At points throughout my course I didn’t have childcare, and my lecturers were very understanding so I took Emily with me from time to time when she was two years old until she was around six years old, so she’s grown up around art and college environments. She loves it.

When I graduated three years ago, it was in the first lockdown. I was then made redundant from my job and I then struggled to find work due to the crisis of Covid. It was the first time since I was 14 that I hadn’t worked, because I’ve been brought up to be hard-working. I applied for multiple jobs, but due to everything being shut, times were tough. I found work on the Covid helplines, but then was made redundant again. I then found my first break into the industry being employed as a Social Media Manager. Working is important to me not only to pay the bills, but being unemployed is not fun. I enjoy working and need the mental stimulation of working.

I then applied to work at Internet Creation and was brought on as a Digital Marketing Executive. This was much closer to my dream job so I worked hard, made the most of it. I studied to become a Certified Digital Marketing Practitioner and completed a Web Development Course. I then asked for more creative and design work and the company promoted me, and now I’m running all client social media accounts and am the company’s only Graphic Designer and Website Designer, which is a big deal to me. It’s exactly what I wanted to do. I have met great connections from the opportunities my work has provided, such as great colleagues and networking opportunities.

At the weekend I enjoy taking my daughter to nice places, we love going to do anything arty and fun. We enjoy a trip to the V&A in Dundee, and she’s really into science so we go to the Science Museum a lot too. She’s my best friend, we always have a great time.

I’ve been able to agree flexible hours to make time for being with my daughter, so I work longer days at the beginning of the week and finish early on a Friday. I like to get all the housework and chores done on a Friday so we don’t have to think about it over the weekend, and can just have a nice time together.

I’m very driven and I love to work. I want to go on to be a top designer and industry professional, and hopefully one day have the opportunity to mentor people who were once in my position. Living in Fife does not offer many creative opportunities but I hope to inspire any new designers to show it is possible.

If I could go back eight years to my 19-year-old self, I’d tell her everything’s going to be OK, just keep focussed and you will get to where you want to be.