Small Business Awards 2021

Small Business Awards 2021 47 Best Artist Business Support Service 2021 - UK Providing an inclusive community for artists and makers committed to developing their creative practice, SOL Design Collective offers a proven framework of support, a detailed knowledge base and depth of experience that helps bring the world to their work. Developed through years of managing transformation and change, SOL Design Collective has created a series of simple but effective programmes through which artists flourish. Tackling the behavioral constraints which limit their beliefs and applying practical steps in marketing and sales to amplify their presence, SOL celebrates each artist’s distinct ability and traits and supports them in building sustainable and successful businesses. Here we look at this inspirational company as it wins this superb Small Business Award. Jan Burgess, founder of SOL Design Collective, initially created this community in the heart of Brighton, on the UK’s South Coast. Working with the region’s talented creative community, some of whom were struggling with basic business concepts, SOL supported their learning and highlighted how to present themselves and their work in the best way. By creating a series of affordable community workshops & events and offering one to one coaching programmes to those ready to move forwards, the community grew to more than two thousand artists within a short period of time. Best of all, the artists, their practices, and work flourished. SOL Design Collective now offers online and offline events, workshops and coaching to groups and individuals across the UK and beyond. The community is open to anyone who is committed to growing their practice. By introducing low-cost community events in the form of a weekly online ‘Creative’s Coffee Morning,” SOL provides regular best practice updates in a social format. This approach enables artists across the UK to connect, meet and share practical creative ways to increase their visibility and with that, their confidence. Artists exchange ideas and experiences, listen and learn from each other, and collaborate in a supported and safe environment. The community feeling that SOL creates is upbeat yet nurturing. For those seeking more structured growth plans, SOL Design Collective provides expert insight and review of the individuals business practices. This may include product development, pricing, marketing, or sales providing both check points to consider and clear action plans for change. SOL supports those who are committed to change, grow, and develop to be the best version of themselves. Its one-to- one coaching allows artists seeking personal and undivided attention to talk through their chosen topics and offer detailed insight towards greater future success. Oct21628 Affordable entry points, monthly payment plans and flexible pricing structures enable artists from around the country to benefit quickly and easily from the community and expert advice available. SOL Design Collective hosts a space for emerging and established artists and makers of all modalities to share, discuss and release their creations into the world. Being an artist can be lonely at times, and SOL Design Collective provides a safe place which enables them to learn and grow, explore new ways of working, and develop and enhance familiar ones. Recent developments see the exciting addition of an Online Gallery in which artists can showcase their work. This addition enables artists to put their learning into practice; reach out to a wider audience, gain additional benefits from links across multiple online platforms, increase their visibility and amplify their voice within the creative realms. With a diverse variety of artists and makers joining its programmes and events, SOL Design Collective is making an enormous difference to artists wishing to enrich their creative practice by having solid foundations and an understanding of good business practice. SOL continues to be committed to reach out, connect, support, and collaborate with artists everywhere. It dedicates itself to celebrating the importance of creative thinking, sustainable practice, building communities and the development and release of art in all forms made from the heart. Contact: Jan Burgess Company: SOL Design Collective Limited Web Address: https://www.soldesigncollective.com/