Marcus Richards
I’m a branding and web designer based in the northeast of Scotland. I help creative entrepreneurs and small businesses create brands that they’re proud to show off so they can attract more of their ideal clients and grow their revenue.
Tell us about yourself?
I pretty much always wanted to be a designer, right from my early teens. But I never actually planned to start a business.
That happened accidentally one day not long after graduating from college. I was looking for an in-house design job but was offered some freelance work instead. I jumped at the opportunity and found I loved it, so even when I later landed a full-time design job, I continued to work on my own business too.
Then in 2012 I was made redundant from my job and decided that was the moment to go all in on my own business.
I’ve loved building my own business over the past 15 years (so much so that I started a second business too!) and I love that by helping people with their branding, I’m helping them to create a business that they love too.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
If I could go back in time I’d tell myself not to be afraid of putting myself out there. Being the face of my brand, using photos of myself on my website and (finally!) creating branding that felt authentically ‘me’ has made a big difference.
I’ve always had people compliment me on my own branding, but since I updated my branding to something that really reflects my personality and my style of design, that has increased so much.
And actually putting photos of myself on my site and social media has helped me forge deeper relationships with people, and attract more of my ideal clients.
What problem does your business solve?
I help businesses create branding and websites that they’re actually proud to show off. So they feel more confident about promoting their business and can attract more of the people they really want to work with.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
I love helping people create branding that feels really authentic to them and reflects their personality. That’s the kind of branding that sticks in people’s minds and turns browsers into buyers.
I’ve loved the journey of building my own business (and can’t wait to see where the journey leads!) and want to help other people grow their dream businesses too. And by giving them branding and websites that really work for them, I can help them on their journey.
What is your magic sauce?
I work closely with each client and take a strategic approach to their branding. So before I even think about drawing any logo ideas, I help them get clear on what their business offers, why they do what they do, what makes them stand out, and who their ideal clients are.
By sorting out the strategy first, I can uncover what makes each client special and then translate that into the designs so that they really resonate with that client’s target market.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
I would love to grow my business, but at a steady, sustainable pace so I can also have some work/life balance!
I love working directly with clients, so I would like to continue working with my regular clients, plus welcome some new ones. I am also planning new products and services that would both add extra benefits to my existing clients and projects, and create more diverse income streams for Fiona Robertson Graphics.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
I think, keeping a positive attitude.
Like all business owners, there have been ups and downs over the years, the classic ‘feast or famine’ cycle, mistakes, lessons and so on.
But I’ve always tried to see every mistake as a learning opportunity and look on the bright side of things. I try to see my glass as half-full (especially if it’s a wine glass 😉 )
How do people get involved/buy into your vision?
I love working with solopreneurs and small businesses, who are passionate about what they do and are ready to grow their business. People can reach me through my website, www.fionarobertsongraphics.co.uk, or connect with me on Instagram @fionarobertsongraphics
