LAUNCHING:
REBECCA HARRISON
Company:
Rebecca Harrison Designs
THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
Artist
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
I work full time as a CGI artist within the architectural industry and I run my own business in my spare time, illustrating cute animals so I'm pretty busy day-to-day! I wake up at around 7am and post on Instagram, either something that I've photographed in advance or else something that I wake up early to photograph (It's more difficult in the winter as I'm not at home when there is daylight so I have to take photos before I head off to work and generally be very organised). I have a cup of tea, the first of many throughout the day(!) and then I cycle to work in Fitzrovia, central London; exercise is very important for my mental as well as physical health so the 14 mile daily round trip is ideal as it means I don't have to go to the gym! I then deal with all that my day job throws at me and head home around 6ish. My evenings are spent either packing orders, drawing commissions, doing emails or updating my website.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD AND WHAT CHANGED?
I have always loved drawing so I always just wanted to do that in some capacity.
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
I have a Bachelors degree in Architecture from Newcastle University (great city) as well as the GCSE's and A-Levels that got me there!
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Go out there and make your own chances.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
All the women in my family! My grandmothers are both amazing ladies - strong, independent, supportive and loving women who both work hard and stay active. One of them is 91 and the other 86 and they're both still going as strong as ever, I hope to be like them at that age too!
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
I love being able to do what I LOVE and also being in control of the direction my business is going in. I only started out my art business earlier this year but I have high and ambitions plans for it. Also, I can work from bed!
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
Some more time in a day would be helpful!
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
For my art business, I plan to continue the commission side of it and I would love to collaborate with other small/medium sized businesses on expanding my ranges and products. I can't give everything away so I won't say too much but I am excited about the next bit of time!
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
Yes, absolutely!
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
Well, I am the one and only person in my company so I'm leading from all sides and doing a lot of learning and growing with my business which I really enjoy. It's not without its challenged but the best thing about it is that I am my own manager. My family and boyfriend are very supportive and I couldn't do it without a strong support network so I am very grateful to them for being patient with me and my animal friends!
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
Absolutely, I've always been an advocate for diversity and integration. It's something I feel strongly about and try to lead by example in my day-to-day being.
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
Erm..........at the moment not great but I'm just starting out so it will improve, I still get away at weekends as I love to travel and a change of environment and getting to the countryside is very important for me!
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
Hard work, good communication skills and an openness to learn and listen. Anyone can achieve anything they put their mind to, I'm a great believer of that.
ANY FINAL COMMENTS?
Thank you for featuring me and I hope someone might find inspiration to do what they love, with a bit of hard work and thought, it's possible to do anything!