Name: Kevin Clarke
Creative Field: Online Design
Location: Derby, UK
Website: www.onlinedesignuk.co.uk
Describe yourself in three words…
Happy, happy, happy!
Tell us about your background…
My background is that of a photographer. I love taking pictures and I think that ‘creative eye’ helped when I turned my attention to web design which happened almost by accident back in the late nineties.
Tell us about what you do!
At Online Design we create custom website designs & ecommerce solutions coupled with email marketing campaigns. Customer satisfaction is paramount to us and we always aim to surpass our client expectations.
What inspired you to launch your own business?
Having had a professional photography business for many years in the eighties, I saw a gap in the market for good honest web design – back in the early days of web. So starting a new business was not an issue for me at that time. I think the inspiration came from my Dad who worked for himself pretty much all his life. Once you work for yourself, there’s no going back – it’s just the best.
What’s your proudest moment so far?
Oh that’s easy, being born. I was so cute! Seriously, I have many on both personal and business level but one of my personal ones was my Daughter’s wedding a couple of years ago and then the birth of our Granddaughter recently.
And your greatest project?
Our greatest project? My that’s a toughie. I would have to say that we consider all our projects to be the greatest but we always strive to improve on what we deliver to our clients each and every time. I think the level of our recommendations show we do just that!
Who or what inspires you?
Lots of things but mostly my dear departed Dad. Not because of what he had or achieved but because he was simply my Dad. I hope my own Sons will one day feel the same!
What do you hope to be doing in five years time?
Travelling! I have so many places I want to visit before they carry me off! On a business level, we are aiming to be THE premiere web design company in the region.
When you aren’t running your creative business, you are…?
You can find me at a football game, a fishing lake, tinkering in the garden, riding my motorcycle, taking in a movie or a meal with family friends or just going goo-goo with the Granddaughter.
Anything exciting ongoing or in the pipeline?
Yes, lots! We are currently on the lookout for new premises that fits our needs better, going to New York later this month and looking forward to losing another of the kids to University this autumn. Ah. A free bathroom at last!
Finally, any words of wisdom to other creative people?
Hmm…. Let your juices flow is the best advice. Don’t let others stifle your creative genius. It may mean it’s tougher in the market place because you work outside the ‘norm’, but the rewards are far greater.
