Small creative businesses can benefit by having a designer who knows what it’s like to run one
Meet Kyleigh
Long time pixel pusher Kyleigh first began her graphic design career in the mid 90’s working on various clients for a large agency in the South of England.
She designed branding, brochures, outdoor advertising, newspaper and magazine adverts, websites and more leaflets than you shake a stick at. Then a chance idea in 2010 led her to sell intricate typographical art cut from paper with a nothing but a scalpel.
‘Kyleigh’s Papercuts’ was born and eventually led to a bricks and mortar shop, teaching workshops up and down the country and even publishing a book ‘Papercutting Tips and Techniques’.
Following an operation on her hand in early 2026, Kyleigh can no longer wield a scalpel so is returning to her roots as a talented graphic designer ready to help other small creative businesses have the brand of their dreams.
Kyleigh is the founder of popular craft fair Handmade Wimborne, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2027.
Meet Gus
Life as a freelancer can get lonely so border terrier Gus is always on hand to entertain.
He keeps Kyleigh on her toes by constantly asking to be let out or let into the garden studio. He will occasionally make her jump with a surprise barking fit should a pigeon DARE to land in the garden.
Favourite game: ‘digging’ on the bed
Favourite food: Yakker chews
Have I mentioned I hate AI?
Stop the slop
Don’t be tempted to pop your design needs into AI and expect a well thought through design to plop out. They all look the same with no structural hierarchy leaving the eye trying to read everything at once.
Damaging to your brand
AI slop has been proven to devalue brands with consumers actively turning away from brands that use it. Poster for an event made with generative AI? footfall will be less than a well designed poster made by a human.
AI is thirsty
Every interaction with AI systems requires a shit tonne of fresh water to keep it going which cannot be treated and reused so AI water consumption is becoming a real threat to global and national water security.