Neil Bowen

I am Graphic designer. I have 25 years design experience starting in London working for 3 main advertising agencies before returning North with my young family. After working for several companies I started my own business working from home for several large ‘blue chip’ companies, which allowed me to watch my children grow up – it was a perfect situation. My children have now grown up and have started their own careers. I work across several business sectors mainly tourism, clothing and food plus I try and help as many charities as is possible.

How did you started to work from home?

I had always dreamed of working from home after seeing a graphic designer in my home town live an ideal life. After being in a partrnership and spending as much time travelling as I had in London I set up my own company and once my current home became available we bought it – an old farmhouse in a small village just outside Carlisle.

How long do you work from home and earn a living to you or you must still go to work?

I have always earned a good living until recently with the ‘recession’. I have worked from home for 15 years but recently I noticed with the downturn in work and my children having left home that the days could ‘drag’. I have recently started a part-time job to ensure I feel part of the wider community as village life and the ‘remote’ nature of the design business these days meas it can feel quite lonely!

What is your normal day?

There is no such thing as a normal day in this business and that is what makes it so exciting. Generally, my day consists of reviewing emails for work sent in, completing any current projects based on deadlines and dealing with queries from clients and suppliers as necessary.

How often you work from home?

It varies. Certainly recently I have had more freetime due to the general reduction in work available but I freely help various charities promote themselves. Also I am renovating a part of the farmhouse that keeps me busy.

How to look your home office?

I have always had an office at home that is dedicated for business.

What would you say to people who want to start working from home?
Self belief and self discipline to ensure you focus your time correctly for business and home life.

Thank you very much for your time!