Fledgling Burscough business about to go global
A fledgling sole trader Burscough business is effectively set to go global next year with the launch of a new game for which it has created all the graphics.
KillaWatt Studios is producing the graphics for a children’s detective agency adventure game, “Orson P.I.", which is set to launch on all visual gaming platforms in May.
The game itself has been created by Chicago game company Abscure Games. The US company commissioned former teacher turned graphic designer Eden Maskill-Watts, who runs their studio from their home in town, on the recommendation of a contact. This contact had seen an online showcase of Eden’s graphic design work. Eden had been encouraged to put their showcase together by advisors on a business start-up skills bootcamp that is free to anyone in Lancashire.
Eden, who taught media studies at Loughborough College before working as an independent video producer, explained: “I am not formally trained as a graphic designer but I realised when working as a video producer, helping people to put You Tube videos and podcasts together, that the aspect of my job that I enjoyed the most was the design element.
“I began focusing on designing for businesses that needed new branding or re-branding, on design for product launches and marketing campaigns but I realised I needed help in managing my own business in terms of accounting and finance, structuring, systems and marketing, which is why I enrolled on the business start-up bootcamp in September.”
Eden continued: “It was the bootcamp’s advisors that encouraged me to make a formal showcase of my work and through that, I won the game commission. I have learned so much on the bootcamp. It has given me a lot confidence as well as introduced me to some potential new clients!”
Chris Trickett, Business Director for charity Community CVS which organises and delivers the business start-up bootcamp from its offices in Blackburn, said: “Congratulations to Eden on winning an international contract so early into their KillaWatt Studios business career. They have done incredibly well and are just the sort of success story we strive for.
“The bootcamp, which takes the form of 10 one-day masterclass sessions over 10 weeks, is ending shortly but then re-launching with space for 15 new recruits in January. Anyone who lives in Lancashire or whose business has or will have a county address is eligible to apply for a free place.”
Chris added: “The bootcamp is unique in Lancashire. While we are indeed a CVS, our work spans much more. We are an accredited training centre through the Chartered Management Institute, National Council for Further Education and the Royal Society for Public Health. That gives us a very different profile and capability than many would traditionally associate with a CVS."
“Our bootcamp sessions cover topics such as financial planning, legal structures, marketing and even Artificial Intelligence. They have been created by chartered business advisors, experienced business owners and fellows of the Chartered Management Institute, who then deliver them.
“It doesn’t matter what your business is. You could offer a service like Eden or be a tradesperson or a crafter turned maker. You may already have launched your business like Eden had or just be thinking about launching a business at some time in the future. Either way, the bootcamp is a great starting point.”
Anyone interested is applying for a New Year bootcamp place should email the Community CVS Business & Skills Team for further information at [email protected] or telephone 01254 503043 for an informal chat.
Community CVS is a membership organisation set up to support individuals, organisations and communities throughout Lancashire to achieve their full potential. For further information, visit https://www.communitycvs.org