Southsea student sets up graphic design business through social media

Lola Huntley, from Southsea set up Just Lo Designs after showcasing the work she created at the University of Brighton through an Instagram account.

Her artwork attracted positive attention and she received requests from people who wanted her to design artwork for them.

She said: ‘At first I wanted to have somewhere that I could put all my work so I set up an Instagram account and then when I started posting my designs, people started asking me if I could design prints for them and if they could buy my stuff.’

The 22-year-old creates logos for businesses, organisations and social media sites, as well as advertising material and prints and posters, which she can personalise for customers.

Her art is inspired by classic pop artists such as Andy Warhol and Keith Haring.

She is also a fan of cult classic films and often creates work inspired by Quentin Tarantino films.

The third-year graphic design for digital media student said: ‘My dad has always painted, he probably paints around five paintings every year, so I have always been brought up around art and stuff so I suppose it stemmed from that.

‘It doesn’t feel like I’m doing work, it’s something I enjoy doing so it’s more of a hobby that pays too. I could be sat at my computer for hours and not even realise.

‘It’s also a good way to take my mind off things as I’m a bit of an over-thinker and graphic design is a bit of an escape.’

As well as creating commercial pieces, Lola uses her artwork to raise awareness about causes close to her heart and recently designed a series which was based around period poverty in the UK and campaigned against the tampon tax.

She said: ‘I think it’s important to use graphic design for good reasons and to make statements about things.’

She hopes to expand with animation designs as well as using her skills in drawing to offer portraits.