This week our Social Mums Star is talented illustrator Anna Lewis, also known as Sketchy Muma. Her drawings capture the truth about Motherhood and are honest, funny, heartwarming and completely relatable.
Anna has built her business on Instagram and now has a following of over 43k. In our interview with her she shares some great social media tips to help make your business stand out from the crowd.
What inspired you to start your business?
My daughter. I was illustrating children’s books before I had her and it was fun to get published but the work was heavily directed by lots of other people. I knew I would be a stay at home mum for various reasons and so I wanted to do a completely personal project that meant something to me and meant something to my daughter when she was older.Β
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
I start work after I get back from the school run at 9ish, (I never turn my phone on until I get back at 9 ish as it’s too distracting and we always end up late!). As my business has got busier there are lots of different aspects to cover, processing/packing orders, answering emails, building my website, promoting my work, social media and of course actually drawing which is the easiest bit! I take my post up just before the school pick up at 3 ish and then again leave my phone at home. I start work again at about 7.30 ish until 11 ish and that is when I do most of my drawing as I really like the creative energy at that time of night.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AND WHY?
Definitely Instagram as it just works visually and is not too cluttered with text/links etc.Β I have also met some really lovely other creative self employed people here and it’s a friendly and supportive community.
HOW HAS SOCIAL MEDIA HELPED YOU GROW YOUR BUSINESS?
My agent found me on social media which led to my book deal and it is the main way I share my artwork which then sells in my online shop.
WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER MUMS IN BUSINESS?
Social media is great for starting a business but it is a very crowded place where more and more people are doing similar things. Personally I think the main thing is to really celebrate your USP, “unique selling point”, and understand your product offline before you promote it online. For example why would someone buy a sweatshirt from you and not the next person and what is your point of difference? I do think more people are supporting small brands now but they like to know a bit more about the person behind the brand and your individual story. When you understand your product just keep engaging with the right people and stay social! I really recommend listening to Holly Tucker’s podcasts “Conversations of inspirations” for more in depth tips. Also I love following Eleanor Bowmer and think she is just brilliant at engaging her customers through Instagram.
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
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You can visit Anna’s Etsy Store here.
And buy Anna’s book here.