Startup Story
Visual 8 Creative, founded by Claudia Folgore-McLellan, is a graphic design and digital media studio based in Johannesburg South Africa. The business helps companies, entrepreneurs, as well as established brands, to communicate effectively with their respective target audience. We offer a thorough understanding of branding, print media creative following through into digital media.
LoA chatted to creative founder, Claudia Folgore-McLellan this month to find out more about her business and expertise.
Tell us about your company
Visual 8 Creative is a graphic design and digital media studio based in Johannesburg South Africa. The business helps companies, entrepreneurs, as well as established brands, to communicate effectively with their respective target audience. We offer a thorough understanding of branding, print media creative following through into digital media.
What inspired you to start your company?
It was a really simple case of being mistreated and verbally and mentally abused in the last agency I worked at. There was unfortunately a terrible work ethic and I felt I couldn't be creative in such a negative environment. I decided, overnight, that I had the will, determination and knowledge to open my own design studio. That was fourteen years ago, come April 2020.
“I do believe I am a born entrepreneur; it takes a certain type of person to weather the storms of owning one's own business - I think it also takes a fair dose of madness.”
Why should anyone use your service or product?
I am hands-on when it comes to logo design, branding, design for print and digital media, advertising and marketing collateral. Our services include Creative: Branding, Design & Advertising; Digital: Web & Online Media; Gifts: Branded Gifts & Merchandise; Micro Events: Branded Events, Talks, Seminars & Corporate Meetings.
Tell us a little about your team
My team is a wonderfully talented mix of professionals - we pool together on projects that require specific skillsets and this is how we are able to offer more targeted results for our clients. I co-ordinate and manage all projects personally and have direct contact and an open line of communication with all clients during the process.
“My ultimate goal is to build a resilient, sustainable business that ultimately contributes to the greater success of our country and economy.”
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I do believe I am a born entrepreneur; it takes a certain type of person to weather the storms of owning one's own business - I think it also takes a fair dose of madness. I have always had a desire to be self-employed. My ultimate goal, however, is to build a resilient, sustainable business that ultimately contributes to the greater success of our country and economy.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I would like to grow Visual 8 and have it become an umbrella brand for a number of other related business ventures I've taken an interest in over the years. I have a few ideas that may come to fruition this year, with some skillful collaborations. I would ideally like for Visual 8 to also extend its reach globally - I'd love to work with clients through Africa, UK and Europe.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Knowing that everything I have, I have worked for myself - the satisfaction and pride that comes from having achieved, even the smallest of goals, when running your own business cannot be described. With every step, you realize your potential is greater and it often feels like you're trying to beat yourself in a challenging game of chess. The learning that comes daily with entrepreneurship is invaluable.
“Knowing that everything I have, I have worked for myself - the satisfaction and pride that comes from having achieved, even the smallest of goals, when running your own business cannot be described.”
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Just start, there is no time like the present. Once you do - always look ahead. There will certainly be difficult days but, often, when you least expect it - things take a turn in a different direction. When you're fearful of the future, remind yourself of the dreams and goals you have and hope to achieve. Push just that little bit harder towards that goal - don't be too quick to give up.
Be prudent with your cashflow - we all make the dire mistake of miscalculating the running costs of the business. I took a wonderful two-month vacation in the UK with my first earnings in the business and although it did set me back financially for a while, the experience was one I would never trade.
Get advice, ask for help in solving issues and work towards streamlining your business operations. Ultimately go with your gut feel - we woman have a gift in that area.
Contact or follow Visual 8 Creative
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL claudia@visual8.co.za
Why LoA loves it…
For many businesses, one of the challenges faced is building a brand that is capable of connecting with customers, resulting in sales and ongoing business relationships that can grow. Creating a strong, visually appealing brand requires specialist knowledge and expertise, particularly in the design space. That’s where Claudia and her team at Visual8 come in, they know just what it takes to make businesses and brands stand out in the marketplace, and importantly how to connect them to customers. This is a creative business that believes in delivering great creative solutions, combined with great business relationships, thanks to Claudia’s hands-on approach. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa