Laughing Lion Design Closes Its Doors For Business

Jun 16, 2010 by Jennifer Farley

So I’ve decided to close down and dissolve Laughing Lion Design. It’s officially been a company since 2006. I’m doing this for a few reasons and it has nothing to do with a downturn or lack of business, there seems to be plenty of work out there if you’re willing to find it.

What ultimately prompted me to make the decision, is that my husband, who I’m completely bananas about has been sick and there is nothing that helps you prioritize faster than having a loved one not doing so well. Let me say he will be fine in time but it’s made me think that I’ve been spending far too long in front of a computer or with a laptop stuck on my knees. I can’t ever see myself looking back and thinking “I wish I’d spent more time on the internet.”

My second reason for shutting up shop is one that I’ve known for a long time and that is: I’m a really crap business woman. I’m good at design and making things look nice (and a few other things) but I quite literally agonize over talking about money, invoicing, forms and all that stuff. I have a great and patient accountant who speaks to me in baby language and I still don’t understand it. The “business end” of the business of design has always flummoxed me and I’ve never really come to terms with it, so I’m bowing out now while I still have my sanity.

I’m in a very lucky position in that I’ve had a steady job teaching design for nearly eight years now – Photoshop, illustrator, Indesign and web design – even while I was running (or attempting to run) the company so I’m not out of work and I also have my writing job for Sitepoint’s Design blog (so no need to send those food parcels and cheques just yet, although I do love food parcels).

So thanks to everyone who has hired (and paid) me to design websites, brochures, posters, business cards, logos and all the assorted bits and bobs over the past few years. It’s probably going to take a few weeks/months to wind the company up, apparently there are many forms to fill out and hoops to jump through, but I am no longer doing any more design work for the company.

I feel quite relieved now that I’ve finally made this decision and have no regrets about either starting or finishing it. I tried it and it wasn’t for me so now I can move on.

I would like to mention that I’m still interested in design and illustration collaboration projects for fun and doing things I really enjoy like photography as a hobby.

Finally this blog will continue with design news and tutorials. I started this before I started the company and it doesn’t really cause me any stress and I think people find the tutorials useful so that makes me happy too.

Till next time

Jennifer

Tags: design

18 Comments + Add Comment

Mike Patterson June 16, 2010 at 2:20 pm

It takes more balls to do this now than leaving it to the point where it is too late – well done!!

Also naff timing for me when I was going to get in touch for a logo I am after – bugger!!!

Best of luck in your hubby getting on the road to recovery as quick as possible
Kat Skinner June 16, 2010 at 2:25 pm

It’s sad to see you close shop, but its a good step for the lifestyle that you seem to be after. I hope your husband gets better faster rather than later.
I’ll definitely be following the blog – so please do keep it going!
jennyrusks June 16, 2010 at 2:30 pm

Thanks Mike, much appreciated. It actually feels like a big relief to be honest : ) Onward and upward.

Thanks Kat, really appreciate your comment and visits. I hope to have a bit more time to spend on this blog now and not worry if it’s work related or not.
Dave Davis June 16, 2010 at 3:08 pm

Wow, Jen, this is big news.
I really hope your husband gets better soon.

You’re point about looking back and wishing you spent more time on the Internet really hit home.

Fair play to you. You clearly know that you’re making the right decision. Glad you’re keeping the blog going. Hopefully this wont mean we wont be seeing around the Irish “circuit”.

Best of luck Jennifer, I’ll be following you on SP.
Allan Cavanagh June 16, 2010 at 3:27 pm

Swift recovery to your husband and best of luck for the future.
Leon June 16, 2010 at 5:06 pm

Sad news and get well soon to hubby..

I’ve been in business for about the same length of time and I often wonder about working for myself as a one man band. You have to do everything from the main work to chasing invoices, to sales, etc, etc..it’s a lot to take on and you need to be multiskilled. Not for the faint-hearted but rewarding if you can manage it. The jury is out for me at the min!

My idea long term is to be part of a creative design agency that has staff to do different types of design work, staff to do sales and most importantly, staff (not me!) to chase bills. The agency would have an office and ‘proper’ hours. So you get to focus on what you love doing and either share the burden of the admin stuff or get some other department to do it.

Maybe both you and I could be part of something like this some day.

PS – I might get those lessons off you some day too..

L.
Fran June 16, 2010 at 5:29 pm

A wise move Jennifer, your post made me think how much time I spend on-line. Time to prioritise some more quality time.
Don’t knock your business abilities, it’s difficult when your a small business to be a master of everything. It’s obvious that your design, illustration & photographic skills are top notch. ( I hate doing paperwork/book work, it’s a necessary evil)
Best wishes to you and your husband for the future.
Tracey Grady June 17, 2010 at 2:50 am

Hi Jennifer, I’m very sorry to hear about your husband’s illness. My husband went through an extended period of serious health problems a few years ago so I completely understand your need to remove as many complications from your life as possible. It’s fortunate that you have the teaching and the Sitepoint work to keep you going. Stability right now is what you both need.
All the best for you and for your husband’s recovery.
jennyrusks June 17, 2010 at 7:29 am

Hi Dave, thanks.
Yeah, I feel happy about the decision. And yes I will definitely see you out and about.
jennyrusks June 17, 2010 at 7:38 am

Thank you Allan, much appreciated.
jennyrusks June 17, 2010 at 7:41 am

Thanks Leon. Yes I definitely found the business stuff a bit overwhelming but I’m glad I gave it a go.

Collaboration in the future sounds good!
jennyrusks June 17, 2010 at 7:42 am

Thanks Fran, I appreciate your comment. My priorities have certainly changed. Hope to you see you out and and about at a future walk.
jennyrusks June 17, 2010 at 7:44 am

Thanks Tracey. Yes stability and simplicity are high on the agenda now.
Hope your own husband is doing well and the little baby : )
Devlin June 18, 2010 at 10:22 am

Hi, sorry to hear about your husband I hope he recovers quickly.

Take care of him and your fans will keep your site bookmarked in anticipation of when you have time for your next excellent post. Thanks for all you’ve given and will give to the graphic design and illustration community.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery!
Tara June 20, 2010 at 8:03 am

Hi Jennifer,

Really sorry to hear about your husbands ill health and you shutting down the business, but it sound like you have made the right decision. Good luck with everything and I hope your husband is on the road to recovery soon.

All the best

Tara
jennyrusks June 21, 2010 at 10:41 am

Hi Devlin
Thanks for leaving such a nice message, I really appreciate it.

Thanks Tara, yes I feel happy about the decision, definitely the right thing to do.
Tarsila Krüse June 22, 2010 at 8:17 am

Hey Jennifer!
As you said, family ALWAYS comes first and it you feel withing your heart and guts that this is what you needed to do, then it is what needed to be done. It is very wise to look at this as a development process and I admire you for that! I’ll keep on coming back for the tuts and design news, after all your blog IS GREAT!
jennyrusks June 27, 2010 at 10:19 pm

Thanks Tarsila : )