From theatre redundancy to design startup triumph

It has been a most testing time ever for all of us during this pandemic.  Many of us are working from home to stay safe while others have resorted to changing jobs or resourceful ways to make a living, without loosing our sense of self-worth and preserving our sanity and well-being.

So British designer and illustrator Gail Myerscough is to be congratulated for not just surviving in the face of adversity but flourishing, having turned her side hustle into a thriving business after being made redundant during the pandemic. 

And if you're looking for affordable ways to convert your work-at-home space with inspiring and decorative ideas, Gail Myerscough's online shop sells a range of bold and colourful art prints, homewares and stationery.

Gail Myerscough's Yellow Typewriter unframed print above can be personalised with any text - be it song lyrics, a film quote, a line from your favourite TV show, poetry or special memorable message. 
Available in A4 & A3 sizes, printed on 170gsm heavyweight matt paper.

Gail lost her job as a retail manager at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester after spending six months on furlough.  Having run her design studio as a side hustle for six years she decided to take the plunge, work full time on her own business and hasn’t looked back. 

The entrepreneur, who works from her studio in South Manchester, said: “I loved my job and it was devastating to lose it after 16 years of service. But I used the time on furlough wisely - to scale up my side hustle into a fully-fledged enterprise – and it’s gone from strength to strength.” 

Gail Myerscough’s Copenhagen unframed print shows an illustration of
Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark, which started as part of a personal
project to draw her past holidays.
Available in A4 & A3 sizes and
printed on 170gsm heavyweight matt paper.

Gail Myerscough Surface Pattern Design & Illustration specialises in creating bold and colourful designs, influenced by mid-century style and modernist architecture.

Apart from selling her range of designs, Gail also works to commission and licenses her art to creative companies. 

She has created designs for Tom & Teddy, Billable Hour and DefendDigitalMe as well as creating bespoke designs for the Royal Exchange Theatre.

Gail said: “It has always been my dream to work full time on my design business and I’m very excited to begin this new phase in my career.”

Gail Myerscough’s House Plant cushion features vibrant & permanent double-sided print, adding refreshing spring colour to any home décor.  Available in two sizes - 45cm x 45cm and 60cm x 60cm in 100% spun poly linen fabric cover, with 100% hygienic hollow faux fibre. 
Inserts comply with BS 5852 safety regulations.  All her cushions are cut and sewn by hand in the UK.