Digital Design student turns passion project into successful wholesale business

A Digital Design student has turned a passion project into an established business, where his work can now be found in a Scottish art collection in Glasgow.

Final year Digital Design (Graphics) student Jay Carnie has had the opportunity to move his print design business into wholesale, which started off as a project during the Covid pandemic lockdown.

Jay, who specialises in designs such as scenery and landscapes, decided to experiment by trying designs focused on CalMac ferries. After receiving a positive response, Jay then created a Glasgow Subway print which incorporated the new subway car design.

“I had initially started a series of landscape and scenery-based prints, which led to scenery from the West coast of Scotland before eventually moving to the Glasgow Subway designs. I had practiced a print design of the CalMac ferries that operate to the Isle of Mull – mostly to try something a bit different.” He explained.

He added: “I posted the design on social media and people began to ask for them and then other CalMac ferries. From there, I was able to move into wholesale and commission work from different businesses. There are only so many ferries that you can draw, so I decided to focus on subjects that were more specific to Glasgow. The Glasgow Subway is iconic, especially it’s unique loop design, so I wanted to create a design which incorporated those elements with the new subway car design.”

Jay, who studied a Product Design programme after finishing school, has proved that there is no wrong path after deciding to change his career route to focus on something that he is passionate about.

“I had some background in design work already, studying Product Design years ago but I wasn’t a great student! It was a course that I had chosen straight after finishing secondary school but the reality was that it just wasn’t a great fit for me. After deciding to move into a different area, I took a few years out and then during the pandemic, I started doing drawings and illustrations again as a way to pass the time.” He explained.

“From there, I started creating more artwork and specifically scenic prints using Adobe Illustrator. At that point, I realised how much I really enjoyed doing it so I started to look at courses where I could build on that skillset. I found the Graphic Design course at the City of Glasgow College and the Digital Design course at GCU seemed like the most natural progression.”

Jay’s passion projected prompted him to contact the Scottish Design Exchange; a Glasgow and Edinburgh-based art collection that features over 300 Scottish artists and designers. He said: “I contacted the Scottish Design Exchange and sent them examples of my work which I sell on Etsy. They really liked my work, and it didn’t take long to have some pieces on a shelf. It was great timing because I had a range of designs to exhibit.

Freelancing was something I had become used to, but moving into wholesale was a different experience completely. There’s a lot more to it than I had expected! One area that I’m still learning about is costing – considering all the costs for the materials, supplies, expenses, etc. This has been especially important with dealing with larger businesses, because you need to make sure you’re being professional in terms of how you’re going about it. I’ve found it really helpful to ask other creatives for advice about it and that’s what I would recommend.”

Now having seen the success of focusing on his business, Jay wants to encourage students to do something that you’re passionate about outside of university. He said: “It’s really important to have a side project outside of your course. It also helps you realise what kind of things you actually like to work on and it can become a passion project.

My own project has led me onto opportunities that I may not have had otherwise. A fun project that started on Etsy has led to me having commissions from businesses and having my work in wholesale – it’s been crazy!”

You can view Jay’s design work on his Etsy page, online portfolio and Instagram page

By Rachael McAlonan

Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media