Adapting to the COVID19 pandemic.
Making Kits - Emily The Darkroom at Beachcreative



Initially, with the news of the corona virus hitting the UK, I wasn't that concerned. Not really one for watching or reading the news I suppose I had purposefully distance myself from the traumatic news across the world. I was of course informed, but to protect my own mental health I choose not to engage in the media. However, having spoken to other self employed people, I have learnt that even if I had been engaged in the progression of the corona virus spread, it seems nothing could have prepared us, or the rest of the country for what was about to hit.

Once I had delivered my final workshop with the Take Off group, everything seemed to happen in double time. Another cancellation email, another workshop postponement, another update from the government. In my ignorance, the reality of the situation hit rapidly, running workshops one day to finding that all my external work, connections and future plans had ceased to exist. This was upsetting to say the least, it felt like my hard-earned career had fallen apart in front of my eyes and the lack of control over the situation was terrifying. This fear lasted a day or two, before turning into adrenaline and a lust for life. I decided to do everything in my power to a) support myself financially as much as possible b) keep my business relevant during this time of zero physical interaction c) ensure I was supporting my own mental health by recognising that this is a global pandemic, and not a reflection of me or my business.

Three days before the Government lockdown, I went to my studio to pick up any equipment I might need in preparation for a lockdown, I don't live locally to my studio so to do this at a later date was an impossibility. I took home all of my cyanotype equipment, a couple of books for inspiration and waved The Darkroom goodbye for who knows how long.



I had ordered some A5 card display boxes a few weeks ago with the aim to create some cyanotype kits, I decided that now was the time. I ordered the extra bits needed before the post became backlogged and began to create my first batch of 8 kits. Initially I was offering free local delivery, which has subsequently turned to postal delivery now we are on lockdown.



My housemate moved out recently, so I am lucky enough to have the space to move my desk out of the living room and into a light, bright room upstairs. Allowing my partner and I some degree of separation between work & leisure space. The cyanotype trial batch sold like hot cakes last week, which encouraged me to order more supplies, albeit slower to arrive that the first batch due to the backlog the Royal Mail are facing. I started to take orders for the 2nd batch which are nearly ready for posting, I'm now on my 3rd batch!



I would say that the forced 'work from home' situation has enhanced my creativity. I have been meaning to create these kits for years, yet never found the time to dedicate to it. It's a different type of 'work' for me, but it's lovely to find the balance again as my job before covid19 meant I was on the road a lot, with very limited thinking time.