SHELL SPACE

01/12/2025

Hard to believe it’s the 1st of December already! I had great fun designing The Gift for yesterday’s Sunday Times 🎁 It brought me right back to my publishing days! 😅

28/07/2025

Thank you Kieran O’Daly for including me in your piece in yesterday’s Business & Money supplement on the pitfalls of starting your own business!

Not sure I’d compare myself to Lara Croft 😂 however, every day as a freelancer is certainly an adventure!

Looking back now the biggest lesson I’ve learnt since starting is knowing and charging your worth.

When I started out, I dropped my rates far too low for fear of losing business. I even did a few jobs for free! But that’s just not sustainable when you’re a sole trader. There’s no employer paying my PRSI, pension, health insurance or sick leave. I never really considered the hidden costs like software, broadband, heating or even saving for a family holiday!

One practical tip for anyone starting out is to consider trading services with other freelancers or small businesses. For example, I once exchanged design work for help with website and social media content. It’s a simple and effective way to support each other when cashflow is tight and checking your bank balance becomes more than a daily ritual 😅

Despite the challenges, I don’t regret going out on my own. It’s suited my lifestyle over the last 4.5 years, and while I still miss the security of the monthly paycheck, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing a new client or finally getting paid!

It may not be hidden treasure but who knows what the future holds ✨

05/06/2025

Need design support without the full-time hire?

Sometimes you just need someone who can jump in, get your brand and get it done. That’s where I come in!

👋 I’m Michelle — or Shell, to many — and I run , my freelance design studio. With 25+ years of experience, I help businesses, teams and entrepreneurs with flexible, on-brand design support when they need it most.

✨ What I offer:

✅ Creative design tailored to your goals
✅ Print & digital assets across platforms
✅ Freelance support when your team’s swamped
✅ Flexible retainers that fit your flow

Whether you’re launching something new or juggling a packed schedule, I’m here to help make the design side easier.

📩 Let’s chat: [email protected]

13/05/2025

✨ HUMANITARIAN AWARDS 2025 ✨

It was a pleasure to work with on the visual identity for this year’s Humanitarian Awards which took place last Thursday, 8th May.

This is the seventh year that Irish Red Cross has celebrated individuals and groups making a positive impact in Ireland ~ a brilliant reminder of what is possible when people come together to support those in need ❤️

Congratulations to all the finalists and the winners 👏

Scroll to see the logo, invite, letter, socials, brochure, banner and presentation designs. There are also some photos 📸 taken on the night which I was kindly given permission to share.

✨

06/10/2024

Another cycle? Yes, why not! 😅

I’m cycling in the Cycle for Hope today 🚴🏼‍♀️

Cycling has given me a new lease of life and this will be my 4th time taking part in this fundraising event for a great cause. Hopefully the weather will hold up!🤞😎

Since 2021, Ardmac’s Cycle for Hope has raised over €180,000 in aid of .house . Pieta offer vital counselling and therapy services to those in need and help families affected by su***de and self-harm.

💛

06/02/2023

✨ Two years of Shellspace! ✨

I’m pinching myself here as I can’t quite believe it.

Thinking back to February 2021, mid-Covid, I was terrified and excited in the same breath.

Didn’t know what the next week looked like, let alone the next 6 months!

But here I am, working away and grateful for all the help and support I‘ve received on my journey so far. I’ve worked with great clients and made new friends.

I’m also pretty chuffed that the anniversary falls around St. Brigid’s Day – our new national holiday. Years ago when I learnt about St. Brigid in school, the focus for me wasn’t really around what she stood for, it was more about being creative and making the crosses!

Pagan goddess or patron saint, she was an inspiring woman. By embracing Brigid’s feminine energy, her qualities of love, compassion, courage and independence we can rise up to challenges that face us in life and in the workplace.

I am first and foremost a mother, raising two teenage daughters on my own. I encourage them to be themselves in this world without changing who they are or worrying about what people think. It’s not easy but I do so lovingly each day.

My business is me and I have surprised myself.

I didn’t think I could ever survive without the comfort of a monthly pay cheque or put myself out there – it’s tough scary stuff! How could I ever value my time enough and not feel guilty about going for a cycle on a quiet morning when I should be working, right? What about tax and finances 🤯 and seriously how can I work with a cat on my keyboard!? 😹

I’m glad January is finally over and Spring is greeting us with a ‘grand stretch’ in the evening and glimmers of hope and growth for 2023.

Looking forward to what the next two years will bring ✨

10/01/2023

✨ B U S I N E S S C A R D S ✨

It was so nice to design business cards for 💁🏼‍♀️I do love when I get a chance to design something for print in this digital world! Anya was looking for a card with her price list on the back for new and existing clients. I designed a logo identity for her also using these rich colours that she loves.

👉 Swipe left to see them getting Theo’s seal of approval too! 😹

25/12/2022

Merry Christmas to all my clients, followers, family and friends! 🥰🎄✨

🎅

31/10/2022

Happy Halloween 👻🖤🎃

Do you need help with any design nightmares?

15/10/2022