From the Blue

My name is Josie Ballin and I established From The Blue as a communications consultancy to provide affordable, specialist-services to artists, makers, arts organisations and creative businesses. I've been providing communications support to creatives for over 15 years and I've supported over 170 independent artists and makers. Today I primarily work with clients in London and the South West and champion exceptional creative work connected to Cornwall though a Creative Cornwall blog. Please read on for my biography and testimonials or peruse my clients & projects list for more information.

HOW IT WORKS

We start with an initial meeting (face to face or on the phone) to establish what you need. You may require a speedy solution as a one-off - such as assistance preparing a press pack or wish for me to project manage an extensive campaign over a period of time. There may be specific goals to realise or you may simply need support to keep your communications flowing, so you can focus on creating new work.

Whatever you need - I provide you with a set of recommendations and estimates, so you can cherry pick what suits you and your budget. I love to work with creative people and, so budget doesn't become prohibitive, I provide affordable bundles to independent artists and makers.

SERVICES INCLUDE

• Profile Development & Brand Positioning
• Creative Campaigns
• E-newsletters, Website & Social Media Content
• Press Releases & PR Strategy
• Project, Digital & Print Management
• Exhibition & Event Support
• Mentoring & Coaching

MORE ABOUT (ME) JOSIE BALLIN

I worked in the big smoke for over 15 years, before moving to a blue cottage not far from the big blue sea in Cornwall.  From The Blue brings together two of my great passions - creativity and Cornwall. In particular nurturing creative talent and championing creative connections with Cornwall and the South West. Over the years I've worked for award winning arts organisations and galleries and I've assisted in the development of over 170 independent artist and maker businesses. I'm enthused about big ideas, problem solving, independent businesses, social enterprise, digital innovation, contemporary craft, the arts and sustainable design.  

I have a BA Hons in Design Studies (with Marketing) and an MA in Design Studies from Central Saint Martins, UAL. As a Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations I am bound by the CIPR’s Code of Conduct, committing me to the highest professional standards.  I am also an approved Enterprise Nation Advisor with a 5 star rating.

Testimonials

Hannah Bedford, Owner, Hannah Bedford Jewellery
"Josie has really helped me understand how to effectively use social media strategically and creatively as part of my digital marketing. In a short space of time I have already seen a significant boost in reach and engagement which has been great."

Cressida Granger, Owner, Mathmos Ltd
"Josie is a great person to work with, she has excellent ideas and executes them efficiently and with great results. I heartily recommend her."

Vanessa Swann, CEO, Cockpit Arts
"Josie possesses a high level of technical marketing expertise, strong analytical and organisational skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, creativity and imagination, and is also good fun! She has always proved to be extremely effective in designing and delivering marketing plans to meet specific goals and objectives, and is also an excellent coach."

Ellen O'Hara, Clore Leadership Fellow / School For Start Ups
"Josie demonstrates an acute understanding of the needs of small creative businesses, artists and designers and brings many years of experience to the table. She is both a creative and strategic thinker, incredibly hard working and results driven. Josie is also great fun to work with and brings boundless energy to every project she works on."

Natasha Anderson, Head of Marketing Iniva / Head of Community Engagement Sadler's Wells
"Josie taught me a great deal about the balance of creativity and PR. She is passionate about the creative industry and whilst we worked together, she was never short of great ideas. I would always recommend Josie as her quick witted sense of humour and warmth ensured that she was a joy to work with." 

With THANKS

Many thanks to the talented Rob Lowe, Supermundane for use of his illustrated FTB letters and 'About' image header.