Five minutes with: Ellie Chapman

You are the founder and creative director of Lim, which carries the title of a visualisation studio. What does the business do, and how does it bring creative concepts to life?

Lim is a studio of creative thinkers that helps companies get stuff done by visualising what they talk about.

We do everything from graphic recording and live scribing events, to developing a story map and graphic facilitation with businesses.

Through drawing what people say, we support people in having their ideas heard, propel decisions to be made, spark imagination and bring groups together.

You founded Lim at just 30-years-old, and are already working with major global brands like Mars, Coca-Cola and Google. What inspired you to start the studio, and how did you gain such high-profile clients?

Before I started Lim, I was a freelance graphic recorder for seven years.

Over those years, I saw and understood the power of working visually, and I believe everyone should work in a visual way.

My dream was to combine my experience in both business and visualisation to create a unique brand that could serve global business leaders. Lim was born.

Working with some of the biggest brands in the world is down to a combination of things.

When I was freelance, I spent a lot of time building up my client base.

I firmly believe you’re only as good as your last gig, so I put a massive emphasis on this and spent time nurturing those relationships.

The Facilitation Partnership Limited is our parent company, which looks after two brands: TFP – which is a team of meeting facilitators – and Lim.

Because of this, we had a fast start to working with some high-profile clients.

How do you help businesses clarify their vision and goals?

Working with teams to create communication visuals is key.

When a team comes to us wanting to visualise their new strategy, we focus on the storytelling to be shared in the visual, which allows the team to clarify things further by seeing what they look and feel like.

It means a team can get an extra layer of detail down.

Often, just by seeing words on a page, it deepens understanding and helps all voices be heard, so a business is aligned on achieving its vision.

As a North East-based entrepreneur, how has the region influenced your journey?

There’s such a brilliant network of people in the North East.

I love being part of a creative community where you can share thoughts and ideas, listen to experts in their field and meet like-minded people.

I recently spoke at DesignTalks and Ladies Wine and Design, where there were rooms full of creatives wanting to connect and inspire each other.

Outside of work, I’m a competitive triathlete, and I’ve had some of my most inspiring conversations with people I’ve met on my bike while cycling around Northumberland.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly young women, looking to make their mark in the creative and technology industries?

Be open to giving things a go, and learn what works well and what doesn’t.

Have the courage to ask for what you want and need; the worst someone can do is say no.

Leverage the power of connections and nurture your relationships.

It’s all out there waiting for you.

www.wearelim.com
@weare_lim