In December 2005, I quit my day job as a teacher - my aim was to do stock photography full time.

The beginning of 2006, I went back to college to learn about setting up a business - keeping accounts, advertising, how to keep the tax man happy...that sort of thing. It was all very interesting - and I finally set up Art Splat Designs in April 2006.

As for designing, and photography - I guess I've learnt along the way - and I'm still learning.

It's hard work working for yourself, but "giving up the day job" can be done.

But can it be done on a permanent basis?

Well for me...at this moment in time, I guess the answer is no.

Having had a great start at working for myself, I moved house - to the south coast of the UK. It's expensive to live ...