Transforming a passion for design into a poster start-up | Firaas Akbar

Firaas Akbar is a Biomedical Sciences graduate from the University of Birmingham. He started a business called Poster Studio in May 2023 - a venture that creates high quality posters focusing on four distinct categories: cars, streetwear, quotes, and sports. 

Firaas: With a strong blend of artistic flair and attention to detail, Poster Studio caters to enthusiasts and individuals who are passionate about these diverse interests.

It creates a haven for individuals who have a passion for cars, streetwear, quotes, and sports. Through meticulous design, premium materials, and a strong online presence, you provide a unique and enriching experience for customers who seek to adorn their spaces with art that reflects their interests and lifestyle.

Poster Studio Cars: celebrate the beauty, power, and elegance of various automobiles. From classic vintage cars to modern supercars, your posters capture the unique essence of each vehicle.

Poster Studio Streetwear: embodies the urban fashion culture with a fusion of style and attitude. These posters highlight iconic streetwear apparel, sneakers, and accessories in visually striking compositions. By blending fashion elements with artistic creativity, you capture the edgy and trendy essence of streetwear culture.

Poster Studio Quotes: combines inspiring, motivational, and thought-provoking quotes with visually appealing design. Each poster is a unique representation of the message it carries, combining typography, colour schemes, and imagery to resonate with people on a personal level.

Poster Studio Sports: captures the energy, passion, and dedication of various sports. 

Whether it's soccer, basketball, football, or other athletic pursuits, your posters showcase iconic moments, athletes in action, and the spirit of competition.

How did you come up with your business idea and when did it all start?

Graphic design has always been my passion, and while crafting posters for my own space, a family member commended their exceptional quality, suggesting they could have commercial value. Encouraged by this feedback, I embarked on creating an expanded collection and subsequently established a brand around my poster creations.

Did you receive any support from the B-Enterprising team? If so, how did the support from B-Enterprising help you with your start-up?

I secured an initial funding of £500, which enabled me to acquire a high-quality photo printer and a range of photo paper in different sizes and finishes. This start-up capital has empowered me to handle poster printing in-house, thereby enhancing my profit margins. Additionally, I've been granted the opportunity for mentoring sessions through the B-Enterprising team, an offer that I eagerly intend to utilise.

What are the best aspects of running a business?

Independence and Control. One of the most rewarding aspects is the autonomy and control you have over your business decisions. You shape the direction and strategy, which can be incredibly fulfilling.

Also, passion and creativity. If you're passionate about your business's mission, it becomes a labour of love. You get to express your creativity and ideas in ways that resonate with you.

Learning and Growth. Entrepreneurship is a continuous learning journey. You acquire diverse skills, from management to marketing, that contribute to personal and professional growth.

Finally, flexibility. Depending on the nature of your business, you might have more flexibility in terms of work hours and location, allowing for a better work-life balance.
 
What are the most challenging aspects of starting up?

The responsibility of decision-making, managing finances, and ensuring the business's success can be stressful and at times seem overwhelming. Business owners often work long hours, especially in the early stages. Balancing work and personal life can become a challenge. For me it's also a challenge to consider regulations and compliance. Navigating legal requirements, regulations, and compliance can be complex and time-consuming.
 

Name one thing you wish you knew before you started your business venture.

In hindsight, I realise the value of creating a comprehensive future before launching my business. Initially, I began with a compact portfolio of posters and dedicated considerable effort to perfecting the website. However, I now recognise the wisdom in focusing on expanding my product range to include a diverse array of offerings.
 
What has been the biggest takeaway from your experience?

Effective marketing plays a pivotal role in any business. While aesthetics hold significance, it's crucial to shift focus onto the quality of products. Strong products have inherent selling power, even if marketing is less polished. On the contrary, exceptional marketing won't salvage subpar products.