Design Up Media, based in Portlaoise, is more than just a graphic design business.
It’s the culmination of years of hard work, passion, and a transformative personal journey.
It was founded by Pam Grogan, who moved to Portlaoise in 2006.
Pam’s journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight path, but one shaped by her love for creativity and her drive to build something meaningful.
With a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration, and a Master’s in Marketing, Pam had always balanced the two worlds, design and strategy throughout her career. But the spark that truly set her on the path to starting her own business came from a life changing decision in 2023.
A Personal Journey that led to a New Beginning
Anyone who knows Pam will tell you she’s a sports fanatic, always immersed in anything cardio.
However, in 2023, she faced a serious setback – an unexpected back injury followed by a long period of illness.
What seemed like a challenging period soon turned into a turning point. In a moment of rest, Pam rediscovered her love for painting, something she had not done in years.
“I’d always been an artist since I was five years old. I attended art college but design was my ‘day job,’ painting was where my true passion lay,” Pam reflects.
That simple act of picking up a paintbrush again triggered a wave of creativity that completely transformed her approach to design.
“I realised my day job at the time wasn’t creative enough for me.”
What started as a personal journey of rediscovery turned into something much bigger.
Pam started sharing her artwork on Instagram, and before long, she was flooded with commissions and requests. That’s when she realised the potential of combining her design skills with her newfound passion.
A Leap of Faith into Entrepreneurship
It was time for change. By January 2024, Pam made the bold decision to leave her stable job of 17 years, one that had provided security but never sparked her creative soul, and fully embrace her dream of owning her own business.
“I’m living my dream now. It hasn’t been easy, but every moment has been worth it,” Pam shares.
By June 2024, Design Up Media was officially born, and Pam began working with a growing list of clients, offering a range of services from graphic design, social media, campaign design and digital content.
Each day brings new challenges, but Pam faces them with the same passion and energy that got her here in the first place.
At Design Up, Pam brings her unique perspective and wealth of experience to every project.
Her background in graphic design and marketing allows her designs to be creative while also considering strategic goals and business objectives.
She knows that great design is not just about looking good, it’s about connecting with the audience and telling a story.
Pam’s commitment to offering personalised service is at the core of Design Up Media’s approach.
“I hope I’m not just another designer,” she says. “I truly care about helping businesses grow. I take the time to understand each client’s needs and vision, and I work closely with them to create designs that speak to their audience.”
Whether it’s creating a logo, building a social media presence, or developing a comprehensive branding strategy, Pam’s goal is to help businesses make an impact without breaking the bank.
“I want to give small businesses the tools they need to succeed, without the hefty price tag,” she says.
As Design Up continues to grow, Pam remains grounded in gratitude for the opportunities she’s been given.
“I remind myself daily that not everyone gets to follow their passion and run their own business,” she says.
“I’m so thankful to my family and friends who have supported me through this journey. And I’m excited about what’s ahead!”
With big plans for the future, Pam is just getting started. She remains committed to offering high quality creative services while expanding her reach and working with even more businesses in need of a fresh, bold brand identity.
Pam says, “It’s never too late to follow your dreams, take a leap of faith, and embrace the journey that life throws at you”
Design Up specialises in offering creative solutions to help small businesses and start-ups. Contact Pam today at info@designup.ie and check out the Design Up website here.
