The Printing Charity, in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, awarded Houghton a £650 grant to help him launch his illustration business. He has since secured a 12-book deal with Marc Clark, author of The Princess Fables.
Houghton said: “I always wanted to start my own business but didn’t think I was smart enough so when I found The Prince’s Trust I thought, it’s now or never. I’m creative rather than business-minded so it was great to have support in being more business savvy. If it wasn’t for the grant from The Printing Charity, I wouldn’t be working for a world-famous author so I’m hugely grateful for all the support I’ve received.”
The grant enabled Houghton to buy an Epson office printer and specific markers that he needed for his drawings.
The Printing Charity 'helps and futures' manager Mark Johnson said: “Our successful partnership with The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme is an important part of our work in the North of England. Since 2012 we have been providing grants to help unemployed young people in the region set up their own businesses in sectors such as printing, publishing, photography or graphic design.”
The Prince’s Trust head of philanthropy Lucy Hornsby said the deal vindicates the partnership with The Printing Charity: “Setting up in business can be an escape route out of unemployment – and a positive step towards success. Lewis is an inspirational example of just how much can be achieved.”
Clark first saw Houghton’s illustrations on social media. “He followed me on Twitter and Facebook,” said Houghton. “He was really pleased with my work. He first contacted me in December last year and he got back to me in January.”
Houghton intends to work ads an illustrator for the foreseeable future. “I started off making paper doll illustrations for fun,” he said. “People liked it so I would make customised paper dolls for them and now I sell them on my Etsy store, LewBotShop. The intention was to make them available for birthday presents and wedding gifts. The name LewBot came from a nickname I’ve had for a while. It’s also good for social media because it’s easy to hashtag.”
Houghton has also finished writing his first children’s book called The Wayward, and aims to have it published by the end of the year.
