Hi Ian
Thats fine. I don't clean windows myself, even though we have lots of male customers say that they would like us to, ha ha.
I have a BA(hons) degree in Graphic Design and this is my background. After graduating from uni I worked in the industry for a number of years until I decided to go freelance. My partner, at the time, was in Sales and was in between jobs, he met Paul from Door Knockers and did a few nights work for him canvassing. He roped me into having a go as he thought it would be different for a female to offer a window cleaning service, as it is predominantly a male orientated industry. I worked approx 4-5 nights over a couple of weeks and much to my surprise, and everyone elses, I did really well. Roundbuilders was then born shortly after!
So together with the uni friends that i was freelancing with (one specialising in Web Design and the other in Illustration) and with my expertise in print based design, I decided to offer our services as a package to the cleaning industry along with our canvassing skills.
.... and Nat your comment is right - depending on the brief given by the client. The design industry is very demanding, long hours, low pay and over saturated with new media graduates willing to offer their services in the Big Smoke for free. We are fortunate to have created the opportunity to continue working in the industry we trained in, but now we complete briefs of our choice and work for clients of our choice. By stumbling into and learning about, the window cleaning industry (nearly 2 years ago) it's enabled us to utilise all of our skills.
It's not so surprising to learn how many window cleaners come from academic backgrounds, and similarly with varying degree qualifications. Doesn't that say something about this industry!
I hope that answers your questions.
Gemma
