Interview with... Paul Horne
Tell me a bit about yourself.
Hi I’m Paul Horne, I’m 55 (yeah I know I don’t look it, especially with my sartorial elegance) and I’ve been many, many things throughout my career. Even now I wear many caps (and the occasional orange bowler hat)
What is your Business? How old is it?
My business is called Coolgoldfish Designs, and it’s a graphic design business that also does the unexpected as well as the regular graphic design projects.
It was founded 13th January 2020 - Oh what a great time to start a business that was with the ‘C’ pandemic almost killing my then fledgling business just two months later! But we not only survived, we ensured others did as well by keeping them visible to keep them viable!
Did you have to do training? How long does it take?
Everyday is a learning day! There’s always something new to learn and master, especially with the advent of AI imagery!
The thing is there, AI images can all start to look quite same-y, so it’s never a good idea for anyone to become too reliant on it, or it can lead to brand confusion and that DAMAGES businesses and makes them appear fake.
The human touch is still vastly superior (at present anyway) and ensures brand consistency! Sorry, I kind of deviated there didn’t I? I always look at new ways of working and what can improve work for my clients - and I try to break it, so you don’t have to!
Why did you want to do this profession?
I’ve been in or around graphic design for over 25 years now (even when in roles that weren’t graphic design based), someone would always ask me to create an image or a presentation etc .
I genuinely enjoy the diversity of the projects I get to work on, create & design. No two days are ever the same, and it’s so rewarding to see the difference these projects make for my clients!
What is your most bizarre moment?
Hello! Have you seen the outfit I wear, which has kind of become my work uniform!
Well apart from my outfit, I guess my most bizarre moment came a couple of years ago when I shaved off my chin badger for charity! I attended a business expo in Birmingham the following day (naturally wearing my trademark goldfish suit) - now keep in mind here, that I’m a sole trader, so when a guy came excitedly running towards me saying “I know exactly which business you’re representing, I know your colleague!” - I decided to have a little fun and teased the man with “oh really, which one?” To which he replied, “the older guy with the beard!” - He suddenly realised that that was actually me and couldn’t apologise enough. I thought that was hilarious!
Name one unusual fact about your profession.
There’s a lot more to it than people appreciate! If you ever want to upset a graphic designer, just say the words “Can you just…” No, we can’t ‘just’, but we can ‘do’!
What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to enter that profession?
What? Apart from ‘Don’t’ ! Seriously though, be prepared for a hell of a journey! Don’t think that knowing photoshop is enough! There’s a whole heap of platforms, programs, software and market trends to learn, and it’s an ever shifting, ever changing, ever challenging market. Be prepared to put as much time into learning as you do creating!
Are you owned by any animals?
Very much so! My beautiful Newfador ‘Amber’, she’s almost 8 years old now, but still as playful as a puppy. She’s so undemanding and often sleeps ON my feet whilst I’m working.
She also makes me pause (or should that be ‘paws’) so we can get out for walks in the fresh air, and she loves socialising with her doggy chums!
You’ll also be unsurprised to learn I keep fancy goldfish! Can’t imagine why! 
Where is your favourite place to be?
My happy place is very much the Isle of Wight! I have such an affinity for the island. The plan one day will be to move there.
On a work note though, I love business networking events. I find people’s stories so fascinating.
What sort of music do you like?
I’m a massive fan of Ska music, The Specials, Madness, Death of Guitar Pop, The Sunny Coast Rudeboys etc! Such timeless music, but I’m also someone who buys anything by anyone if I like it! I have a very eclectic taste! Everything from Erasure to P!nk, The Pet Shop Boys to Bon Jovi!
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Personally, becoming a father to two amazing kids, step dad to two others and also ‘Grandad Fish’ to 5 grandbabies!
Professionally, my business! Pulling it through those dark days of the pandemic, and seeing it shine on the other side - plus becoming a Theo Paphitis #SBS Winner - something only 1% of all businesses that enter actually achieve! Very proud of that!
What is your next goal in life?
To keep busy, always putting client requirements above all else! But in my ‘downtime’ I’m a radio presenter, soon to be a columnist, a serial networker, and maybe even write a book.
How can everyone get in touch with you?
Well I’m not hard to find!
I’m very active on social media including LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads & Bluesky.
I can be emailed:
Or there’s always the good old fashioned phone: 07747 398 415
Finally and most importantly... What was your most embarrassing moment?
Wow! There’s a story that I REALLY can’t tell you!
So, how about this instead, once whilst I was learning first aid, I was playing the patient. I had been told that I was to play it as if I was unconscious and therefore not offer any assistance and to let myself be a dead weight!
One by one the assembled people stepped up to put my in the recovery position - until one forgot to support my head during the turn, which meant my head bounced off the concrete floor and knocked me out for real - how unlucky can you be???