Wow, eight years of running my own art business! It’s crept up on me quickly, and honestly, I’ve never stopped to celebrate any of the previous anniversaries. Each year came and went, swept up, creating, planning, and keeping things going. I think that’s the reality for many creatives: we keep chipping away, building something quietly, passionately, often without stopping to reflect on how far we’ve come.
But this year feels different. Eight years feels like a milestone. A moment to pause and acknowledge the journey, the risks taken, the lessons learned, the work created, and the person I’ve become so far through it all.
Before I became a full-time artist, I worked in fashion for 18 years. I had a great job, secure, structured, and creative in its own way, but I found myself craving something more. I wanted to create on my own terms. I wanted freedom, expression, depth. And I wanted to stop ignoring the quiet voice inside me that had been whispering for years: “You’re meant to be an artist.”
Still, it wasn’t easy to take the leap. It took me two years of procrastination, fear, and “what ifs” before I finally made the decision. But when I did, it was like waking up after a long sleep. Suddenly, I could see more clearly. I felt alive. I could hear myself again. It was the best decision I’ve ever made, even though it scared the life out of me.
The First Steps
The turning point was entering an Art Battle a live painting event where artists create work in front of an audience, under pressure and on the spot. Terrifying? Yes. But it gave me the energy and belief that I needed. It reminded me how thrilling it is to create for the sake of expression and connection.
From there, I began slowly building up my confidence and finding my artistic voice. At first, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to say with my work. I knew it needed to be personal. It took me six months to create something. I spent a lot of time asking myself: What do I want to put out into the world? What do I want my work to represent?
I’m still answering those questions. But over time, I’ve come to understand my artistic DNA: bold, bright, positive, and rooted in storytelling. I want to bring light and colour into spaces. Whether I’m illustrating for a Human rights campaign or painting scenes inspired by joy, activism, or community, I want people to feel and to start conversations when they see my work.
Finding 1My Voice
One of the hardest parts of the journey has been learning to believe in myself. To share my work publicly. To be okay with the fact that not everyone will understand it, or like it. I’ve had to work through years of internal doubt and perfectionism.
Even now, when I tell people I’m an artist, I often get mixed reactions. Some people wince. Some ask if it’s just a hobby. Others assume I must have another job, or that my husband supports me financially. There’s still a perception that you can’t make a living as an artist, that being an artist isn’t a “real job.”
But let me tell you: I don’t know a single creative person who’s lazy. We multitask. We manage projects, deadlines, clients, finances, social media, exhibitions and somehow keep the creativity flowing. It’s not easy, but it’s what I love. My art is how I live, it’s my life. It’s my purpose, and my way of connecting to the world.
Art with Depth and Meaning
Over the years, I’ve become clearer about the kind of work I want to put out into the world. I want my art to uplift people to make them smile, to bring colour and joy into their day, but I also want it to hold depth. I want it to make people think, feel, and reflect. I want it to challenge assumptions and highlight the beauty in humanity.
My recent collections have explored themes of positive activism, community, and connection. I’ve created illustrations for human rights campaigns, painted murals that reflect local stories, and hosted exhibitions that invite people to feel something real. Whether I’m painting portraits, cities, or abstract expressions, my intention is always rooted in bringing hope, light, and perspective.
A Life of Creative Freedom
One of the best parts of being an artist is that no two days are the same. I love the freedom it gives me to play, experiment, grow, and challenge myself. I’m not bound by anyone else’s deadlines or limitations. I get to evolve on my own terms.
Sure, it’s scary. Financially, emotionally, and creatively, the uncertainty can be intense. But I’ve learned to find comfort in the discomfort. Because that’s where the growth happens. The past year in particular, I’ve really pushed myself to explore, to be uncomfortable, and to stretch the limits of what I think I can do.
I’ve learned that the more I create, the more I discover about myself. Every project teaches me something. Every piece helps me understand more about what I like, what I don’t like, and what I want to say through my work.
What Keeps Me Inspired
So many things inspire me. I’m endlessly curious. I’m drawn to people to their stories, their resilience, their joy. I love capturing moments that make people feel uplifted and seen. I’m inspired by colour, especially bright, bold palettes.
Community is a huge part of my work. I’m deeply connected to the places I live and love, especially Manchester and Salford. I want to reflect the energy, culture, and creativity of these places in what I create.
Nature also plays a big role. I’m inspired by the seasons, the light, and the changing colours of the world. And travel, travel is a constant source of renewal and imagination for me. Being in new places, soaking up different cultures, textures and landscapes.
Pushing Through Creative Blocks
Creative blocks are real, and they can be tough. But I’ve learned not to panic when they come. Sometimes, I just need a break. Sometimes I need to play, to move my body, and run to change my environment. I’ve learned to trust that creativity comes in cycles.
The Misconceptions We Face
As artists, we face a lot of assumptions. The biggest one is that art isn’t “real work.” That it’s a luxury, a side project, something nice to do if you have another income to fall back on.
But I believe that art is essential. It’s how we tell stories. It’s how we express what words can’t. It’s how we challenge the status quo, raise awareness, and bring beauty into the everyday. It’s how we heal, connect, and remember who we are.
I want to continue pushing against those outdated ideas. I want to show that it is possible to be a working artist to create work that’s both meaningful and financially sustainable.
Advice to My Younger Self
If I could go back and speak to my younger self the one who was dreaming of being an artist but afraid to take the leap, I’d say: Start sooner. Don’t wait until you feel “ready” You learn by doing. The more you create, the more ideas you’ll have. The more you share, the more you’ll find your people.
Don’t be afraid of being bad at first. Don’t compare yourself to others. Follow your gut and instint. Make work that matters to you. The rest will follow.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, I’m bursting with ideas. I’ve been dreaming about a new collection inspired by travel the places I’ve been and yet to explore the people I’ve met, and the stories that have stayed with me. I want to capture the colours, textures, and emotions of movement, exploration, and discovery.
Travel fills me up creatively. It reminds me how big the world is and how much there is still to learn and feel, and share. I want this next chapter of my art to reflect that.
There are also new collaborations brewing, more community projects, and the continued evolution of my creative voice. I want to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with murals, illustration, live art, and personal collections.
Eight years in, I’m proud of where I am not because I’ve “arrived” anywhere, but because I’ve kept going. Through self-doubt, creative blocks, financial risks, and personal growth, I’ve stayed committed to the path. I’ve built a business and a life that feels aligned with who I really am.
Being an artist isn’t always easy. But it’s everything to me. It’s how I move through the world. It’s how I process, respond, and give back. It’s my way of making sense of life and shining light into the spaces that need it.
So here’s to the next chapter. To the messy, magical, unpredictable ride of creativity. To the belief that what we create matters and to the courage to keep creating, no matter what.
Thank you for being part of my journey.
