How did you get started ?
I've always been creating, even as a young child, my mum used have me do drawings and cards for family birthdays and I used to enter all the arty competitions at school and I went on to study illustration at college. It's very much part of who I am. But my business as it is now didn't get going until the birth of my son eight years ago when friends of mine asked me to make their wedding stationery for them. My brother helped me build my first website and I've never looked back.
Where are you from?
Cambridge, UK
What inspires you?
Anything and everything inspires me - the changing seasons, my children, other artists work, photography, books, music, as an illustrator you have to have your eyes and ears open all the time.
what is your favorite medium?
Paper. The prettier the better. And my acrylic paints. And my computer, I would be lost without it.
How do you promote your business?
I network. Heavily. I can spend as much time on the internet marketing my site as I do creating. I also advertise a lot locally, do leaflet drops, place adverts in local magazines, give business cards to friends and family, do the odd craft fair if I have time.
Where are you showing/selling your work?
I am a member of the Cambridge Open Studios http://www.camopenstudios.co.uk/ so exhibit regularly as part of that and I also sell on my own websites http://www.chalkhillstudio.co.uk/
http://kala.etsy.com/
http://upwiththelark.etsy.com/
http://www.karenjinks.co.uk/
What is your favorite artwork and why?
I'm not sure I have a favourite piece at the moment, I'm very much in a transitional stage with my painting. I know where I want to be but haven't figured out how to get there yet!
What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
Do you have any advice for fellow artists ?
Believe in yourself. If you don't believe in your work then no one else will.
Get properly organised, present yourself simply and well and network network network. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and introduce yourself to people. And acquire a thick skin. Rejection shouldn't be taken personally and is part of the world we artists live in. Work hard and you will start to see results.
Will I get a discount or freebies?
I have a promotional offer of 15% off orders over £25 running throughout November for http://www.chalkhillstudio.co.uk/ (for UK customers) and kala.etsy.com so look out for details!
But what is YOUR home like, full of your creations?
Actually no, I don't put my own work up in my home, I see it all day as it is!
For mor info, visit her Blog: http://chalkhillstudio.co.uk/
2 comments:
I enjoyed reading about this artist!
Thank you :0)
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