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It's the end of April (how?!) - that means - art giveaway from the mailing list. Thank you to everyone who signed up - it's lovely to have you there. If you decide to stick around that's awesome! So, without further ado - Congratulations to Antonia!
She chose a print of Pushing Up Daisies - signed and a lovely message to her too, It's in the post soon to you. I'll be running more competitions in the future as well as:
-discounts -updates -bit of inspiration' So it's not too late if you want to come along for the future!
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"Stop working for the gold stars"
"Stop making art to win awards"
Normally the ideas get buzzing with this podcast for me - but this one really set off those thoughts.
I've felt the shift in myself since the first time I tried this artist thang. Initially I was buzzing for every single like and comment (back circa 2015/16 whenever I started posting). That is by no means to say I am not happy when I get them now, I am still left smiling - but I think what means more are the conversations I'm having in my DM's with other artists that lead to coffee's and calls across the pond and inspiring pushes to completion. It has been wonderful. It feels more about building something that I am both a part of and is bigger than me? I don't know, maybe that reads as egotistical? But what I mean is that art has in the last year become a means of expression again as well as a service and I like that balance. I make update videos mostly - for self accountability! (press record - it's like being observed ha) I make them into longer videos - because I like seeing my progress! (it reminds me I can do it!) I edit short videos - because I like doing it and it keeps that muscle moving. I write on this blog, fully knowing hardly anyone is coming here - because I feel like it's good for -my brain; so it's less full -my accountability; I pre-write the blog posts for when I've finished what I'm working on -an account; I think we learn so, so much from reflecting and looking at what we've done and learnt And most importantly I paint because I have something to say that I ain't got the words for. It's feelings and images and thoughts and dreams and weird stuff that comes out much better as a painting than it would if I tried to say it. So,​ If an artist makes art in the forest and nobody is around to see it - what's the point?
It feels sometimes like social media is inundated with artists - especially when you run an art account and your for you page is a different artist every 0.5 seconds.
It feels overwhelming. It can feel oppressive if you let it. If you give your brain the chance to take it and warp it - it's great fodder for the cynical argument What's the point of making anything - someone already is.
​bonus thought- (and they're better).
So I think the better questions to ask are:
Would you make art, even if no one was watching?
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Hannah.
Back in 2023 I attended one of the most magical evenings with my friend Sophie.
I had no idea what to expect - simply that we were going to this temple out in Earl's Barton for a magical evening with some strangers hosted by Hannah.
I had never really heard of a drum circle before - but honestly, I'm up for most stuff!
I cooked some food from a Hello Fresh recipe and headed off with some Tupperware, a notebook and some gemstones rattling around in my bag.
With a warm inviting tone Hannah welcomed us to the space.
An immediate embrace offered like an old friend.
A breath-taking, carved wooden temple that peaked at a circular window above.
Incense burning floating on the breeze.
Altar set.
Like stepping into a new world.
It might sound cheesy but there was something truly divine about that space.
Nestled into the grounds of a vineyard we met and found space in the circle.
We were to be making flower crowns, drumming together and sharing words and food.
Shoes off, toes in the grass like a child (much encouraged!).
Grounding.
The sun setting over the scene of women collecting flowers and branches for crowns.
A giddy excitement peeling into laughter at times.
Back to the temple newly crowned.
As Hannah called in the elements, I kid you not, there was thunder.
Goosebumps.
Alive.
Establishing a warm, supportive, transformative space is no easy ask.
Hannah speaks beautifully and softly and you land in the room.
Feeling both seen and respected.
Everyone brought something in with them emotionally and physically and there was room for it all.
The drumming was a journey.
Feeling safe enough to sit with whatever came up.
Hannah's song drifting in and out the rhythms,
I kept my crown a full year hung over my mirror.
When it came time to return I left it as my offering and thanks.
I came home buzzing with energy and a sense of new beginnings.
That evening I took one photo of my face - face paint melted and all.
I wanted to capture it.
No idea in that moment it would become the reference for my first portrait.
So I shared this when I saw that Hannah was making her dreams come true -
letting her know that space played a big part in re-establishing my relationship with art as expression.
We returned once more almost a year later to a painting workshop in that same magical space.
Seeing how much had changed for us both in that time... well, 3 by that point ;)
Always with pure gratitude for special people like Hannah who can facilitate these spaces for women to reconnect with themselves, with each other and with whatever is calling them.
Thank you for what you do!
Keep doing it.
Back in 2023 I attended one of the most magical evenings with my friend Sophie.
I had no idea what to expect - simply that we were going to this temple out in Earl's Barton for a magical evening with some strangers hosted by Hannah.
I had never really heard of a drum circle before - but honestly, I'm up for most stuff!
I cooked some food from a Hello Fresh recipe and headed off with some Tupperware, a notebook and some gemstones rattling around in my bag.
With a warm inviting tone Hannah welcomed us to the space.
An immediate embrace offered like an old friend.
A breath-taking, carved wooden temple that peaked at a circular window above.
Incense burning floating on the breeze.
Altar set.
Like stepping into a new world.
It might sound cheesy but there was something truly divine about that space.
Nestled into the grounds of a vineyard we met and found space in the circle.
We were to be making flower crowns, drumming together and sharing words and food.
Shoes off, toes in the grass like a child (much encouraged!).
Grounding.
The sun setting over the scene of women collecting flowers and branches for crowns.
A giddy excitement peeling into laughter at times.
Back to the temple newly crowned.
As Hannah called in the elements, I kid you not, there was thunder.
Goosebumps.
Alive.
Establishing a warm, supportive, transformative space is no easy ask.
Hannah speaks beautifully and softly and you land in the room.
Feeling both seen and respected.
Everyone brought something in with them emotionally and physically and there was room for it all.
The drumming was a journey.
Feeling safe enough to sit with whatever came up.
Hannah's song drifting in and out the rhythms,
I kept my crown a full year hung over my mirror.
When it came time to return I left it as my offering and thanks.
I came home buzzing with energy and a sense of new beginnings.
That evening I took one photo of my face - face paint melted and all.
I wanted to capture it.
No idea in that moment it would become the reference for my first portrait.
So I shared this when I saw that Hannah was making her dreams come true -
letting her know that space played a big part in re-establishing my relationship with art as expression.
We returned once more almost a year later to a painting workshop in that same magical space.
Seeing how much had changed for us both in that time... well, 3 by that point ;)
Always with pure gratitude for special people like Hannah who can facilitate these spaces for women to reconnect with themselves, with each other and with whatever is calling them.
Thank you for what you do!
Keep doing it.
 In the temple - flower crowns and all, 2023. |
'You', 2024. Same face paint. New beginnings. |
Stay curious, stay weird kids - it brings out the good stuff.
I did it!
I finally made another YouTube video.
I just wanted to capture the day a bit more and thought people might be interested in the process a bit more.
So here's some mind ramblings in video form of how I build concept into shoot.
I finally made another YouTube video.
I just wanted to capture the day a bit more and thought people might be interested in the process a bit more.
So here's some mind ramblings in video form of how I build concept into shoot.
They will be performing at May Hall (Trent College) Long Eaton from the 8th - 12th April.
Tickets here:
Tickets here:
 | I speak for myself of course, but I don't know if there is any greater feeling as an artist than hearing words to the tune of, "Can you paint this for me?"I feel a surge of excited energy ready to pick up a pencil or paintbrush and get to work making someone's dream or vision a reality. It's truly one of my favourite parts of what I do. But the feeling does come crashing down when it's followed by "...for free". Let's get super honest here. That's why we use 'commission' rather than 'request' though they come from similar fields of expression. We're over here trying to dispel the myth of the starving artist not perpetuate it! |
Running a business that relies on collaboration and intrigue isn't easy!
When I ran a survey a while back I was really interested in the mental blocks and confusions that stop people from purchasing or commissioning art. Finding the root of cause of things always fascinated me when I was coaching. I was taught that a situation keeps on happening until we address why it's there in the first place. So I wanted to see if there was something I could do from my part as said Artiste to help customers and yet-to-be-customers make the leap from 'couldn't' to 'maybe' to 'hell yeah!'. Those being in relation to whether they thought they could buy a commission piece of art. So I present the ABC's:
Art?!
Budget??
Creativity?!
 | Art. That word lights some of the population up - for others its a 'meh' and for the rest it has not entered the chat. You don't need it It's not your friend It's not going to keep you warm (per se) You can't eat it (as part of a healthy diet) (It seems undecided as to whether Van Gogh was actually eating yellow paint bless his heart). |
Basically on Maslow's pyramid thing (see above) it's not one of the bigger pieces. Those being the pieces we need for survival and life in this big ol' world. It's where you'd put shelter, groceries, travel insurance and maybe a gym membership first.
But it does belong on the pyramid - with links to the tippity top (self-actualisation).
So if we don't need it - why bother buying it?
Have a peruse of the above if you like - I sure did.
In a nutshell:
art makes us feel.
art has always been the voice of the voiceless.
sometimes it makes you rich owning it.
In a nutshell:
art makes us feel.
art has always been the voice of the voiceless.
sometimes it makes you rich owning it.
It's nice to have in your home - it gives you a great talking point.
And what a nicer way to say to a loved one or to yourself,
"Here is the most unique gift ever because I love you so much."
And what a nicer way to say to a loved one or to yourself,
"Here is the most unique gift ever because I love you so much."
Budget.
Ah, the old money conversation. That old chestnut.
I've tried to be pretty open as possible on my order page
that I charge £25 an hour - it's about what a handyman or a yoga teacher or a music teacher might charge for some more context.
It's a price I hope reflects that I've had a lot of practice in this field and I'm offering those services to you dear reader.
Ah, the old money conversation. That old chestnut.
I've tried to be pretty open as possible on my order page
that I charge £25 an hour - it's about what a handyman or a yoga teacher or a music teacher might charge for some more context.
It's a price I hope reflects that I've had a lot of practice in this field and I'm offering those services to you dear reader.
But, why can't you tell me how much it will cost altogether?
Because I'm not sure what you want to order yet - that's all!
It's kind of like asking a plumber for an estimate or guessing your supermarket shop before the list.
By filling in an order form it's like starting a conversation.
"Hi I'm Art Buyer Dude
I do have a budget or money isn't an object!
I'd like to buy some art in this style to give to my cat for her birthday.
It's a portrait of her - can you do it?"
Simple as that.
It's kind of like asking a plumber for an estimate or guessing your supermarket shop before the list.
By filling in an order form it's like starting a conversation.
"Hi I'm Art Buyer Dude
I do have a budget or money isn't an object!
I'd like to buy some art in this style to give to my cat for her birthday.
It's a portrait of her - can you do it?"
Simple as that.
I can estimate from the size how much it might cost in general judging from my previous work.
 | Example here - this one was pretty large - took around 10 hours so that's an estimate of £250. Reasons for time: It's got quite a simple background Portrait figure in uncomplicated design I drew a few different mock ups that I offered before we decided on this one. The client was already pretty sure of what they wanted when they approached me which saved a little bit of back and forth - but it's no problem when people aren't immediately sure. |
Basically if you aren't full of creative ideas/direction but you know your budget.
We can work with your budget in mind.
Creativity.
If you do not identify as a creative person - that shouldn't stop you from liking art!
There is truly an artist out there making art in a style for everyone.
I have worked with people comissioning pieces that have started as:
If you do not identify as a creative person - that shouldn't stop you from liking art!
There is truly an artist out there making art in a style for everyone.
I have worked with people comissioning pieces that have started as:
"Hi Zoe
I want to get a piece of art for my Mum
My budget is this but I have no idea what she'd like!
I do like this piece you did"
I want to get a piece of art for my Mum
My budget is this but I have no idea what she'd like!
I do like this piece you did"
I'm fine being the ideas woman - it's why I do this!
If lack of creativity stops you from reaching out - I got you!
In conclusion, I now feel like I'm doing my GCSE English writing in conclusion.
In conclusion, commissioning art ain't as scary as it seems - and I hope to break some of those barriers by being honest.
Art might not be a necessity but it is something that brightens the day of the person it's for and the artist who gets to make it. If you can buy something off the specials menu - you can buy a special piece of art. My god, that was corny. I mean as in - you have the skills to commission some art. We can work with budget and we can work with not much in the way of an idea.
I hope this gave you some food for thought.
And though I can't stop you eating my art if you buy it.
At least film it.
In conclusion, commissioning art ain't as scary as it seems - and I hope to break some of those barriers by being honest.
Art might not be a necessity but it is something that brightens the day of the person it's for and the artist who gets to make it. If you can buy something off the specials menu - you can buy a special piece of art. My god, that was corny. I mean as in - you have the skills to commission some art. We can work with budget and we can work with not much in the way of an idea.
I hope this gave you some food for thought.
And though I can't stop you eating my art if you buy it.
At least film it.
I've done a few free courses in my life - believe me, I used to work in a school.
But let me just say I've not been on one this good in a long time.
Our host was Paula M for two weeks and she was a fountain of business knowledge.
2 weeks! Pretty much non-stop information and support.
And it was government funded!
Every course is what you make of it of course - the workbook, chat and 1-1 advice opportunity made this one very memorable indeed.
For a creative person who has previously tried to avoid anything too left-brain in terms of business planning and money management I was face to face with it by day 1. So I stuck in and worked through it. The light at the end of the tunnel came along after day 2 and things started to click.
Trying to find where to go next when you're self employed is an absolute minefield.
This course helped to break it down and gave space for the information to digest.
I built a business plan, marketing plan, understood some fancy business acronyms, started reaching out to find collaborations and received personalised feedback and help.
I got some invaluable advice that made me rethink my who marketing strategy and where I want to go with all of this. It was a lot take in and I'm sure I'll be processing things for a while to come.
So I'm just leaving this here as a thank you to Paula and to Dawn for recommending this to me.
Thanks Ladies.
Wishing you all the best in the future should our paths cross.
But let me just say I've not been on one this good in a long time.
Our host was Paula M for two weeks and she was a fountain of business knowledge.
2 weeks! Pretty much non-stop information and support.
And it was government funded!
Every course is what you make of it of course - the workbook, chat and 1-1 advice opportunity made this one very memorable indeed.
For a creative person who has previously tried to avoid anything too left-brain in terms of business planning and money management I was face to face with it by day 1. So I stuck in and worked through it. The light at the end of the tunnel came along after day 2 and things started to click.
Trying to find where to go next when you're self employed is an absolute minefield.
This course helped to break it down and gave space for the information to digest.
I built a business plan, marketing plan, understood some fancy business acronyms, started reaching out to find collaborations and received personalised feedback and help.
I got some invaluable advice that made me rethink my who marketing strategy and where I want to go with all of this. It was a lot take in and I'm sure I'll be processing things for a while to come.
So I'm just leaving this here as a thank you to Paula and to Dawn for recommending this to me.
Thanks Ladies.
Wishing you all the best in the future should our paths cross.
Yeah - you can!
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What has kicked off since I finished the course:
- Got my painting up in The Berliner
- Attended a job interview
- Answered "I'm an artist" when someone asked what I do
- Started on my collection piece
- Felt more confident in talking things business!
- Attended a job interview
- Answered "I'm an artist" when someone asked what I do
- Started on my collection piece
- Felt more confident in talking things business!
...watch this space
 |  |
The wonderful humans at The Berliner in Beeston are looking after The Wheel of Fortune.
She's on holiday there for a while because - well, art deserves to get seen.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to Curtis and Katie for their support - top notch humans.
Reaching out when you're self employed is Big Girl Pants™ energy so thanks for saying yes!
This came off the back of the course I was on saying - you need to get it out there.
It's all good making this art and hoping to sell again one day.
But you gotta get it out there!
The Berliner is the best. I dream of their berlin-style potatoes and my mouth waters.
I'm so happy to have a piece of ZDAAP there for now.
Let me know if you spot her!
If you got some art and you know some people - ask them if they'd put it up for you in their business- people like to see art made by people - it's interesting.
Also I made a lil QR code for underneath that goes to my LinkTree - which is nice, then people can decide where they want to visit after scanning.
I also did feel a bit like Dexter walking around with a hammer wrapped up in my bag all day.
You gotta do what you gotta do.
She's on holiday there for a while because - well, art deserves to get seen.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to Curtis and Katie for their support - top notch humans.
Reaching out when you're self employed is Big Girl Pants™ energy so thanks for saying yes!
This came off the back of the course I was on saying - you need to get it out there.
It's all good making this art and hoping to sell again one day.
But you gotta get it out there!
The Berliner is the best. I dream of their berlin-style potatoes and my mouth waters.
I'm so happy to have a piece of ZDAAP there for now.
Let me know if you spot her!
If you got some art and you know some people - ask them if they'd put it up for you in their business- people like to see art made by people - it's interesting.
Also I made a lil QR code for underneath that goes to my LinkTree - which is nice, then people can decide where they want to visit after scanning.
I also did feel a bit like Dexter walking around with a hammer wrapped up in my bag all day.
You gotta do what you gotta do.
Author
My names Zoe, I'm an artist. I make art and hope to spread creative positivity wherever I go. Here's a deeper dive into what I'm up to.
- The plan is to post every Friday/when there's an update :)
Check your Junk for confirmation email :)
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