Artist, Graphic Designer, and Web Developer
Can you share a brief overview of your creative journey, from when you first started pursuing your creative path to where you are now?
I drew on reams of loose paper right from early childhood, influenced mainly by superhero comics and whatever SF was on the TV. It was frowned upon by parents pretty much only focused on my later employability, thus my confidence was dented quite hard and I struggled in art education, which is filled with an extraordinary quotient of inept and unsupportive teachers. I kinda plugged away at it out of stubborn curiosity in my own inner life.
What inspired you to follow a creative path?
The feeling that, as a teenager, it was about the only thing I was naturally good at, and that it was something I could carry on with happily and privately, without any real need for anyone else’s approval.
How do you balance your creative pursuits with the practical aspects of being an artist, such as marketing, networking, and financial management?
In a sense, I don’t. I’m not trying to make money out of my work, so all of that has been almost an irrelevance up until about now.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a creative person?
Discovering more about my inner life.
What keeps you motivated and passionate about your craft?
Discovering more about my inner life!
What advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out and considering a creative career?
Absolutely create whatever it is that interests you first and foremost, and do it for your own satisfaction. If you can square that with making money, you’re a winner
How did you discover and develop your own artistic identity?
I don’t think of it as an identity, more a label for some of my life choices. It occasionally seems important for other people to identify me as an artist, which then puzzles them because I’m not trying to do whatever it is they think artists do!
Can you talk about the role of failure and perseverance in the creator’s life?
You need to allow yourself to fail, but it’s really important to be able recognize that you have, and why you did, for yourself. Find people who can offer quality feedback, not just affirmation.
How do you navigate the industry and find opportunities to showcase your work or collaborate with others?
I don’t! I’m only vaguely interested in showcasing my work.
What are some common challenges creators face in terms of recognition and financial stability, and how can they be addressed?
I just have a parallel career, so I hadn’t considered the need for recognition or financial stability until recently.
How do you stay connected with other creators and the larger creative community?
I work in a private studio space so I hang out with all sorts of creatives. I’ve never really felt part of a “creative community”: I’m doing my own thing for my own reasons.
Can you share any tips for creators to market and promote their work effectively in today’s digital age?
Haven’t a clue!
Are there any specific resources, workshops, or organisations you would recommend for young creators who want to further develop their skills and knowledge?
There’s the Arts Council’s Develop Your Creative Practice (DYCP) grant which I’m applying for.
How do you approach self-criticism and growth as an artist?
I basically reflect on the work of anyone, in any medium, I’m moved by, and try to understand how they did that, and allow that wisdom to influence me.
What strategies do you use to continually improve your craft?
YouTube and Instagram. (Not even kidding.)
Have you ever experienced creative blocks or periods of low inspiration? If so, how did you overcome them?
Practically my whole life was a creative block until I left university for the first time, directly after which (!) I had a bit of a creative burst for several years. It wasn’t until I did my masters degree a few years later that the inspiration came back and I learned how to harness it: that essentially means just doing what interests me, and not compromising on that.
Do you believe it’s necessary to have a degree in a creative subject to succeed?
Absolutely not, but it might help make useful connections.
Can you share any memorable experiences or achievements in your creative career that have had a significant impact on your journey?
The arrival of the Internet allowed me to find more work and inspiration from more people, all over the world, than I could ever have imagined.
Is there anything else you would like to share with young creators aspiring to pursue a creative career?
The word feedback has two, contradictory meanings: “Useful information” and “distorted noise”. Learn to recognise the difference. Attract the former; avoid the latter.
