The person behind the paintings. Embracing Change: How an online painting course transformed my life during the pandemic.
The pandemic reshaped our lives in unimaginable ways. Like many others, I found myself navigating uncertainty after over 15 years immersed in the bustling world of commercial interiors in the vibrant cities of London, Bath, and Bristol. I had dedicated my career to conventional paths after graduating from the Welsh School of Architecture and returning to education and graduating with a First Class degree in Interior Design. The unexpected pause that Covid19 surprised us all, which forced me to rethink my priorities, passions, and purpose. In this blog post, I’ll share my journey from being furloughed to discovering a newfound love for painting, and how it led me to embrace the unknown and set up my small business back in my hometown of Newport, Pembrokeshire.
The turning point: Furlough and reflection
When the pandemic hit, I was suddenly faced with the reality of being furloughed. The rush of daily commutes, meetings, and deadlines was replaced by an eerie stillness. Living alone it was isolating and lonely and I wasn’t sure how or if I could navigate this new world I was living in. At first, this break felt like a setback, but as the days turned into weeks, I began to see it as an opportunity for introspection.
I reflected on the past 15 years of my career—what I loved, what I struggled with, and what I truly wanted. Deep down, I had always harboured a passion for art, but it had taken a backseat to my professional obligations. The enforced stillness of the pandemic pushed me to reconsider my priorities.
Re-discovering my passion: Enrolling in an online painting course
With time on my hands and a desire to continue to explore my creative side, I stumbled upon an online painting course guided by Helen Elliott. It was a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Little did I know that this choice would spark a series of events that would ultimately make me leave a city I had called home for over eight years, quit my job, and return to my roots to establish my own business. The idea of stepping in to the unknown was daunting yet very exciting!
Making the leap from a traditional career that has become second nature and a well loved comfort blanket to becoming a self-employed painter felt daunting and at times I had moments of self doubt and even regret. However, the rewards of this new creative career path can be (and have been) truly life-changing.
Below I’ll share with you why moving to a self-employed painting career is not only hard but also immensely fulfilling.
1. Financial uncertainty
One of the most significant challenges of self-employment is the unpredictability of income. Unlike a regular salary, your income (if you’re lucky enough to be able to even pay yourself a wage at the early stages) can vary from month to month. This uncertainty requires strong budgeting skills and a good understanding of your financial needs and commitments.
2. Time management
As a self-employed painter, you are your own boss. This freedom can be liberating, but it also means you are responsible for managing your time effectively. Balancing the production of paintings, personal projects, marketing, and business administration can be overwhelming.
3. Building a client base
When you're starting out, understanding your customer base may feel like an uphill battle. It takes time to establish a reputation and get your name out in the community. Networking, online marketing, and word-of-mouth referrals all play a crucial role in gaining traction. Trust is key.
The rewards of being a self-employed painter. Despite these challenges, the benefits of being your own boss in the creative field are undeniable.
1. Creative Freedom
As a self-employed painter, you have the opportunity to express your artistic vision without the constraints of a corporate job. You can choose your projects, your style, and your clients, allowing you to create work that truly resonates with you. This is where the magic happens as the alignment between work and utter joy has lead to a greater job satisfaction and overall sense of purpose and fulfilment.
2. Flexibility
One of the biggest positives of self-employment is the ability to set your own hours. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, you can structure your day around your peak productivity hours. It allows you to balance work with personal commitments and that’s not something I’ve really been able to achieve before.
3. Development
Through running my own business I have had to develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as finance, book keeping, and overall business management. I have struggled with some areas but the confidence it has given me far outweighs the set backs I’ve experienced.
It hasn’t been easy. There have been countless hours spent honing my skills, experimenting with different techniques, and overcoming self-doubt. It’s taken hard work and determination to get here, but I wouldn’t change a thing. With every stroke of my brush, know it is created with love, happiness, and sense of pride. I thank you all for joining me on this adventure and supporting me along the way!
"The braver I am, the luckier I get" - Glennon Doyle
‘Untamed: Stop Pleasing, Start Living’
