After getting a buzz from doing art casually for one person I knew it was something I would love to do on a more professional basis. "So where to start?" I had quite a bit of material but nowhere to display. First stop; Facebook.
I created my own page specifically for my art. I uploaded a load of pictures I had already done. I sorted them into categories so viewers could instantly see what kind of art I had on display. I invited a number of friends and I was good to go. The only problem was I was only really reaching my friends with this. I needed something that would get my work out beyond my social circle.
Check out my page!
facebook.com/apart1983
I already had an Instagram account but had never even posted anything before so I decided to give it a whirl. I was still producing my artwork so decided from now on every new piece went straight onto Instagram. It took a few goes but once I started to get the hang of the hash-tags I began to get more and more likes for each piece.
Instagram - Andylovesthe80s
My confidence was growing and then that stroke of luck. Because of what was going on with my illustration I was eager to tell my friends so while showing a friend some of my stuff on my phone at a party he asked if I would do him a picture from one of his favorite movies. He had liked my style and so thought a particular scene would look really cool.
I delivered the piece to him 2 weeks later and he paid me for it. The amount isn't important what is is that was the first ever time I had been paid for my artwork and it felt amazing. Now the goal was clear. Creating art was and is going to become my life.
Come back soon to see what else I get up to, the lessons and techniques I have learned so far and where social media has helped me develop even further.
Thanks for reading!
A.P.
