Putting on a show!
This is such a daunting time for most artists, we spend a lot of time alone and social anxiety can be a huge issue.
With this in mind, preparation can really help, here's what works for me
1. Prepare Your Artwork Thoughtfully Choose pieces that represent your style and vision. Ensure your artwork is finished, framed (if necessary), and ready to display. Label each piece with a title, medium, and price to make it easy for attendees to connect with your work.
2. Create a Welcoming Display Your booth or gallery space should invite people to explore.
Use easels, shelving, or creative layouts to showcase your art at eye level. Add professional touches like business cards, an artist bio, or signage to give visitors context about your work.
3. Practice Your Elevator Pitch Be ready to talk about your art! Prepare a short, engaging explanation of your creative process, inspirations, and techniques. Having a confident, friendly demeanour will help you connect with potential buyers and admirers.
4. Price Your Work Realistically Research similar artwork in your area to set fair and competitive prices. Keep your costs and effort in mind while leaving room for buyers to feel they’re getting value. Offering a variety of price points can appeal to a broader audience.
5. Bring Essentials for the Day Pack a checklist of essentials, including: Tools for setup (tape, hooks, zip ties, etc.) A payment system (card reader, cash, or digital options) Snacks, water, and comfortable shoes A notebook for collecting contact information or feedback --- With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to create a memorable first art show experience. Remember to relax, enjoy the event, and take pride in sharing your creative journey with others!
Good luck and remember, other artists are very supportive, reach out for advice if needed, artists are wonderful people!
From Rusty Bridges to Bold Canvases:
How Northern Architecture Inspires My Art
When I look at the world around me, it’s not the polished or pristine that captures my imagination—it’s the worn, the weathered, and the wonderfully imperfect. I’ve always been drawn to the industrial beauty of this landscape: the towering mills, the rusty bridges, and the intricate layers of patina that tell stories of time, weather, and resilience.
The north has a unique character, shaped by its industrial past and ever-changing climate. It’s in the cracks of old brickwork, the corroded steel beams, and the soft glow of fading paint where I find my muse. There’s an honesty in these surfaces, a rawness that speaks louder than perfection ever could. Much like these structures, my art captures layers of history.
Each piece I create draws on the textures and tones of these rugged surroundings. The weather-beaten patinas of oxidised metals and peeling paint often inspire my palettes, while the bold, geometric shapes of factories and bridges influence my compositions.
One client once remarked that if Rothko had lived up north, he might have created art like mine. That comment stuck with me. My work shares a similar emotional depth, but with a distinctly northern edge—rooted in grit, texture, and the stories embedded in industrial decay.
For me, inspiration is everywhere: the play of light on a rusty girder, the deep ochres of weathered iron, or the abstract beauty of a crumbling wall. These details may go unnoticed by many, but to me, they’re a treasure trove of creativity.
Through my art, I aim to transform the overlooked into something extraordinary. By celebrating the beauty in decay, I hope to inspire others to see the north not just as a place of industry, but as a canvas of enduring artistry.
Take a closer look at the world around you—there’s inspiration in every rusted surface, every forgotten corner.
My work is proof that even the grittiest scenes can become something beautiful.