An Art To It

In this week's episode, I chat to visual artist Gabriella Buckingham, whose creative path has taken her from illustration, to product design, to online teaching, and finally to the richly expressive painting practice she runs today. Gabriella reflects on her childhood desire to be an artist and how finally reaching her destination "was just what I wanted. So I'm very grateful." And how her time spent in the business side of a greetings card business left her with invaluable knowledge of trends, sales analysis and creative stamina which she could ultimately apply to her own creative business.  "I really feel that to run art as a business, you've got to be an optimist. You've got to be able to pick yourself up when you fail." We discuss: • Our shared Lithuanian heritage - and the mystery at the centre of Gabriella's family history • Growing up obsessed with the paintings in her family home - as well as colour and ballet Why she realised graphic design wasn't for her as she cared far more about the painting than the type. The  commercial years that gave her strong business foundations Life as a kitchen-table business owner on Not On The High Street, https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/ and the moment she realised success was costing her more than it gave back Creating and teaching her own online painting course, and why seven-month "live experiences" are as intense as they sound Entering work for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition - and the electric moment she learned she'd been selected Brand inspiration, colour psychology, and why she thinks she's a "Spring business with an Autumn edge" inspired by Fiona Humberstone @thebrand_stylist https://www.thebrand-stylist.com/ Brands she loves: Boden https://www.boden.com/, Toast https://www.toa.st/, and Kemi Telford https://kemitelford.com/ Success, according to Gabriella: "the life I have now… just with a little more space, more painting, and more galleries."   You can enjoy Gabriella's work at - https://www.gabriellabuckingham.com/ and on instagram @gabriellabuckingham  

In this final episode of my mini-series An Art to It: Unframed, we're talking about the quiet power of presentation - and why giving your digital presence a bit of a make-over can make such a difference to how your work is seen, understood, and valued. As a gallery owner I get a lot of submissions from artists and makers asking me to consider their work, and naturally I look at their Instagram accounts and websites. Some times I'm excited by what I discover and others… well, let's just I'm left a bit confused as to what their practice actually is. So this episode explores how your online world: your Instagram grid and your website, act as your shop window. And just like any good window display, it needs a little thought, clarity, and styling to really invite people in. In this episode we cover: Why artists often resist "styling" - and why it matters more than we admit What major retailers can teach us about presentation  How your Instagram grid works like a mini exhibition Simple user-friendly and effective upgrades: profile photo, bio, pinned posts, highlights The "mini shop window" effect and why clarity beats clutter How to curate your website so visitors instantly understand your work Seasonal styling and how small changes make your online presence feel fresh and current This isn't about perfection, aesthetics for aesthetics' sake, or style over substance. It's about helping your beautiful work shine in the way it deserves to. If you've enjoyed this mini-series, I'd love to hear from you — and if you have topics you'd like me to explore in possible future Unframed episodes, just drop me a note. And you can… • Join my monthly Creative Brief newsletter: elainedye.com • Listen to the full An Art to It interview series • Follow along on Instagram for more tips for artists & makers @elaine_dye_ and @thebyregallery.co.uk  

In this episode of An Art to It,  I'm joined by applied artist Amy Stringer, who has just celebrated ten years of running her creative business. Amy's practice moves between jewellery and ceramics – think structural, architectural, process-led work that blurs the boundaries between wearable pieces and sculptural objects. Starting with body adornment and bold cement forms, she's now known for both her chain-led silver jewellery and her carved Kurinuki vessels, where jewellery sometimes lives inside the ceramic object. Together, Elaine and Amy talk about what has changed over the last decade for makers, and what it really takes to sustain a creative career over the long term. They discuss: How the landscape for makers has shifted pre- and post-Covid, from material costs and gallery closures to the boom in workshops Why Amy's teaching practice has become a vital pillar in her business, and what she loves about passing on traditional skills Her transition from "fashion-minded" body adornment to process-led jewellery and ceramics, and the tension she's felt around the word "artist" Working with Kurinuki - an ancient Japanese technique of carving clay- and why her ceramic pieces can take months before they even reach the kiln Pricing, value and how ceramic audiences respond to labour-intensive work The differences between jewellery shows and ceramics shows, and why ceramics seems to invite more play The realities of self-employment as a maker: admin, tax, tools, rejection and the business skills that are rarely taught at art school How Amy approaches teaching second-career makers who are thinking about going professional The role galleries have played in her journey, and why having the confidence to approach them early on made such a difference What success looks like for her next ten years - from multidisciplinary exhibitions to sustaining a comfortable, creatively fulfilling life And, as always, I ask Amy the podcast's central question: Is there an art to running a successful creative business? Amy's answer is honest, encouraging and very recognisable to anyone trying to make their creative work pay the bills: it takes a particular personality, a lot of internal drive, and a willingness to keep going through self-doubt and imposter syndrome. You can see Amy's work @amystringerdesign and at https://www.amystringer.co.uk/  

It's one thing when a friend deliberately buys the same coat as you. It's quite another when your creative work, or something very similar, turns up on someone else's instagram grid, gallery, grid, or workshop offering. Copying is personal, deeply and annoying and hurtful - but when it could undermine your carefully crafted creative identity and brand, then it's a real issue. In this episode, we take a look at the slightly thorny subject of copying in creative business: how to spot it, what to do when it happens, and how to protect yourself going forward. From personal experience to industry advice, she explores why copying hurts, when to take action, and how to trust your own originality even when others are borrowing a little too freely. Whether you're an artist, maker, writer or workshop teacher, if you've ever had that sinking "hang on a minute…" moment, this one's for you. In this episode: Why creative work feels personal What you can protect (and how) Why visibility invites imitation How to respond when someone copies you The difference between inspiration and imitation What to do if you're worried you're too close to someone else's idea For more tips, sign up for my monthly newsletter, Creative Brief, visit elainedye.com

What happens when the art you're known for no longer brings you joy? In this episode, mixed media artist Jane Wilson shares her journey from fashion buying to creative commercial success, and how a door closing lead to her finding her true voice as a playful, joy-filled artist. Jane opens up about early experiences of imposter syndrome, the emotional fallout from a tough gallery break-up, and how lockdown gave her space to rediscover creativity on her own terms. We talk about the art of starting over - more than once - and why success looks different at different stages of life and career. Jane also reflects on professional ambition, the importance of artist identity, and how she's channelling her experience into launching her first online workshop.  We talk about: Jane's shift from fashion buyer to professional artist Why gallery representation isn't always the dream Imposter syndrome and reclaiming the title of 'artist' Playing your way into a more joyful practice The power of beginner's mind Success, validation, and new directions after 50 Creative professionalism (and why every artist needs a delivery note!) You can see Jane's work online at https://www.janewilsonartist.co.uk/ and on instagram @janewilsonartist