Exploring the Artist Life: My Next Chapter Giving Wildlife Art a Real Chance | Victoria Louise Art

Welcome back!

It’s been a little while since I last wrote a blog post, but I’m hoping to change that. From now on, I’m planning to share a couple of blog posts each month and, in doing so, take you along with me on what feels like a really exciting new chapter of my life.

As you may know, back in June this year I took voluntary redundancy from my job in the NHS. It was a big decision, but I decided to see it as an opportunity — an opportunity to finally give myself the time and space to try and turn my dream of becoming a full-time wildlife artist into a reality.

And that is what this next chapter is all about.

I’m now a few months into this new adventure, although the summer was slightly different from what I had originally imagined. I had my first six weeks off with my daughter, which was honestly lovely. It was such a special time to have together, and I’m so grateful that leaving my job gave me the opportunity to do that.

But now things are starting to feel a little more real.

I’m ready to properly focus on my art and really give this a go.

I’ve decided to give myself until around January or February next year to see whether I can make a livable income from my artwork. I know it won’t necessarily be easy, and I have absolutely no idea where this journey will take me, but I want to give myself the chance to find out.

So, that’s where I am right now.

Trying to build a career doing something I love.

Learning as I go.

Figuring out the business side of being an artist alongside the creative side.

And, hopefully, creating lots of wildlife art along the way.

I thought it would be nice to share this journey here — the good bits, the difficult bits, the things I learn, the artwork I create, and all the little steps that hopefully move me towards making this dream my reality.

So, welcome back to my blog.

Here’s to the next chapter.