This is a most unusual time for everyone, by now our daily routines have no doubt shifted significantly as the world responds to the Coronavirus Lockdown. As we all stay home, countless events, workshops, and freelance gigs are being tentatively rescheduled. People across all industries are experiencing delayed work, slow sales and are having to adjust their businesses to adapt to a new normal. Artists across the land have been adapting to the changes by bringing their practices online. I wanted to share a few ways to support independent artists during lockdown.
Support Independent Artists:
Share Art That You Love
When an email landed in my inbox from Illustrator Beáta Sapi saying she’d love to paint a picture of Pickle and I, feeling very flattered of course I was happy to be painted and would be sure to share her beautiful work with friends, family and here on The Fabulous Times. Sharing the work of independent artists online is a great way to help them to reach new clients and receive new commissions. Think of your top five independent artists, crafters or creatives and share their work with your social circles. You could share via Facebook and write a short piece about why you love their work, or post to Instagram or Twitter. Maybe, you could even order a piece of artwork online and have it sent to a friend as a surprise gift? which leads me on to my next point…
Commission A Portrait
Beáta is a jolly talented freelance illustrator and has worked for many prestigious clients over the last ten or so years, including the likes of Marie Claire, Saatchi & Saatchi, L’Occitane, Glamour Magazine- to name a few. For many of us with loved ones celebrating birthdays whilst on lockdown, knowing what gift to give is a real challenge. Beáta’s personalised portraits would make for the perfect present. I was thrilled when the illustration of Pickle and I arrived. Beáta blends computer graphics with traditional techniques like watercolor or pen and ink to produce whimsical portraits. You could commission a portrait of your pet, grandchild or loved one. Beáta is kindly offering Fabulous Times readers a unique 25% discount voucher code: FABTIMES25 – valid until 30th May on https://ghostberry.co.uk
Take An Online Art Class
Artists are not only selling art, but they are also transferring their talents to teaching others. Typically, many artists teach at workshops or host one to one classes, but given the current restrictions these classes are moving online. There are lots of creative classes online where you can learn a new skill or try something you’ve always fancied, support other artists, and experience the joys of art from your home.
So, whether you decide to get creative at home with an online course or commission a portrait from Beáta, be sure to share the gift of creativity during lockdown. Special thank you to Beáta for sharing her talents and for the beautiful portrait.
‘Art teaches nothing but the significance of life.’
– Henry Miller
Stay fabulous
Christine
