Art has been a part of me since the very beginning. I truly think it was my calling in life. No matter what I did, Art was always something I came back to and not only that but something that would help me immensely with my mental wellbeing. Ive always had a very low self esteem and it’s something that I’ve had to work so hard on the last few years. Without the confidence and sheer BELIEF that it would work out I wouldn’t have been able to get what I am. I was told by multiple people that actually I’d be a “starving artist” that it would be safer to get a proper job. A 9-5 where I’d have been unhappy knowing I could have pursued my dreams. I’ve had months where I’ve been desperately hoping for a commission to come my way, months where I’ve cried and said I can’t do this. Feeling like you’re in a sea of people who are doing what you want to do but it’s just that little bit too far out of reach for you. The only thing that has really helped me is firstly the belief that it will work out (law of attraction maybe?) and pushing through those rough rough days. I’ve had debt collectors, I’ve been unable to pay for my food shopping. I’ve had to buy my children food on a credit card. It’s been absolutely horrendous at times. But we move, and we push forward until we get there. Things are a little lighter now and I know it will continue if I let it 🤍 #artcareer #artistgrowth #fulltimeartist #starvingartist #selfbelief #selfbeliefiskeytoyoursuccess #lawofattraction

Day 10 is a commission but an animal nonetheless! This beautiful pup passed away two years ago and im hoping this brings some comfort to his owner 🤍 those big gorgeous eyes 🥹 #petportraitdecoration #petportraitonwood #woodsliceart #petloss #petlossgift #colouredpencilart #lincolnshireartist

I came across this gorgeous photo by @marklutherphotos and just had to add it to my to draw list! I’ve already got a deer but I love them so we can have more 😍 I’m now low on reference photos so I’m going to spend some time this evening scouting the internet for some other beautiful animals to draw 🤍 #woodsliceart #deerlove #deerart #deerdrawing #artonwood #lincolnshireartist #colouredpencildrawing

Anyone else watching severance at the minute? I’m obsessed! Fully immersed myself in this universe and decided I needed a Lumon and MDR keychain 🤣 if severance was an option in the real world I totally think I’d do it. Although I’d prefer my “innie” to have more of a life than waffle parties and finger traps 🙃 Available on my website if anyone else wants one too 🤓 #severance #lumon #lumonkeychain #macrodatarefinement #severanceappletv #innieoutie Would you become severed if you could?

So many different techniques are required depending on what fur texture you are faced with. This one was a different one for me with the fur being wet, but it was a nice challenge! I find the most difficult for me is curly fur 🤪 I’m a bit of a perfectionist with getting each strand of fur the same as the reference photo even though it isn’t usually necessary to get it exact. Would love to know what you think of this one and if the “wet look” worked 😀 #foxredlab #foxredlablove #foxredlabart #colouredpencilart #colouredpencildrawing

A sweet deer with her tongue sticking out 🥰 I’ve always loved deer, I think they’re so majestic and gentle. We had a walk today at Hartsholme park, where previously I’ve seen many deer. So I thought that would be a good subject for today! I hope you like her #deerart #deerdrawing #deerlove #woodsliceart #colouredpencildrawing

I didn’t think I’d have the confidence to do a market, but I was asked to attend a local one and I pushed myself and said yes. I sat there all day, cold, smiling at people walking by and didn’t make a single sale. I’d spent hours the day before printing out price lists, images of my work and as we were low on cash at the time my dad offered to buy me a table 🥹 the kids sat with me all day and helped so much with my confidence. They’re my biggest cheerleaders always. It put me off trying again, maybe these things aren’t for me! But regardless, I’ve had the best year yet for commissions. I’ve had months, if not years of struggle trying to find work, around looking after the kids by myself and trying to make ends meet. It’s been hard. Social media is a tough one for me, as it’s what I need to grow my business, I just can’t find the time or energy sometimes to keep posting for no one to see it. I’ve spent countless evenings crying to myself or my husband saying that I’ve made a mistake, that all this effort was for nothing and that I’ll never make it. Ive found a lot of my work recently hasn’t actually been from social media, but from word of mouth and just having a strong positive belief in myself 🤍 keep pushing, if you’re in the trenches of trying to be seen or find work you will get there, but ONLY if you keep going 🙏🏼 #artistprogress #fulltimeartist #colouredpencilart #lincolnshireartist #lincolnshireart

Day 7…an owl! 🦉 this was actually another old piece but I’ve not shown it in a long time and she still lives on my shelf 🤍 hope you like it! All wood slices will be added to my website this evening 🙌🏼 #owlart #owldrawing #owlobsession #owllove #colouredpencilart #artonwood #woodsliceart

Not art related but this boy is a vibe so I had to share! Archie loves a sunbathe 🌞 he’s usually finding the sunny areas on the carpet but now the weather is better he’s got his bed outside to recharge his batteries! #lurcher #lurcherlife #lurcherlove #salukilurcher #rescuelurcher

Today is a cheat day as I did this a couple of weeks back 🤪 but I’m up to my eyeballs in commissions right now and today just wasn’t the day! I’m really pleased with this one of my two babies though 🤍 let me know what you think! #greyhoundart #greyhounddrawing #lincolnshiregreyhoundtrust #lurcher #lurchersofinsta #scruffylurcher