Reaching the end of the year raises the opportunity for reflection. I want to look back on the progress I have made as an artist and share with you some of my favourite highlights and achievements.
Where 2019 Has Taken My Artwork
This year, first of all, has given me the opportunity to work with many clients, old and new, and create some art that I am very proud of. From epic album covers to some of the most humbling clients wanting to express their love through art, I have compiled some of my favourites below.
My biggest goal this year, however, is obtaining a clearer idea of where I want to take my art. What started as a small series of personal artwork has now become a brand of it’s own. The name, Fay’s Tree, came to me earlier in the year as I was finishing up the first round of illustrations, and since the story has followed. I have gone from being an artist, to becoming an aspiring storyteller and world builder!
As someone with very little experience of writing this has been a massive learning curve, but I am now getting to grips with the story. Fay’s Tree tells a fantastical alternative tale of creation, visually characterising elements of humanity and emotion through art. This has allowed me to get deeper into the story of the art, but also given me the opportunity to express myself on more of a personal level with my art. I have been diving in to my inner feelings and thoughts and attempting to express that with my paintings. The artwork for Tarni was a defining moment for me, as I recalled a very real experience in my life and showed as much of that in the painting.
After much deliberation I took Fay’s Tree to Kickstarter. The first 12 images of the series gave me the perfect chance to create a calendar. Without much time left in the year to market, run and fulfil a Kickstarter campaign I had to work fast. I had planned to delay it until next year, but with the encouragement of the people around me I went in to it head first and came out the other side thrilled with what we accomplished. Fay’s Tree 2020 Art Calendar received 100% funding in the first 6 hours of the campaign and went on to finish up over achieving. Great! It is now in the hands of some of my wonderful fans, and hopefully will be displayed on their walls in just over a week!
This was the most humbling experience from this year. It is a personal endeavour that would not have been possible without the backing of the fans of Fay’s Tree. Thank you!
Going Into Next Year…
My major goal for 2020 is to focus on what’s important to me. That means Fay’s Tree and the people that follow this project. I plan to head in to the year continuing my writing. I plan to add more art for the characters from the first instalment of the story, starting off with new paintings for Fay.
I hope to build a substantial inventory of prints and merchandise that will be making their way on to the store, as well as hoping to take this brand for its debut at conventions and shows in 2020.
Another Kickstarter is definitely on the horizon too. Not much has been planned for that so far, however I definitely want to do another calendar, if not something else too.
Reviving my old Patreon is another thought of mine. There are some plans going forward for that also, but more will be revealed nearer the time.
In conclusion it has been one fantastic year, and it has laid the groundwork to ensure more great times ahead. I have a new focus on where I want to be with my art and it has opened opportunities for further endeavours.
Thank you for sticking with me and following my journey. I hope to bring you new content soon.
Wishing you all the best for 2020!