In a dynamic virtual gathering aimed at supporting emerging creatives, recent graduates, and independent artists, industry professionals and artists came together to share real-world strategies for building sustainable art careers. Spanning across borders – from the USA to Scotland and beyond – the event created a vibrant space for connection, learning, and inspiration.
Guest Panellists
Hannah Grout
Fair Manager at The Other Art Fair, Hannah works closely with both UK-based and international artists, combining roles in curation, exhibitor development, and feature management. With an MA in Contemporary Art Theory from Goldsmiths and a background in art marketing and PR, she brings a sharp industry perspective on how artists can professionally position themselves within art fairs and beyond.
Adwoa Botchey & Solomon Adebiyi (Adeche Atelier)
This dynamic creative duo reimagine African mythology through painting and digital storytelling. As founders of Adeche Atelier, their work has been commissioned by institutions such as the BBC, National Gallery, and Royal Academy of Arts. Through Adeche Atelier, they amplify African heritage and challenge cultural misconceptions, showing how digital platforms can be powerful tools for narrative and visibility.
Bea Last
An award-winning contemporary artist, mentor, and educator based in Scotland, Bea was named VAA Artist of the Year 2024 and has exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Laguna Arte Prize in Venice. She is deeply involved in artist development, inclusion, and mentoring – particularly for those with additional learning needs – and shares insights on sustaining a long-term, socially engaged art practice. Find her on @bea_last_artist.
A Hub of Resources and New Initiatives
The session kicked off with participant introductions, setting a tone of inclusivity and shared purpose. Organisers announced several upcoming opportunities, including specialised courses in art curation, 3D photography, and website transformation. A major highlight was the launch of Art Launch, a new initiative offering one-to-one portfolio reviews,
personalised mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities for emerging artists.
Top Tip: Sign up for mentorship and portfolio reviews like “Art Launch” to gain personalised guidance and grow your network.
Navigating the Nonlinear Path of Success
A central theme throughout the panel discussion was the nonlinear nature of artistic careers. Artists often face unpredictable paths, where resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of community are crucial for long-term success. Panellists emphasised the importance of redefining success – not just as immediate recognition or sales, but as ongoing growth and sustained creative engagement.
Top Tip: Redefine success as steady growth – stay adaptable, build community, and embrace the twists in your artistic journey.
Building Financial Stability Through Diversification
The conversation addressed the financial realities of creative careers. Artists were encouraged to explore multiple income streams such as teaching, licensing, selling prints, or participating in art fairs. This approach helps cushion against the inherent instability in relying solely on original work sales and supports a more fluid, adaptable career model.
Top Tip: Start by choosing one additional income stream – such as offering a short online workshop or selling a limited run of prints – and set a clear, achievable goal to launch it within the next month.
The Power of Community and Connection
From peer support to industry mentorships, networking emerged as a career catalyst. Whether through physical events or digital platforms, building meaningful relationships opens doors to collaboration, opportunities, and exposure. For recent graduates, forming strong connections can be a game-changer.
Top Tip: Prioritise networking – attend events and engage online to build relationships that spark opportunities and growth.
Embracing Digital Tools and Social Media
Embracing Digital Tools and Social MediaWith traditional gatekeepers evolving, social media has become a critical tool for artists. Platforms now offer direct access to collectors, galleries, and audiences, allowing artists to promote themselves, share their process, and build loyal followings without intermediaries.
Top Tip: Use social media strategically to showcase your work, connect with your audience, and bypass traditional gatekeepers.
Professionalism, Flexibility, and Artistic Integrity
Panellists encouraged artists to remain professional and open to varied roles – whether in education, commercial art, or independent practice. Importantly, they discussed ways to balance market demands with artistic authenticity, such as offering prints while preserving original works.
Top Tip: Stay professional and flexible – explore diverse roles and offer prints to balance income with artistic integrity.
Watch the Full ‘Navigating the Post-Art School Journey’ Webinar here!
Introducing the Art Launch Programme: A Head Start for Emerging Artists
A standout offering discussed during the Navigating the Post-Art School Journey event was the Art Launch Programme, a tailored development scheme by the Visual Artists Association (VAA) designed specifically for emerging artists, recent graduates, and creatives transitioning into professional practice.
The programme provides step-by-step guidance on how to build a sustainable art career
-covering essentials such as pricing work, developing a collector base, marketing, and preparing for galleries and exhibitions. Participants also gain access to:
- One-to-one mentoring
- Live coaching sessions
- Training videos & business templates
- Career development planning
- Access to a private artist network
By addressing the business side of art – often overlooked in traditional art school settings – Art Launch equips early-career artists with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to turn creativity into a viable livelihood.