To succeed as an artist, focus on developing your unique voice, consistently creating, and actively marketing your work while building a strong network. Embrace the journey, be resilient, and cultivate a mindset that balances creativity with practical business skills.
Since graduating from Gray’s School of Art in 1999 with a BA (Hons) in Painting — followed by a Postgraduate Diploma/Master’s in Art & Design in 2000 — Angela Thouless has been exploring the evolving narrative of urban life through her creative work.
Her passion for urban art was ignited during a transformative trip to Amsterdam in 2012. Drawn to the Spuistraat neighbourhood — a haven for artists and creatives — she began capturing images of decaying buildings and raw graffiti. These annual pilgrimages became a vital source of inspiration, particularly the transient, impromptu nature of street art and its vibrant multiculturalism, with artists from across the globe contributing to the ever-changing cityscape.
One of her most distinctive series, a collection of spray can tribal mask paintings, was born from a workshop they led in Aberdeen, where old spray cans became unconventional canvases. The series presents a rich and exotic array of tribal masks infused with African, Asian, and South American influences. Painted onto spray cans and enveloped in lush botanical and animal motifs, the work carries a metropolitan spirit and delivers a powerful message of unity: one species, one tribe.
Angela Thouless’s art has been exhibited extensively across the UK, Europe, and North America. In 2019, this visual language evolved into Tribe All, a unisex urban t-shirt brand that fuses street style with cultural storytelling. As a designer, Angela has showcased her work at Aberdeen, London, and Milan Fashion Weeks and has been multi-published across vast magazines. Now she shares her thoughts on succeeding as an artist today.
Finding Your Voice and Style:
- Authenticity:Â Create work that genuinely reflects your perspective, interests and experiences.
- Let your art be an expression of yourself: Art should be a genuine reflection of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
- Find what excites you: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mediums, subjects, and styles until you discover what truly resonates with you.
- Develop your personal style: A consistent style helps create a recognizable brand and allows you to evolve your work while maintaining a sense of identity.
- Consistency:Â Develop a recognizable style and approach that defines your work.
Cultivating Your Art Practice:
- Practice Regularly: Dedicate time to honing your skills. Consistent effort, even in short bursts, is crucial for honing your skills and developing your craft. Be patient with the process. Mastering any art form takes time and dedication.
- Learn from Others:Â Study the work of artists you admire and seek out mentors or creative coaches.
- Learn from mistakes:Â Embrace errors as opportunities for learning and growth.
- Embrace Challenges:Â View obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning.
- Don’t be afraid to fail:Â Embrace experimentation and view setbacks as part of the journey.
Building Your Art Career: Marketing and Networking:
- Attend Events:Â Engage with the art community by attending exhibitions, openings, and workshops.
- Say Yes:Â Say yes to as many opportunities that get presented to you as you never know where they may lead.
- Social Media:Â Utilize platforms to showcase your work and connect with potential buyers and collaborators.
- Build Relationships:Â Cultivate connections with other artists, galleries, collectors, and vendors.
- Seek inspiration and mentorship: Learn from and cultivate relationships with other artists and gallery’s but don’t get discouraged by their success; use it as motivation.
- Don’t be afraid to market yourself.
Navigate the Business Side of Art:
- Don’t create solely for money: Find joy in the creative process, and let the financial aspect be a secondary consideration.
- Value your work: Don’t be afraid to price your art fairly and confidently.
- Seek exposure: Get your work seen by potential buyers and art enthusiasts through various channels.
- Build a strong online presence: Utilize social media and online platforms to showcase your work and connect with your audience.
- Consider the business side of art: Learn about marketing, pricing, and selling your work, but don’t let it overshadow your creative process.
Stay Inspired and Motivated:
- Find joy in the process: Focus on the intrinsic rewards of creating art, rather than solely on external validation.
- Self-Care:Â Prioritize your physical and mental health to sustain your creative energy.
- Create a Supportive Environment:Â Establish a designated workspace and foster positive relationships that support your artistic endeavors.
- Stay Inspired:Â Read, travel, and engage with diverse perspectives to broaden your creative horizons
- Don’t compare yourself to others: Focus on your own progress and celebrate your unique journey.
- Remember why you started: Connect with the initial passion and motivation that led you to pursue art.
- Be resilient: The art world can be challenging, but perseverance and a positive attitude will help you overcome obstacles.
