Pet Portraits!

These are my two most recent pet portrait commissions!

Galaxy

Pepper

Two A4 acrylic canvases, strung and ready for hanging.

Face Painting!

Earlier this year I was asked to assist with a public event, face painting in

St Ives on Holt Island for 'Batty About Bats' day!

A day to highlight the conservation of our lovely little winged mammals!

When I was a child and teenager, I used to help my mother face painting at

school fetes - mainly because I am and always have been, an artist,

and she would send all the bespoke requests my way!

So, when I was asked to do the Batty About Bats face painting,

complete with my CRB check and insurance already set up -

I was very happy to take the opportunity, and it reminded me

of just how much I enjoy face painting.

Since then I have painted faces for events at

The Seven Wives Pub in St Ives - with fantastic feedback and results.

I never originally thought this would be a viable addition to my

Murals and Graphics Work, however, I love painting, I love children and

it is a very sociable part of my job that I didn't predict but absolutely love!

And people are happy to pay for my skills, for which I am grateful

and excited about and look forward to more parties and events!

For the full gallery so far, please see below.

Vicki's Murals and Graphics has written permission to take pictures of those

featured in the photographs and to use for marketing purposes.

Donning the Teaching Hat

Good Morning.

Today is a Sunday and I am feeling excited about the coming week for a few reasons.

I had a little while when I was wondering if it was going to be a bit quiet.

I had one project to work on and another that is still in progress.

Then a trio of jobs all came knocking about the same time.

And I am really excited to tell you about them, although obviously I can't go into too much detail until the artwork is done and received.

However, I have another pet portrait, this time it is equine - which, I am so pumped about - I love love LOVE to paint horses, they're just so regal, elegant and strong. Then I had an order for some graphic design work - that's all I'll say about that one for now, as I don't want to spoil the surprise.

And finally, I'm going to be starting my first lesson in a course, with one to one tuition, teaching a student painting and drawing techniques, and passing on my knowledge and hopefully helping my student to build confidence in their passion for art.

I feel honoured and excited to be asked to take on a student. I have previously taken classes and workshops, so a single student for a number of hours, I feel very confident we will achieve and have fun in doing so.

Have a happy May bank holiday :)

Monday Morning Reflection

Good morning all.

I love Mondays. I know generally Mondays are THE worst day of the week,

and if you dare bounce about declaring your love for then,

then a slap across the cheek is to be expected.

However, I hope you will be kind enough to hear me out and understand why I love Mondays.
It's not because it's another weekend day for me - far from it.

Setting up a freelancing business is NO mean feat at all.

There's an inordinate amount of things to think about, to plan, to act on,

and trying to work out the priority of each thing, is a challenge all on it's own.

But, my brain has never felt so alive. Taking this leap has allowed me to open

up my mind, get into researching, and taking on client briefs.

In many ways it feels like I'm studying again, only this time,

each client is different (and paying), and they're not a selection of tutors,

so if anything, there's even more uncertainty to it and more riding on each project.

Every freelancing day is different. Today I have three things, the main priority today is to continue with the mural project I'm working on. Today the animals will be started.

I have a fair bit of finishing required for the unit, so I will be doing little bits of that morning and evening (as the majority of today I will be out working on site).

And tonight I have a client dropping by to collect the family portrait I have painted.

I honestly can't begin to explain just how thrilled I am to be taking commissions,

to have people putting their trust into my work.

To anybody who would consider doing the same, my advice would be, proceed with caution. Build up a bit whist you are in full time work, otherwise how can you know that people know you and are willing to buy from you? I have been working towards this over a number of years (possibly even my whole life, if I honestly think back to my education years). Fingers crossed this is the beginning of more and more great things.

But who knows? No chicken's are being counted here.

I focus on each and every project that comes in, and thank each client

as I go along and look forward to each and every freelancing day,

curious as to the changes and developments each one brings.

Don't take for granted the motivation and the work ethic all freelancers

put in though, self-discipline, turning to others with questions, 

learning as you go along, is all apart of the process. 

Nobody is born with knowledge beamed into their head from nowhere.

Ask questions, accept answers, even if they're not what you expected or wanted to hear.

One of the differences also, is that I rarely allow my mind to switch off, it's always thinking and planning.
As a person, over the years I have learnt the ability to switch off from work
and not bring it home with me - leave projects, stress etc all behind when I walk
out that door. And actually that mechanism is extremely useful and helpful.

So when it comes to evenings and weekends,

I can pick and choose when to focus on leisure and when to focus on work.

However, Vicki's Murals and Graphics does feel like time for myself,

so the lines happily merge and when I am thinking and planning new projects,

or sourcing materials etc, it doesn't feel like work.

I very much look forward to the future and the development of the business.

If you are a freelancer, and would like to ask me for advice,

why not message me on facebook or instagram.

Equally if you're a potential client, feel free to make contact - I don't bite,

if you aren't 100% certain about what you want etc, I can hone your thoughts with questions for you to answer, and I enjoy working with clients to make sure

what I'm producing is exactly what you want.

Every month I shall be putting together a newsletter to showcase projects etc that I have done, if you are interested in receiving on, then please send me an email and I shall include you on the mailing list.

Peace out, and happy Monday x X x

Testimonial, Painting and Paint!!

Hello! I have been a little neglectful of my blog of late.

But that's no bad thing - because I've been busy with projects! Which is just wonderful.

Firstly I would like to show you the testimonial that I received this morning,

always love to hear feedback from customers :)

'Vicki painted a special picture of his dogs playing in our garden for my husband's
50th birthday, which she created from a couple of photos I gave her.
The painting is very beautiful and my husband was delighted with his
surprise present for his big day.
Many thanks Vicki, for providing a brilliant service and a top quality painting!
Kind regards, Jenny Gray'

Jenny Gray, co-owner of Purple Holly.

Also, I have been working on a large unit - upcycling it for a customer.

Originally I bought the item for myself, but she said it was EXACTLY what she was

looking for, and wanted me to upcycle it to make it special,

and give it that bespoke edge. How could I refuse?

Upcycling for clients is another part of my business that I would love to grow,

and look forward to taking on future projects.

I have also been painting portraits for people.

Please see two greyhound portraits 'Sam' and 'Boss':

I am also very pleased to say that I have a couple more in store for you.

A family portrait painting and a couples portrait.

I am just waiting to hear back from my customers before

uploading those for you all to see.

Patience is a virtue :)

Secret Time

Sorry I haven't posted for a little while, but the work I am working on is secret and I won't be able to show it until it is complete and with the clients.

But what I can tell you, is that things are going fantastically well, I am looking forward to the future projects that are beginning to drop into my inbox.

I am also very excited to have my beautiful new uniform, displaying my logo, and I feel very invigorated and lucky to be able to give my business a shot.

Future things I need to think on are: website, leaflets and brochures... these are currently in development, however I am waiting to have my current projects complete so I can show these on the new marketing material.

Sorry this is only typing today...

rest assured there will be pretty pictures to see in not too long!

St Ives NOW!

Good morning!

Hopefully you have all received your St Ives NOW! magazines through your doors

(those who live in the local St Ives area of course!)

My advert has been published, to not only let people know what I'm doing,

but also to attract new orders, as i have an amazing deal running up until

Mothering Sunday (26th March 2017) of a third off your order! Plus an extra 10%

when you're a new customer, so please snap up this offer - it is open to absolutely

everybody, and is not JUST for mother's day orders! If you place your order now,

but don't actually need it until December - no problem! ANY order, whenever it's needed,

placed before the 26th March will have the 30% + 10% discount honoured.

So get your orders in!

There is also a lovely introductory write up on page ten of the magazine about me:

'Victoria Clark is a talented artist and illustrator who has now

launched her own creative business.

Vicki can offer anything from a small sketch of your beloved pet 

up to a huge statement piece for your home, business reception area,

party, wedding or corporate event.

Contemporary and modern, or more traditional, Vicki has it all

 plus Graphic Design services.

muralsandgraphics@gmail.com

07598 675 359'