Determination and hard work can pay

ALTHOUGH it may seem like a job made for someone who is simply naturally gifted, being an artist takes hard work and a lot of self-determination.

Becoming an artist and making a living from it is a tough task.

However, if you think being an artist and selling your craft could be a potential career for you, perseverance and patience are crucial traits to have. Just ask Kat Baxter an up-and-coming artist from Broughty Ferry.

Kat, 27, graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in 2011, after studying fine art for four years.

She won the Wraptious cushion design competition in 2016 and went on to produce her own designs which are displayed in the Eduardo Alessandro Studios in Broughty Ferry where she now works part-time.

Working roughly 27 hours a week at the studio has given Kat a great deal of experience as well as learning how people react to her work.

“This environment is great as I am constantly around inspiring, artistic people”, said Kat.

“Becoming an artist is difficult and it will be tricky to get your work out there.

“At university, we are always told to network and show our work to as many people as we possibly could.

“For me, the best thing is to get some work experience or placements somewhere so that you can really get a feel for the place and the people you are surrounded by.

“Be smart about it and definitely motivate yourself to be better and not to give up.

“You will get knockbacks but you have to look past them and move on to the next thing.

“You really do need a thick skin and the ability to just accept that not everyone is going to love your work as much as you do”.

Kat’s work is being sold at the Affordable Art Fair in Hampstead, London, in May as well as in Edinburgh in November.

“I think social media plays a massive part in gaining an audience and getting people interested in your work.

“Also entering small competitions online can get your name out there.

“I love my job, I get to do what I love, and I am constantly surrounded by beautiful art, plus I work in such a great encouraging environment.

“We as a team bounce off one another and share ideas — it’s really great.”

Kat Baxter