Amy McKimm
Professional pet portrait artist Amy Mckimm shares how she’s found success in just two years
Bas a full-time artist was strangely not something I ever really expected or planned for. It was all a bit sudden in the spring of 2020; during that rst COVID lockdown. I’d bought a tin of pastel pencils and a few sheets of Clairefontaine Pastelmat at the beginning of the year, so lockdown gave me the perfect opportunity to practise and learn as much as I could. Within a very small space of time, I’d built up a solid three months of commissions. My husband suggested I quit my full-time job as a vehicle inspector and ‘make this my job.’ That’s exactly what I did, and
I’ve never looked back.
At the start of this year, I began hosting pastel pencil workshops at my local coee shop and now oer full-day workshops. With the help of local businesses, I also host mini art breaks with accommodation, treatments and personalised art tuition, and advise artists looking to do pet portrait commissions on the business side of things too.
Animals have always been an important part of my life which is why I’m at my happiest drawing them. I completely understand the bond people have with their pets, so I’m in tune with why a portrait is so special to them. Social media is mainly where I market my work. The key is learning how to put your work in front of the right people. I love talking with other pet owners I meet out walking. Don’t be afraid to introduce your work to people you meet in your daily life; it could well lead to commissions.