My Art Journey | How I Turned my Hobby Into a Career

Do you have a hobby you'd love to become your job? This video is about my art journey from being a young child who loved to draw, to a full-time artist creating commissions and teaching people to draw all over the world.

My journey has included lots of ups and downs but I couldn't have done it without such a wonderful support network. I am grateful to everyone who watches my videos or supports my business in any way. You've helped make this possible for me!

Things mentioned in this video:
Collins Drawing Animals Book (not available any more)

Where else to find me:

[karenlavigne]

Awe, your grandfather really gave you a life long gift.❤ Wonderful insight to how you got started. Love your channel

[loloblack]

this was a wonderful video and you explained things so eloquently. In a society of instant gratification and wanting success instantly, your story is the one most of us identify with. Gradual growth, sometimes so slow we don't know if we are getting anywhere, but the sticking with it and learning as we go. I'm much older than you and just learning the business and technical side of things seems daunting. The business end of things gets in the way of the time to create. I am still learning to find a balance between business, creative, and just plain life responsibilities. We can all learn from your approach, life ebbs and flows and each point is an opportunity to learn and grow. Thank you so much

[bethw]

This is most inspiring art journey story I've ever heard. I love your wildlife art and especially the vision behind it (your Grand-dad!). Your relatability and optimistic outlook are wonderful. Even when things don't turn out as you hoped, you find a way to see the positive and move forward. I'm new to this channel and loving it!

[cccheerzzz]

Thank you! You are so inspiring for me as for an art student thinking about my own business. Your journey seems realistic and I have got a lot of useful insights from this video, which makes me think about my future. Thank you and good luck! ❤

[kimbearlysoriginal]

Your artwork is the best! Your Patreon is fantastic. I recommend it to everyone wanting to draw. I also love your YouTube. All around your a pretty awesome person. :)

[lizjanevski]

So inspiring and so much takeaways with all that you shared, so thank you for inviting us into how you got to where you are today…such a beautiful story about your grandad too ❤

[hazysyd]

Praise the Lord for your journey, especially getting that part time job!! He is good and will provide. Glory to Jesus Christ! I’m hoping to do some art during college and make some money that way too!

[megcrust]

Good to hear that you're using your artistic ability combined with dedication to make a success. I think there's probably a few people who don't realise what's involved giving up a regular income, paid holidays, sick pay, not having to sort your tax and N.Ì. and meeting clients expectations etc.. Good luck to you for the future.

[stephanieg]

Such a shame your grandad isn’t here to see your success. He would have been so proud of you. Great hearing your journey. Thank you for sharing 🌷

[dijosephine]

That was very enjoyable Shannon. Sooo interesting. 👍👏❤️

[alida]

Love to hear your story, you are a big artist, follow you a long time, love what you do.

Thank you for this video, you are so authentic and honest about everything you do. I find your tutorials so easy to follow and I look forward to each one. Your Grandad would be so proud of you xxx

[chandimaabeysinghe]

Really glad to hear about your path very interesting. I really watch each of your videos and they are just amazing. Please keep up the good work. All the best!

[pinkangel]

Absolutely loved this! Thanks for sharing ❤

[VervainVanity]

Hi, this was incredibly helpful to watch as someone who is starting to delve into marketing traditional art. I’ve found it a very different process from digital and I’ve been kind of stuck as to where to go with it from here. It’s nice to see someone who has made it to where I’d like to be documenting their journey there, thank you!

[angelacaires]

Thanks so much, enjoyed hearing your story!

[jennt]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey! Your artwork is stunning. Could you please tell me how did you design your logo? What did you use?

[BellaJohnston-io]

Hi I love your artwork what are the polychromo pencils you use the most? (E.g. Dark sepia)

[louisaheaton]

Your Grandad sounds like he was an amazing man x

[justmeanonym]

Thank you so much for your videos, Shannon! 😊

Which camera did you use to film this Video? :)

Best wishes, Rieke (@ artbyrieke )