Holly’s creative career began when she decided that she needed to make money while she continued her practice. She started bar work at Chapter, but didn’t get enough hours to give her a sufficient income, therefore she started working with the council.
While Hannah Firth, who worked for Chapter, was away for the Venice Bienniale set-up, a 7 month contact was opened and Holly got the job, where she did the installing for Chapter.
After this contract ended, she worked for the box office, the bar, and as a project manager at Chapter, but yet again, this wasn’t enough income. Holly explained that this is a common issue amongst practising artists, as finding a balance between getting an income and having the time to create work is difficult.
She then started to get grants and started to teach at Swansea. At this point, Holly explained that having so many short contracts meant that she had a wide variety of experience that she can now apply anywhere.
Her further advice:
- Look into Inc. Space at CSAD
- Network – always go to every event you can
- Make mistakes and learn from them
- Look for opportunities
Building a creative portfolio:
- Studio Practice
- teaching/workshops
- commissions
- exhibitions
- commercial galleries
- part-time job
It’s all about juggling all of these (or whatever you’re juggling) effectively, and try to find a balance that suits you
- use social media to your advantage
- website or an online presence
- up to date CV
- artist statement
- know about tax and contracts
- time management
- funding
- think of a 1/2 year plan
Job opportunities:
- Arts council website
- Arts professional – free mailing list
- Transartists – residences across the world
- Artrabbit – events and opportunities
Funding:
- Arts council – lots of different types of funding
- Axisweb – can make a portfolio profile where employers can find you
- Fundingforartists – a directory for artists
- Visual Arts Southwest
Tax:
- HMRC website – threshold is about £11,500 – pay your tax after
- Declare that you’re self-employed if you’re doing freelance work – get a unique tax code
- Save around a third of your income to pay tax
- Expenses related to projects and commissions can be deducted from the tax
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