In part one, I wrote about the early stages of shifting from corporate life toward an art practice — the mindset, the habits, and the importance of starting slowly and deliberately.
In this second post, I want to talk about what happens once you’ve begun making work consistently: how to share it, how to stay organized, and how to build something sustainable without losing yourself in the process.
Learn, practice, and let the work evolve
If you can, take art classes — online or in person. Learning alongside others can be deeply grounding and motivating.
I enjoyed a portrait painting class last winter that pushed me to create in a way that I don't often explore on my own.
As you practice, your portfolio will begin to form naturally. Don’t worry about “finding your voice.” That comes from repetition. In the meantime, allow yourself to explore different styles and approaches. You can always group work into collections later. The most important thing is to keep going.
Document and talk about your work
Document everything. Take well-lit photos of finished work on a plain wall. Photograph details. Capture process shots. Showing scale helps too — I often photograph my work next to the same white chair so viewers can easily understand size.
Documenting your art helps to share it with the world. Documenting the process helps to tell your story, too.
And write about your work. What were you feeling? What drew you to make it? People connect with stories — and talking about your work also helps you understand where you want to go next.
Start sharing and showing
Open a social media account dedicated to your art journey. Don’t wait for things to feel polished. People love seeing the learning process — they’re often learning alongside you.
Visit local art shows. Become familiar with your local art community, and let people become familiar with you and your work. Apply to group exhibitions — libraries, community centres, city-run shows are often great places to start.
Rejection will happen. A lot. Try not to take it personally. Apply to the next opportunity. Eventually, your work finds its people.
Galleries, organization, and the practical side
When it comes to galleries, focus on those that already show work similar to yours and attract collectors who might connect with what you make. Local galleries can be especially practical.
Always work with a signed contract. Keep updated inventory lists. Organization becomes essential as your body of work grows. Even a simple spreadsheet tracking titles, sizes, prices, locations, and exhibition history can make a huge difference later on.
Build a home for your work online
A website gives your work a clear home. It doesn’t have to do everything — it simply needs to reflect you honestly. Some artists sell directly; others prefer contact forms or gallery representation.
Third-party platforms can also be helpful, as long as you keep your inventory current and your images strong.
Our packing station and storage area for paintings waiting to be shipped.
When that first sale happens, have packing supplies ready and send work out promptly. Treating your practice professionally builds trust — with collectors and with yourself.
If your images are high enough quality, prints can offer a gentle form of passive income as well.
In Closing
I could easily write a book on this, but for now, this feels like a good place to pause.
At its core, building an art life comes down to consistency — and consistency grows from genuine care for what you’re making. Keep showing up. Keep documenting. Stay organized. Stay curious.
And be kind to yourself along the way.
I'm cheering for you! If questions come up, I’m always happy to continue the conversation.