Professional pet portrait artist Amy Mckimm shares how she’s found success in just two years
HOW I MAKE IT WORK
Building my career as 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 first 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 beginning of 2022, I began hosting pastel pencil workshops at my local coffee shop and now offer full-day workshops. With the help of local businesses, I also host mini art breaks with accommodation, treatments and 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
