Welcome to another edition of our "Artist of the Month" blog post! We are so excited to be featuring the amazing artists who continually blow us away with their incredible artwork. From oil paintings to pencil observations and everything in between, our featured artists will make sure to inspire you with their unique and creative style. Whether you're an art collector, a fellow artist, or just love the beauty of art, you're sure to find something to admire and be inspired by in this blog series.
This month, we are thrilled to introduce you to the incredibly talented Cornwall-based illustrator and designer, Melanie Chadwick! We have been in touch with Melanie and asked some questions to find out more about her and her craft...
Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?
Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?
Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work and why?
A. I wouldn't say I have an artist that I look to or think about when I've creating artwork, I'm more often thinking about the subject and how do I respond to what I see and pushing the materials/mediums to capture it.
Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?
A. When you're starting out things can seem quite overwhelming and unattainable. But remember everyone has to start somewhere. So start simple and small, each day make time for art, and hone your craft, whether that's learning how to use your materials or understanding colour palettes. Once you start getting more competent with your art, understand how to run a business. It's so important to know how to invoice, have contracts, keep accounts, market, have a portfolio, reach out to clients/galleries/shops etc, and present yourself and your work. Again this may seem overwhelming so each day break down your tasks, and have goals for each month, 6 months, and 12 months. Set goals for yourself and your business and you will then start to move towards them.
Q. What is your first memory of creating art?

Q. What is your dream project?
Melanie recently took part in Cornwall Open Studios from the 27th May to Sunday 4th June. Below are a few pictures from the event, featuring some of Melanie's wonderful work on sale, printed by us!
It's been a pleasure getting to know more about Melanie and learning her tips and tricks. You can find out more about Melanie and shop her wonderful artwork on her website and Instagram.
Stay tuned for next month's Artist of the Month in July!
Other Links:
Melanie Chadwick Sketching & Illustration - online courses & resources