Hi my name is Belinda. I am a Mixed Media and Coloured Pencil artist, an art tutor and mum to two boys 11 & 9 living on the Central Coast NSW, Australia. I am at a major crossroads in my career and really need your help to make my arts practice into a successful Arts Business.

I have come to my art practice in a very different way to most. I started out in the web and graphic design industry over 18 years ago. In those days we had to do everything by hand and as technologies evolved so did I and if there was something I needed to learn, I just jumped in there and did it. The industry has changed alot over the years, I loved being a designer, the early days were great but deep down I always longed to be an artist and  illustrator.

Over the years, I gradually moved from offering design and web services to establishing myself as an artist. I continued to use that "get in an give it a go" attitude and pushed myself out of my comfort zone regularly to progress my skills, contacts and training wherever I could to become "an Artist". Today I very proud to say I am now what i would call a practicing artist and am grateful that i can also be sharing my experiences in the thing I love to do via my workshops and classes. Little did I know, however, the arts business is a little different to the contracting world and to be honest I have been a little (ok alot) overwhelmed in my transition from my past career as a graphic designer to an artist. Trying to create a sustainable business whilst supporting myself and my two kids hasn't been an easy task. Much of my business advice from colleagues and coaches were great in relation to the corporate world but just didn't always seem to fit when it comes to an Arts business.

After much stress, frustration, tears and sometimes wine :), I reflected that tenacity is a good quality to have and I have practiced that alot but what i have been doing hasn't been working and I really need to get some professional help, learn new skills and tools from people who know what they are talking about and are in this industry.

So, after much searching, i found and signed up for the Artist’s Transformation School at Auspicious Arts Incubator to gain the skills and tools I need to turn my arts practice into a successful and sustainable arts business. I know that this is the next step that will allow me to go from where i have am now to where I want to be and I am determined to step up and do what it takes to make this work!

There are many fabulous artist who have run through the school with some fantastic results here is one of their testimonials



MY ART:   I have two very different styles of art. I am a mixed media artist as well as a coloured pencil artist. Self taught in both disciplines my passion for coloured pencils has also seen facilitate the support other coloured pencils artists via the Australian Coloured Pencil Network, which is an online community, directory and resource for pencil artists.

My paintings and mixed media artworks are a completely different tack and I love them all the same. Just as i love the detailed and precise discipline that comes with the pencils, i love letting go, freedom and expression that can come with mixed media.



I would love to be able to become more financially independent as an artist and business owner, I know my life purpose is to create and then teach and share this knowledge with others.  This is what fulfills me, the teaching inspires the art and the art inspires the teachings. Every time I get a comment from someone in my class about how much they have learnt or enjoyed that that session, they have moved into "their" zone and that makes me feel amazing and it just reaffirms to me that this is what I am meant to do.

One of my favourite stories is about lady who bought one of my artworks years ago.  When I wrote to her to make sure she received it okay she told me that she absolutely loved it because it reminded her of her Grandmother. Her Granny used to own a  bowl with swirls on it just like this one and every time she looked at it, it took her back to fond memories. I thought to myself, that is IT! That is why i am doing this!


So, its like this, I need your help to make my dreams of having a sustainable art business work.
I know I have some talent, but i need to take it further. I want to be able to grow my art practice and I need to learn new skills, coaching and processes that can help me take it to the next level.
This is not something I can do on my own, the past 7 years, I have been preparing getting ready, trying many different avenues that just haven't quite been the right fit. The Artist’s Transformation School's 8 week intensive course will give me the support and help I need to make this happen and that in turn will allow me to not only be a successful artist but also be able to give back through my teaching and other ventures to help out other artists.

Pledge now to help me make this dream happen. Thankyou.

I don't have much time as the course starts in June! I have already paid a deposit fee out of my own funds.

$4,500 funds will be put directly towards the cost fees of putting me through the Artist Transformation School run by the Auspicious Arts Incubator. http://www.auspiciousincubator.com.au

I estimate around  $200- will go in Paypal, Pozible and Transaction fees.

The remainder $150- will go towards the consumables link printer ink and costs for rewards as I have a specialist high quality printer for my prints and costs of postage will come from this figure.

My biggest fear is ultimately not being able to meet this goal and miss out on this opportunity to finally take things to the next level. I want to be able to see out all of the years of work I have put in so far. I feel like i am so close to achieving the success I need.. I just need the further support to get me there!

TIME is likely to be a challenge, as this is an intensive course however, I have been practicing say No to things that take me away from my focus and with the fabulous support of my family and friends and you guys I know I will be able to get this done!
It is my time and I am ready.