Alison Nicholls - questions

An artist i have looked at in my sketchbook, Alison Nichols has decided to get back to me on questions regarding her work. Which i am greatly pleased about as from this module i have learnt more and more about wildlife illustration, and the fact that she gets to go out into the african savannah is something i would love to do, and inspire to be like:


1. What important events led to you becomming noticed as an artist? and how hard was it to get this far?
There is rarely 1 event that gets an artist noticed. You have to constantly put your art in front of audiences. Being a member of several prestigious art/conservation organizations helps. And so does lots of hard work online, blogging, keeping my website up to date etc. It is a struggle. I think artists today need to be ready to do their own marketing too.

2. What resources did you use to get noticed, did you contact company's and publishers?

I give lectures about my work and sketching in the African bush. I joined art organizations and constantly network.

3. How hard is it to get or set up commisions with a client?

I don't do too many commissions as I prefer to decide what I will paint. But when I do take a commission it is very important to put everything in writing so that the client knows exactly what to expect.

4. What types of work do you prefer to create pieces for?

I am currently working on a series of conservation-themed paintings (like my piece Ensnared which you can see on my website). This is a very interesting angle, rather than just painting animals.

5. Where would you like to be, or are you happy with how far you have come?

I would like to have gallery representation but have not really pursued this as yet. Painting mostly African wildlife limits the options for gallery representation. But overall I am very happy with my visibility and particularly enjoy the fact that i have been able to work closely with conservationists in the African bush.

6. Is it enjoyable? Also is it better working freelance, or with a company

I have never worked for a company in an art-related field so can't really comment on this.