
It’s early 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. I’m fresh out of art school, working a casual job at an art supply store to make ends meet. I was asked upon finishing my degree, “So are you going to go out and get a full time job?” To which I replied, “No. I’m going to be an artist.”
That conviction was unshakable, but my circumstances were challenging. I was scraping by on about $600 AUD a month after rent, half of which went toward an art studio and supplies. When a small artist-run gallery offered me an exhibition later that year, I jumped at the chance, even though I had no idea what my art style was or how I’d pull it all together. I took minimal hours at the store to make room for painting, trusting that with enough time and persistence, the work would take shape.
But money was tight. So tight, in fact, that I could barely afford art supplies, even with the staff discount. Food, travel, going out to dinner or drinks, new clothes, all became luxuries I could barely afford. Despite the financial strain, I was determined to make it work. That year, I painted tirelessly, perhaps more than I ever have in my career since. Bit by bit, my style began to emerge, and by the time the exhibition rolled around, I had a cohesive body of work to show for it. I’ll never forget the pride I felt walking into the gallery and seeing my paintings on display. The feedback was incredible, people were moved by the work, social media lit up with kind words, and visitors came to immerse themselves in the art. But when the exhibition ended, I had sold only one painting.
To my parents.
It was a humbling moment. I was crushed, of course, but I refused to let it derail me. I had decided that I was going to make this career work, no matter how long it took. With a studio full of unsold paintings, I applied to participate in an art fair. The exhibition fee was steep, especially for someone in my financial position, but I had a gut feeling it was the right move. At the fair, I managed to sell a couple of pieces, just enough to cover the costs. It wasn’t a financial win, but it was progress.
Little by little, buyers started to find me online. It wasn’t immediate or dramatic, but it was enough to give me hope. Each year, my prices inched upward, and every spare dollar I earned went right back into my art—better materials, bigger canvases, studio upgrades. I was investing in myself, my craft, and my dreams, and I knew that with enough time and commitment, it would pay off. And eventually, that art fair I'd paid for? It landed me a 12 painting commission with a hotel that kept me going for most of the year.
In the past three years, I’ve made an even more intentional effort to view everything I do and spend as an investment in my future, knowing it will pay off. That mindset has been transformative.
Here are some of the ways I’ve chosen to invest in my business, my art, and ultimately, the life I’ve always dreamed of:
Investing in Health
If we don’t have our health, we have a sliver of our full potential. I invested in my health first and foremost by spending extra on healthy organic foods, supplements, herbs, naturopaths, and resources that give me insight into understanding how the body works and what allows it to function at it’s highest. When my body and mind are at their best, I feel energised, vital, more creative and have increased focused.
Investing in Healing
There are many subconscious traumas and beliefs that hold us back, keeping us stuck or unable to progress with ease. By healing my past, removing self limiting beliefs and facing the shadow aspects within, I was able to let go and create so much extra space for creativity to thrive. Letting go of those burdens allowed me to fully step into my potential.
Investing in Self-Expression
To feel aligned with my art, I needed to feel aligned with myself. I realised the powerful energetics of self expression, and how that flows on into my art. I invested in clothing, makeup, jewellery, decor that felt most true to myself and how I presented to the world. I realised when I feel beautiful, I see more beauty in the world and then go on to create things of beauty. By elevating my sense of self, I elevated my art.
Investing in Quality Materials
Early on, it felt like a financial stretch to buy high quality paints, canvases, and brushes, but the results spoke for themselves. The quality of my work increased, and so did the opportunities that came my way. Better paints and canvas = better paintings.
Investing Time into Creating
I adopted this one from the onset of my career. By sacrificing short-term money / travel / owning nice things, I managed to set the foundation by honing in on my creative style and evolving it. I spent as much time in the studio as possible, working to discover more through the process of painting.
Investing into my Business
Being an artist isn’t just about creating, it’s also about navigating the business side of things. I took courses to learn about the ins and outs of business, making plans, setting financial goals, learning about marketing, all the way down to the energetics of business. These investments streamlined my workflow, allowing me to document, share and sell my art with ease.
Investing in Technology
High quality cameras are essential for accurately capturing the intricacies of brushstrokes and the delicate layers of an artwork, ensuring each detail is documented properly. Equally important is a reliable computer capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from streamlining administrative and online responsibilities to supporting the digital aspects of the creative process.
Investing in Space
As my career grew, so did the scale of my paintings. I began renting a larger studio spaces so I could experiment with size and view my collection together with ease. This deepened my connection to my work and fostered greater expansion of my art.
Investing in International Growth
One of the most significant investments I made was in travel, something I’d previously sacrificed to set up the foundation of my business. I self-funded residencies overseas, using the opportunities to meet other artists, expand my network, and expose my work to international audiences. These experiences were transformative. Eventually, I decided to take an even bigger leap and relocate overseas. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for both my personal growth and my career.
Now, in 2025, I am deeply grateful to my younger self. Grateful that she believed in her dreams and had the courage to back herself, even when the rewards weren’t immediate. Even during the months when making ends meet felt like an uphill battle. Even when she had to say no to nights out, traveling, or indulging in nice things. Because in the end, nothing compares to the inner peace that comes from knowing you’re in alignment with your purpose, living each day to bring your dreams to life and doing what you love. It’s a fulfilment that no pay check from a job you dislike can match. It begs the question: is the “safe” path truly easier if it comes at the cost of an unfulfilled soul?
I never once considered taking the easy road. Instead, I worked with focus, persistence, and an unshakable belief in the life I wanted to create. And step by step, I built my dream job. As the years go on, I feel more inspired, more energised, and more in tune with my art, gathering momentum and creating work that feels truer to me than ever before.
Today, my greatest hope is to be a light for others who feel stuck in the darkness—to show that it is possible to thrive as an artist. When you believe in yourself, trust the process, and take intentional, aligned action, the life you dream of can become your reality.
If you’re standing where I once stood, wondering if it’s possible to turn your creative dreams into a reality, trust me: it is. With enough time, commitment, and willingness to invest in yourself, you can build not just a career, but a life that fulfils you on every level.
My journey is proof that taking the risk, betting on yourself, and nurturing your potential can lead to something extraordinary. If I can do it, so can you.
