We were lucky to catch up with Kate Fessey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve always been interested in art. I did it as one of my GCSEs at high school in 00’s but was unsure on how to pursue it more so decided to further my education in childcare and and went to college and got my Diploma in Childcare. I then got a job at a nursery and nurtured children mainly around the ages of 2 and 3 years old. After working there for eight years I left after having my first son and became a stay at home mum for a little while. My parents then offered me a secretary position within their Bricklaying company.

Then when Covid happened and the UK went into lockdown I was furloughed. Like lots of people my mental health took a dive and my husband knew I enjoyed painting. I followed a few tutorials to pick up tips and I posted my paintings on Facebook. It seemed then that they were a hit with people and they were offering to buy them! The rush and happiness I had was the best feeling ever! I wanted to do more, so I painted more for people and started selling my paintings at markets. I definitely knew I wanted to carry on!

Kate, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After doing my first craft fair and almost selling out of my paintings, my sister printed me some business cards for me to hand out at other markets.
I took the plunge and started to do bigger markets in my home town and got my own banner printed to hang up on my stall.

I started taking more commissions and doing even more markets. Some times it can be hard with not having set hours and also I can almost sell out at one event then only sell a few at another. That can be hard to push through as it can be disheartening.

I may take on lots of commissions then have lots stock to replace for markets so it can get very busy! I love doing the markets because not only do I get a buzz from selling I’ve met lots of new people who are either other traders or customers but now they have also become my friends.

I started painting with acrylics but then got into more using watercolours. I sway between the two depending on what I feel like. I love painting birds, hares and seascapes.

I’ve always wanted to please people and sometimes I’ve had to encourage myself to set healthy boundaries and make time for myself.

I don’t do prints. Every painting I do is individual and just for them. No two are the same.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Seeing peoples reactions to their commissions. Watching their eyes light up and then sometimes the happy tears! Seeing people really appreciating my art and having it up in their homes!

Its a big honour.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I don’t think id have the following I have today if it wasn’t for the support from my family and friends. Also from other businesses. A local photography offered to take some promotional photos of me and my paintings. He kindly shared them with his followers and posted them on all the local forums. This in turn got me spotted by another lovely business who asked me to paint their window display. This in turn got my work seen by more people.

I’ve always been a shy person but plucking up the courage to talk to other people has been the best thing for me and my audience on social media. Helping each other out is the way forward.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Kate Brush

Image Credits

Kevin Hargrave Photography.