We were lucky to catch up with Tom Tillcott recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, TOM thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

In the attic of my parents’ house, there was an old suitcase that nobody had been curious enough to open for years.
One summer afternoon, my brother went up to the attic and opened the trunk. A few days later, he handed me a small gift box with a golden ribbon.
I had no idea what I was about to discover: a slightly worn teddy bear that I immediately recognized…. My childhood Teddy bear that had been missing for 40 years!
I even thought about it sometimes without looking for it, just as a memory.
When I saw it again, all the emotion of my childhood resurfaced, I was happy and many memories came back…
I put it on a shelf in my studio for a few weeks and an idea came to me… why not make drawings of it, create paintings. Many people would appreciate the idea of making him the hero of my paintings…
This little gift from my brother was the start of a new artistic adventure, a series called happy world!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Each artist will experience recognition in their own way, and the signs of success can vary depending on how they measure that success.
As a young artist I wanted to work in a flexible environment which could give you the freedom to pursue my art while making enough to live on. Some jobs which often offered flexible hours, so I could use my free time to work on my art.
I even worked at an art gallery which gave me exposure to the art world and was an enjoyable environment for me to be in., helping with art installations, framing, logistics of handling artworks and sell .
I found that my paintings were successful in several ways, selling my works regularly, attracting the attention of galleries, with some invitations to exhibit for specific projects shows,
I knew the old age and modern age in the way of contacting art galleries .• Before the Internet:
• An artist had to visit galleries in person to see if his style aligned with the gallery’s collection, and then he had to create a physical portfolio, printed photos or slides of his works, and deliver it personally or mail it to galleries. It took some days some weeks to get a reply or Not!
Now you just check online and send an email, it makes the market more competitive but also more opened and always opened for talented artists. .. Whatever the place where he lives

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think that local governments, art organizations, or businesses can create more public art spaces (galleries, murals, art installations) and help host exhibitions. This makes art more accessible to a wider audience and offers artists a platform to showcase their work. Art needs to be everywhere in all public spaces, showing to the people the beauty of life, the power of imagination, making the life better and happier for all!
So it willl grow the movement of art collectors who buy some art and also helps sustain the art world.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The process of creating something from nothing is incredibly satisfying. Completing a painting brings a sense of accomplishment and pride.
I found freedom in being able to control my own creative process. The flexibility and autonomy that comes with working as an independent artist is really rewarding, allowing me to choose what, when, and how to create.
Art has the power to resonate with others, whether it provokes thought, stirs emotions, or provides a sense of shared experience. Knowing that their work can touch or inspire people, create connections, or even challenge perceptions is deeply rewarding for me .
It is not rare some collectors sent me some messages to tell my paintings brought them some happiness, a painting on the wall is for me a window opened to the dream and freedom…

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artinemotion.com/artists/tom-tillcott
• Instagram: tom_tillcott

Image Credits

all Copyrights TOM TILLCOTT 2025