Giving Things A Go
Going freelance full-time, & upcoming Christmas markets
It’s all change here. Recently I decided to go fully freelance, spending more time on what I’ve really wanted to do all along: writing, drawing, and my own creative projects to promote Scottish history and culture.
Going fully solo as a freelancer is a bit of a leap, and takes a bit of consideration and preparation. But that’s where I am now, giving things a go. It’s a new adventure, but one I’ve already been experimenting with and working towards for a few years.
There’s a theory I’ve heard a couple of times in the creative freelancing world that you don’t really need millions of social media followers to be a success - what you actually need is a smaller group of people who like what you do, who are willing to engage with it and tell their friends.
I think that’s probably true. I’ve felt very lucky when previous projects of mine have struck a chord with people. That’s what it’s all about, really. A small group of enthusiastic backers really does make all the difference.
I just want to say how much I appreciate everyone who has engaged with my work so far, whether you have bought one of my previous books, supported a crowd-funder, helped to spread the word, or even just subscribed to this newsletter. Every little interaction makes this possible, and means that I can keep making new things.
If you’re new to my work, I hope you’ll enjoy hearing more about my upcoming projects by sticking with this newsletter. In the meantime, here’s a few links to my previous books:
Upcoming markets
My first priority is to get myself along to some of the Christmas makers’ markets coming up in Edinburgh. You’ll find me selling books, prints and greetings cards in the following places this winter:
Fringe Shop Craft Fair (180 High Street) Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November
Summerhall Christmas Market (1 Summerhall) Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd December
Out of the Blue Christmas Arts Market (36 Dalmeny Street) Saturday 9th December
Leith Makers’ Market (105 Leith Walk) Saturday 10th & Friday 15th December
I’m also selling my work through my online shop as usual.
Bruntsfield Baroque
The Bruntsfield Baroque trio will be performing a free concert from 3-4pm on Sunday 19th November at the Columcille Centre (2 Newbattle Terrace). I’ve very kindly been given a space to sell copies of my Atlas of Scotland here, with prints and greetings cards also available.
In other news
A new space for Scottish art has recently opened up at the National Gallery of Scotland on the Mound. The display features work by Scottish Colourists, Celtic Revivalists (my favourite), and a whole range of art dating from 1800 to 1945. See what you make of it if you’re in Edinburgh. I’d be interested to know what you think!
Glad to hear it. Good wishes for your success. ☺️