Look what I did

[Matt2584]

[StrawberryCream]

Wow I really like this bulldog in raincoat. Well done Matt you are very skilled.

[Matt2584 in reply to StrawberryCream]

Thank you very much. I really like it too, I spent a lot of time on that bulldog and bulldogs, to me, are cute looking dogs :).

[Sem2011 in reply to Matt2584]

Very talented Matt! Love it, so original

[Matt2584 in reply to Sem2011]

Thank you Sem

[Hidden]

Fantastic Matt.This is very very good.You should feel proud you are so artistic.Wish i could get back into art again one day.

[Matt2584 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Karen :).

You were once into art as well were you? I hope one day you get back into it :).

I think that is probably one of my best pictures as I spent a lot of time on that.

[Hidden in reply to Matt2584]

Yes i was years ago. I started a degree course in graphic design. I wanted to be a designer then. All changed as it does.

I made a good friend whilst i was there at Uni though who i still keep n touch with.She ended up with a good job. She designs the artwork for Thorntons chocolates.

You never know where it could lead you Matt!

[Matt2584 in reply to Hidden]

That's right, you never know.

Your friend designs the artwork for Thornton's chocolates! I would probably eat them instead haha. They do nice chocolate. Our family like their ice creams.

Glad you still keep in touch with this friend of yours. I found that having a BI, most of my school friends dumped me. That shows their real colours doesn't it. Oh well, they won't be there when I become famous and rich because of my art :).

[Hidden in reply to Matt2584]

It does show their true colours.You know who youre true friends are-they listen and support you

You'll show em one day believe me

[Nutkin33]

Awesome! Very good. Well done! X

[Matt2584 in reply to Nutkin33]

Thank you :).

[BaronC]

Nice work that man!

[Matt2584 in reply to BaronC]

Thanks Baron :).

[kel1203]

Love it, it's great!

[Matt2584 in reply to kel1203]

Thank you Kel :).

[cat3]

OK Matt, when are you going to get this talented work published ? I know there's always the fear of spoiling the 'hobby' aspect of art when you start considering it as a commercial activity, but you seem to produce these drawings with such natural ability, and you could be producing quality greeting cards (amongst other things).

I believe there's a market out there for original, quirky designs as an alternative to the (mostly) rubbish stuff in the shops. If I want a really tasteful, original greeting card for someone I always find myself scouring the internet, & rarely finding anything as special as your designs.

I know you show them 'here and there' but they're just so good & need to be out there in the world for everyone ! xx

[Matt2584 in reply to cat3]

Thanks very much for that Cat :).

I have no idea of when I will get my designs out there, I don't know where to begin really. I have spoken to some people, friends about selling but it all sounds too difficult. These people I have spoken too, they are more professional artists whereas I am more of an amateur artist. I know some of my art may seem like it is on a professional level but trust me, their art is more professional than mine. Then there is the fact that I only draw when I feel like it.

I'm thinking of getting a printer sometime and maybe I could start selling some cards then. First of all, I might start selling with my local Headway but not sure how I could end up selling them elsewhere.

I just don't have a lot of ideas about getting my art out there. All I really know is how to draw and that is it.

[cat3]

It's quite a fine line between amateur and professional. You do need a printer ( I think I mentioned I bought an HP for under £40) and some cheap card. Then you can make some basic, plain cards as prototypes.

You'd need to get them copyrighted before offering them for publication, but I suspect it's one of those projects which would gather momentum once you produce something resembling the finished article. And there's so much more scope for newbies these days through internet sales.

Start saving for the printer . . . . . . . what's to lose ??

[Matt2584 in reply to cat3]

I can afford a printer right now actually, I never had one before because of my brother. Because he was living here, he was basically forcing me to live in a small bedroom. So I never had the room for a printer and years ago I never really wanted a printer either. My brother has finally moved out now and I now have more space and as I am drawing again and have ideas thrown at me to sell my work, I can now think about getting a printer.

I'm not too familiar with printers though, I have used a printer before but do they require certain paper or can you print on any old paper or even card?

I buy card and draw on it. It is packaged as A4 sized card and scored in the centre so it folds into an A5 card. I would like to be able to print my work on this card. I saw a video on youtube of how to print on card like I described but I don't know if he was using a special printer or any sort of printer really.

I am pretty simple and don't know much about most things haha.

[cat3 in reply to Matt2584]

You do need to use official printing paper because I imagine any-old paper might eventually damage the printer. But A4 printing paper isn't expensive if you buy it from a discount store.

Don't be conned into paying twice the price for expensive makes ; it's all much the same. It's so long since I bought any, even though I do loads of printing of photos for framing, I hardly ever need to buy more paper 'cause there's plenty in a pack and I always cut it down to A5.

[Hidden]

SUPERB AS USUAL!

[Matt2584 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Zeb

[Sem2011 in reply to Matt2584]

As others say you could turn a hobby into a profession. When I lost mŷ job after BI I started jewellery making and cushions. I hired a stall at Makers Boutique in Brighton, and they have a range of artists, including pictures, card etc. you have a real talent. perhaps google local craft fair near you and hire a table. I can pay between £20 and £40 for a stall. You work is Reallly talented. Google Makers Boutique in Brighton just to give you a idea of diverse artists. Matt m you could start with greetings card, A5 portraits and A4. Fair I attend is sociable too and I made good friends. You could advertise on Etsy. This is like EBay but for handmade items. it is just and idea, if you would like any further help if you would like to proceed, just shout