263 days in since I launched my art website and officially started selling my work online. But before I dive into Shazzy Campbell Art and everything I’ve learned over the past few months of starting a small art business, let’s rewind a little.
What really set me up with a strong foundation was the year-long art course I began in April 2023 with the Milan Art Institute. Before that, my passion was photography and travel. Then COVID hit, and we were stuck at home. Unable to travel and feeling creatively limited I decided to try painting. I ended up wasting money on small, short courses that didn’t offer a solid base or direction. I’d start paintings and never finish them.
I discovered the Milan course through another artist who tagged them and she just happened to be based on the Gold Coast too. I reached out to Natasha to ask about her experience. She said, “It’s been life-changing.” Looking into it further, I realised it offered everything I wanted and needed to build an art business: old masters techniques, exploring your personality and how it ties to your painting style, mixed media, pricing, photographing your artwork, building a portfolio, and so much more. I knew I had to do it.
I signed up with the goal of finishing in 12 months (you can go at your own pace), and completed it in 15—while still working full-time as a Corporate Travel Consultant at Flight Centre, a job I’ve done for 25 years. And yes, it did change my life and I absolutely loved it. I finished with a portfolio of 30 artworks and a beautiful website. I’d highly recommend the course to anyone seriously considering this path.
So what now?
Sit back and wait for the herds of people to come to my website—because hey, I think it’s great, so it will find its way to everyone, right? Nope.
Alright, maybe I’ll get into a few galleries and they’ll sell my work for me, along with all the other artists they represent. That could work… but it takes time. And I’m not a patient person. (Painting is slowly teaching me to slow down.) Rome wasn’t built in a day. As my husband always says, “If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.” So I’ve just kept showing up behind the easel—painting, painting, painting. Lots of late nights, washing brushes at midnight.
I sold a handful of artworks by September. Then October and November? Nothing. Black Friday was coming up, and I thought, Let’s go for it. I had no idea how to run an ad or make content people would actually want to look at—and there was no way I was showing my face. I’ve always preferred being behind the camera.
I dropped a lot of money, set it all up, and got… two sales. Better than nothing, I guess. I was disappointed, but I learned a lot. Then December rolled around. Not one piece sold. I was ready to give up. But then someone would message me to say how much they were enjoying my art—and I knew I had to keep going.
I remember hearing a podcast say it can take 2–3 years to establish a brand. And I remember a gallery owner once told me, “You don’t want instant success. It sets you up for failure.” You’ll always be chasing the next big hit—like a singer who releases one chart-topper and never lives up to it again.
Other big lessons from the last year?
Social media and content creation are a beast. It’s not just posting pretty pictures, it’s about building a community, having real conversations, being a real person. I’m slowly getting better at showing my face (after deleting plenty of videos out of sheer self-doubt). It takes time. A lot of time.
January came around, and I knew I had to take real action if I wanted to keep this going. I started a marketing course, and that too has been a game-changer. I spent most of the month learning that side of business, connecting with other small business owners across different industries, learning what’s working for them—and what’s not.
I’m trying to cut back on those late-night painting sessions (though they still sneak in now and then) and focus more on creating collections, with a few commissions in the mix. My goal is to release four collections a year, one per quarter.
In January, I released the Make a Splash collection. Only one original left from it, two have already sold, which has blewn my mind! I felt a small shift in myself after that collection. The colours weren’t what I’d normally use, but I loved it. It taught me to trust my ideas. Paint what makes me happy.
My biggest wins so far?
Definitely the feedback from people who say my art has helped them through difficult times, grief and losses. That is everything. It’s priceless.
I always wanted to create art that was accessible to everyone, and I’m really happy with how the canvas prints have resonated. Sales have been strong in March and April, and the quality makes them extra special. Fly With Strength, The Hug, and Feathered Elegance have been favourites so far.
Looking ahead
Next month, I’m releasing the Angel Series. It’s hands down my favourite art so far. It’s soft, expressive, and full of meaning. One piece in particular will be very hard to part with, but I cannot wait to see this collection hanging in people’s homes. And yes, that gold! The prints will feature 22-carat gold embossing, making each print unique. I’m so excited for you to see it.
I’ve still got room to grow as an artist, and my long-term goal is to make art my full-time career. I don’t have it all figured out, but I’ve got 200-and-something days of proof that I can do hard things. It’s been a rollercoaster—and one I’m more than happy to ride.
Thanks for being here. Your support, messages, and shares make all the difference and mean the world to me.
I’m extra thankful for the new friendships I’ve made along the way! Love Shazzy xxx
