The Post: Artist: Adrian Margey Art Portrush
The Post Holder: Adrian Margey
Following his passion has led Adrian Margey to a successful career as an artist.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I left my day job in Corporate Communications in 2008 to pursue a career as a Visual Artist. Since then I have staged many large-scale solo exhibitions across the island of Ireland and recently held my first American showing of work in Washington DC.
In 2015, my wife (fellow artist Evana Bjourson) and I relocated to the North Coast to establish a joint studio and gallery space in Portrush. We continue to showcase our work here year round. When not working on pieces for exhibitions or the gallery, I’m working on bespoke commissioned pieces for private and corporate collectors.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I was lucky to study Art & Design, Music, Theatre Studies & Spanish to A-level. I loved them all.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I did my primary degree (BSc Hons) Communication Advertising & Marketing at UUJ and subsequently undertook a PhD (Entrepreneurship in the Creative Industries) at Queen’s University.
How did you get into your area of work?
I have been painting almost my entire life and was fortunate to have always been encouraged by my parents and school teachers. As an undergraduate student I became interested in Arts Marketing and worked in the Lyric Theatre’s Marketing Department. I spent my placement year working within the Arts Council’s Communications team. Whilst studying I began to exhibit my artwork and started to gain a bit of a following. Upon graduating I took up a post in Corporate Communications with a large global firm but after eight months I decided I wasn’t on the right path and the art world was calling. I made the decision to hand in my notice and focus my energies on my artistic practice and really haven’t looked back since.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Art is something that has always come very naturally to me but when I was younger I wasn’t sure it would be something I could earn my living from.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
I certainly haven’t taken the most orthodox approach to becoming a practicing artist. I would say that creative flair and a good work ethic are up there.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
Some artists follow the conventional path of going to Art College and then seeking gallery representation. Others, like me, may not have formal art school training but have managed to turn our passion into our profession.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Like anyone who is self-employed or runs their own business, self-motivation and good time-management skills are essential in order to juggle everything. As an artist I feel it’s important to be open – open to exploration, inspiration and ultimately self-expression. Our open-studio sessions each Saturday and my exhibitions are a great chance to interact with those interested in my work. When helping people to choose an artwork for their home or workplace and indeed when working with clients to produce a bespoke commission that will resonate with them, the ability to listen is key.
What does a typical day entail?
After the school run, myself and Evana usually take the dog for a brisk walk, enjoying the sea air and coastal views (we live a short distance from Portstewart Strand). Then it’s in to the studio for a good morning’s painting. After lunch I usually spend an hour on admin tasks, that could be anything from ordering materials and frames to signing off on promotional materials and advertising. I like to get another solid three or four hour block of painting done before the natural light disappears – always a race against time in winter. After that it’s back home for a heady mix of homeworks, dinner and ferrying the kids to various activities. Once they’re in bed I’ll inevitably spend an hour or so catching up on emails or updating my website with new work.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
One of the best things about my job is the variety of tasks involved, which ironically is also the most challenging aspect. Juggling painting with the multitude of other tasks that come with running a small business certainly means I am rarely at a loose end!
Why is what you do important?
I am passionate about celebrating the beauty of our landscape through my artwork. I am often told by clients that my work brings a sense of positivity to their home or work environment and captures for them a special place or period in their lives.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Work hard and don’t be afraid to be different.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
A wise man once told me to ‘follow your passion, not your pension’.
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