Who are you?

I am Lucy Gordon of Lucy Gordon Art and I'm a painter and illustrator.

What does your business do?

I draw and paint whimsical depictions of animals and make limited edition prints of the images. I do a lot of commission based work too. It's a real challenge to try and realise other people's creative visions but I thoroughly enjoy that aspect of my work and I learn a lot from the process and the communication between artist and client.

Where are you based?

I work from home in my attic in Glasgow, which is great. As soon as the kids are in bed, I open the hatch, pull the ladder down and climb the steps into my very own secret wee studio space. I love it up there.

How did you get started?

It was quite by accident...a series of fortunate events, shall we say. I had been teaching a drawing class at an Arts Centre and all the tutors had been invited to submit some work for a joint exhibition. I had nothing! I hadn't picked up a paint brush in years. I was also heavily pregnant at the time with my second child, so the week I went on maternity leave I started to paint. At first it was a struggle but the more I did, the more I actually began to enjoy myself. I finished two paintings and submitted them for the show. Then baby arrived and I stopped painting for a good few months but it made me remember how much I loved it and how I needed to pay more attention to my creative side.

Then a good friend of mine had to pull out of a joint exhibition at the Glad Cafe and offered me the space. Again, I had nothing, but with a renewed confidence I took up the challenge and started making work again...and haven't stopped. I began posting photos of my work on social media and through word of mouth, started selling paintings. I now have clients as far afield as North Carolina and Portugal.

What is your background?

I studied Fine Art at GSA and graduated all the way back in 2002. I did a lot of Community Art after Art School, working with young people in deprived areas of the city. I then trained as an Art Therapist and now work part time for the NHS. When I'm not working or looking after my children, I am painting. Lucy Gordon Art has grown from that re-connection with my passion and having the space, dedicating the time and developing the confidence to share my work with others.

What is your top tip?

I think it is important to make work you are happy with and to try not to compromise your own artistic integrity.

Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?

I would like to broaden the product range, using my images on ceramics for example or illustrating a book maybe. I love that my work puts a smile on people's faces and if I can continue doing that through doing something I enjoy, I am happy.

Contact details

Email - info@lucygordonart.co.uk

Website - www.lucygordonart.co.uk

FB - www.facebook.com/LucyGordonArtWorks

Twitter - @LucyGordon4