A Pop-Up Gallery Opportunity:

My parents were moving their office at the time, and after spending months making a portfolio to launch with, I jumped at the opportunity of its transient state; asking if I could use it for a pop-up gallery space. I am really lucky that all my life, my parents (on the most part) have gone along with my crazy ideas. Probably because they are assured most of them never come to fruition, but all the same - they listen, smile, and nod nervously. So with the green light, the white paint came out, and I set to work staging a “white cube” gallery space for my launch.

The Launch Event

I invited whoever could make it in the area and asked a photographer friend to come and snap everyone in the “gallery” looking at my work and boom - It was lift-off time. On the day, I had the mixed emotions everyone knows so well - crippling apprehension with a side of overwhelming excitement. So much so, I couldn’t eat a thing. As you know: not eating and nervousness is never a good combo..... and so yes - the over-animated, shaky Lils was out in full force.

My First Sale

As I wasn’t really expecting to sell anything, I hadn’t rehearsed the money conversation. So when someone approached me asking how much a piece was, I awkwardly looked at the floor and started mumbling random numbers that were completely incomprehensible... until he eventually said, ‘Look, we want to buy it, can you just email me the price?’ To make matters worse, I then leaped into an over-enthusiastic hug that was completely inappropriate and one-sided. Oops. Anyway, that was my first-ever sale, and the indescribable rush of happiness, motivation, and excitement it gave me brought me to where I am today.

Gaining Momentum

My makeshift white gallery space and private view seemed to give me the “legit” status on social media, and soon the commissions came rolling in. Fast-forward three years, and now I can proudly say I am making a decent living off my dream job. So to anyone too scared to make a go of your dreams - don’t be afraid to fake it till you make it.

Love Lily x