Some artists are more than happy to work on their own or within local art groups and do not feel the need to seek external recognition. Making art is enjoyable and sustaining in its own right. If, however, you are keen to move from amateur to professional or want people other than friends and family to buy your work, it is worth considering widening your audience.
Four years ago, I was sitting at my kitchen table wondering how on earth I could take this step. As a part-time civil servant, I didn’t know anyone in the art world, had no profile or network as an artist, and worked in isolation. I had been taking commissions for a few years, which I received through word of mouth from friends and friends of friends. After a while though, I wanted to move to the next level, and for that I realised I needed people other than my friends to see my work.