A conversation with Amii, Norwich's newest Pet Portrait Artist

Hi Amii, please tell me about your business? Who you are and who are your clients?

I’m a coloured pencil artist running a commission-based pet portrait business. I also produce original animal artworks for public and private collections. While I now live in Norwich, UK, I work with clients all over the world. Sometimes I’m approached by animal lovers looking for beautiful fine artwork for their interior design. Other clients are sadly bereaved and wish to immortalise a beloved family member. I love hearing their stories.

How did you get to where you are today?

I spent 20 years in academia, gaining many high-demand technical skills and teaching, but pressure while pressure continued to rise, reward started to ebb. Almost by accident (or perhaps a consequence of social media algorithms knowing more about my interests than I did), I came across a coloured pencil tutorial online and became hooked. I joined an online coloured pencil community (Bonny Snowdon Academy). For something I fell in love with, I managed to find time in my ‘full’ schedule. And then I found more time. And then I took a step to dramatically reduce my hours at my day job as a university lecturer and concentrate on turning an art hobby into an art career.

What do you love most about your work?

I have no doubt that this path is meant for me. It’s exciting, exhilarating to find that passion where you, undeniably, know you must do this. You must find time for this in your life. Because this is you. This is what you do best. With that feeling, I have found myself and new networks of people with similar aspirations and values. Day-to-day, I love the process of creating and getting a little lost with a subject; one portrait can take between 20 and 50 hours to complete!

What, if any are the challenges you face running your business? (Hello little children!!!)

At times, spinning all the plates of being a working mum starting up a new business has been a challenge. There are the necessary tasks and additional mental load pulling you in many different directions. Most of the time, however, the kids are a huge asset – nothing is as motivating as the imminent threat of the next childhood illness to encourage you to get moving and tick things off your list while you can!

Have you got any tips or habits or podcasts or books or music that you would like to share?

I try to find the joy in all aspects of the business; if I need to have an admin day, I’ll go to a beauty spot with a notebook or a gorgeous coffee shop or bookstore. I keep learning and invest in my own development. I outsource where I can; yes, I can make my own leaflets for marketing, but there are experts who can do it better and free my time for tasks only I can do. I listen to new ideas and podcasts while I work or walk (The Mel Robbins Podcast and Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO are gems).

What excites you about the future?

Simply continuing this journey. I’m devoted to growing the business, but I’m not concerned about a destination. I would like to scale the business. Rather than exponentially raising my prices, I think there are exciting avenues to explore around skill stacking – possibly through online teaching and inspiring other creatives.

Thanks Amii for your honesty and just hearing you talk about finding the passion in what you want to do. Wow, that's gold. I'm truly excited for you and what furry animals and industry awards await your future! Such amazing talent.

Amii is working on a new website but you can contact her through insta or Facebook @amiiharwoodartist.com

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