Featured Artists | Lacey Bones Jewelry

Back in November 2011, we have introduced Billy Almond as of one of our featured artists. Since then, many exciting news took place.

Illustrator & Designer living and working in Lancashire, England, Billy Almond loves art at an early age.

studied Art & Design at Blackburn College and went to obtain an Honor’s Degree in Scientific & Natural History Illustration at the Blackpool & Fylde College.
specializes in hand drawn illustration, computer based artwork, and custom art and design.
his diversity in portfolio includes broadroom paintings to family portraits, pets, and landscapes.

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1) PinkLeafDesign: What changes have taken place in your career since the last interview?

Billy Almond: It has been a very exciting, hectic time for me over the past year or so. My first son, Henry, was born on November 2nd 2012, we moved house and I started my PGCE teaching qualification last September so it has been difficult finding the time to produce and market my artwork on any great scale.

I have had work published on the opening credits of channel 4 show Vacation, vacation, vacation, which is available to see at http://www.channel4.com/programmes/vacation-vacation-vacation.

I donated a painting to Jordanian born Councillor Karimeh Foster Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen. Who was invited to visit his Majesty King Abdulla as she is the only Jordanian women to achieve this position. I was asked to donate a piece of work as a gift for the King from the people of Darwen. The full story is available through this link.

I have had work published in the SRK’s Sticker bomb book Monster’s edition which is available in book stores all over the world and I have also started submitting work to the Manchester United Fanzine ‘Red News’.

2) PLD: Name 2 to 3 new things/ lessons you have learned to promote your art business (excluding your new teaching job) since our last blog?

BA: Marketing your work correctly is very important. When at college you develop a folder of work but are not given the marketing skills to back this up. You need to learn how to present, show and explain your art in a way that the client will find compelling. Convince them that your art is worth owning. Don’t be disheartened by knockbacks. Keep producing original artwork and sending it out. Be reliable. Subscribe to newsletters such as Tate, Design week, Phaidon club and read them. Keep up to date with current art news and trends. Join and participate in online forums.

3) PLD: For those artists who have a limited budget, what would you advise them to do to promote their artwork business? If sky is the limit, what do you tell them to market their work?

BA: Use social networking sites such as twitter and facebook to promote work. Email examples of work to prospective clients, art representatives and agencies. Create an online portfolio on websites such as Saatchi online, Behance network.

If the sky was the limit I would probably be sat painting on Venice beach right now. I would love to set up a city gallery chain all over the world. Giving local artists the facilities and opportunity to work, teach workshops and create a cross café, artist studio, art shop.

4) PLD: What’s trending to promote art in UK/ Europe for artist like yourself?

BA: For artist like myself the Saatchi Gallery is an opportunity to get artwork on sale online at no cost to myself. The Saatchi Gallery provides a forum for contemporary art, presenting work by largely unseen young artists or by international artists whose work has been rarely or never exhibited in the UK. The gallery operates as a springboard for young artists to launch their careers. The AOI (Association of illustrators) protect illustrator’s rights and encourage professional standards. It promotes members work, has an online portfolio, gives portfolio advice and hosts a variety of workshops, exhibitions, seminars and events

5) PLD: What daily challenges you face when creating your art?

BA: The main challenge I face when creating my artwork is finding the time and motivation to concentrate on and produce work to the standard that is needed.

Website – http://www.billyalmondart.co.uk/
Twitter – @billyalmondart
Facebook – facebook.com/billyalmondart
Blog – http://billyalmond.tumblr.com/
Saatchi online – Artist Billy Almond – Saatchi Online

There is a new brand of jewelry in town…handmade with love in Hoboken!

Pink Leaf Design Shop is Introducing a small capsule collection of Marbella Charles Jewelry. A Limited Edition of a vintage-bohemian-chic inspired necklaces. The unique pairings of mixed metals, unexpected materials and textures are the focal point of these distinctive jewelry pieces.

The artistry of Marbella Charles Jewelry is as cohesive and intricate as a jewelry lover’s life. The process begins with the careful selection of charms, chains and findings that come together in a new, vintage chic way. Careful attention is evident in the selection of gems and extensive hand beading that add an intimate feeling to unique designs. Mixed metals and diverse materials that range from lace to shimmering beads, crystal, freshwater pearls and precious gemstones reflect the many facets of a woman’s life giving every design the ability to shine from day to night, weekday to weekend. Marbella Charles Jewelry is all about Living Life Right through personal choice and upcycled style. A carefully selected inspirational quote is included with each piece of jewelry to inspire customers to discover and celebrate their unique spirit.

Enjoy and get this special offerings at www.laceybonesjewelryhop.com this month.