Making strides with brushstrokes: Annabelle’s creative journey
Meet Annabelle Rose Williams, a fine artist and illustrator from the Cotswolds. Annabelle specialises in mixed-media illustrations of architectural buildings, fashion objects, alcoholic bottles, and beverages. Through her work, she likes to employ a flamboyant, expressive painting style, using watercolours, inks, and oil pastels to create bold, eye-catching pieces.
Annabelle was a mentee with Creative Mentor Network on our Soho House mentoring programme. Read on to learn about her experience and how she has progressed since the programme, to even display her work in an exhibition at the end of January.
Annabelle’s Journey
Tell us about your story in becoming a creative
It hasn’t been easy, but it all began when I started studying Art & Design at the City of Oxford College, followed by a BA (Hons) in Fashion Illustration at the University of the Arts, London. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my degree, leading to an artist’s block and a withdrawal from university. I regained my confidence in 2023 when I was selected for the Soho Farmhouse Cohort in 2023. Since the programme, I’ve held my first gallery exhibition, became a curator for a young artists' exhibition, and mentored them. I have a group exhibition in London at the end of January. I will exhibit at Cavendish House in Cheltenham in February and sell at the Oxford Art Market. Then, I will participate in Oxfordshire Art Weeks while doing commissions in May.
How did you come to find our mentoring programme?
I didn’t know what to expect from the programme, but it was the best experience of my art career. I was matched with Maureen Gillespie, a fellow artist based in Oxfordshire. I didn’t know exactly what a mentor did. Still, I had seven friends who had each individually sent an advertisement saying to apply. I remember almost begging in the interview that I needed help, a stepping stone in the right direction; I had all the gear and no idea.
What did you work on with your mentor?
My professional goals revolved around establishing my identity as an artist, creating a logo, designing business cards and my website, and determining the body of work I would showcase so that people could recognise me as an artist. My personal goal centred on building confidence, as you must put yourself out there to be noticed as an artist. The idea of approaching galleries, art fairs, and market curators frightened me, mainly due to my struggle with social anxiety.
I truly believe that I’ve made a lifelong friend in Maureen; I owe my art career to her, as I would never have been in the position I am today without her assistance. We meet up often, and she’s my go-to person for anything I pursue. I feel incredibly grateful to have been matched so perfectly.
What skills did you learn from the programme?
Mastering a firm handshake and maintaining eye contact is essential; it may sound silly, but it’s very important. You want to be taken seriously; this is the first thing people notice. I also believe that coping with rejection is vital, as not everyone will appreciate your work, and handling that is important.
The programme has shaped the whole way I operate as an artist. I was clueless before the mentoring, which has helped me in more ways than I could imagine.
Participating in an exhibition with The Holy Art Gallery
How did you come to find this opportunity?
I saw it on Facebook and messaged my mentor for advice. Many opportunities today are scams or require a hefty participation fee, but I felt reassured after speaking to the curators. I’m excited to see what it will be like and delighted to have been selected among numerous artists globally.
Applying was super straightforward: You respond to the open call online, and if you are successful, they will contact you.
Talk us through the piece you’ll be displaying
The piece I’ve chosen is one of my big inky A1 Chanel Nº5 Perfume bottles. My work is entirely commercial, so when coming from a tiny village in the Cotswolds, it’s hard to get yourself out there, so this exhibition has opened so many doors and hopefully more.
Chanel No5 by Annabelle Rose Williams
To be exhibited at The Holy Art gallery from 1st - 3rd February 2025. Find out more.
What's a piece of advice you'd like to share to other aspiring fine artists and illustrators (or creatives)?
Try to be as creative as possible and never stop. The world always needs more art, which should be celebrated more often. I have also started applying to every competition and open call that suits my work style and succeeded in 80%. I’ve begun saying “YES” to many more opportunities, and it’s opened many more doors.
If you’re interested in joining one of our programmes, like Annabelle, head here.
If you’d like to be a mentor and make an impact for other young creatives, get in touch here.
