Offer your students the opportunity to imagine what a career in the arts is really like, and how they could make it work.
Introducing ‘Virtual Visits’ with artist Eleanor Chaney
An online talk, studio tour and Q&A which will leave your students with a clearer vision of what their future in the creative industries could look like, informed by 15 years experience of working as a freelance artist.
For GSCE, College and Undergraduate level students studying fine art, illustration, creative and community education subjects and more.
Hello! My name is Eleanor Chaney and I have worked as self-employed artist since first graduating from a fine art degree in 2008. I have been able to make a living doing what I always dreamed of, and sharing my skills with thousands of people as an art educator.
As someone who has trained as a teacher and has worked as a freelance arts educator for 15 years, I respect and value the work that you do for your students. But I also understand that in their education it can be difficult for students to meet with an array of creative professionals. Hearing the stories of different creatives can be an invaluable resource for young people who are at the beginning of their own career.
How do I know this?
Well, in 2004 I applied to university having never met with or talked to an artist who made their living on a self-employed basis. While I studied at Goldsmith College in London for my Fine Art degree I never had a lecture or a lesson on how to run a business or build a career as an artist. As I completed my MA I had no idea how to approach companies and find paid work without years of volunteering my time as an unpaid intern.
Many times in this journey I heard well-meaning family tell me that making a living as an artist was unrealistic, but I never gave up.
However, I believe had I better understood the options available to me, I could have made better choices that made my path less challenging.
I want to give young people the experience I was never offered - direct communication with someone working in the industry, hearing how they made it work, what they would have done differently, and the chance to ask the questions we often never hear the answer to like ‘How do you pay your bills?’.
I also want to challenge the belief that being successful as an artist means choosing one style early in your career and repeating this indefinitely which can be deeply creatively frustrating. Many of the young people I have taught and worked with haven’t had to opportunity to hear counter stories as they enter this next stage of their education.
Why will these talks will be valuable to your students?
Many of the young people I have worked with at College and Undergradute level already feel anxious about what their future might hold, even as they look forward to following their passion. I always share what I believe to be the truth: Yes, making a living as an artist can be challenging. But it is possible and offers the chance to have some amazing experiences doing what you love. Plus, there are a few things that will make that path easier.
Packed full of video, images, thought promoting questions and my own stories this talk will keep your learners engaged and inspire them to think about the future ahead of them.
So what will we be doing in the Virtual Visit?
An opportunity to submit questions for my to prepare for in advance of the session
An introductory 30 minute talk on my own journey from college art student to a full time practicing artist 15 years later.
Inspiring slides and video extracts to keep your learners interested and engaged.
A short virtual tour of my studio including my working space, how I organise the different parts of my business, and what I bring in to my space to inspire my work.
A 30 minute Q & A session where your students can ask me anything from how I find work, to how I pay the bills, or even what I would do differently if I was considering becoming an artist today.
A free recording of the session which you will be able to share with your students for their blogs.
More about my experience
After 7 fulfilling years working in community arts and museum education as a freelance artist educator, I decided to pivot and I began to build a business as an illustrator and paper artist. Therefore I have experienced working in many different arts roles including:
- Experience of training in the London conceptual art world with an BA Hons from the prestigious Goldsmiths College.
- An MA in Art as Environment from Manchester School of Art focusing on community based and socially engaged arts.
- Worked in arts education and workshop facilitation since 2008.
- 8 years experience working as a professional illustrator and paper artist.
- Built a business from the ground up, selling my work to collectors, at exhibitions and events as well as selling online collections and products.
- Explored audience building on different platforms, from social media to direct email marketing.
As an artist I have also:
Received commissions as an artist and educators for many institutions including Cambridge University Museums, Lancaster University, Lakeland Arts Trust, Tullie House Museums and Gallery, BBC21 CC and more.
Been commissioned as an artist for many wildlife organisations including Butterfly Conservation, South Lakes Rivers Trust, and the Wildlife Trust.
Been employed as a project manager and educator for projects working with people of all ages (see recent projects here).
Received Arts Council Funding for my own creative projects including a National Lottery Project Grant and the competitive year long Developing Your Creative Practice grant.
As an educator I have:
15 years experience working in community based practice teaching in museum education, community arts, celebratory arts.
Trained as a teacher in 16+ education in Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training.
Worked in at College level in both the fine art and performing arts departments.
Led workshops for the University of Cumbria in both the Teacher Training and Environmental Education departments.
Experience of working as a creativity coach, supporting creatives on their journey of identifying what they want from their art and business, and making the creative work that matters most to them.
Attended multiple safeguarding courses including completing the NSPCC ‘Keeping children safe online’ training course in 2022, and have an ongoing DBS check through the update service.
Bring this one-off experience to your students for only £50!
Spaces are limited so book soon to ensure yours.
I currently offer Virtual Visits on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9.30am and 3pm.
However if you would like to discuss an alternative timing please get in touch at virtualvisits@eleanorchaney.com and I’m sure we can find a slot that suits your school!
If you have any questions please get in touch at virtualvisits@eleanorchaney.com.