The Post: Owner and artist, Kathryn Callaghan Fine Art
The Post Holder: Kathryn Callaghan
Drive and determination are at the very heart of Kathryn Callaghan’s career as an artist.
Give a brief outline of your career to date
After returning to study art as a mature student in my 30s, I opened Kathryn Callaghan Fine Art. At first I worked part-time from home, mainly in the evenings while my then young children were in bed. I used the spare room as my makeshift studio and created original artwork that I sold through some local galleries – one of which, The Yard Gallery in Holywood, is still one of my key customers today and we still enjoy an excellent working relationship.
Over time I reduced my hours at my job as a Product Development Officer at Outdoor Recreation NI, and started to devote more time to Kathryn Callaghan Fine Art. As well as making art, I was also learning how to set up a website, start social media, deal with galleries, and run exhibitions.
Eventually, I found premises away from home and left my old job completely. For around five years I rented space from my framer, in his converted cow shed at Lisbarnett Studios. This was ideal for me as it was close to home, gave me much needed extra space, and most importantly a place to work and meet customers away from home.
Over these years I worked on evolving my style and introducing print collections. I also began exporting to Great Britain and employed my first part-time staff member.
Then came the time to find my own premises. I was lucky enough to be able to purchase the Old Schoolhouse / Ballydrain Harriers Clubhouse in Ballydrain, near Comber. The building needed a full renovation and a lot of love, and so with the help of Heron Builds it was transformed into a beautifully bright and warm art studio complete with gallery space and print/storage facilities.
We are now a team of three and have a long list of clients around the globe. I work on a small number of bespoke commissions every year, for customers ranging from private collectors to big firms like Microsoft and Kingsbridge Private Healthcare. I also work with interior designers and architects to supply artwork for hospitality projects such as the Hunter’s Yard newbuild at Mount Juliet Estate in Kilkenny, and the refurbishment of 100 rooms at Druid’s Glen Resort in Wicklow.
We also operate a very successful e-commerce store for our print collections.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Art. Hands down.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
After A-levels I took a year out to find my feet and decide what to do with my life. I first went to University of Ulster to study BSc (hons) Communication, Advertising and Marketing. In my third year I was offered a one-year scholarship to study business in Anchorage at Alaska Pacific University, where I also took an internship at the Anchorage Convention and Visitor Bureau. Then in my 30s while on maternity leave with my second child, I returned to study a Fine Art HND at Belfast Metropolitan College.
How did you get into your area of work?
While I loved my jobs in Marketing and Product Development, as the years went by I began to crave a career where I could use my artistic skills. With a young family, I also wanted the freedom to work for myself. So, I returned to study as a mature student and began a three year, part time HND in Fine art at Belfast Metropolitan College. I had a dream of becoming an artist.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
As a young person I always thought I would work in the creative industries as an artist in some capacity. However, I burned out after studying art GCSE and A-level and chose to go in a different direction but the passion was still inside and eventually I found my way back.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
With hindsight I am glad of my journey. By working in Marketing and Product Development in both the private and public sectors, I learned a lot about business and how to operate in the professional arena. I believe this background was invaluable as I embarked on my artistic career and the creation of Kathryn Callaghan Fine Art.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Consistency, drive, determination, adaptability, hard work.
What does a typical day entail?
There is no typical day for an artist! But activities could include creating art (the best bit!), meeting customers, galleries, partners, mentors, catching up with other members of Comber Chamber of Commerce of which I am a member, etc, site visits and travel, internal staff meetings for planning and reviewing, working on the website, social media, finance, PR, curating exhibitions and catalogues.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best part is creating artwork – both working on special commissions for clients and experimenting with new styles and subject matter. The biggest challenge is staying on top of the parts of the business that take me out of my comfort zone – such as accounting, business development and e-commerce. To help with this I work with some brilliant partners who I trust and admire.
Why is what you do important?
People thrive with the right art in their lives – whether this be in their home, workplace, social or travel place. Art has the power to harness emotions and feelings that open our hearts and minds. It is a great honour to be a part of this.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
To find out what truly inspires you and allow this to inform your artistic style and approach. Then find your ‘tribe’ – the people who are positively affected by your art and want to engage with it.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I would like to travel the world and paint what I see. One day I will!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Understand yourself! Know what your vision is and what your intentions are. Surround yourself by people who support this and will help you make it happen.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Knowing what you are really good at and finding who you can help with these skills.
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