'I'm excited to see where it goes next': Bangor artist's leap of faith turns an online hobby into a growing Northern Ireland business

I've always had a creative interest, but I never really set out with the intention of turning my artwork into a business.

I'm a self-taught artist based at Boom Studios in Bangor, where I've been gradually growing my business, Rickydrewapiccy, over the past six or seven years.

It all started with an anonymous social media page I set up to share some of the work I was making. Someone got in touch to ask if they could buy a print and, hey presto, I started selling art. It was as simple as that.

Alongside the business, I also work for a charity, spending some of my time as a skills tutor and project worker in Belfast. It's a nice balance, although juggling the two can sometimes be challenging.

My work includes original pieces, prints, merchandise and design commissions for other businesses. I'd describe my style as fairly distinctive, with plenty of wordplay, social observation, humour and satire. I like making work that people can relate to, whether it makes them laugh, think or simply recognise something familiar.

A typical day can involve anything from painting and making a mess in the studio to packing prints and preparing orders. I sell online, through selected shops and at local markets, so there's always something to keep me busy.

There's also considerably more administration involved than you might imagine when you dream of being an artist. Finances, marketing, sales and all the other business essentials come with the territory, although I'll admit they're often the things I put off until last.

One of my biggest highlights was holding my first solo exhibition last summer at The Court House in Bangor, one of my favourite arts venues.

I'm currently working on another exciting project, collaborating with actor and writer Richard Clements on The Storymakers Project, a collection of stories, poems and music.

Titled I've Heard What You Have to Say, the exhibition debuted at Curve Gallery in Bangor Library in September as part of the Aspects Festival. I've created more than 30 original artworks, each inspired by a story featured on the Storymakers albums curated by Richard.

It's been my largest project so far and probably the one I'm most proud of. We're hoping to bring it to Belfast with Belfast Stories and develop it further into a more immersive experience, incorporating videography, animation and interactive elements.

I've also really enjoyed working on design commissions for businesses including Andrew Ingredients, Joxer and Papa's Mineral Company. One particularly fun project involved designing cups for Papa's mulled wine at Christmas markets.

Events such as the Belfast Fleadh are always fantastic too. I love getting out, meeting people and having the opportunity to show my work to different audiences.

I'm probably most proud of how I've grown within the arts community and the relationships I've developed along the way. I have no formal art training or background, so imposter syndrome is definitely real. However, over the past couple of years I've become a bit braver about putting myself forward for workshops, open calls and collaborative projects.

It's rewarding to see the business growing organically year on year and to have maintained a fairly consistent business model along the way.

There haven't really been any major lows, although I could happily do without going to the post office! More seriously, learning all the ins and outs of running a business while developing my art practice has been a challenge. When you're working for yourself and you're the only person involved, switching off isn't always easy.

If I could go back and change anything, I'd probably have paid more attention to the business side much earlier. I attended a business workshop at the start of 2026 and wished I'd done something similar five years ago. Creating artwork will always be my priority, but I've learned that the business side needs to ride shotgun.

There's plenty to look forward to over the coming months. I've recently been commissioned by Christine Cousins of Sonic Events to create the artwork for this year's Christmas Twilight Market at St George's Market in Belfast. It's just been announced and the feedback so far has been really positive.

The market takes place on November 24 and 25, from 4pm to 10pm, with more than 150 traders taking part.

I'm also looking forward to the East Block Bazaar and other Christmas markets, where I'm planning to introduce some new merchandise, including T-shirts featuring my artwork.

Richard Clements and I are also keen to develop The Storymakers exhibition further and bring it to Belfast in a more immersive format.

Ultimately, I want to keep making work I enjoy, taking on interesting collaborations and seeing where the opportunities lead. What started with a simple request for a print has grown into something I never really planned, and I'm excited to see where it goes next.