About
Hi I'm Niki Jackson an Artist and Illustrator from Suffolk, UK.
I've been in the art industry for many years, sharing my work worldwide, online and locally.
What are you working on right now?
My art style has evolved over the years I've tried many different mediums and techniques and right now I am currently enjoying exploring digital illustration as my main focus along with my work for a degree in Illustration. I am a part time, distance learning student in level 2 with the Open College of Arts. The degree and wonderful illustration community inspire me so much and I am now making stationery and wearables featuring my illustrations, which I am having a lot of fun with. I am still painting but have chosen to make that a lesser focus for me at the moment.
As you can imagine I am learning a lot with the degree and growing my business and I love to share parts of that with my friends and followers. I'm still navigating the best ways to do this with my current schedule but I do share glimpses via my YouTube Channel and on my social media but often times it's difficult for me to manage updating everything. I am now aiming to create videos every couple of months.
What is Patreon?:
Patreon is my membership community structured with different priced tiers which recur on a monthly basis until you cancel. Each month you receive a selection of rewards which is explained on the Patreon website under each price. I do not own Patreon, it is a platform that hosts all the content I upload to it and it allows me to offer various goodies for different price points and have community tools to make the experience very user friendly and fun. Patreon is an important part of my art business in that it allows me a more consistent income to add to my art sales income which can fluctuate a lot over the course of a year.
I've had a Patreon membership community since 2018 and inside is full of podcasts, videos, digital downloads, blog posts, art tips and more. I share my journey about what it's like being a mature illustration degree student, juggling family, life, learning and running a small business as well as sharing what I am actually making. My favourite thing is my podcast called 'Tea Time'.
Once per month I sit down and have a lovely catch up with my patrons (Whom I call my Beautiful Flowers) and I basically share everything that's going on good and not so good and also sometimes share tips too. It's a really fun time to share and give you my insights, letting you know what's coming next and anything I need help with too.
Example Schedule.
In addition, every month I illustrate a cute printable calendar which you can use to write your own special dates on and I also include one which tells you which rewards will be available that month and when, so you know what's coming up. This is another fun aspect of Patreon that I really enjoy creating.
Example Happy Mail Rewards.
In May 2022 I launched my own 'Happy Mail' membership tiers where you can get an exclusive vinyl sticker or postcard featuring a design I've only released for my 'Beautiful Flowers' (patrons). Initially I was planning to offer Happy Mail every month but my degree deadlines mean that my time is more limited and so I have decided to only offer it at certain times of the year and limit the amount I send out. On the tier description it will tell you when the next Happy Mail is due to open so you'll know when you can subscribe. I'll also update this on my Instagram @NikiIllustrates.
Why did I start a Patreon community?
I started my Patreon community because ever since I have been a small business owner I've wanted a connection to my collectors and followers. I spent many years posting out artwork to people who I didn't know and never got to see where the painting was hung or what they felt owning my art. This was very sad for me and for a long time I wasn't part of a good art group who shared my inspiration and dreams. It took me a very long time to find the community I am now part of and I really value everyone and their support. I can't tell you just how amazing it is to be around like minded people, especially artists, illustrators and art lovers!
And so I created my Patreon to bring together more like minded people and those who wanted to follow my journey more closely. It means so much to me to connect with you, my art is more than just a pretty picture for your wall. I want to get to know you and help you with my art. In return your patronage and engagement with my content keeps my art business alive and that means the world to me.
So if you'd like to follow along my journey more closely or would like to get some exclusive goodies please come and take a look around: Go to Patreon. If you have any questions about joining please feel free to email me.
Where do you sell your art?
Currently I offer all my artwork for sale on this website, small displays locally and wholesale via Faire. I update this website with new work several times per year and will share updates via my social media and email list. If you would like to be notified via email you can be added to my list of collectors right here: Join Niki's Collectors Email.
I will send out updates throughout the year and will only email you with these updates. Your information will be kept private and not shared with any third party. (Please see my policies for further details)
How can I contact you?:
For business and Patreon enquiries please email: Contact Niki