Libby Scott
Libby Scott is a painter whose work captures both the drama of the remote Scottish landscape and a glimpse of a moment in time, evoking a sense of mood of the land and place.
Getting started
Libby previously worked in healthcare and also as an offroad driving instructor, but wanted more flexibility and freedom to pursue a creative career.
“I graduated in ceramics over 20 years ago and had been doing some textile work in my spare time as a hobby,” she explains. “My grandmother was an artist; when she passed away, she willed me all her kit and equipment and I’m still using some of it now.”
The enterprise journey
Libby started by going out to sketch and draw in her spare time, and cites her art course with Kate Downie as a major step in her business journey: “She has been a major influence in helping me step up and develop my career as an artist.”
Like many businesses, Libby found the pandemic difficult. ”From not being able to engage in face to face opportunities such as markets and fairs to needing to source a COVID safe studio space as I was shielding, it placed huge pressures on me and the business,” she says. “It was an incredibly worrying time. The upshot of it all though is that I now use digital platforms a huge amount to share my work and connect with audiences. I’ve also been able to undertake and also coach online art classes and these have been very effective.”
Support
Initially, Libby says she found it difficult to turn elsewhere for help, as she is very independent. She says: “Recognising that I needed support and advice — and going to the right place for it — when my business was being so badly affected by the pandemic was a huge turning point for me.
The “right place” for Libby was GrowBiz, whom she sees as being instrumental in helping her to keep growing as an artist, and her business to keep going.
“From mentoring to training and advice about accessing funding, they’ve made a huge difference to me,” she adds. “I’ve also been fortunate to become part of Perthshire Artisans, it’s a hugely supportive community of creatives.”
“I’m not sure I would be where I am today without their support.”
She makes sure to take time to relax and switch off too, taking lowland walks with her sketchbook, camera, husband and dog. “There has to be a pit stop for good coffee and cake at the end.”
Looking to the future
Remembering how much she’s benefitted from art courses she’s taken, Libby would like to develop the coaching aspect of her business and deliver her own online courses.
She also wants to develop a broader network of suppliers who she can work with and who can provide her with supported services. “This circulates money and skills through the rural economy as well which can only be a good thing,” she explains.
On a personal level, Libby would like to work on: “Not trying to do everything myself and not making rash decisions!”
Libby has some similar advice for other business owners or hopeful entrepreneurs. “There’s a lot more support out there than you might first think. You just need to go and find it. If you think something will help your business, give it a try. If it doesn’t work, try something else.”
Find out more about Libby and her work on her website or at Perthshire Artisans.