Armidale artist Robyn Markey has turned a lifetime of creativity into a full time business, building Robyn Markey Art from her home studio and a deep love of still life and flowers.
After more than 25 years as a music teacher, including time spent overseas, Robyn found herself at a turning point when health issues and a series of operations damaged her singing voice.
“I needed the creative outlet, so I went back to the art and just fell in love with it,” she said. “It was a bit of a lifesaver, really.”
Art had always been there in the background, but over time it grew from a quiet personal practice into something much bigger. Robyn gradually reduced her teaching hours, eventually retiring so she could focus on painting.
A move from South Australia to Armidale six years ago brought another pause while she waited for a dedicated studio space, especially as she was working on fairly large paintings. Once the studio was ready, the question became whether this would stay a hobby or become a business that could actually pay its way.
“If you know anything about art, the mean salary is around 25,000 a year. It’s small,” she said. “I knew I wanted to go down the business route.”
Robyn now works full time as an artist from her home studio in Armidale, painting fine art still life and floral works in oils using traditional techniques with what she describes as a modern twist. Her original paintings sit alongside a growing range of products featuring her artwork, including deluxe greeting cards, prints and tea towels.
She might be a one woman business, but Robyn is quick to point out she is far from working alone.
“I rely heavily on other small Australian business owners to produce the various products I sell on my website,” she said.
From the fine oil paint she buys at her local Armidale art shop to the small Queensland business that prints her tea towels, Robyn’s supply chain is full of regional and independent makers.
Her work is available online, directly from the studio, and through Highland Living in Uralla, where greeting cards and smaller pieces have proven popular. Robyn opens her home studio from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, for visitors who want to see the paintings in person.
“There’s nothing better than having a client walk out of the studio with a painting then receiving photos of it hanging in their homes,” she said.
Like many new business owners, Robyn has had to climb a steep learning curve in the world of websites, social media and online sales. Setting up her own site and learning the back end herself has taken time, and driving traffic and sales through the website remains one of her biggest frustrations.
“There was a period where it was as dead as a doornail,” she said. “Every time someone would come [to the studio], they would buy a painting, so it wasn’t the work. But there’s something about my website.”
To smooth out the inevitable ups and downs of selling original art, Robyn has deliberately built multiple income streams. Large original paintings are the big ticket items, but the steady sellers are the tea towels, greeting cards and prints, which also help keep her work accessible.
“That has brought in this sort of an income that, whilst not huge, is very steady,” she said.
Her efforts are being recognised well beyond New England. This year Robyn has been a finalist in three high profile art awards and was awarded an artist residency in France in May, opening doors to new audiences and opportunities. She is also in discussions with third party partners who may take on some of the social media and marketing load, giving her more time at the easel.
At the heart of it, Robyn says she has never been more fulfilled.
“I’m the most happy in my professional life at this moment,” she said. “I have something that is uniquely my own, that I have oversight and ownership for when it fails, as well as when it succeeds, and it brings me joy and great fulfillment.”
For anyone in New England thinking about starting a new business, Robyn offers two simple pieces of advice that have guided her own journey.
“Don’t wait for things to be perfect before you leap in, especially if you have a perfectionist streak that might keep you stuck on the sidelines,” she said. Starting before everything is polished has allowed her to learn, adjust and grow along the way.
Second, she encourages people to accept help.
“Surround yourself with people who love what you do and are willing to give you advice and practical help.”
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