Welcome <3
Between two shores - Exhibition at the French Insitute April 2025
So, here’s my first blog — and the first of many to come. I wanted to start an online journal of sorts where I can share my projects, my insights into the art I’m creating, and a little taster of what it’s like to run a creative business for the first time as an Edinburgh-based artist.
First of all, I have NEVER run a business before, and this is my first try… I know that a lot of businesses fail, and it takes a lot of work and passion to get it going, but actually, once you get that first kick up the butt to start, it really wasn’t as scary as I thought.
Yes, taxes are scary as hell and god does that take up a lot of free rental space in my brain, but I have someone working on it for me so I can free up my brain for other tasks. With the scary stuff sorted, my next major mountain to climb was the routine… and a business plan? Okay, that was the first step. I needed the courage to quit my job, start my dream business, and pray it would fund me through life.
Well, that part was easy to figure out: I’ve always loved teaching and painting. I’d been side hustling art classes alongside my 9 to 5 (well actually 9am to sometimes 11pm, but who’s counting). I was hired by galleries to run creative workshops, but never once thought I could set up my own. Until I moved to Edinburgh.
I realised I could actually build my own Edinburgh art workshop — one where I chose the venue, the materials, the length of sessions, and most importantly, the way I wanted to teach.
After moving to Edinburgh with my partner, I spent the winter writing my first course book, planning, and walking around the city putting up posters (hard for an introvert, but worth it!). That’s how Edinburgh Art Workshop was born.
At first, it was tiny. A small venue, a few students, and lots of imposter syndrome. But people actually loved it. Slowly, we grew, and seeing the progress in my students’ work gave me the confidence to keep going.
Two years later, it’s still a baby business, but it’s blossomed. My classes are full, my students are thriving, and I’ve found a home at the French Institute, an incredible venue I’m so grateful for.
But somewhere along the way, I realised something: I was spending all my time teaching, and I wasn’t making my own art. As an Edinburgh based watercolour artist, how could I keep teaching others if I wasn’t nurturing my own creative practice? So I set myself a deadline: book a space, plan an exhibition, and paint again.
That show reminded me why I love this path. The tickets just covered the venue, the prints covered the art supplies, and while I didn’t pay myself this time, it gave me the joy of creating again.
What I’ve Learned So Far…
Lesson One: Plan, and plan a little more… but don’t overdo it. At some point, you just need to jump.
Lesson Two: You are capable. Ignore the mean voices in your head. Mistakes are lessons.
Lesson Three: Make friends in the industry — Edinburgh is full of creative people who want to connect.
Lesson Four: Outsourcing (hello, accountants) saves you stress. Especially with taxes!
And what I’m still figuring out:
Budgeting - Living with no safety net is hard, so I want to build 3–6 months of savings.
Wearing all the hats - Artist, writer, website developer, social media manager, teacher. It’s a lot.
Finding balance - Making space to relax and create my own work alongside running my classes.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading my first blog post. This space will grow into a little online journal of life as an Edinburgh based artist and art teacher. I’ll be sharing new projects, exhibitions, and updates from my watercolour classes in Edinburghat Edinburgh Art Workshop.
If you’re looking for art classes in Edinburgh, or you just want to follow my journey as a painter and creative business owner, you’re in the right place. You can explore my artwork here on dianakristin.com, or head over to Edinburgh Art Workshop to join my classes.
Stay happy and creative,
Warmly,
Diana <3
