Hello! Thank you for visiting ‘A Door Unlocked’. My name is Ashley. I am an illustrator and designer, who works in two art mediums – graphite and ink.
I’ve been practicing since I was about 2 years old. My mother would save all my scribbles, and even enter them in local art contests. She always encouraged me to practice and improve my skills. When I was around the age of 9, she suggested I keep a portfolio of all my work – even if I was unhappy with the results of a piece. I can now say that I am so grateful she was so supportive and encouraging.
At age 15, I was accepted into the ‘Art Instruction Schools’. Which is a work-from-home school, where they send you your lessons and you complete them at your own pace. Do you remember seeing the commercials on TV, where they send you a test to complete? Remember the turtle in a hat? Or the pirate? That’s the school! If you Google search the school with those images, I’m sure it will come back to you.
Although I attended this school, they were not the only ones who helped me develop my skills. I had some amazing, incredibly encouraging, public school art teachers. As a kid I moved around a lot, so I was able to meet and work with so many different teachers. At age 18, I was a senior in high school, and had one of my art pieces hung up in an art exhibit at Plymouth State University. During that same year, I had a couple art pieces published in Lakes Region Community College’s art publication. This push from my art teacher really boosted my confidence in my work.
Now that I am a stay-at-home mom, I really want to focus more on my art again. I am currently taking commissions – although there is a bit of a waiting list. You can inquire on a commissioned piece here, or just ask me anything. I cannot wait to share my creations with you all!
Thank you all so much for your support!
Cheers!
Ashley