Mark Northcott Mark Northcott

Creating something out of Thin Air

Creating content from scratch—whether it’s artwork, a blog post, or any form of creative expression—can seem daunting at first. The blank page or empty canvas stares back, waiting for ideas to take shape. Yet, the foundation of all creative work lies within personal experience and a relaxed mind. These two elements cultivate originality and authenticity, the very core of compelling conten…

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Mark Northcott Mark Northcott

Knowing your worth as an artist

For many artists—whether new to the field or seasoned professionals—pricing is one of the most challenging aspects of creative work. It’s not only about numbers on a page; it’s about value, self-worth, and reputation. When you put a price on your art, you’re not just selling lines, colors, or hours—you’re assigning value to your unique vision, skill, and experience.

But here’s the hard truth: if you don’t value your own work, no one else will. And in a creative marketplace where newer artists may charge less in order to “get their foot in the door,” the temptation to undercut yourself is real. Yet doing so can undermine both your future livelihood and your reputation. Let’s unpack how to price with confidence, why holding fast matters, and how to shift from uncertainty to authority in the way you present your art’s value.

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Mark Northcott Mark Northcott

creative planning

Creative Planning for Your Special Artistic Event: Are You Ready?

As the creator at the helm of a special artistic event, you carry the weight of expectation. Your audience—whether friends, clients, or a curious crowd—will look to you for your greatest achievements, hoping to be inspired, moved, or simply dazzled. But are you truly ready? Can you be? If you’re staring at the clock the night before feeling unprepared, this doesn’t have to be a moment of panic. Instead, it can become a pivotal moment of clarity and focus.

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Mark Northcott Mark Northcott

A Sketch Book artist

What does it mean to be a Sketch Book Artist, and why would anyone want to continuously practice the art of drawing?
Well - for the same reason we as humans do anything I suppose; that is of course for the experience of the journey to the end….an ending I will speak to within.

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