Student's love of art is business hit

Dec 7 2012 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

A young entrepreneur who sought to sell a few art sketches to help fund her studies has ended up creating a business that is earning her a small fortune.

Danielle Scott - a media student at James Watt College in Kilwinning - has already established a global fan base following the success of her online business Equine Portraits.

She combined her love for art and horses and decided to sell her artwork after sketching a local horse called Bailey.

Her drawings were quickly snapped up, netting the creative teenager £2000. She then used the cash to buy the horse she had fallen in love with.

Commenting on her success, Danielle, 17, said: “I’ve always drawn from a young age so when I decided to go to college, I thought it would make sense to sell pictures to help fund my studies.”

She went on: “I made so much that I was able to buy Bailey on Christmas Day.

“Now some of the money I make from my drawings pays for his upkeep.”

Lecturers at James Watt College say they immediately spotted Danielle’s potential when she visited the college to enquire about the course.

Pauline Taylor, a media lecturer at the college, said: “When Danielle came to the college I was instantly impressed.

“Despite only being 16 years old she already had a portfolio of work and I was blown away.

“I was delighted to welcome her on to our Media Studies course.

“The subject itself has actually really helped with her business as it teaches students how to market themselves.

“Danielle has done very well in that respect, having sold portraits to customers as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.”

Danielle added: “The lecturers at James Watt College have really helped me to gain confidence and build up my business.

Visit: www.facebook.com/EquinePortraitsbyDanielle