Your Art Matters

by Michelle Lloyd

'I don't know if I have what it takes to be an artist'; 'My art sits in a drawer because I don't know what to do with it'; 'I feel lost in a sea of other artists'
Sound familiar? You're not alone. Your Art Matters is a lifeline for every artist who has ever felt adrift, unseen, or unworthy.

Michelle Lloyd, founder of United ArtSpace and a guiding light for thousands of creatives, takes you on a transformative journey with practical, step-by-step guidance. Having navigated these struggles herself, she illuminates the path forward, helping you

Identify and express your unique artistic voice with confidence.Embrace your creative journey on your own terms, free from comparison.Seek opportunities and confidently stand out.Connect deeply with your art's purpose and its impact.Transform self-doubt into confidence and meaningful change.This isn't just about making art—it's about making your mark. Your perspective, passion and creations are not just valid but vital.

If you are a visual artist ready to lift your art from the shadows, Your Art Matters will guide you every step of the way, showing you that there is a place for you and your art. Get ready to find your voice, purpose, and people.

Genres: Education, Inspirational, Art

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2024

About the author

Michelle Lloyd is the founder of the global arts platform United ArtSpace and host of the "Your Art Matters" podcast. With over two decades of experience in the creative industries, Michelle began her career in homeware design before pursuing a seven-year study of the arts, culminating in a fine art degree.

After graduating, Michelle established local art studio spaces, which sparked her passion for supporting artists. Recognising a broader need, she launched online art challenges, connecting artists worldwide. This led to the creation of United ArtSpace, an online platform that now supports tens of thousands of artists through courses, resources, and a thriving global community.

Michelle's mission evolved from helping artists showcase their work to empowering them to understand the profound significance of their art. Through United ArtSpace, she has guided artists from beginners to professionals, helping them build confidence, find their unique voice, and connect with their audience.

Michelle resides in the UK with her two children. She enjoys travelling, hiking, cycling and cosy movie nights.

We can be friends at:
www.unitedartspace.org Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @unitedartspace

Reviews

[Christine Bintcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a revelation! The value inside these covers is truly immense, as Michelle Lloyd honestly shares experiences and gives advice and encouragement for artists through reflection and re-shaping mindset in a relatable way . As I turned each page I was transported back to my own experiences and memories, things that I hadn’t thought about for years, yet they were still as clear as day, the ups and downs and everything in between. This I now realise was my artistic voice emerging and growing unknowingly even then, all those years ago. It’s wow moments like this that feature throughout the book.
Your Art Matters is such a powerful book, a book that helps you dismiss self doubt and encourages artists and creatives, through support, to establish their unique voice and everything else that goes with that and more.
It’s no coincidence that as I was out walking one day 3 years ago that I landed on the Your Art Matters podcastit, I believe, was always meant to happen, our paths crossed and Michelle gave me the courage to say that “I am an Artist!” and to pursue my art journey in this big, scary art world with confidence and belief. This book definitely helps to cement it all together and to understand why in an easy to read and illuminating way, its purpose is clear and I’m certain that it will help me to ultimately go on to achieve my goals.
I can honestly say that I 100% champion this great book, it really is gold!

[Vanessa Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm SO excited about this book! What a blessing it is to have access to Michelle's insightful advice for artists anytime I open it. I'd highly recommend it for artists at all stages of the journey, whether you're already a professional artist, a weekend dabbler or someone dreaming of one day trying something creative.

Michelle Lloyd is a phenomenal art coach who runs a vibrant community for growing artists, which I'm so thankful to have been part of in recent years ... YOUR ART MATTERS is full of the same vibrant energy, encouragement, wisdom, humility, generosity, humour, thoughtfulness and personality that Michelle brings to her online community, speaking events and one on one interactions.

Reading this book, it really feels like Michelle is right there, saying exactly what I need to hear. And it's about way more than painting and selling art ... it's also about how our art teaches us, it's about transformation, impact, connection to ourselves, others and the creative process, the challenges and joys of the journey, the inner satisfaction of being in the moment and the lifelong experience of becoming who we are meant to be.

[Sue Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle Lloyd’s mission to help us explore what our art means to us in order that we can share it with intention and purpose is so key to being an artist today. We can make beautiful art with deep resonance but if we can’t or don’t articulate it, we can get crowded out by the vastness of everything else out there. Knowing why we do what we do and being able to speak about that authentically can make all the difference, both in success but also crucially, in our self confidence
Providing new ways to look at your art by following the suggestions Michelle makes, we can understand ourselves and our art so much better, deeper, and see the connections within our lives. In this way, progress is inevitable!
Everything in this book is encouraging and relatable. There is real heart here, real experience. So much of what Michelle writes and the stories of others she has included resonates in some way and brings so much valuable insight. It feels like being heard and seen. It feels like the times I thought I was wrong or lost or disheartened I was actually just on the path of being an artist.
I’m looking forward to going back and re-reading Your Art Matters a second time. Using the exercises in the book to dig a bit deeper, amplifying my truth and my authenticity as an artist.
This book gives me courage and inspiration and challenges for growth. I know Your Art Matters will become one of my most loved books. It will be earmarked and battered and underscored and highlighted. The questions I need to ask to find the answers within me, are all here.

[Andrea Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to learn that Michelle Lloyd was writing a book! After following her on social media over the last few years, and being part of the United ArtSpace, I ordered it as quick as I could!

It is fantastic! So informative and inspirational, I literally felt a sense of excitement after only the first few pages, and now have a definite belief that I CAN do something with my art. Michelle has written honestly, with a down-to-earth, conversational style that is so easy to read. It is hard to put down! I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone, as it is full of practical tips and actions to take to move forward with your art.
It will be a book that will always be close by for me to refer to, and read again whenever I may need inspiration or a boost of encouragement.
Thanks Michelle, and congratulations!

[Clouds Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformative

Your Art Matters is a truly amazing book. It is worth its' weight in gold. Michelle takes you on a transformative journey to understand yourself, your art, and your next steps in your art journey. Her advice has profoundly changed how I feel about myself and my art. Her words have given me confidence, belief, and direction that I never imagined possible.

The book is full of practical exercises that support her suggestions and advice, making it a resource I will keep returning to for guidance and encouragement in the future. Michelle's writing style is incredibly supportive, as if she's taking you by the hand through this journey. There were moments when I felt she was reading my mind, addressing the doubts, questions, and fears I have about my work.

This journey of self-discovery has taught me more about myself, my art, and what my next steps should be. I already view my art differently, seeing it not just as the creation of a final image but as part of a larger process. This perspective is liberating, allowing for experimentation and the permission to make mistakes and be okay with that. It's a far more rewarding outlook than being hard on myself when art I've created has failed to match my initial ideas.

The book is very easy to read, written in a down-to-earth, warm, and friendly tone without any unnecessary jargon or judgements. It's a book that provides both practical advice and support, making it an invaluable companion for any artist.

[Lisa Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be my constant companion. I loved this book. I felt emotional at times and had several breakthrough moments of insight into my art practice as I read it. I started reading it for a second time as soon as I finished.
It is concentrated ideas, messages, and lessons, with actions to take to go deeper in exploring why your art is important. No hint of judgement, just kind, thoughtful, and helpful advice on how to find your creative voice, purpose, and people.
Michelle Lloyd shares her own experiences of her creative journey in a friendly and approachable style. It felt as if Michelle was talking directly to me.
I’ll be returning to this book again and again for reassurance, insight, and direction as I continue on my own creative journey.

[Michelle Isbister McGilp · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re an artist you need this book!

Michelle uses a very straightforward approach to help you break through your own limitations to help clarify your purpose and find your voice, which can lead to you finding people who resonate with your work which can then set you on the path to selling. Even if you’re already an established artist it’s a great way to gain more focus and create better, more in depth work. Michelle gives you concrete activities to do and actionable steps to take to enable growth. The amount of “A-ha” moments I had in the first chapter alone was mind blowing.

This is a book I will go back to many times in the future. Well worth the purchase. Join Michelle’s Art Village and take the plunge. You won’t be disappointed.

[Tamara Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book!
Michelle has a way of calming my imposter syndrome and helping me with figuring out my next steps.
She explains strategies for dealing with your fears and breaks them down in a way that enables you to tackle them in bite sized pieces - they are no longer the monumental problems that you thought they were. The practical exercises help with finding your path - your why, your who and so much more.
Finding Michelle and United ArtSpace a few years ago has helped me so much in my creative journey. Now having this book - it’s like having Michelle right here with me!
I read the book with Michelle’s lovely voice speaking the words in my head :)
This book is a wonderful resource.

[Miss S · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so many art books and business books out there and I've read a library full of them. I've spent a small fortune on getting business and art advice from mentorship and coaching programmes. They all left me feeling like something was missing.

That something I found in this book. It helped me understand why I make art, and what I want say through it, and why that's so important to me. As soon as I figured this out, I stopped fighting to win approval and meet other peoples' expectations and listened to myself. Everything makes sense now and my business is falling into place as a result and I love the people who are attracted to my work as a result.

[Heather Nordland-Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh so many golden nuggets included in this book..I couldn't wait to hold my actual printed copy in my hands. To be able to highlight and do the many exercises in it...mind mapping and vision boards..and the why tree? I'm just blown away on the inspirational stories included from her people in this book. You're art really matters down to the miniscule mark on the page. Your art speaks what words or music or life in general needs to be expressed to the tribe it needs to go to..so yall dont sit on your talent..share it..if ya need direction pick up this book and hook up with United Art Space on social media you wont regret it.

[Mrs N · Rating 5 out of 5]

The read of the year for me! YAM is a book full of Heart, Soul ,wisdom and empowerment. Michelle gently takes the reader on the path to self-belief and self-discovery by simply leading you onto the path and shows you how to stay on it; providing you choose to walk it. The path's ultimate goal is "success", depending on what that looks like for you: making Art you love and selling it (should you make that choice). The existence of this book itself is evidence Michelle's words work. I urge anyone who is creating art pieces to read and explore the pages. The font used and the double line spacing make this easy to read. A diamond publication. Nik Scott.

[Julie Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love the idea of being an artist and don’t know where to start or you are an artist and are stuck or you just want to be more creative this is the book for you. Michelle sounds so beautifully ‘normal’. As I read ‘Your Art Matters’ it makes you believe more and more strongly ‘yes I can do this!’ I am an artist but every so often I lose my way. Reading this book is like having an inspiring conversation and I was constantly answering ‘yes, yes that’s so true’. There were so many brilliant insights to connect with, so many sentences that can be mantras. I want all my friends, family and people I have come across who say they want to be more creative or want to be artists and don’t know how or don’t think they’re good enough to have this. As Michelle says in chapter 11: “You just need art, your voice and one person at a time.” And this book!

[Liesbeth Goosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Michelle tells the story about her art and her life and her firm belief that anyone can be an artist.

Find your voice, find your people is Michelle's mantra. Her way to find your own artistic voice is explained in successive steps that have ensured that even I found my own voice and the value of my art for other people. Or at least part of it... because this is an ongoing path of discovery and getting to know yourself through your art.
I'm glad I have this book on my bookshelf, so I can read and reread it in the years to come.

[Charley Hellier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essential reading for artists at any stage, if you're developing your art practice or wanting to figure out how to get your art out there. I've taken Michelle Lloyd's online courses before and have made great strides with my own art business in the last few years, showing in galleries and selling at art markets. This book is so good to have as a deeper dive into my learning about my own art and therefore how best to get it to the right people. I used to think that the mysterious 'art world' was inaccessible to people like me, but Michelle has proven me wrong!

[Sabina Canic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your Art Matters book is invaluable and essential for every creative person. The book is a guide that shows you the path to take in order to strengthen yourself and articulate your art. The book will help you bring to the surface all the answers to the questions you were looking for. I have been waiting for a book that will be my companion on my artistic journey for a very long time, I am overjoyed that I finally found it. Thank you Michelle for writing it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed Michelle Lloyd for a couple of years now, from when I started making art, and this book has lots of her favourite lessons and stories and tips and oh so so much more. This book will keep me occupied and entertained and deep in thought for many months, likely years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone not just artists, as its a book for delving into your life values as much as what your creativity ideas mean.

[Linda Dickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

YAM should be part of every artist's journey🎨

Your Art Matters has a very personal and honest feel, expressing Michelle’s true passion to help other artists understand why their art matters and a must have on any artists book shelf. So much inspiration, information and guidance to consume and take on board with a few a-ha moments along the way that will have you nodding as you read.
Be sure to have your journal to hand as this book is full of thought provoking ideas and actions which will have you reflect upon, contemplate and dig deep to find your voice, purpose and your people.
Being a visual artist is a continual journey and as Michelle says ‘you need your art, you need the journey of understanding it, of nurturing it, and sharing it with the world’. Your Art Matters will certainly help you get there I’m sure.

[ART STUDIO LAURA RAINBOW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your Art matters is a down to Earth, beautifully written practical book that should be read by every person who has ever done something creative and liked the feeling. It is a fantastic guide for an aspiring or even blocked artists, and every creative person should read it (more than once).
It is packed with stories and examples of many thriving artists and their artistic journeys and it makes a great entertaining read even if you are an established artist.
It has just the right number of questions and is gently steering the reader to think, to ponder some more and then take an action.
I am certain I will read this book again and again.

[Marita Knutsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for every kind of artist. Michelle provides the keys to self-validation and confidence, not only in your artwork but in yourself. Reading this book feels like talking to a friend who truly understands you and your purpose in life: to create. With inspiring stories and practical worksheets, this book is a perfect companion for an artist's journey.

[Kat Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When did I ever take a book and sit on a beach!!

I was lucky enough to meet Michelle and a couple of our Community members, earlier this year.
Filled with passion and positivity, this book is perfectly structured for anyone wanting to be a budding Artist.
I am part of a truly supportive Community at United Art Space, where I have been for the past 3.5 years. This book is coming to Ravenscar with me, so I can create more coastal landscapes. A brilliant and engaging read which has helped me get results. Thank you, Michelle for being so genuine.

[MISS A E BRAK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written light hearted book just got me hooked straight away couldn’t stop reading and really opened my eyes to a different prespective on art. Love art you’ll love this book!! I do recommend going through it slower than I, or read it twice but then really get into the excerises, and amazing ideas she offers in this book.

[J E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle has been a wonderful art business mentor for me for the last 5 years. Full of practical advice to market and sell my artwork and now I work as a full time artist. Best thing I ever did! This book is a must read for any artists wanting to share their artwork with the world and need the encouragement to do so. This book will totally change your mindset!

[Carole Ince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your Art Matters is a transformative book. It’s a roadmap with stories, lessons, exercises that will impact your mindset and your art practice. I am so grateful for Michelle Lloyd and her voice in helping me find mine.

[Ciara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a strong sense of honesty about it. Michelle tells her story before outlining doable tasks that will help define and refine your reason for making art. There is no “selling out” involved here, with the right mindset and attitude you can find the right place for your true voice to be heard. It’s full of exercises that can be revisited time and again to help keep you focused on why your art matters.

[Aimee Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book Michelle Lloyd is in a mission to get our creative flow going find our voice and show the world what we can do! Michelle has opened up her heart with personal stories and shared ways that will help us achieve our goals. I can’t wait to get creating

[Lori Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michlle's story resinated with me as if she has known me. All I can say is read it. It will be your best art friend. Also, Michelle, if you read this, please write another book. It's a gift! Best wishes, and thank you for a great read!

[cherie]

I just finished reading Your Art Matters, and I 100% recommend it to all my artist friends. It’s practical, honest, and written with integrity. It's packed full of thought-provoking ideas and actions, and it’s the kind of book you will have in your studio to pick up when you need guidance. 📖✨

[QueenOSpades]

Very approachable, this book is packed full of easy to follow advice and actions for the reader to complete.

I will definitely be returning to this book in a few years when I need to hear that my art matters.

[miss c a shuter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep Your Eyes On The Stars And Your Feet On The Ground.

This book is beautiful. It really nurtures artists and creative people to help them find their voice. The suggestion of adopting a Power Hour is something I will immediately put into action.

[Lisa Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be my constant companion. I love this book. I felt emotional at times and had several breakthrough moments of insight into my art practice as I read it. I started it for a second time as soon as I finished.
It is concentrated ideas, messages, and lessons, with actions to take to go deeper in exploring why your art is important. No hint of judgement, just kind, thoughtful, and helpful advice on how to find your creative voice, purpose, and people.
Michelle Lloyd shares her own experiences of her creative journey in a friendly and approachable style. It felt like Michelle was talking directly to me.
I’ll be returning to this book again and again for reassurance, insight, and direction as I continue on my own creative journey.