Hello
I'm Joella
A Creative Educator, Artist
& Founder of Young Creatives Online
Why I Started Young Creatives Online
I know how important art is to a child , because I was one of them.
At school, opportunities for art were few and far between. There weren’t many clubs, and in lessons art sometimes felt like an afterthought. Still, I always gravitated toward it. I wanted to create.
The problem? I didn’t have the guidance. I taught myself throughout school, but it was often frustrating. I wish I’d had somewhere to learn real art skills, the kind that give you confidence and make you feel excited to create in your own way, instead of feeling lost and unsure.
As kids get older, they naturally want to try more, learn new skills, and find their own way of making art.
That’s why I started Young Creatives Online. And thats what I teach!
Why Art Matters
I believe in creating for the love of it.
Art is a tool, for expression, for calm, for confidence. It gives young people something they can carry with them into adulthood, shaping not only their skills but also their way of seeing the world. If I can help even one child hold onto that spark, I feel like I’ve done my job.
Teaching Background
I've been teaching , children, teens and adults for just over 12 years (5 of those years online) After working for different art studios teaching different types of art workshops and thanks to lock down I quickly discovered how adaptable and powerful online teaching can be.
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Working with children aged 7-18 (and adults too!)
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Teaching at university as a visiting artist
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Writing, developing, and delivering a full primary school art curriculum
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Supporting children with scholarship portfolios, applications, and exam prep
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Four years in the gallery sector, bringing another layer of experience to what I do
All of this has taught me one thing: every child learns differently, and it’s my job to make art feel exciting, achievable, and personal to them.
As An Artist
I’m a painter and drawer at heart and honestly, teaching has made me a better artist in every single way.
After graduating with a BA Hons in Fine Art from Arts University Bournemouth, I was lucky enough to receive the Platform Graduate Award, presented by Turner Contemporary, Aspex Gallery, MK Gallery, and Modern Art Oxford.
That award gave me the kick-start I needed: chances to exhibit, connect with other artists, and really step into life as a practicing artist.
That was over 12 years ago, and since then I’ve:
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Shown work in 40+ exhibitions (including three solo shows)
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Been awarded residencies and prizes across the UK and Europe
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Most recently, received the DYCP grant from Arts Council England to develop my current practice
If you’d like to take a peek at my artwork, you can visit my artist site
When I’m not teaching or painting, I’m usually busy being “mum” to my lively three year old daughter who keeps me on my toes.
Behind the screen......
Living in beautiful Somerset with my partner and our very handsome cocker spaniel, Monty. He often makes a guest appearance in my classes and I have to admit, he’s become quite the favourite with my students.
