Posts

Confessions of a Portrait Artist Paid With ''Exposure''.

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Today, we tell the story of our longtime friend and client, Tony. Last year, we had not heard from him for a while, so of course we had to check in.  Tony begun his arts career in 2022 as a charcoal portrait artist. Back then, he'd sit for hours creating portraits of prominent persons, perfecting every strand of hair, every dimple, every eyelash, all for “exposure.” The man was running a full-time portrait artist hustle on a diet of ''thank you, bro'' . Others with big social media profiles, promised to tag him on Instagram and that would, ''guarantee him more clients''. The tag, however, never came. After a few years of being “paid in appreciation,” as you'd imagine, the joy started to fade. The creative burnout hit- the quiet, sneaky kind that makes even your favourite pencil feel heavy. He was officially in a creative lull, and his sketchbook was gathering dust in a corner. How His Sketchbook Saved Him One random afternoon, out of sheer bored...

Nurturing The Young Artist Free Ebook

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Nurturing your child’s artistic side is not just about creating beautiful things; it’s about building a resilient, creative, and confident human being. It can open future career doors in a rapidly evolving global economy where innovative thinking is paramount. This is why we have created a guide that is designed to help you, the parent of an artistically gifted child aged 4-12 years, recognize, support, and champion your child's unique talents. Whether you are just discovering your child's artistic gifts and don't know where to begin, or you have been nurturing their passion and are seeking new avenues for growth, this guide is for you. In this guide, we will provide you with the basic foundation and insights to become your child's most powerful advocate, ensuring their creative spark not only survives but flourishes. Here's how to get started: Get the Guide:  Click here to get the book for free. Find Your Tribe: Connect with other parents on the same journey in o...

Sketchbook Myths That Are Killing Your Creativity: The Truth About The Blank Pages

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  Hey tribe, Let’s be a little honest today, few things are as intimidating a brand new sketchbook. How many of you have a beautiful, brand-new sketchbook sitting on a shelf, its pages still utterly new? You pick it up, feel the potential, and then… a wave of pressure hits. You put it back down. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. The problem isn’t you; it’s the myths we’ve been told about what a sketchbook should be. It’s time we bust them wide open. Myth #1: “Every Page Has to Be Perfect” This is the big one, the creativity killer. No, it doesn't! The Truth: Your sketchbook is a lab and not a museum. It’s where you make the messy, "failed" experiments that lead to your breakthroughs. That smudged charcoal drawing? It taught you about light. The color palette that turned to mud? It showed you what doesn’t work. Embrace the messy sketchbook. This is the core of developing a daily drawing habit without pressure. The goal is progress, not perfection. Try ...

Quick Pencil Guide for Beginners

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Master the single biggest secret to professional shading: H vs. B Pencils! H (Hard): Think Hard, Highlight, Helpful for light lines, clean details, and planning your sketch. They stay sharp longer and won't smudge easily. Perfect for initial drafts of your artworks. B (Black): Think Black, Bold, Blending. These soft pencils deliver deep, rich tones and are essential for shadows and intense shading techniques. Save this post for your next drawing session and tag a friend who needs this art guide.

How our Customer Base changed Everything!

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  Did we stop selling paper? It’s a question we get asked a lot! Welcome to the blog section of Nanyuki Paper Shop. Nanyuki Paper Shop is a creative hub born out of love for art, paper, and the people who bring both to life. We started out as a small shop in Nanyuki, stocking a variety of fine art papers loved by painters, illustrators, and designers across Kenya. Over time, something special happened, artists began asking for high-quality sketchbooks and drawing pads, a locally available option for them. The requests grew so strong that we listened, and transitioned completely into making sketchbooks that meet the real needs of Kenyan artists. Today, Nanyuki Paper Shop has grown into a trusted name among Kenya’s creative community. From students sketching their first ideas to professional artists building full portfolios, our locally made sketchbooks have become a part of countless creative journeys. Each book we craft celebrates passion, persistence, and the vibrant spirit of Ken...