In the spotlight with... Hannah Stoney

Hannah Stoney, aged 24 from Stone is a Gallery Owner and local artist.  Having studied Art at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC), Hannah has gone on to achieve a successful career in the Creative Industries, opening her own Art Boutique at local tourist attraction the Trentham Estate.

Hannah joined NULC in 2006, aged 18 where she studied the BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.  When asked why she decided to come to NULC, Hannah says: “I was aware of the College’s reputation for its creative courses and having gone to high school in Stafford I fancied a change of scenery.”

“The staff are brilliant; all very encouraging and inspiring. It was nice to be treated as an adult after so long at school. My confidence increased dramatically whilst at NULC because of the course and the lecturers. The structure of the course really meant we could get the most out of each specialism and explore them all before deciding what suited us best.”

When asked how NULC helped her to get where she wanted to be, Hannah said: “The staff always made sure they were aware of our plans for after the course so that our studies could gear towards it in any way possible. The course was so varied it ensured a very strong portfolio which we spend a long time putting together. This along with mock interviews meant we were prepared for our University applications.”

After completing her studies at NULC and gaining a Distinction in her BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.  Hannah progressed to the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham to study Fine Art: Painting and Drawing, where she achieved a first class honours degree.  After graduating, Hannah spent time in London working for an extremely reputable printmakers gallery on Cork Street. Then in January 2011 she began setting up Yellowstone.

Hannah tells us all about her successful venture in opening her own Art Boutique: “Yellowstone ArtBoutique was opened in 2011 and it showcases work by the very best new makers and designers. The space has quickly gained a reputation for stylish interior design and fresh, contemporary artwork and craft.”

She continues: “We concentrate on graduates from British Art Schools who are trained in their craft. This is really important to me, as lots of galleries only work with artists with ‘reputation’. This is the main reason I opened Yellowstone, I wanted to be there for new graduates who have spent so much money and time learning their craft to a high level. I also want to help artists be ‘full time artists’ rather than it turning in to a hobby.”

Hannah has high hopes for the future of the Yellowstone Art Boutique, saying: “Hopefully Yellowstone will go from strength to strength. We’re just about to launch our online store, which is really exciting and means visitors to Trentham can reach us, even when they’re back home.”

Speaking of her personal goals, Hannah says: “I’m hoping to take on more personal commissions, at the moment I’m working with couples on personal wedding stationery and rebranding a tearoom. I’m also keen to work with students who are still studying to offer practical advice in the workplace.”

Talking about the creative potential for young people in Staffordshire, Hannah comments: “I’d say you’re in the right place at the right time! I moved away straight after College to find a creative hub which was fantastic, but since setting up my business back home in Staffordshire, I’ve realized there really is something starting to happen in Staffordshire with regard to the creative industries.  So many young people are doing exciting things in the local area, trying to make the most of living in ‘the creative county’.”

Hannah offers her advice to young people studying in the county: “My only advice, to students studying in Staffordshire, is to really concentrate on the practical aspects of your course.  For example; how to hang a show, how to be professional, how to contact galleries, how to write a strong dissertation. Painting for three years is great but you may feel a little lost on graduating if you don’t have the business acumen needed.”

Hannah explains her reasons for opening returning to Staffordshire to launch her business venture: “I decided to open back at home because when I grew up here, I wanted a place like Yellowstone. So I hoped there would be students here in that position now. It’s really nice to know the area so well, and have strong links with NULC and what is happening there. The TrenthamEstate is also such a perfect place for us, everyone who visits is in the frame of mind to wander and enjoy the shops. It’s such a beautiful place to run a gallery. It’s also really easy to get to so no excuses!”

“I would definitely recommend NULC’s Art and Creative courses. Since I’ve studied there, the College has had a total new build, which looks incredible! The new build feels more like a University than a college, which is a great way to help students transition in to Higher Education.”

You can find out more about the Yellowstone Art Boutique on Twitter @YellowstoneAB and Facebook‘Yellowstone Art Boutique’.  Hannah is also in process of launching an online shop http://yellowstoneartboutique.co.uk/shop/.

To find out more about the range of Creative courses available at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.