welcome, friend

The ArtFun
Starter Guide

A beginner's guide to finding joy, confidence and creativity through ArtFun.

Begin
Jenny Cook, founder of ArtFun, smiling while painting outdoors
Jenny
Founder & your guide at ArtFun
01

A letter to you

Welcome to ArtFun. Whether you haven't picked up a brush in 30 years, are convinced you're "just not creative," or are simply looking for something that is finally, wonderfully just for you - you are in exactly the right place.

I started ArtFun because I believe everybody has creativity in them. Not the kind that wins competitions - the kind that lights you up, quiets your mind, and reminds you that making something with your own two hands feels really, really good.

So let me say it plainly: ArtFun isn't about perfection. It's about creativity, confidence and community. That's it. That's the whole thing.

I'm so glad you're here. Let me show you around.

With love, Jenny
02

What makes us different

Most art courses teach painting. ArtFun teaches three things.

🎨

Creativity

Techniques are just the start. We help you find your own voice - the way only you see colour, shape and the world.

💕

Confidence

Every painting you make is proof you can do hard, beautiful things. Confidence isn't where we start - it's what we build.

🤝

Community

You're never painting alone. Our members cheer each other on, share their progress, and celebrate every single win.

✓
No judgement. Truly. This is a kind place to be a beginner.
✓
Beginners welcome. In fact, beginners are our favourite people.
✓
Learn at your own pace. No deadlines, no pressure, no falling behind.
✓
Every painting is progress. Even the "bad" ones. Especially those.

The ArtFun philosophy

You don't need talent. You don't need experience. You don't need expensive supplies. You only need to begin.

The blank canvas can feel enormous. So here's our secret: you don't have to know where it's going. You just have to make the first mark. The rest has a way of finding you.

04

Your first month

A gentle roadmap. Tick things off as you go - your progress is saved.

Wk 1Settle in
Watch the Welcome Video
Introduce yourself to the group
Complete your first tutorial
Wk 2Show up
Attend a Happy Hour
Try a brand-new technique
Share a photo of your work
Wk 3Keep going
Keep practising - little and often
Connect with another member
Wk 4Celebrate
Reflect on how far you've come
Celebrate your wins - out loud!
0 of 10 doneLet's begin!
05

My favourite beginner supplies

Keep it simple. You need far less than you think.

🎨

Paints

A small set of acrylics is perfect to start.

🖌️

Brushes

A few sizes - one big, one small, one fine.

🖼️

Canvas / Paper

Cheap paper is brilliant for practising freely.

🖊️

Paint Pens

For fine details and adding character.

💧

Water Containers

Two old jars do the job nicely.

👕

An Apron

Because the mess is half the fun.

Want exact recommendations? My favourites list is coming soon - I'll link it right here. Amazon links →

06

From me to you

The 10 things I wish I'd known earlier.

Every artist started somewhere.

Nobody gets it right the first time.

Mistakes are part of the process.

Confidence comes after action, not before.

You don't have to finish every painting.

Your style develops over time.

Creativity grows through practice.

Comparison kills confidence.

Every painting teaches you something.

Above all - art should be fun.

the ArtFun

Creative Confidence Promise

A little vow, from me to myself.

✔ I give myself permission to start before I'm ready.
✔ I give myself permission to make mistakes.
✔ I give myself permission to learn at my own pace.
✔ I give myself permission to paint imperfectly.
✔ I give myself permission to explore my creativity.
✔ I give myself permission to enjoy the process.
✔ I give myself permission to take time for myself.
Signed
Date
08

You belong here

Meet your fellow members.

This is the warmest corner of the internet - real people, cheering each other on, one painting at a time.

Members smiling and painting together at an ArtFun Happy Hour
🌱

A supportive environment

Somewhere safe to be new, to be unsure, and to grow.

📣

Endless encouragement

The kindest comments you'll find anywhere online.

📸

Sharing progress

Post your work-in-progress, wobbly bits and all.

🎉

Celebrating wins

Every first, every finish, every breakthrough is a party.

Straight from our community feed

A member proudly holding her bright orange Fancy Fish painting
Jan Mullan's colourful layered fish painting
Sue Cook's Fancy Fish and octopus paintings

Finding your creative style

Our projects teach the techniques. Your creativity makes them yours.

Here's how it really works. You start by following along, say, our Fancy Fish tutorial. Then the moment you make it your own, something wonderful happens: one idea leads to the next, and your style quietly takes shape. Just look at what our member Melinda did with the very same process.

Nobody handed Melinda those penguins. They grew, one curious painting at a time, and yours will too.

Melinda's penguin painting made with the Fancy Fish process
Fancy Fish → a flock of penguins"Love having a process to follow and experiment with."
Melinda's colourful fancy fish painting on canvas
The same process, all her own"I've been having fun playing around with the fancy fish process."

Your next step

Ready? Pick one and begin today.

1

🎨 Join a Happy Hour

2

🎨 Complete your first tutorial

3

🎨 Share your first painting

4

🎨 Introduce yourself

Remember - you don't need to be good enough.
You only need to begin.

Jenny 💕
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