“I finally had space in my life to do that one thing I had always wanted to do”: Kim’s journey to becoming a professional artist
After years of following a different career path, Kim de Paolis finally returned to the ambition she had held since childhood – becoming an artist.
Two years after graduating from East Sussex College, she is exhibiting regularly, developing her artistic practice and has seen her work selected for the cover and poster of Artwave 2026.
As a child, Kim always wanted to study at art school and become an artist. But, like many young people, she initially followed a different path after college, spending years working in another career.
In 2020, Kim finally decided to return to the ambition she had never lost.
“As a kid I wanted to go to art school but my parents were determined I should get a 'proper job' so that's what I did. After years of doing the 'proper job' I finally had space in my life to do that one thing I had always wanted to do. The Station Plaza campus in Hastings is right next to the train station so it felt like an easy commute and there was nothing to hold me back.”
Kim enrolled on the BA (Hons) Fine Art degree at East Sussex College, graduating in 2023 with First Class Honours.
For Kim, choosing degree-level study was about much more than learning new artistic techniques. Friends had suggested evening classes or an online course, but she wanted an environment that would challenge her and push her creatively.
“Friends had asked why I didn’t do evening classes or an online course, but I knew I wanted to be pushed - to find out what I was really capable of, and that is exactly what I got on the course - an environment in which I was encouraged to try everything.”
That freedom to experiment helped Kim develop greater confidence in her work and think more ambitiously about what she could create.
“Working across different media was actively encouraged at East Sussex - the amazing facilities allowed us to try photography, print, film - anything was possible. Working across different media helps keep things fresh and playful for me, and the results always feed back into whatever I’m doing.”
Developing an artistic voice
Kim's work explores ideas around the English landscape and land ownership, drawing on her own experiences and observations.
Before starting the course, Kim had been living in France, where she experienced a very different relationship with the landscape.
“Before starting the course I’d been living in France, where you can essentially walk anywhere you like. It was such a stark contrast to come to England and find fields are fenced by barbed wire, gates are often locked, and you really need to stick to the path. There was a feeling of not being welcome.”
That experience led Kim to investigate the history behind land ownership, while studying Fine Art expanded her interest into the relationship between landscape and visual art.
Her practice now spans painting, drawing, installation and filmed performance, with the course encouraging her to explore different ways of expressing her ideas.
“I’m happy for audiences to take what they like from my work, but if it triggers their own questions about land ownership, or simply starts a conversation, then that would be great.”
From student to professional artist
Since graduating in 2023, Kim has continued to develop her practice and build experience as a professional artist, exhibiting regularly across Sussex.
One of her most recent achievements has been having one of her paintings selected for the cover and poster of Artwave 2026, one of the largest visual arts festivals in the South East.
“I’ve exhibited on a regular basis which has been great and most recently my painting was chosen for the cover and poster of Artwave 2026 - one of the largest visual arts festivals in the South East. Making my first sale was also an extraordinary feeling!”
Kim has also completed the Turps Hastings programme, where she continued to develop her practice and build relationships with other artists.
“Work becomes something different when it is on the wall and out of your hands, rather like a book in the hands of its reader. Exhibiting helps me to see my own work with new eyes. It also builds up a certain resilience - it’s not always easy putting your work on display - but obviously it’s something you have to get used to!”
Those connections have continued through ArtLab, giving Kim the opportunity to work alongside other artists, develop her practice and stay connected with the creative community.
“More recently, and through old college contacts I’ve become part of a group called ArtLab which is supported by Axis, an independent charity that finds unused retail space for artists to use. We’ve a space we can use to make work, exhibit or just meet in.”
The group includes artists who studied alongside Kim, allowing them to continue supporting one another and following the development of each other's work.
“There’s something wonderful about being with people that studied on the same course - whether the degree or Turps - we get to follow the progression of each other’s practice - and that can be incredibly helpful.”
Kim has also been invited back to exhibit in East Sussex College’s two galleries since graduating, opportunities which helped her maintain momentum and confidence as she established herself as an artist.
“In the years after graduating, I was invited back to exhibit in the college’s two galleries. This was such a brilliant opportunity and helped me keep focus, gain confidence, and keep momentum going.”
Skills for a creative career
While some elements of the course pushed Kim outside her comfort zone, she believes those experiences were essential in preparing her for life as a professional artist.
Two areas she initially found particularly challenging were curating a show and applying for open calls for exhibitions. However, the course made these a requirement, helping Kim develop skills she now uses with confidence.
“Two parts of the course I found distinctly uncomfortable were curating a show and applying for open calls (exhibitions) - but our course leader made these non-negotiables and I think it was one of the best things she could have done! These are two skills that you absolutely need to have once you leave the course. I hated applying for those first open calls, but I did it and now it’s something I am totally confident doing.”
For Kim, the course also developed skills that extend beyond the studio, from researching and writing to analysing art and articulating ideas.
“Studying Fine Art will really open your mind. Aside from developing my own work, I learned how to really look at art, how to research, how to write in an academic style, and how to articulate my thoughts. It was totally stimulating, like my brain had woken up. Studying at degree level is way, way more than just making art, it's real preparation for stepping into a creative career - it's invaluable and I can't recommend it highly enough!”
Kim's experience reflects the wider focus on supporting students to achieve their potential. In East Sussex College's latest exit survey, 96% of vocational learners said they felt supported to do their best.
The College's latest higher education results also saw 38% of students achieve first-class honours, meaning nearly two in five degree students achieved the highest classification.
What comes next for Kim?
Kim is now looking forward to exhibiting at Artwave 2026 as part of a group show with 11 painters just outside Lewes.
She is also excited about the next stage of ArtLab after the group gained access to a larger space.
“The ArtLab group I’m with has just got access to a bigger space which I’m taking as a sign to do something bigger!”
Once the busy Artwave season is over, Kim is also planning to revisit an idea she explored during her degree.
“I did some painting on clothing during my degree and I'm excited to revisit that once the busy Artwave season is behind me. I envy anyone just about to start!”
Two years after graduating, Kim has no regrets about finally pursuing the ambition she had held since childhood.
“I'm so pleased I took my degree. It went by so fast but I put my all into it. It was exhausting at times, but I’ll always remember the great conversations and opportunities that were put my way during that time. I’ll always be thankful that I had the time to do it, and for the tremendous support I got during and after the course.”
For Kim, studying at East Sussex College was the opportunity to finally pursue something she had wanted to do since childhood – while gaining the confidence, practical skills and creative connections to continue building a career as a professional artist.