News & Art Collaborations
10th January 2025

From Doodles to Masterpieces with Stefan Smit

Stefan Smit’s artistic journey began with simple doodles on math homework and playful experiments in Microsoft Paint. These early moments of creative exploration laid the foundation for a thriving career that has seen him transition from hobbyist to full-time artist, with projects and opportunities that span the globe.

In this interview, Stefan Smit shares the story of his growth as an artist, his enduring love for Daler-Rowney oil paints, and the new creative avenues he’s eager to explore, including sculpting. Dive into Stefan’s world and discover his insights, inspirations, and the drive that fuels his artistic journey.

What inspired you to pick up a brush and start painting?

I've always been drawn to the creative pursuits. Doodling away on my maths homework, playing around on early Microsoft Paint and just enjoying the process of creating.

When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?

I've always loved art but my idea of becoming a full-time artist only started taking shape after years of creating and gradually getting paid for bigger and bigger projects.

What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?

Follow the passion to create what you love but remember to treat your pursuit with an element of the seriousness that a job requires.

What is the best tip you were told early in your career?

You bought the ticket, now take the ride.

How has social media helped your career?

Instagram has been incredibly helpful in my career. It's afforded me the opportunity to share my work to a wider audience and in so doing has opened me up to travel and work opportunities I otherwise wouldn't have been aware of.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I'm still figuring that one out! But it starts with a strong desire to create.

What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?

I'd say it's probably the oil paints because I started out with that product first before even with Daler-Rowney so they hold a special place in my heart.

What technique you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?

I really want to try a bit of sculpting! I've never sculpted before but I feel like it would be a very fun thing to pick up.

Explore Stefan's work further here.