About

Artist Mentor and Fine Artist Manager Oliver Squirrell - The Artist Wingman

Artist manager Oliver Squirrell has dedicated the last ten years to supporting the careers of ambitious creatives who have the determination and talent to restore art’s calling as the ultimate expression of what it means to be human.

He does this by working with artists and creative business owners on a one-to-one basis, helping them grow their career and build a fulfilling lifestyle for themselves whilst amplifying the public’s faith and fascination with art along the way.

Oliver has a positive, kind and organised personality with an unrivalled passion for supporting individuals who have the determination to make an impact.

He creates a bespoke approach for each artist and offers a free 30-min consultation to get started!

 
 
 
Testimonials - About
Hannah Aria

“Oliver is an absolute legend. His extensive knowledge of the Fine Art industry, and strategic approach has enabled me to revolutionise my practice. As a creative, I had an abundance of bold ideas but Oliver has helped me make them a reality. He is pragmatic and supportive. I cannot recommend him enough.”

Hannah Aria, Visual Artist

Ben Driver

“Oliver’s knowledge of the Arts and his enthusiasm for nurturing creativity continues to uncover opportunities which are aligned with my principles. His guidance, combining kindness with accountability, encourages me to get my ideas out of my head and capture them within a context which fosters intuitive evolution. Creative collaboration at its most fulfilling, my ambitions are met with his insight resulting in understanding and growth.”

Ben Driver, Founder of Guy Cry Club

Becky Newell Collective

“Finding Oliver was like finally getting to the water in the desert! It’s easy as a creative to get exhausted and creatively dried up by all the competing directions you feel you could or should go in. Oliver has a unique skill set and quickly picked up what I needed, and how, I needed to hear it. Filling in the gaps in my own skill set, Oliver is delivering a service of motivation and direction that no one else is in a place to do so.”

Becky Newell Collective, Visual Arts Collective

Catalina

"Oliver’s positive mindset and real interest in the arts is the perfect complement for an artist. He’s always there to assist, no matter what the issue is. He has helped me to organise my time, freeing me up to do what I love the most."

Catalina Carvajal, Visual Artist/Illustrator

Ed

“Oliver is the perfect wingman for any creative. He will help you focus on making it as a business in each session, so that you can focus on being a creator the rest of the time.”

Edmund Ngia, Founder of LED Creatives

Siris

“Oliver has taught me everything along the way, letting me remain hands on and in control of the business and I’ve seen first hand his dedication and absolute belief in me and my work.”

Siris Hill, Visual Artist

 

 

 

 The Wingman has introduced Artists to…

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Oliver’s Story

 

In 2012 Oliver launched his first creative enterprise, an online platform for musicians. After raising funds from the Princes Trust and The Royal Bank of Scotland he grew the platform from his bedroom before pitching for investment in 2013. A few weeks after winning the audience vote at Music Techpitch 4.5

(pictured left)

he secured his first investment.

This was a huge step, as just a few years earlier Oliver was so socially anxious that he used to lock his door and turn the lights out when overhearing housemates discussing going to the cinema: Anything is possible when you have a powerful creative vision!

 
Oliver Squirrell - The Artist Wingman

Oliver used the investment to evolve the music platform into an online platform for visual artists and all creative disciplines called Pop My Mind, which he ran with the team (pictured right) from 2014 until 2018. It was a wild ride, with exhibitions, installations and all manor of progressive online activities! The team punched well above their weight delivering commercial projects for the likes of AO.com, Simba Sleep and Just Bee drinks, creating new opportunities for creatives and putting on memorable events that the local community still talk to us about to this day. The people he worked with and met along the way will be treasured for a lifetime, what a team!

 
Oliver Squirrell - The Artist Wingman

In 2018 Oliver dedicated himself entirely to supporting visual artists and creative businesses owners on a 1-1 basis, both on a freelance basis and via his online gallery Statement Art (pictured left). Along the way he has helped emerging artists sell over 35 pieces a year up to values of £3,500, build audiences of 10,000+, organise exhibitions in New York, London and other parts of the UK, secure tens of thousands of pounds in funding, receive coverage from the BBC, ITV and arts publications and make introductions to Microsoft, Canon, Unit London and more.

 

In 2021 Oliver joined the team at Old Jet to head up Airspace, a new programme designed to empower talented new artists to establish their careers. Along the way Oliver has secured quality artistic and educational partnerships, generated funding from charities and public fundraising and overseen developments to convert disused shipping containers into new artist studios!

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Discover what the Wingman can do for you!