Whether you’ve dealt with a difficult client before or the thought of it makes you anxious, this episode is for you! In this episode, we talk about some of the most common situations artists face when working with challenging clients, the red flags to look out for in the beginning, and how to set your future self up for success to avoid repeat trou…

Today we have a bit of a “gut punch” episode as we focus on the career minded artist mindset shift of making collectors, not just digital content. How you define success as an artist is different for everyone, however, if sales are your focus – today’s episode is for you! Making scalable and tangible progress in your business is not always done by …

On this episode we interview traveling muralist Natalie Robinson. We talk about embracing a vibrant and playful art style, leveraging non-paid gigs for future work, connecting with our inner child, leaning into learning as you grow, and the logistics of balancing the needs of your client with your own voice. So if you are an emerging artist or curi…

On this episode we interview photographer Matt Ramey. We talk about the importance of observing the world with curiosity, balancing a professional portfolio with a studio practice, developing resilience in the creative war of attrition, and capturing the true essence, emotion and energy of a subject. Stay Connected with Matt: https://www.MattRameyP…

On today’s episode we slow it down for a studio update, giving you all a glimpse behind the scenes of our personal studio practices! We talk about our recent experience on the Squirrel Brain, Chickadee Soul retreat, advice for artists who are considering going to an artist retreat, behind the scenes details about the mural workshop Adriana hosted e…

On this episode we interview artist Lauren Cooper. We talk about the impact of motherhood on the creative practice, launching ghost designing services for fellow artists, using murals to bring joy in schools, utilizing chat GPT to organize time and projects, unpacking the investment value of a murals for businesses, putting yourself first, and alig…

On this flashback episode we interview North Carolina Art Collectors, Brian Holland and Dianna Wynn. We talk about the responsibilities of being an art collector, the power of artists talking directly to their audience, leaning into your other passions in order to find momentum with your art, and the magic of the artist-collector relationship. Epis…

In this episode, we jump on the social media trend “Coffee with Our Younger Selves” and tackle the question we ask all our guests: “What advice do you wish you had heard before starting your creative journey?” This question stirs up a lot of emotions as we reflect on where we were five years ago. So whether you're an emerging artist seeking advice …

On this episode we interview Raleigh based potter Liz Kelly. We talk about developing a creative style built on contrast, embracing human’s ritualistic tendencies, leaning into process, being disciplined with your creative flow, avoiding regret, remaining human, and being in charge of your self validation. Stay Connected with Liz: https://lizkellyp…

On this episode we interview artist, educator, and founder of Drum for Change, Greg Whitt. We talk about pivoting a side hustle into a full time income, the power of rhythm in building community and teamwork, utilizing our senses to better understand the world around us, how to create engaging lessons for multi-generational audiences, and the impor…

In this episode we interview woodworker Ryan Lutz. We talk about embracing professional flexibility during covid to build creative momentum, using broken skate boards to inspire the creation of his first art products, using corporate skills to push your art business forward, leaning into process exploration, strategically balancing multiple wood wo…

On this episode we interview Melbourne-based artist, Danielle Weber, and her assistant Alessandra Di Deo. We talk about balancing muraling and canvas painting, overcoming the "starving artist" mentality, sharing it forward with the creation of The D Collective, the power of delegation, and the importance of focusing on the business side of a creati…

Today we celebrate 200 episodes of sharing it forward, demystifying the creative processes and exchanging ideas with career minded artists! Join us as we reflect on the past 200 episodes and share one of our earliest episodes, “Create Before You Consume” where we share strategies that many years later still support our creative process. Thank you t…

In today’s episode we are pulling back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes work that fuels our art practices as we jump into 2025! We cover highlights from the Rooted Muralist Conference and how our takeaways are shaping our goals for the year ahead, Strategies for scaling mural work and balancing multiple creative income streams, why owning your …

[Flashback] On this episode we interview Australian visual artist, Anna Price. We talk about balancing multiple art styles, generating new income streams with art products, navigating commissions, having a studio outside of the home, and cultivating an audience on social media. Stay Connected With Anna: www.annapriceart.com https://www.facebook.com…

“Getting lucky” can be a common phrase or mindset when opportunities “come out of nowhere”. But is this really the case? In today’s episode we unpack what “lucky” actually is, strategies for escaping the comparison trap, acknowledging the privileges and choices we each possessed, transforming FOMO into action as well as ways to be your own champion…

PDF RESOURCE AVAILABLE! Do you need help building a social media plan for the new year? We’ve got you covered! As part of this episode we’ve created a PDF course module, available at levelupartists.com that makes creating a social media strategy that is customized to you and your work SUPER easy! Today, we talk about the importance of having a simp…

Setting art and art business goals can be tough. Where do you begin? In this episode we share our 2025 goals in regard to marketing, exposure, our art making practices, income stream shifts, personal goals, as well as our overall “word” for 2025! So whether you are a creative reevaluating your goals or you are lost on where to start, this episode i…

Goal setting in the new year is great but it is better to look back first and celebrate the wins of what you have accomplished already! In this episode we celebrate our 2024 wins in regard to marketing, exposure, our art making practices, income stream shifts, personal goals, as well as our overall “word” from 2024! Episode Blog Link: https://www.l…

Happy Holidays everyone! Today’s episode is light and fun as we talk about some of our favorite things. From books, podcasts and tv shows, to art supplies and wishlist items we just can’t wait to get our hands on, today’s episode may give you a few ideas on how to spend your holiday money or content to download for your travel plans ahead. Episode …

Your business requires a marketing plan that feels right to you! But we know that “marketing” can feel overwhelming when you don’t know where to start. In today’s episode we highlight a FREE PDF Resource that is available at https://www.levelupartists.com - “Marketing For Artists Quick Guide”. We talk about how to leverage in-person interactions an…

There are so many possibilities and different directions a creative career can take, and it can often feel overwhelming. So, today we’re breaking down the five stages of the Creative Business Path. Are you a hobbyist? An emerging artist? Intermediate? Established? Or at a Boss Level? Let’s find out! No matter where you are in your artistic journey,…

When you redefine your work ethic as your rest ethic, big changes can happen! That is why in today's episode we define different types of rest, give suggestions for how each may be incorporated into your existing routine, and plan ahead for busy seasons in our business. So whether you are running around doing markets, releasing a new collection, or…

It’s time for a catch up! In this episode we discuss what we are both working on as well as wins and struggles in our current studio practice. We cover a handful of topics ranging from creating products for the holiday season, finding structure within your business, coping with setbacks, and leaning into big feelings and seasons of change as a crea…

On this episode we interview Derrik Diza, the Founder of Influential Walls. We talk about creating an artist collective with the mission of helping other artists succeed, the journey of learning the ropes of an art business, the power of niching down, leveraging the need you are fulfilling in your sales pitch, embracing delegation to earn back your…

On this episode we interview the Founder of the Rooted Muralist Conference, Bethany from Riverbank Art Studio and Lauren Cooper! This is part 2 of our conversation where we talk about Rooted, the muralist conference taking place in Texas, on January 2025. Stay Connected with Bethany and Lauren: https://www.riverbankartstudio.com/rooted https://www.…

On this episode we interview the Founder of the Rooted Muralist Conference, Bethany from Riverbank Art Studio and Lauren Cooper! This is part 1 of a 2 part episode where we talk about Bethany’s journey from corporate to full-time muralist. Stay Connected with Bethany and Lauren: https://www.riverbankartstudio.com/rooted https://www.instagram.com/ro…

On this episode we interview artist and Community Arts Coordinator Kelly Schrader. We talk about staying inspired through community and service, the power of balancing an art administration role and a creative practice, looking at your past work with softer eyes, documenting the creative process, redefining how to stay organized, and developing tra…

Find yourself envious of others’ success? This episode is for you! With social media and the digital world encouraging constant comparison, it’s easy to lose sight of our own artistic journey. So in today’s episode we talk about how to recognize if you’re stuck in the comparison trap, the importance of finding your own artistic truth, setting your …

The holiday season is right around the corner. But what are you doing today to prepare for busy days ahead? That is what we talk about in today's episode! With the added fun of family gatherings, art markets, and holiday sales, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and burned out. We talk about the pressure of being pulled in multiple directions and sh…

On this episode we interview the founder of Weird Productions, Lindsay Hebert. We talk about embracing diversity with weird art, creating an alternative to the traditional gallery model, showcasing the unique gifts of local artists, and riding the wave of the creative process. Stay Connected with Lindsay: https://weirdproductions.art https://www.fa…

On this episode we interview illustrator and comic book artist Ryan Oakley. We talk about exploring western and sci-fi themes in comic book illustration, navigating color on a screen, breaking into the comic industry, designing your table set up for a convention, the importance of making art that you like, and embracing human connection through the…

So you want to expand your art business and hire help. But where do you start? In this episode we talk about the logistics! We discuss the types of team members and assistants you can choose, and the difference between specialized contractors, studio assistants, and virtual assistants, and our tips and tricks for setting your artist team up for suc…

On this episode we interview the host of CreativeMornings RDU, Joel Pominville! We talk about his journey as a self proclaimed “distracted creative professional”, how he joined the CreativeMornings team, the power of using stories to strengthen your local community, enriching your artwork with more life experiences, and the importance of showing up…

It’s time for a catch up! In this episode we discuss what we are both working on as well as wins and struggles in our current studio practice. We cover a handful of topics ranging from pursuing mural clients, attending industry conferences as an artist, collaborating with community organizations, and planning for the busy holiday season ahead! Epis…

On this episode we interview artist and muralist Rachel Castaneda. We talk to her about her journey from the classroom to launching a mural business, how to leverage referral opportunities while you are growing your style and following, utilizing social media for inspiration, and accepting that success is a moving goal post. Stay Connected with Rac…

On this episode we interview visual artist, author, coach, and the host of the “Art & Cocktails” podcast, Ekaterina Popova. We talk about her journey of art entrepreneurship, balancing multiple income streams, the power of trusting your honest voice writing down your long term goals, becoming a manifesting generator, and protecting the magic of you…

To frame or not to frame, that is the question! As artists we are faced with thousands of creative decisions with every piece, and to frame or not to frame is one of them too. On today’s episode we give an overview of your framing options as an artist, the pros and cons of framing your work, as well as tips and factors to consider when framing your…

Commissioned artwork can be a tricky game. Whether it is a painting, mural, logo, illustration, sculpture, or other type of client work, there’s a significant element of collaboration involved that can be a first time experience for many creatives. On today’s episode we share our top 10 tips for collaborating with a client on a commissioned piece. …

On this episode we interview art business mentor and author of the Amazon Best Selling book, Art Money & Success, Maria Brophy! We talk about shifting your mindset around money and pricing, building relationships with an email newsletter, the importance of making murals easy for the client, creating a life you want to live, leveraging one opportuni…

Letters of intent are a key component to receiving public art calls, grants, and various artistic opportunities. But what should this letter include? In today’s episode, that is what we discuss! From your interest in the opportunity to creative ways of highlighting your previous experience, a strong letter of interest can make the difference betwee…

Retaining your image copyrights as an artists is extremely important, not only for legal purposes but also for future income streams! However, what exactly is an image copyright? Although we are not lawyers, in today’s episode we discuss what it is, why it’s important, how you get an image copyright, as well as factors to consider when seeking disp…

On this episode we interview North Carolina painter Michele Yellin. We talk about the impact of going abroad in one's creative development, the benefits of working on multiple art pieces at once, finding a studio space that fits your current lifestyle, and watching your work evolve over time. Stay Connected with Michelle: www.micheleyellin.com http…

On this episode we interview hyper feminine artist Ali Hval. We talk about the balance of painting and sculpture in building a body of work, challenging traditional expectations of femininity, making art that feels like a performance, becoming bold in one’s creative process. Stay Connected with Ali: www.alihval.com https://www.instagram.com/alihval…

Many artists experience the rollercoaster of emotions during their creative career. In today’s episode we talk about the moments of failure that may secretly be breakthroughs in your process and artistic style. We talk about art being a continuous learning journey, embracing the process, and the importance of intention.Episode Blog Link: https://ww…

On this episode we interview artist and muralist, Sarahlaine Calva. We talk about taking Action before you are ready, evolving your creative style through murals, being selective with commission clients, utilizing technology in your creative process, and pursuing projects you are passionate about. Stay Connected with Sarahlaine: www.sarahsface.com …

Making art isn't always easy, but it's a path we choose and one that requires artistic resilience along the way. In today’s episode we discuss the importance of having a learning mindset, leaning into the process of art making over the final outcome, embracing experimentation, overcoming frustration with knowledge, and the process for finding satis…

Hustling is great, however an important aspect of the creative process that often gets overlooked is the power of pausing to reflect on your work. In today’s episode we discuss the importance of reflection in your art practice, sourcing and managing creative ideas, and embracing your unique workflow to avoid stress and burnout. Episode Blog Link: h…

On this episode we interview interdisciplinary artist Sara Torgison. We talk about advocating for your work in academia, exploring the intersection of ceramics and fiber art, navigating art workshops and figuring out where time exists in your life to prioritize your art practice. Stay Connected with Sara: www.saratorgison.com https://www.instagram.…

On this episode we interview Artspace’s Creative Director Annah Lee. We talk about shifting one's focus from art making to curating stories, the power of designing the tone of an art exhibition and advice for artists on applying for exhibitions, photographing your work, and the importance of creating a body of work. Stay Connected with Annah: artsp…