An Artist's Journey Podcast

Are you a creative entrepreneur needing help with your finances, bookkeeping or tax preparation? Yes, me too! My guest in Episode 46 of An Artist’s Journey Podcast will help you. Morgan de Klerk is an accountant working with small businesses and digital nomads to help them master their finances. Morgan’s business, Master Your Finances Today, has free information and resources plus premium courses to help anyone master their finances. Find out more by listening to the podcast. Learn more about Morgan's Free training at: https://social.malcolmdewey.com/FreeFinance Timestamps: 00.06 Welcome 01:21 Who is Morgan de Klerk? 04:32 First Steps for Entrepreneurs 06:08 What Business Structure 09:32 Accounting Software 12:08 Risks of Software? 13:08 One Year’s Bookkeeping in One Hour 15:55 Start Up Traps 17:15 No Enough Capital? 21:37 Take Profit First 23:17 Mental Blocks to Finances 26:47 First Steps to Tax Records 30:03 Rgister to File Taxes 30:38 Do Your Own Books or Use a Bookkeeper? 32:00 Negotiate Fees 34:34 How Good Records Makes More Money 38:25 Start a Business or Keep Your Job? 41:49 Keeping Life Balance 44:31 Resources and Accounting courses for Beginners 46:34 Morgan’s Instagram Start a Free Course with Morgan de Klerk: https://social.malcolmdewey.com/FreeFinance

Meet my special guest, Shawn Auguston, who is an wonderful artist and advocate for art therapy. Shawn discusses his own struggle as an army veteran with PTSD. His successful treatment through art therapy and how this lead to his own art career success. An inspirational story and one of hope for others suffering from mental health issues. ​ Find out more and view Shawn's art on my blog at https://www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com/blog.html

My special guest Sonja Smalheer has found her purpose helping other artists achieve focus and success in their businesses. Sonja Smalheer discusses: Her aims and motivations with her courses, coaching and podcasts. We discuss what is the Number One issue holding artists back today. Also what successful artists do that struggling artists miss. Why communication is critical for creatives How to find focus and thrive despite world uncertainty Visit my blog to secure your FREE artist's survival guide PDF download.

Meet the artist behind Swarez Art in the United Kingdom. Swarez Art incorporates modern abstract art, a vibrant website, YouTube channel and a gallery. Ed from Swarez art is a self taught artist who unexpectedly discovered his hidden talent for creativity and entrepreneurship. This interview will show you why Swarez Art has rapidly grown in popularity with collectors and artists all over the world. Be inspired by Ed's story and the building of a thriving art business too. Find out more about Swarez art at www.swarez.co.uk Join me, Malcolm Dewey, for more podcasts by subscribing to this show on your favorite podcast service. See my art and paintings courses at www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com

How important is your style to success as an artist? Has everything been done already? In this episode I take a look at this phenomenon that troubles so many artist's starting out. Find out more on this topic on my blog.

What top struggles are artist's having? What has been working for me in marketing, sales and creativity as a full time artist? I chat about these and share a few tips, thoughts and ideas for going forward in 2020.

How can art be used for healing and finding purpose? Kristy-Lea Tritz of Strokes of Hope tells us about how her community does just that. Find out how she got started, what motivates her to teach and how you can join too.

John Bardos is the man behind Bundles for Good. This initiative helps artists to publish their courses in a huge bundle. A large part of the proceeds goes to support charity. John talks about how artists can join the project. We also hear about how John and his family have simplified their life to escape from materialism and the nine-to-five life. Not to be missed. Find out more details about Bundles for Good on my website at malcolmdeweyfineart.com. Also contact John at Art.Bundlesforgood.com.

Is an art degree, or any college degree, worth the outlay? Are skills more important than a fine art degree? Plus I take a look at recent findings on Instagram marketing engagement, or lack thereof. Plus what channel is challenging for first prize as online marketing's most effective platform.

Marketing your art in 2019? This episode follows on episode 36 to see what marketing channels are still doing great things. Is video getting bigger? What social media is rocking right now? These are my experiences so yours may differ. But maybe there are a few marketing tips you can use too.

What are the first steps to taking your art from hobby to professional? Especially as a new career move or side-project? A few thoughts based on my own experiences. There is not perfect road and everyone faces different challenges. These tips and ideas are more universal and can help beginners take the next step in their art journey.

What marketing works and what failed for me in 2018? What I will take forward into 2019 and why? This review may help you decide on what tactics and strategy to use for your creative business marketing. A few social media fails. A few social media successes. There are big changes coming in 2019 and I will not be surprised to see a giant or two falling. Is blogging still a factor? What about influencer opportunities? You can also read more about this in the related article on my blog at www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com/blog.html

Sebastiaan Theart is an emerging South African artist of tremendous talent. His painting and drawing is inspired by the Old Masters, but with his own modern twist. I chat to him about his journey to professional artist, his approach to work and reveal his favorite movie stars. Read more about this artist at www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com

The Copyright Amendment Bill has been described in many ways. Mostly in unflattering terms. Vital for protecting the interests of all artists and their work. Why does the Bill fall short? I talk to copyright expert Andre Myburgh about this. Who better to shed light on this topic than an expert appointed by Parliament's Portfolio Committee on the Copyright Bill itself. More on this topic at www.malcolmdewefineart.com

The Tell-Tale Heart is a classic spooky story by Edgar Allan Poe. Part of Poe's Gothic series. Perfect for Halloween of course. In this Artist's Journey Podcast Halloween Special I have adapted the story. I hope that you enjoy listening to this one.

Artists can find happiness in the process of creating. But attachment to the outcome can bring disappointment. Artists who are afraid of showing their art are also placing control in another's hands. How can artists remain free from from these fears and expectations?

Is art pricing out of line with what collectors are looking for? Do artists need to drop prices to sell art? Or are there other factors that are leading to less sales of art? I take a closer look at pricing art, society and how we value art today.

Does lack of time get in the way of your art? What is the cause of this? How to spot the time bandits that steal your creative time? We also look at ways to get more time for art. Do you know how much time it takes to make art? You may be surprised by the answer.

South African artist Joe Joubert is making the finest quality artist's paints in the Old Master tradition. Find out how Joe started this quest for affordable artist quality paint. His inspirational story against the odds to unravel the paint maker's secrets. Joe Joubert lifts the lid on the artist paint industry and finds much that can be improved to benefit artists.

Some creatives still fear teaching and sharing their knowledge to competitors. Their art may be copied, photographed and this could undermine their business. In time past this was an issue, but is it still relevant today? Has the sharing of knowledge become expected and should we give freely?

Ten tips to help you identify your work, get started and push on through to completion despite fear and anxiety. Why this is important for you and the challenges you will have to overcome. I cover many issues that we all face as creatives, but for each there is a way to get the work done. You owe it to yourself.

Are artists getting the education they need to make it as a business? It seems not. The opportunity for artists to educate themselves and take control of their careers has never been greater. Why is this more important now than ever before? I also chat about why you should start now.

How to diversify your art business through art coaching. I chat about my art coaching program and how this has helped artists and me grow. Plus we help solve an artist's dilemma. If you are stuck painting reproductions how do you break out of this cycle to produce your own unique work? Not as easy as you may think at first.

In this interview we meet Art Savings Club owner Andre Ruthven. Art Savings Club aims to bring the best art supplies to South African artists at reasonable prices. Their online approach to fast service and an ever growing line of art supplies enables them to reach this goal. Find out more about their approach and plans for the future.

Episode 23 covers my main social media services. What works and what doesn't. Special focus is on Pinterest and how this service has exploded my artist website traffic. Tips on how to use Pinterest for your social media strategy.

Tired of the materialism of this time of year? Here is how to have a mindful holiday season filled with creativity, fun and more meaningful family time. You will also save a fortune and feel more calm. Plus I want to thank you for supporting this new podcast. Enjoy the season.

What will grow your online business and what will hold you back? I take a look at my business this year and lessons that I have learned about my online art business. Blogs, social media and getting a balanced approach to life. What to focus on what to leave out. Plus keep an eye on your health too.

Over the years I have noticed seven fundamental mistakes beginner painters make. I have a few ways to avoid them that I teach in my art classes. Simple solutions that make a big difference. I also have a look at a master artist and teacher's solution to the challenge painters face. All part of making the most of your creative energy.

Nothing is constant except change. I take a look at why your art has impact for others. The importance of staying the course when you feel down about your work. Plus I talk about The Art Spirit and a reading from this book. Also my new book 52 Weeks of Creative Living is now published. Find out more on the show..

A classic spooky tale, The Monkey's Paw, by W.W. Jacobs is read in full in this special Halloween edition. First published in 1902 this story has a strong moral and a few creepy chills. Perfect for a dark and rainy night on Halloween.

What is standing in your way? Instead of blaming circumstances we need to look at ourselves, what resources we have now and make something happen. One step at a time. I take a look at common issues that hold us back and reveal how flimsy they really are. (http://www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com/blog.html)

What makes The Italian Artshop South Africa's top supplier of artist quality fine art materials? Skye Kennedy tells us about how the store began. what sets it apart and her biggest challenges. Find out what you can do to make your business stand apart from the the competition. Not to be missed. (more at www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com)

Meet Linda Hodnett, editor of South Africa's leading art enthusiast magazine. We will chat about how Linda started the SA Artist Magazine. The struggles and success of the magazine, her advice to artists and what it takes to succeed in the business of publishing. Plus we find out about Linda's favorite painting.

The autobiography of Lord Alan Sugar is filled with nuggets of business wisdom that I find relevant to artists and creatives too. In this episode I discuss a few of these lessons that you can apply to your business and see better results. These will also benefit your lifestyle too. Find more on my blog at http://bit.ly/artistsblog

What is holding many people back from their creative potential? I have noticed three typical categories of people who are blocked because of their self-belief. The mindset keeping them back. The solution is easier to put into action than they may believe. In this episode we take a look at how to recognize these issues and do something constructive about it. You can see more examples on my accompanying blog article at www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com/blog.html

Winsen's Canvases is South Africa's leading artist's canvas manufacturer. Find out how they began trading in 1986. Plus their secret to business success, how Gavin Van Winsen became an artist's model for a day and much more. We also cover the art of canvas making, gilded frames and tips for looking after your canvas. Don' miss it!

Content marketing for creatives is a great way to market your art. In this episode you can listen to Chapter One of my book The Art of Content Marketing. It will give you a background of how I accidentally discovered content marketing even before the internet. You can find the book on Amazon and on my website at www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com

Outdoor painting en plein air is growing in popularity. But many artists are not sure if it is worth the risk or trouble. In this episode I look at how to make outdoor painting part of your overall process. Why outdoor painting will improve your painting skills quickly. What tips, tools and approach you can take to begin. How to Paint Outdoors with Confidence is one of my painting courses and a topic that I am passionate about. Join me on this episode to find out more about this fun activity.

My special guest is a South African author, Matthew Dewey, who speaks about his new novels for young adults. Matthew, who is nineteen, has published two novels in the fantasy adventure genre. He talks about his writing process and his plans for future novels. His books, The Four Horsemen, and prequel, Conquests Champion can be found on Amazon. Also on his website www.gfoxinc.com

Simplicity in art, simplicity in life. I have spent years teaching artists how to simplify their paintings. But what about our lives? In this episode I take a look at how to apply the lessons of painting to our lives. Hopefully the result is more living and less stress. It sounds good to me!

You can teach even if the idea scares you. I was the same until I remembered my own art teacher. His approach reminded me about why teaching is important. If you look at it this way teaching is much simpler. It is about sharing your knowledge about what you already love to do.

Do you question the quality of your art? Your commitment to your process? In a world filled with distraction and materialism we can find guidance from the past. In this episode I take inspiration from the ancient philosophy of Bushido, which still lingers in these modern times. Ready for the challenge? Find more on my blog too: http://www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com/blog/what-modern-artists-can-learn-from-the-samurai

How can teaching improve your art and career? Is teaching for you? In this episode I explore whether teaching is a good idea or not. I will tell you about my experience teaching art and the unexpected benefits. We will also consider ways for you to start teaching step-by-step.

Do you find it difficult to avoid negative situations, news or people? How does that influence your work and attitudes to life? Not so good? This episode is about how to flip that switch and find a positive mindset. Simple techniques that will set your day on a positive path. The result is positive in all your activities, relationships and creativity.

Should an artist take time out to start a blog? Is it enough to produce great art? What is the number one mistake for new bloggers? If you have not taken the leap into blogging then this episode might help you make the decision. I take a look at how I started blogging and how I try to make the most out of each article. Blogging has many spin-off benefits for artists. Find out what those benefits are for you.

Rejection is never easy for an artist. The secret is how you react to rejection. Will this event help you grow or bring you down? In this episode we take a look at positive ways to view rejection. Then come back stronger for it.

What does it take to succeed as an artist? Do you have the talent? Is there more than talent required? The title points to core issue many creatives focus on. But it is the wrong approach. Instead the true issues are not confronted and success remains elusive. In podcast article I want to confront what is important. And if talent is not the issue what is?