THRIVE Talks Podcast

Setting healthy boundaries with your phone is a huge challenge! As artists it can feel like we are expected to be on our phones all the time – posting, sharing, and always active on social media. It seems like an unspoken rule that we need to be putting ourselves out there constantly or our careers will fade out. This just isn't true, and it certainly is not healthy! We aren't experts, and we are probably in the same boat as you are when it comes to relating to your phone, but we are here to share our struggles and what we do to strive toward more balance. So, tune in to Episode #75 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Healthy Phone Boundaries to Try, to hear our thoughts on how we work to find our boundaries with our phones! As always, we are here cheering you on! This podcast is one of many free resources we offer to artists, and we hope you will join the Thrive Together Network to dive in! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

We are continuing our little series of episodes about artist newsletters by sharing a dose of inspiration with you! In this episode, we go through a quick list of content ideas for your newsletter. These are some things to consider as you write, including inspiration for what to put in it and more. There are many options because artists have so much to share! It's important to start by reminding yourself your newsletter goals are and the purpose of your newsletter. Do the work of thinking through what you want your newsletter to do for you and then let that guide your decisions about what content to include. So, join us for Episode #74 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 10 Content Ideas for Your Art Newsletter, to get those creative juices flowing and let us lighten your newsletter workload. As always, we are here cheering you on! This podcast is one of many free resources we offer to artists, and we hope you will join the Thrive Together Network to dive in! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

As an artist, it is on us to get the information about our work out into the world. There are many ways to do that, and today's episode is going to talk about a big one…newsletters! There are many aspects of newsletters, so this is one of a two part series of episodes about the topic. So, for this first episode, we will talk about your system, starting your newsletter and growing a consistent habit with it that you can sustain and boldly put out into the world.  Take charge of the information going out into the world about your art practice by tuning in to Episode #73 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, How to Write a Monthly Art Newsletter. There are many different ways to tackle this goal, and for many different reasons! Get clarity on how to start with us! As always, we are here cheering you on! This podcast is one of many free resources we offer to artists, and we hope you will join the Thrive Together Network to dive in! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

In this episode, we open up about a topic that is not frequently discussed among artists: rejection! Artists are always applying to things such as shows, residencies, or grants. And rejection is just going to happen! We really believe we need more transparency in the art world and talking about rejection is certainly an area where we need to know we are not alone. It's not easy to discuss when things don't go our way and yet, being open helps us connect with others and move through the world with integrity. It can be so encouraging to know that you aren't the only one who feels a sense of failure.  So, join us for Episode #72 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, How to Recover from Rejection as an Artist, to talk about the process of going through those pesky rejections. We believe how we handle rejection is important, so tune in to own your artist identity and the inevitable rejection that comes with it! This podcast is one of many free resources we offer to artists, and we hope you will join the Thrive Together Network to go even deeper! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

This episode is going to be a game-changer for all you artists out there! As artists, we pour our hearts and souls into our exhibitions. But the magic doesn't have to stop when the show does. We want our members and our listeners to show their work and then continue to benefit from this effort long after the show is done. Sometimes you put all your effort into making the work but you forget that actually accomplishing your goals for your exhibition aren't just about making the work, often there are admin related tasks you need to do that will really give you the results you want from your show! So tune in to Episode #71 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Exhibitions as we talk strategies for maximizing each exhibition. This podcast is one of many free resources we offer to artists, and we hope you will join the Thrive Together Network to go even deeper! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Are you feeling burnt out in the studio? Creativity can be emotionally draining, and it's natural to have periods where you feel low. You are not alone as an artist, and you are especially not alone in feelings of being worn down. It's a typical part of a lifetime of creative work! You are normal!  Here in Episode #70 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, How to Recover From Feeling Worn Down as an Artist, we discuss ways to recover from the inevitable feelings of being a worn out artist. From caring for your physical health to finding inspiration we discuss all the ways you can acknowledge when you are feeling drained so you can take care of yourself. It's all about connecting with your community and remembering why you are passionate about your work. We are here for you through all your seasons of life as a thriving artist!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

This episode covers a topic close to our hearts, as we believe in embracing and owning our identities as artists! For some reason it can be a struggle for artists to use the title “artist” until they have achieved certain goals or a specific “level” of achievement. However, we can fall into the trap of always needing to meet a new goal before we find the confidence to validate ourselves and claim the artist identity, putting it off indefinitely. So we are here to encourage you to start doing it now! Tune into Episode #69 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Reasons You Need to Call Yourself an Artist. We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

Ever wonder what the most important things are that you should be doing as an artist? Artists can have so many different things on their plates, and have very different day to day experiences in their studios and in their working life overall. This episode is our practical guide to what we feel is crucial for all working artists! So, tune in to Episode #68 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Must Do's as a Working Artist, to learn what we think you need at the top of your list to maintain a sustainable and healthy studio practice. Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Today is a special episode about a very important topic that is rarely discussed: maternity leave for artists! Jamie and Kaylan share their wisdom on how to plan ahead and be open about your needs heading into early parenthood as a studio artist. They share advice about delegating responsibilities, the importance of self-care, flexibility, and also the impact of being visible and open about the leave itself!  We are here for you through all your seasons of life as a thriving artist!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

We are wrapping up our Art Residency here at the Thrive Together Network, and we are thinking of ways your art residency is going to live on and help you throughout the year to come. Today on Episode #66 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Ways to Wrap Up An Art Residency Powerfully we will share tips that will help you make the most of your experience and ensure a smooth transition back into your regular artistic practice. So, whether you've done the Thrive Together Network Virtual Art Residency this month or you're planning to apply for one in the future, this episode is for you.   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Ways to Wrap Up an Art Residency Powerfully are: Reflect on Your Residency Journey: Consider the goals you set at the beginning of your residency, the challenges you faced, and the growth you've achieved. Journaling or creating a visual diary can be a powerful way to document your thoughts and feelings. Reflecting on your journey will not only provide closure but also offer valuable insights for your future artistic endeavors.  Organize and Archive Your Work: Take high-quality photographs, document any installations, and categorize your sketches or studies. This process will not only help you preserve your work but also create a portfolio or documentation for future exhibitions or applications. Connect with Fellow Artists: You've met so many amazing artists at your residency, so make sure to keep in touch! Building a strong network within the artist community can open doors to new opportunities and provide a support system throughout your career. Share your Experience: Consider writing a blog post, Instagram reel, or even organizing a small exhibition to showcase the work you created during your residency. Sharing your experience not only helps you process and internalize the residency but also allows others to gain insights and learn from your artistic journey. Make a Plan to Get Feedback: Set up an artist date or studio visit. Or join something more formal like a crit program.vHaving a plan to get feedback helps you continue on powerfully even after the residency is over and will push the work even further.    If you joined us for our first residency of 2024 this month, we loved having you and hope this helps you build on your work! If not, join us this September for our fall residency by joining the Thrive Together Network! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

As artists, we often find ourselves navigating the expectations of others, seeking validation, or conforming to market trends. But what if we shift our focus inward and create solely for ourselves? Today on the podcast we'll be exploring the five reasons why creating for yourself is vital for your art career. We'll delve into the immense benefits of embracing this mindset and how it can transform your art in remarkable ways. So, join us for Episode #65 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, Why Creating For Yourself Is Vital For Your Art Career.   Jamie and Kyalan's 5 Reasons to Create for Yourself are: Authenticity and Self-Discovery: Creating for yourself allows you to tap into your true artistic voice, free from external pressures. When you create from a place of authenticity, you unlock your unique perspective and begin to explore uncharted territories within your craft. Personal Growth and Exploration: When you create for yourself, it becomes a means to explore your own emotions, thoughts, and experiences. This leads to a deeper understanding of yourself as an artist and as a person. Here is where you really start to push the boundaries of your comfort zone!! Creative Freedom and Experimentation:  When you create for yourself, there are no limitations or expectations to confine your artistic expression. You are free to experiment with new techniques, styles, and ideas. This fosters innovation and allows you to push the boundaries of your craft, leading to unique and groundbreaking creations. Joy and Fulfillment: When you create from a place of passion and personal resonance you can be more connected to your happiness and joy. Making work just for you can be intensely soul satisfying in a way that making for others can't tap into. Connection and Authentic Audience Engagement: Paradoxically, when you create for yourself, you attract an audience that resonates deeply with your art. By staying true to your own vision and expressing your unique voice, you naturally connect with individuals who appreciate your authenticity. This leads to long-lasting relationships and a loyal following that cherishes your work for its honesty and vulnerability.   So, fellow artists, let's embrace the power of creating for ourselves. Let's be authentic, explore our personal growth, and enjoy the creative freedom that comes with a balance of those things. We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

We are in the first weeks of using our trusty Thriving Artist Map! We love the map, which is our version of a studio planner. We are diving in, and realize how much of a game changer it really is. Now, some of you might be wondering, "Why do I need a studio planner when I already have my creative flow?" Well, dear listeners, a studio planner is not just any ordinary planner. It's a powerful tool that can transform your art practice and take your creativity to new heights. So, join us for Episode #64 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, Start Using a Studio Planner for Game Changing Results to learn what our trusty Map has to offer.   Jamie and Kaylan's Five Reasons to Use a Studio Planner are:   Organization: As artists, we often find ourselves drowning in a sea of sketches, ideas, and project deadlines. A studio planner helps us stay on top of things by providing a structured system for organizing our creative endeavors. From tracking project progress to setting achievable goals and jotting down brilliant ideas, a studio planner ensures that nothing slips through the cracks. Time Management:In the chaotic world of art, time is a precious resource. A studio planner acts as your personal timekeeper, allowing you to allocate dedicated slots for each project, prioritize tasks, and maintain a balanced workflow. By managing your time effectively, you'll be able to devote more energy to your art. Creative Direction: While art is often associated with spontaneity and improvisation, having a clear sense of direction is equally important. A studio planner enables you to define your artistic goals, plan your projects accordingly, and stay focused on your creative journey. It acts as a compass, guiding you through the ever-changing artistic landscape. Inspiration and Reflection:As artists, we often find ourselves grappling with creative blocks or struggling to find new ideas. A studio planner serves as a valuable companion, providing a space to document sources of inspiration, brainstorm ideas, and reflect on your artistic journey. It's a space to put all the big ideas that maybe you just don't have time to get to right now but later they might be a fit.  Accountability: You know we love this word because we see the power of accountability every day at TTN. As artists, we often work in isolation, which can make it challenging to stay motivated and accountable. A studio planner acts as a trusted companion, holding you accountable for your artistic endeavors.  If you are a TTN Member, you get a pdf copy of the Thriving Artists Map as part of your membership! And always, everyone can grab a physical copy to use along with our membership or independently here. We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Today we have a special episode for all the artists out there. We'll be discussing doing a virtual art residency and are wondering if any of you out there have participated in one before. As artists, we often seek opportunities to grow, learn, and immerse ourselves in environments that foster creativity. We will be sharing five invaluable lessons learned from past Thrive Together Networks virtual art residencies experiences.These are lessons we have learned personally and have also heard from fellow members what has been meaningful to them. So, join us for Episode #63 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, Have You Ever Done a Virtual Art Residency?   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Insights from Art Residencies are: Embracing Virtual Connections: We went global! As artists, we often rely on in-person interactions and physical exhibitions to showcase our work. However, participating in an online art residency allowed us to connect with artists from all around the world.  Creating a Personal Studio Space: By doing a residency in our own spaces, we learned that anything goes if you can make it work for you! We encourage artists to claim space during virtual residencies and create a personal studio, even within the confines of their own home. Self-Motivation and Time Management: In an online art residency, you don't have the external structure and routine that comes with a physical residency. It's crucial to set personal goals, establish a schedule, and hold yourself accountable for your progress. We see huge leaps forward in the bigger picture of our practices when we create and maintain our own schedules during a virtual residency. Building an Online Presence: It is so easy to share work in progress on social media and in your newsletter. Building a strong online presence not only allows you to showcase your work to a global audience but also opens doors to collaborations, exhibitions, and potential opportunities that would have been otherwise inaccessible. Cornerstones in Your Yearly Plan are Very Helpful: Cornerstones are large goals or markers in the year such as shows, programs you are enrolling in, or other big events. We think an art residency is something every artist can and should take on each year. They provide real work time and community connection that you can center your year around. We hope the personal insights we shared in this episode open the door to new possibilities for you with virtual residencies! As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support and participate in our Virtual Art Residency! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

We are starting to plan for our Virtual Art Residency that will take place the entire month of February.  An artist residency is a program that provides artists with dedicated time and space to create their work. They have long been an integral part of an artist's development, providing them with a supportive environment to explore their creativity and build their artistic practice. Traditionally, these residencies required physical presence, but with the rise of technology, online art residencies have emerged, opening up new possibilities for artists all around the globe. In Episode #62 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Ways An Art Residency Can Boost Your Art Career, we will explore the five key things an artist residency can do for you.   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Ways an Art Residency Can Boost Your Art Career are: Uninterrupted Focus and Dedicated Time: As artists, finding uninterrupted focus and dedicated time to create can be challenging amidst the demands of daily life. Artist residencies offer an escape from these distractions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your creative process.  Global Reach: Virtual art residencies transcend geographical boundaries, especially a virtual art residency like ours. This exposure to diverse perspectives and cultural influences can expand your artistic horizons, broaden your artistic vocabulary, and open doors to new collaborations and opportunities. Proving You Have Time For Art: A virtual residency provides a flexible schedule unlike traditional residencies that require artists to relocate for a specific duration. This means you can balance your work, personal commitments, and the residency requirements simultaneously.After a virtual residency, you can build habits and prove to yourself that art making can fit in. We have seen amazing ripple effects of this from our members.  Active Community Support: During our virtual art residency we meet each week for Tuesday Zoom check-in meetings as a time to reflect and connect with one another. We believe the virtual environment of online residencies fosters a strong sense of camaraderie, support, and collaboration. It's like having an artist family at your fingertips all of the time! Building Your Artist CV: We have an online artwork showcase at the end of the virtual residency where members can submit work for an online art show. This gives you a goal for the residency and a great opportunity to add the residency and online show to your CV. We feature the work made during the residency on social media and on the Network. We want to help you expand your online presence and reach a wider audience! Our Art Residency program at TTN is a 6-week program that you can do from your own home studio. It offers flexibility for you to set your own goals but accountability from our community to support you. Plus some amazing planning tools from us to keep you on track! Head to www.thrivetogethernetwork.com  to learn about our program.  

Today Jamie is flying solo on the podcast with a quick bonus episode as a sister to our most recent episode called Creating Your Vision For The New Year. Here, Jamie guides you through a visualization exercise she created for her business planning class on Skillshare, and we hope it will be helpful for you as you build your vision for 2024!  Visualization is a great tool when trying to get a clear image on what you want to create, and many believe that it helps the subconscious mind to connect with our thinking brain to show us what we really want. In our busy and noisy lives it is so easy to not listen to ourselves and fill our minds with what we think we “should” want.  So, dive into this with Jamie as she leads you through a visualization of your future as an artist! This is one of many free resources we offer to artists, and we hope you will join the Thrive Together Network to go even deeper! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

A new year is an opportunity for a clean slate and setting a new vision for your work as an artist. We talk a lot about setting goals so we wanted to take a step back and actually think about the larger vision you have for your art career. Having a vision provides artists with a roadmap to navigate their artistic journey. It's like a guiding light that helps you make decisions, set goals, and stay focused amidst the inevitable challenges and distractions. In Episode #60 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, Creating Your Vision For The New Year, we deep dive into dreaming big and turning that into a concrete vision so you can define your artistic identity, understand your purpose and communicate your perspective to the world.   Jamie and Kaylan's 4 Steps to Creating Your Vision for the New Year are: Self-Reflection: Ask yourself three questions - What drives you as an artist? What themes or subjects resonate with you? What kind of impact do you want your art to have on others?  Think Big and Visualize Your Art Career: Imagine yourself five or ten years from now. What does success look like to you? Picture the exhibitions, the collaborations, the recognition, and the personal growth you aspire to achieve. Visualizing your ideal future allows you to set ambitious yet achievable goals that align with your vision. Create a Vision Board or a Journal: Collect images, quotes, and ideas that represent your artistic aspirations. Use this visual representation as a constant reminder of your goals and keep adding to it as your vision evolves. Vision boards also work because they keep your goals as a focus and help you “see” what you really want.  Create a Concrete Plan: We can't just expect our dreams to happen, we need to identify the skills, resources, and knowledge we need to acquire along the way to make it happen. Use resources like our Thriving Artists Map to create a step by step list of tasks and identify the skills, resources, and knowledge you need to work toward your vision.   If you are a TTN Member, you get a pdf copy of the Thriving Artists Map as part of your membership! And always, everyone can grab a physical copy to use along with our membership or independently here. We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

At the Thrive Together Network we are all about planning, and we've created a workbook called the Thriving Artists Map that you can use to guide you to a great year in the studio and in your art career. The Map represents what we are all about and what our community does throughout the year. It has weekly studio planning pages, goal setting prompts, a fully dated calendar, and so much more to help you set and achieve goals. In this episode of the podcast, we dive into this idea of sticking to goals to really get your wheels turning about what it will take for you to thrive in 2024.  So, join us for Episode #59 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Tips to Help You Actually Stick To Your Goals in 2024, to discuss some practical strategies to create a roadmap for your year ahead and stay committed to your goals.   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Tips to Help You Stick To Your Goals are: Set Clear and Specific Goals: Vague goals like "improve my art" or "get better at marketing" won't provide the direction you need. Instead, break down your goals into specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound objectives.  Create an Action Plan: Break your goals into smaller, manageable tasks and assign deadlines to each of them. This step-by-step plan will give you a clear roadmap to follow and make your goals feel more attainable.  Find an Accountability Partner or Community: Accountability is a powerful motivator. Find an accountability partner—a fellow artist, a mentor, or even a supportive friend. Share your goals and action plan with them, and schedule regular check-ins to discuss your progress.  Prioritize Self-Care and Balance:  Remember that your well-being is crucial for sustained productivity and creativity. Take breaks, practice mindfulness, engage in activities that recharge you, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Celebrate Milestones and Progress: Sometimes, we get so focused on the end result that we forget to acknowledge how far we've come. Celebrating milestones boosts motivation and reinforces a positive mindset.    We hope these tips set you up to start looking toward an amazing 2024! The Thriving Artists Map is one tool to help you stick to your goals in 2024, and it is best paired with a membership to our online network so you can get the benefit of a community of artists to keep you on track in 2024. Join the Thrive Together Network to plug into our programming for 2024! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

Today we have a special year-end episode to celebrate your growth as artists. As we approach the end of the year, it's important to reflect on our accomplishments and recognize how far we've come. So, in this episode, we'll explore five unique ways you can celebrate your artistic growth. So, join us for Episode 58 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, Do These 5 Things to Celebrate Your Growth, and really lean into the celebration with us!   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Things to Do to Celebrate Your Growth are: Post an Art Showcase: Spend some time to gather your highlights of the year and put them up on social media to celebrate the work you have done. This not only provides a platform to display your growth but also allows you to connect with your community.    Show Gratitude: Take some time to reflect on the people and experiences that have supported your artistic journey throughout the year. Write personalized notes expressing your appreciation to mentors, friends, collectors, and anyone who has shown their support.    Reflect: Carve out some dedicated time for introspection and journaling. Reflect on the highs and lows of your artistic journey this year, the lessons learned, and the areas where you've experienced the most growth.  Set New Artistic Goals: Whether it's exploring new mediums, experimenting with different styles, or challenging yourself with more ambitious projects, setting goals helps you maintain momentum and continue growing as an artist. Celebrate all your potential by setting a new goal!   Treat Yourself: You have poured your heart and soul into your work, and it's essential to reward yourself for your dedication. Splurge on art supplies you've been eyeing, take a well-deserved day off to recharge, or indulge in an artistic retreat to explore new inspirations. Celebrating your growth should include moments of joy and self-care that rejuvenate your artistic spirit. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to plug into our programming for 2024! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

This episode of the podcast is inspired by an Art & Tea session that we call the Artist Timeline. We ask TTN members to look back over the past 6 years, and for each year write down art practice and art business highlights. Seeing evidence of your past accomplishments builds your confidence muscle and this is so important for artists because we need to remember that we have been successful in the past to push ourselves to keep going. In Episode 57 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, How Looking Back Can Help You Move Forward,  we talk about how to be our own cheerleader by taking a look at the evidence of how far we have come.    Jamie and Kaylan's 4 Things to Help you Look Back in Order to Move Forward are: See How Far You've Come: Take a look at your Artist Timeline and really take in the evidence of your past accomplishments. We have to put ourselves and our work out in the world so often and we need to remember that we have a track record of past accomplishments! You Are Doing a Lot: During the day to day, it is easy to forget how much you accomplish in the big picture. Being an artist is about playing a long game, so keep that timeline at the ready to remember that your daily work is part of a bigger goal. Things Add Up: Don't get discouraged by the small tasks! They accumulate into something much bigger. They will count and they can be added to your timeline for this year and beyond. They will matter.  Recognize Your Consistency: Over the arc of your career there are themes, opportunities, and work you have done that reveals a pattern of what you are accomplishing. Use your timeline to intentionally focus on these consistent themes.  As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to plug into our programming for 2024! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

We've been looking ahead to the new year in recent episodes, but today we will address the fact that not everyone feels excited about the new year. Some of you have had a tough year and need time to process or heal from it. Or, maybe you are in a big season of doubt or confusion as an artist. All of this can impact how we feel going into a new year. Join us for Episode 56 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, How to Anticipate A Great Year Ahead (Even When You Have Your Doubts), as we discuss a few simple suggestions for bringing some positive anticipation into your life this time of year, whether you are feeling excited or not.  Jamie and Kaylan's Tips for Anticipating a Great Year Ahead: Enter into Deeper Awareness: Do some reflection and write about your past year. Writing how you really feel and reflecting with honesty can help you find a lot of gratitude. This can bring you into a deeper understanding for where you are currently at with things in your life.  Set Firmer Boundaries: Many of us struggle with stressful anticipation and doubt because we are actually experiencing a lack of boundaries or security in our present moment. Ask yourself where you need to set some firmer boundaries and what is contributing to your stress right now. Evaluate where you can carve out more time and space for yourself. Move Forward with Self-Compassion: You have done, and you are doing SO MUCH dear artist. You deserve a medal, a gold star, and a cash prize just for being an artist. It is such hard work. Please be kind to yourself this time of year and always. Recognize that you are human and you deserve softness and grace and understanding. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to plug into our programming for 2024! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

Today we are sharing a timely episode about planning for the new year. We talked in the last episode about how to plan during any time of year, but today we will take a look at how to wrap up one year and plan ahead for the next amazing year as an artist. So, join us in Episode 54, How to Map Out Your Year as an Artist, as we cover how to assess the longer term picture of the previous year and how to use that information going forward!  Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Ways to Map Out Your Year are:  Brain Dump: Have a big brainstorming session and write down every goal and idea you have for the year ahead. You will not take action on every goal you write down, so don't be afraid to dream big. This is your space to let it flow.  Sort by Size: It's important to sort the goals you really want to do by size and spend some time thinking about how much effort and energy will go into each goal. We recommend sorting your goals by big, medium and small. This will go a long way in setting you up for solid time management practices. Identify Your “No's”: Spend some time writing down what you will NOT do or not focus on in the new year. This activity is valuable because it helps you form concrete boundaries and stay focused on your goals. Think quality over quantity! Set Up a System: Get yourself organized by setting mile markers for planning and create a goal setting strategy. Book planning and goal setting strategy times into your calendar for the start of the new year and moving ahead each week, month and quarter.  Reflect & Rest: Don't skip this one!! It may be the hardest to find time for, especially around the holidays but we really encourage you to set aside some time to write and reflect on the year you've just had.  As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to plug into our programming that sets up a planning structure for you! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Whether you're a parent, caretaker, working another job, or a full time artist, we want to talk about ways to plan smarter as an artist! You may love planning like us, you may hate it, or maybe you are somewhere in between. Whatever the case, we can all use ideas for how to improve our planning. Join us for Episode 54 of Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Simple Ways to Plan Smarter as an Artist, because this is the perfect time of year to reflect on how you plan as we wrap up 2023. Jamie & Kaylan's 5 Simple Ways to Plan Smarter as an Artist are: Schedule in Time for Planning: Plan a time to plan! Planning IS a task that needs to happen and so it is important to put that planning time in your calendar. It takes time to get set up in order to do what you want to do with your days! Plan Your Year in Quarters: We really believe in this philosophy and live it out on the Thrive Together Network – planning out each quarter has many benefits! Planning out three months at a time is a perfect chunk of time to set some larger goals without losing sight of the smaller steps it takes to make them happen. Move from Macro to Micro (and back again!): Whether you are a big picture type of person or someone who is all about the details, we encourage you to find balance between the two. Keep both in mind as you set goals, create to do lists, and schedule out your work time. Follow a Map with Other Artists: We created a planning tool that values all of the things we cover in this episode. It's the Thriving Artist Map and it is a weekly studio planner with tools to plan your year while considering the big picture and smaller goals all at once. Remain Rooted in Your Why: For any plan you make, always keep an eye on why you are doing what you do. Don't work toward things that are outside of your motivations. Regularly check in to make sure your plans match up with your goals.  As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

Today Kaylan is solo on the podcast to talk about her experience with stress and some resources for dealing with “Open Loops” that can cause us stress as  artists*. This discussion is centered around a very specific type of stress created by having many things on your plate that are not yet complete. Artists especially experience this type of stress frequently because we wear so many hats and are responsible for so much. There are so many different types of jobs artists are expected to do within our business and many of us have other jobs, caretaking responsibilities or more on our plates. Our brains can only hold so much in our active memory. These thoughts that continuously loop in our brains, or “Open Loops” can weigh us down mentally & emotionally over time. Open Loops are: things you've started and haven't finished, tasks or ideas that are 'on hold' in your brain and that occupy your active thoughts. So, tune in to learn a few tips to deal with these Open Loop from brain dumps to the “3 D's”: delete, delegate, and do! We hope you can continue to join us here on the podcast or come be an artist we can really get to know by joining our network! Head to www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more. The “Open Loops” episode is exactly the type of thing we walk you through each week on Art & Tea, our Tuesday zoom calls with dozens of artists that are included in your TTN membership. *Just a reminder that Kaylan is not a therapist and anyone struggling with severe anxiety or health related issues due to stress should seek support from their physician or counselor.  

One of the beautiful things about being an artist is that we all structure our careers a bit differently, and while we can learn from each other, our paths will never look exactly the same. Today on the podcast we are sharing some questions from the “Building Your North Star” activity we do once a year during one of our weekly Thrive Together Network meetings called Art & Tea. So, join us for Episode 52 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 4 Questions to Help You Find Focus in Your Art Career to identify what you want your unique art career to look like! Jamie and Kaylan's 4 Questions to Help You Find Focus in Your Art Career are: What matters most to you as an artist and how do you most want to spend your time? These are very basic points, but powerful when you think about it. Our time truly is our most valuable resource. It connects DIRECTLY to what matters most to us. So what do you want to spend your time doing??  What are your main gifts as an artist and what do you feel good doing? This question is important because it puts your unique strengths into the equation. Find the balance between your passion and your strongest skill sets, and keep in mind that this might change over time! How do you want to feel as an artist? This question is about the big picture. Do you want to be on-the-go and moving a lot as an artist? Do you want to feel rooted and calm with lots of downtime in your studio? What are the overall, big picture feelings you want to have for your art career and your life? What impact do you want your work to make in the world?  This is also a big picture question that will take time to answer. If you know what your intentions are, it can provide so much clarity in what steps to take now in your practice. Give some thought to what you want your work to say and do, and think about what conversations you want people to have about your work. Focus on impact to gain clarity. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support and participate in more activities like this one! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

Today we are wrapping up our podcast episodes centered on the theme “organize”. In this episode, we tackle the realm of finances. It can feel very stressful and overwhelming to think about money, but when we start taking control of our finances amazing things can happen. Join us for Episode #51 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Tips for Organizing Your Art Finances, as we talk through how to wrap your head around your expenses and income and make use of that information.   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Tips for Organizing Your Art Finances are: Do a Wealth Check: Spend a couple minutes defining your wealth as an artist. This is more than just the money you might earn, but also other valuable aspects of being an artist such as the freedom to think creatively and put it into action. Assess Your Mindset: We often create stories about our money which makes it an emotional topic. Think of money as numbers that tell the story of how we spend our resources and time. Ask yourself some questions about your attitude toward money. Track It: Find a system that works for you to track where your money is going that you can stick to month after month. Use a spreadsheet or a program like Quickbooks Self-Employed to keep detailed records of your income and expenses.   Review It: Implement some sort of regular process to take a look at what is happening with your money. This could be monthly or quarterly, but whatever you do, carve out regular time to take a look at where money is coming in and where it is going out.  Use It: Once you have gone over your numbers, take action based on what you have learned! Spending all this time tracking and reviewing only makes an impact when you take the story your numbers are telling you and adjust the parts that don't serve you anymore.    We hope this series on the theme “organize” has helped set you on a path to more clarity and ownership over your art practice! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support and participate in our Art Business Workshops! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

In today's episode, we continue our theme of “organize” and bring this concept to your digital space. Do you open up your computer and feel stressed because you don't know where your images are and you just can't seem to find the most recent version of your CV? Don't worry, in Episode #50 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Tips for Organizing Your Digital Assets, we help you set things on a better path so you can find what you need with ease.  Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Tips for Organizing Your Digital Assets are: Create A Naming System: Decide on the format you are going to use to name your photos and other digital assets like your CV, resume, or artist's statement. Move forward sticking to these formatting rules you've made for yourself and your life will get a lot easier! Create Your Process: Determine the way you are going to save, store, and organize your files. This could be on an external drive or a cloud-based system. There are even softwares you can subscribe to like Artwork Archive that provide an inventory system you can follow. Be Consistent: These systems only work if you follow the plan exactly. The more disciplined you are in following your plan, the quicker it will be when you are updating your website, organizing instagram posts, and completing applications. The upfront time will pay off later! Save Twice: This means having a backup of your digital files. Don't put all your files on one device without storing them somewhere else as well. Keep this backup up to date. You don't want to lose or damage a hard drive and no longer have a record of your work.  Start Where You Are: It may feel like you need to make everything you have ever done be perfect or why start at all!?! But, we disagree. The next time you make a piece of art, photograph it, name the file according to your system, and save it in two places. That is a great way to start. We hope this gives you confidence as you approach organizing your digital space. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

In this podcast episode, we continue our theme of “organize” by discussing studio organization! It's so nice to work in an organized space, so let's make it happen! In Episode #49 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Steps to Organizing Your Studio, we go over how to take a close look at your space, how you operate in it, and how to optimize both! Let's get the clutter out! Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Steps to Organizing your Studio are: Take Stock: Ask yourself what is working and what is not. Do you have multiple workspaces? Are supplies in multiple places? Do you waste time shifting things around as you work?  Look At Your Gaps: Write down what is not working. Are there areas of your studio you are avoiding? What areas are particularly disorganized or cluttered? This will help you know exactly what you want to change. Make An Easy Tweak: We can't always just move to a bigger space, but we can spend a day sorting through supplies and getting rid of things we don't use. Taking the time to make small tweaks can have huge benefits in the long run.  Test Run: We suggest you test run any changes for at least a month to get used to things before you spend so much time, energy, and often money making big changes. Invest in Big Changes: Once you've lived with some small changes, you can feel confident that you know what big things you want to move forward with. This could be building custom storage in an existing studio, or totally renovating a garage or shed to make your dream space.  We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

In this episode, we discuss tips and tricks to staying organized in your art practice and business. We focus on all the administrative tasks that go beyond making artwork and spending time in the studio. This could be accounting, ordering supplies, posting on social media, and more. Artists have SO many art admin tasks. Don't get overwhelmed though, because in Episode #48 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Tips for Organizing your Art Admin, we are going to give you some simple tasks to tackle this type of work.   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Tips for Organizing your Art Admin are: Get clear on what repeats and what is a one-off task: Sit down and take time to think through all of your tasks. List tasks that repeat regularly, like sending out a monthly newsletter. Then write down tasks that don't repeat regularly. This could be applications to shows that don't have a set schedule. Batch your repeat tasks: Look at your list of repeat tasks and group similar tasks together.For example, creating images for instagram can also become images for your newsletter. Doing these groups of tasks at once can make them easier to get done. Block out chunks of time to get many related things done at once. Automate! Automate! Automate!: When you look at your repeat tasks, are there tasks you can automate? For instance there are many tools now to automate your social media posts. So, after you create a set of posts, you can schedule them to go out automatically over the upcoming days and weeks. Make A Monthly Schedule: Create a monthly calendar that reflects your repeated tasks. That way, you aren't reinventing your task list each month and  you know how to structure your time each month based on what worked in the past. Don't do it alone!: Having an accountability buddy can help you stay organized and that can make all the difference. Contact a fellow artist and see if you can do weekly check-ins on what tasks you are doing and your overall monthly goals.  We hope you are breathing a little easier after this one! But, if you don't want to coordinate your art admin by yourself, remember Thrive Together Network Members meet every Tuesday on Zoom to work on our art admin tasks for the week as a community. Find out more at thrivetogethernetwork.com.   

Making money from your art does not have to be limited to selling the original piece of artwork! There are so many different ways of having multiple income streams as an artist such as: art prints, printing your artwork on products, teaching art, online classes, artist talks, licensing your work, and more. Sometimes, it can almost feel like too many options, so in Episode #47 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Steps to Have Multiple Income Streams as an Artist, we talk about how to identify what path works for you as you grow your art business.   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Steps to Have Multiple Income Streams as an Artist are:   Look Outward: Look at other artists you admire that have multiple income streams in their business. Make sure you are picking artists that show evidence of success in their multiple income streams, and take notes about how they do what they do. Look Inward: Your art practice is about you and your artistic dreams so if you are adding new products and ways to sell your work they have to feel good to you! Ask yourself some probing questions about what type of artist you want to be in the world. Create Your Vision: Make a roadmap for yourself that outlines your new plan. Putting things down on paper will formalize what your goals are, and you will be able to make decisions based on this plan to grow your offerings.  Move Slowly: Start slowly and move slowly. Really think through what you are offering, and don't put too many things out there at once, that could overwhelm your audience. Test things out and move toward what is successful.  Assess as You Go: Do not offer something new until you have had success with your first new endeavor. Track sales, make sure what you are doing is worth your time, and that your client base is responding positively. There is no rush! Do a few things well rather than overwhelming yourself. We hope to see your many new endeavors as you diversify your income streams as an artist! We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

The lack of inspiration, the fatigue, the dearth of ideas, you know what it is: the dreaded creative slump. If you make art long enough it happens, and maybe it happens a lot! Everyone is different and everyone is going to have different ways of combating a slump. In Episode #46 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Tips to Get Inspired When You're in a Slump, we discuss some ideas to lean on if you are currently in a slump or find yourself in one in the future.    Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Tips to Get Inspired When You're In a Slump   Try a New Material: Try a new material to get into play mode. When you go back to exploring rather than pushing a specific direction with your typical medium, it releases you to channel that young artist feeling again and tap into new ideas and curiosity. Take a Class: A class can offer a break from your responsible artist self coming up with new ideas and having to guide the creative ship. Instead when taking a class, someone else is in charge and you can tap into play and exploration and feel creative again.  Book an Artist Date: So much inspiration and creativity can come from connecting with other artists. After spending time in real life or even on Zoom with other artists, you almost can't stop yourself from having new ideas. Set Up a Studio Visit: Reach out to a collector or a friend, and invite them to the studio. Talk to them about your work! Your own work can re-inspire you, and having a fresh take from a visitor has the potential to generate new ideas. Use a Deadline: Find a way that you can build in deadlines to help keep you focused on your creative work. This could be setting up a meeting with an art world professional to share your progress or finding a show to apply for. Those deadlines can be really key to motivation. We can all experience a slump, and we hope this helps you get through the low times! We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

Today on the podcast we are chatting about applying to exhibitions! For many artists, applications for shows are a regular part of our work. We both have curatorial experience and have worked with hundreds of artists by helping them exhibit their art. We have seen different levels of professionalism with the artists we've worked with, and these skills are something artists learn over time. In Episode #45 of the Thriving Artist Podcast, Do These 5 things When Applying to Shows, we give you a headstart on growing your professionalism!   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Things to Do When Applying to Shows: Visualize the Commitment and Check Your Schedule: Before you apply, think about what it will take to make the show happen if you get in. Then, check your calendar to make sure you have room for that work alongside your other commitments. Keep Track of Your Submissions: Keep track of where you apply, total submission fees, and exhibition timelines if you are accepted. This will help you understand the “big picture” in terms of where you are putting your time and money. Follow ALL Instructions: Application guidelines vary from show to show, so make sure you give them the information they ask for in the format they request it to be in. You are an easy target to be eliminated from a show, no matter how great your work is, if you do not follow the instructions for applying.  Label Your Images: Most applications have instructions for how to structure the file name of your image.  But in case they don't, make sure you name your image files with your Last name, First name, and maybe the title of the piece. This way your information will be professional and clear. No file names with a string of confusing random numbers! Be Patient: Remember that gallerists and curators are humans and they have just received hundreds or thousands of submissions and your work is just one of many of them. They may not have the perfect system worked up and they may make some mistakes along the way. So be patient with them and their process when you reach out. We hope that is helpful as you put yourself out there and apply for shows! We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Artists frequently get a bad rap with stereotypes that we are scattered, unorganized, and unprofessional. However, Kaylan and Jamie are proud “Type-A” artists and believe in the power of intentional planning to grow and maintain your art career! There are many areas of our lives as artists that need to be organized, but today we are focusing on the structure of a week in the life of an artist. In Episode #44 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, How to Plan out Your Week, we will talk about the planning tools we both use and our strategies for staying organized.   Jamie and Kaylan's 4 Steps to Planning Out Your Week Are: Have a Planning Routine: This could be a weekly planning session right at the beginning of each week to look at schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and any changes to the normal routine. Or, you could close each week by taking time each Friday to acknowledge your accomplishments from the previous week and look toward what is to come the next week Look at Your Boulders: Your boulders are the big things, the big events, the big tasks, and the heavy lifting you'll be doing in the week ahead. What are your top priorities, and what has to come first? Fill in the Pebbles: After you've considered your boulders, you can fill in the pebbles! Maybe you won't have HUGE chunks of studio time in your week but you can block out an hour here or there! Have a Closing Ritual: Planning isn't always about looking forward! Make sure to take stock of what you have done and find some pride for your accomplishments no matter how they went.  We hope that is helpful as you work to structure your studio practice! We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

In today's podcast, Jamie is here to give you a midsummer creative pep talk!  This talk is a reminder that no matter how the summer is going, you are an artist. The magical thing about being an artist is that your art is always there for you, in the good times and the bad. In Episode #43 of the Thriving Artists, Postcast, How to Move from Waiting to Action, Jamie opens up about her personal journey with IVF and what this experience taught her about acceptance and when to push forward.   Jamie describes her show, Mother Time, and her large-scale installation piece that created a fantastical waiting room where she invited others to sit with her in her grief and time of productive re-imagining. She shares how valuable it can be to accept times of waiting or moments we need to pause our work, and also the importance of being tuned in to when to push forward. Most importantly, Jamie reminds us there will be a time when we step out again to face our fears and jump back into our practices, and that we don't need to do that in isolation!  Our community sabbatical is almost over, and we are ready to jump into our Virtual Artist Residency in mid-August. Join us to dive into some serious art-making together! We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists!  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

We are helping our members get set up for a powerful summer and we wanted to use this episode to do the same for you! We believe breaks are so important for artists so we want to give you tools to help you if you want to keep some art going during the summer. In Episode #42 of the Thriving Artist Podcast, 5 Ways To Set Yourself Up for a Great Summer, focus on talking the summer head on!   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Ways to Set Yourself Up for A Great Summer: Write it All Down: In the Thriving Artists Map we have a worksheet on planning out your time, but you can use a journal or a sketchbook and use a page or draw and a box and fill it with everything you want to complete as an artist and in your business this summer! Get Clear: So we have this huge list now and what we want you to do is to actually pick your precious priorities this summer. Pick three things from this list of things you want to get done and prioritize these important things.  Get Specific: Look at your three precious priorities and narrow this down to ONE thing you want to get done. We do this because if everything falls apart we want you to have your most important task in mind to hold onto. Start Now: What can you do today to help your summer self? From prepping materials to even starting work that you can continue this summer, don't wait to head into your amazing summer! Set Your End of Summer Date: Having an end date in mind for your summer plans will help you treat every day as our summer break as a precious one. This can give you a nice container for your plans.   We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists.  Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

Summer is upon us! It feels like there is always something fun to do and it is hard to stay motivated in the studio! In Episode #41 of the Thriving Artist Podcast, How to Make Art in Small Moments This Summer, we focus on taking advantage of even brief opportunities to make work because that may be all you have over the next few weeks! Don't underestimate these small moments, they might even transform how you work over the long term!   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Tips for Making Art in Small Moments are: Prep an Art Kit: You might not be able to be in the physical studio, so take the time beforehand to prep art supplies in an easy, moveable way so you can take the art studio with you. You might even discover you make more work than normal because you have your kit ready and with you.  Have Work Ready at the Mid Point: Start now creating a couple pieces of work and get them halfway or close to completion and then leave them for your future summer self to finish.  Go Small: Sometimes it feels like great work needs to also be a great size but it doesn't. If you are only able to carry a pad of paper this summer it is worth it to make work. Smaller work is valuable in its own right, but you never know when that small work could lead to something bigger down the line. Everything Counts: Over the next weeks all of your thinking time, journaling, and sketching counts as part of your art practice. You may not be able to complete masterpieces this summer but take time whenever you can to be thinking about your art practice matters.  Be Present: You may be overloaded with people and obligations but remember art also happens when we are living and learning in the world. Don't forget to enjoy your summer and use all your experiences in your work!! Observe, look, think, reflect and enjoy life as it is also our art!  We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists. Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Today on the podcast, Kaylan talks about having more FUN in the studio. We are artists because we love making art, it brings us joy and pleasure and feels good!  But, it is also our job, and sometimes the expectations we put on ourselves can stifle some of the light-ness and we lose sight of the joy that is the foundation of why we do what we do. In Episode #40 of Thriving Artists Podcast, How to Have More Fun in the Studio, connect with what you love about being an artist.   Kaylan's 4 Things That Connect to Fun in the Studio are: Set a Season for Fun: As busy artists who are working with timelines for shows, deadlines, and juggling other responsibilities we need to be aware of WHEN we can have some fun seasons in the studio and take note of them! Don't let an opportunity to tap into a less stressful time of creating pass by! Have Good Entertainment: Sometimes we need some non-distracting music or even silence in the studio when we really need to focus because a serious deadline is looming. When you are leaning into a fun studio session, find entertainment that matches the mood you are going for. This could be a fun podcast, audiobook, or even just upbeat music. Enter a FLOW: Limit distractions, put your phone in airplane mode, and just MAKE. Do a little advanced planning, pack a snack, and preserve that precious space to let loose free from responsibilities. Use Non-Precious Materials: One of the ways we can enter flow and have more fun in the studio is to use non-precious materials to play and experiment. Do a series of studies on cheap paper, use all your collage or scrap material, take a week to have fun in the studio while only using scraps of materials from your “more serious” work.    Head to thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more about the Thrive Together Network all the various resources we have to offer! As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists.  

As artists, most of us struggle with self doubt! Artists see the world differently and often take atypical paths in society. This can affect our confidence. Combine that with all those other artists we can compare ourselves with on social media, and this can really make us doubt ourselves. In Episode #39 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Ways to Fight Self Doubt, we share some steps to help you face your self doubt head on!   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Ways to Fight Self Doubt Are: Identify Why Art is Important: When those pesky voices start whispering in your ear causing you to doubt this whole career, take time to identify why art matters to you! Name it and write it down for yourself. Why does Art Matter? Why do we need art in the world? And, when you're ready, why does YOUR art matter?  Name Your Fears & Insecurities: Just like naming why art is important to you can help, naming and writing down what you fear can be beneficial too! Sometimes the lack of clarity around what you are really thinking and feeling is what causes us to spiral and grow our self doubt more than the thing itself! Clarify Your Expectations: There are so many expectations we place on ourselves and that are placed on us by society. Take some time to get crystal clear on your expectations for yourself as an artist. What are your main goals and priorities? When you know what your goals are, you can calm your own fears in the low times! Cultivate Patience: Work towards a long-standing career that grows sustainably over time. Envision yourself making work until you are old and gray! It takes time to build trust in your art community, to develop your work, and to grow your career. Focus on sustainability and doing what is valuable in the long run. Remember How Far You've Come: You have already done so much!. You have put in so many hours, you have built something from nothing! Remember this and reflect often on what you have already accomplished before you move on to thinking about all that you hope to do.  We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists, even when you feel that self doubt! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

We have been leading art communities and been leaders in the arts for many years now and we decided to pool our experience and think about the “art world” as a whole. As we did this, we realized there are some unfortunate aspects of the art world but, spoiler alert, we also see a lot of these as very positive things. In Episode #38 of the Thriving Artist Podcast,  5 Unfortunate Art World Truths, we discuss how if artists recognize these truths exist they can avoid discouragement and use these truths to their advantage.   Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Unfortunate Art World Truths Are:   Art Takes Time: Art doesn't do well being forced or pushed. But the more we accept this truth and not fight it, the more patience and calm we can bring to our studio practices The Art Market is Oversaturated: Yes, there is a ton of art out in the world right now BUT your voice is unique. Your voice might feel small amid all of it, but small is mighty and we live in a time where with tools like social media that allow our voice to take up space.  Being an Artist and Being an Entrepreneur are Two Different Things: There is a push and pull of making work and trying to sell work. Accepting that these are two completely different skill sets can help free your inner artist during studio time and release her from figuring out the business side. Then you can adopt our business persona when you are working on some of the more outward facing strategic work. Stories Sell: It can feel exhausting to make the work and then figure out how to share the story.  But this is the marketing side of the business that is truly essential to drawing people into your “art world”. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to figure out how to share your work, but making it a story can be so fulfilling.  A Lone Artist is a Lonely One: We have been fed a story that the artist is a rebel, an outcast and often portrayed alone making their work. But what we have definitely learned over the years is that artists REALLY need people! You will get further faster when you have a strong network and community backing you up! We hope you have found these unfortunate art world truths actually freeing! As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists. Head to www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!  

As our community puts on dozens of exhibitions this May as part of our Taking Up Space Initiative, we hope you are getting out and attending any of the shows in your area! Generally, we hope you make it a part of your art practice to plug in to your local community and support the artists in your city or state. Here in Episode #37 of the Thriving Artist Podcast, Do's and Don'ts for Attending Gallery Shows, we are sharing some quick tips in the form of things to DO when you go to an art show and things NOT TO DO.   Jamie and Kaylan's Do's and Don'ts for Attending Gallery Shows are:   Sign In: Make your presence known and provide documentation that you were there to the artist and the gallerist. Sign the artist's book with a thoughtful comment and sign up for the gallery newsletter. Help Promote the Show: Share promotional Instagram posts about the show you are attending and post about being there. The gallery and the artist will really appreciate it if you spread the word. Attend the Artist Talk: If the exhibition or gallery is hosting an artist talk, definitely go to this!! You'll be inspired and you are making your presence known again.  Ask the Artist or Gallery a Thoughtful Question: Ask a thoughtful question at any artist talks or at the opening. Everyone appreciates when someone wants to engage with the work more deeply.  Don't ask for your own show: This is not a good way to form an authentic connection and build a relationship. Don't ask the artist to help you get a show at their opening and definitely don't directly ask the gallery owner for a show there.  Don't go to the show expecting an outcome for yourself: Attending shows is about relationship building, making yourself known, and establishing yourself as a reliable member of your local art community over time. Be patient and build some trust and authentic connection with the gallerists and artists instead of just expecting a hand out or immediate result for yourself. Don't forget to follow up: Send a note, email, or even an Instagram message to the artist and gallerist and just tell them how much you loved the show. A little support can go a long way! We hope this is helpful on your journey to becoming a confident and considerate member of your local art community. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists. 

There is power in planning your studio time! That way you know the milestones you would like to hit as you move through the amazing studio time. With a plan, your brain can focus on making the work, not on what you should or shouldn't be doing with your time! In Episode #36 of Thriving Artist, Podcast, How to Get the Most Out of Your Studio Hours, we talk about why structuring your studio time in advance creates a really strong creative loop that you can use over and over again.  The 4 parts of a studio plan's creative loop are: Rumination: Create time for your ideas and concepts to ruminate in your brain while you are not at the studio. Think about your work and come up with some “moves” you want to make mentally, then implement physically the next time you are in your space. When you next head to the studio your brain will already be activated and knows the next step. Preparation: Prep materials or even food in advance! Do small tasks outside the studio at convenient times so you are ready to go when you arrive. Are there any small tasks you could do in down time outside the studio like prepping materials while watching TV? Don't dread the blank canvas in your studio! Prepare! Production: By showing up with the idea ruminating and materials prepped, you are ready to go! The production part of the process is actually easy! Heading into the studio to play and explore is amazing, but what we want to avoid is heading into the studio and feeling lost. Ruminate and prep to create space for that amazing studio flow time where you make, make, make! Return: Create a meaningful return to the studio by starting a plan for the next session before you leave. That way this creative loop will continue to feed itself! Consider your return when you are leaving space for your future self to come in and feel activated and inspired.  Join us at the Thrive Together Network and you can plug into the resources and get started planning your studio time with intention! Visit our website thrivetogethernetwork.com to get signed up!  

At the Thrive Together Network, we host an annual retreat for our community where we come together in person to rest, get inspired, and bond. In addition, and especially since this experience is not going to work for everyone every year, we recommend all artists do a personal retreat once or twice a year. In Episode #35 of the Thriving Artist Podcast, How to Plan a Personal Art Retreat, we break down the steps on how to create a retreat experience for yourself that works for your circumstances. Jamie and Kaylan's Six Steps to Creating your Own Personal Retreat Are: Block your Time: Check your schedule for available time. This should be 6 to 48 hours. Pick a day where you can push all the other to-do's aside or a night or two where you can totally unplug from your normal responsibilities and get away. If you don't claim the time, it will never happen! Name What Matters: Think about what you are needing most right now. What sounds MOST nourishing to you?  Is it reconnection with your body or nature? Is it seeing art in person?  List one or two things as a guidepost for yourself as you plan. Remember, not every retreat should be the same, we get to tweak them based on what we are craving during this season.  Plan Ahead So You Feel Cared For: If you were planning the retreat for a friend, what steps would you take to make them feel special? Do those things for yourself!! Buy your favorite bottle of wine, pack a bag of your favorite snacks, get ready to crack open that book you've been dying to read. Pack well and do it when you feel calm and thoughtful about the retreat.  Do Some Writing and Reflection: We are huge believers in taking stock through quiet moments of writing. We wrote a whole workbook for our community to follow for a YEAR that is full of this stuff! Take time to follow some of the writing prompts from this episode to reflect on your practice. It pays off! Prioritize Something You “Never Have Time For”: This is the time to do that thing that you just have been putting off. Not a task or to-do, but something for PLEASURE and joy. Just go do it! Make it a part of your plan and be nourished by it.  Let Go of Expectations and Have a Plan B in Your Pocket: This retreat will not go perfectly. And perfect is not the goal here. The point is to prioritize yourself, take up some space and make the claim that you matter. Come up with a plan B in case your dream retreat scenario doesn't work out.  Don't forget to get signed up for our newsletter so you don't miss the Artists Summer Toolkit that is going to drop June 12th. It's a packet of info to help you plan your retreats and get set up for a great summer. Go to www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to sign up. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists.   

Today, we are going to chat about the importance of retreats and why we believe they are integral and necessary, not just to us as human beings, but specifically for us as artists. The reasons we discuss are relevant for all types of retreats, and there are so many options depending on where you are in life. You could do a solo retreat, a connection building retreat, a retreat far away or one close by. Regardless of how you choose to retreat, in Episode #34 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, Why Artists need to Retreat, we discuss what they all have in common as a way to build you up as an artist. Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Reasons Artists need to Retreat are: Remove yourself from the juggle: We juggle so much in our everyday lives like relationships, caregiving, jobs, bills and meetings. The list can feel endless and fitting all of these into our days like a chaotic puzzle can be exhausting. Retreats offer a break from this juggle, because when you show up to a retreat everything is ready and prepped. Invest in your nourishment: Retreats offer a specific time to nourish ourselves, to give ourselves the food, fuel, and inspiration we so desperately need. To nourish literally means to give ourselves the substances we need to grow and be healthy. Retreats give us what we need to be healthy as artists as well, such as rest, pleasure, experimentation, exploration, discovery and connection. Experience a new environment: There is something magical when you wake up somewhere different and get into a different landscape. It's like our sense of awareness and “noticing” is heightened. We are pulled back into the practice of attention, rather than being bored or saturated by what is familiar to us. This helps encourage our creative processing. Making connections: When you join in retreats you make connections! Experiencing something with new people outside of your comfort zones is one of the most ultimate ways to bond. You form an instant connection and the energy flows in such a nice way. Artists who bond at retreats frequently go on to future collaborations and mutual support. Resist grind culture: JUST BE. Retreats are a portal to JUST BE. Attending a retreat does not make you lazy. You are investing in your nourishment, making a claim that you deserve to have moments of peace, rest, rejuvenation and re-alignment. You deserve to JUST BE with a group who gets you.  If you'd like more information on how to attend our Thrive Together Network retreat in Black Mountain, North Carolina the weekend of June 3rd, 2023, we would LOVE to have you! Head to www.thrivetogethernetwork.com/retreat 

You might not have thought of it this way, but buying art can help your art career and help you thrive as an artist! Purchasing work by other artists can leave you feeling inspired, empowered and feeling good that you have put your money where your mouth is by living your values. When you bring art into your home, it tells a story about who you are, and in  Episode #33 of the Thriving Artist Podcast, Why Artists Should Buy Art, we discuss how it can feed you as an artist, bringing about so many good things that support you and your career! Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Reasons Why Artists Should Buy Art: Walk the Walk: If we are going to ask other people to value our work and buy it then we need to do the same. We need to value art enough to spend our hard earned art dollars on it as well, and there are many ways to do this in an affordable way.  Study buyer behavior: When we buy art we get the opportunity to be on the other end of the transaction and consider why we are buying the work and what made the purchase happen. Then we can use the experience to better position ourselves to make our own sales happen. Experience a customer journey: When artists buy art, we get to see what the experience is like from purchase to delivery. We can use this experience to make our customer journey even better. This firsthand look at the communication the artist should give the buyer and how to guide the buyer through the customer journey helps us improve our own practices. Build confidence: Seeing the power of original artwork in your own home will help you be confident as you go out to sell your own work. When you spend your money on artwork, it reminds you that the art is a true gift for the collector. Support your community: Putting your money into what you love and where your values are does only good things. This will always come back to you in good ways! We hope you will find a way to celebrating and supporting other artists by having their work in your in my home. We want to support you in your art career as well! Join our community, the Thrive Together Network, at www.thrivetogethernetwork.com.  

All of us can have those feelings of doubt creep in when we start sharing our work or talking about ourselves as artists! At Thrive Together Network we believe we can be confident in our art practices and speak about our work with certainty. Episode #32 of the Thriving Artist Podcast, 5 Tips for Speaking More Boldly About Your Art, we go over 5 tips to put aside your second guessing and fearlessly own your artist identity.  Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Tips for Speaking More Boldly About Your Art are:  Call Yourself an Artist: Claiming your artist identity is just something you have to put into practice, even when you aren't feeling it! Choose to believe it… YOU are an artist. Accept it, know it, proclaim it, and it will help you be more confident and speak more boldly about your art! Have a Pitch: When someone asks you what you do, it's totally ok to have a rehearsed response ready! Be ready to say, “I am an artist and I make work about this, this or that…”, when you meet someone in the elevator or at the park.  Make it Relatable:  After you have shared your simple answer to “what do you do”, think of a way to make it relatable to whoever you are talking to so they can engage. Pulling someone into your art by asking them to relate to it at the end with the question turns topics of your work into an engaging conversation. State What You're Proud Of: When you are talking about your work, literally use the prompt “I'm really proud of….______”. It's a great way to boost your confidence while you are speaking, and to own your accomplishments. Write, Reflect, and Practice: Do some writing. Read your artist statement occasionally. Don't just write it once, stick it on your website and never look at it again. Reflect on the writing you do and practice saying it outloud in different ways. It helps when it's time to speak to people about your work! Head to thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more about the Thrive Together Network resources that help build your confidence as an artist such as the Thriving Artist Map and our live Art & Tea sessions. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists.   

By the end of March, many of us at the Thrive Together Network are working on our solo and group art shows that are happening in May 2023 for the Taking Up Space Initiative. To support this amazing work we have recorded 2 other episodes all about putting on your own art show:  Episode #23, How to Put on Your Own Art Show in 5 months and Episode #29, How to Get People To Come to Your Art Show. Today, in Episode #31 of the Thriving Artist Podcast, The Checklist You Need for Every Art Show, Jamie tackles the final details you need to do to get ready for your opening once the work is on the walls. Jamie's Checklist You Need for Every Art Show Is: Plan for Future You: One of our favorite ways of self-care is caring for a future version of yourself. Earlier in the week try to plan ahead as much as you can for "You on Exhibition Night". This could mean picking out an outfit in advance, finding a babysitter, or tackling meal plans ahead of time. Prepare for Conversations: Try practicing your responses to the comments you may receive on the night of the exhibition. It will greatly help with those butterflies and insecurities that could rise up in the moment! Work on being able to confidently describe your show in 2 or 3 sentences.  Pick an Exhibition Event Mantra:  We easily let nerves, insecurities or persistent perfectionism get in the way from remaining present and confident in our accomplishments. Choose a mantra to help you stay grounded on the night of the event. Examples are: “My work is worthy of this exhibition.” or “I belong here.” We can't wait to see the exhibitions our community puts together for the Taking Up Space Initiative in 2023, and as always we are here for you, cheering you on and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join us at www.thrivetogethernetwork.com

Today on the podcast we are talking about confidence, which is something almost every artist has to work on throughout their careers. Join us for Episode #30 of the Thriving Artists, Podcast, 5 Strategies to Have More Confidence in Your Art as we tackle how to approach this challenge! This topic is so important, especially in the age of Instagram where we see the curated version of everyone's studio practice. It can be hard to navigate the ups and downs of being an artist when there is so much great art out in the world readily available at our fingertips. At the Thrive Together Network, we believe there is room for everyone, but sometimes we can become intimidated and it gets hard to be confident when we see such amazing things all around us! Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Strategies to Have More Confidence in Your Art are: Travel back in time: Use your own story as an example of growth and inspiration, and this will help you start to see how far you've come. Faming your work in the context of everything you have already accomplished will grow your confidence. We tend to always look outwards with social media, so this is a great way to ground and center inwards.  Write about your work: Take the time to think about your work and what you are saying with your practice so that you will be able to then speak about it and share your work confidently. Taking time to work through your concepts and ideas helps you remember why you make what you make and why it is important. Know where you fit in the cannon: Know your historical influences and the other artists that have influenced your work. This is the story of where you came from as an artist. By mentally putting yourself alongside these art heroes, you will build your confidence in the value of what you are doing. Get feedback: Self doubt and insecurity thrive in isolation. This is when your inner critic takes over! Building confidence is about you in relationship with others. Engage with other artists to build them up and allow them to do the same for you. Join a community online or locally and start to connect and receive feedback! Keep going: Nothing builds the confidence muscle like time! Show up again and again and again. Continue to keep learning and improving. Practice a growth mindset that focuses on all the improvements you are making by continuing to show up.As always we are here for you, cheering you on and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join us at www.thrivetogethernetwork.com

In Episode #29 of the Thriving Artists, Podcast, How to Get People To Come to Your Art Show we discuss small actions that have a huge impact on attendance at your exhibitions. We have hosted a number of art shows on our own and it is a lot of hard work, but getting people there is so important. We use the phrase “the final 5%” when we talk about this type of work. You've made the art, found a venue, and have generally done so much, but the last few tasks are so important for success. These are “the final 5%”. By taking these steps to make sure you have good attendance at your exhibit, you are going to get the most you can out of all your hard work. Jamie and Kaylan's 4 Tips for how to get people to come to your art show are: Tell people a lot of times: When we say a lot…we mean a lot. It's important to start sharing early and start prepping your audience for what they can expect to see. Don't feel like you are annoying people if you do multiple posts on social media, not everyone will see every post. Tell people in a lot of different ways: Have a plan for when you send our newsletters, post on socia media, send out a press release and drop off flyers in different places. Get organzied to get the word out and have multiple ways to spread your message! Tell people everything they need to know: Include the address, time, date and any other important information in your communication. These simple details can be so easily forgotten when you are busy trying to get everything done for your show. We want there to be no barriers for attending your event! Invite people in personal ways…and tell them to bring a friend: Sending personal emails and messages to people you want at your show goes a long way. Feeling personally invited to something gives the invitation more weight and people are more invested in going to that event.  For all of our Taking. Up. Space. 2023 artists this is such a good reminder to get sharing and get people excited about your upcoming show!!

It's easy to get distracted by shiny new things or follow a fad that is supposed to bring you success, but we believe the keys to success as an artist are found in some very basic principles that build longevity and bring wins over time. In Episode #28 of Thriving Artist, Podcast, 5 Things Successful Artists Do we are sharing some of these foundational practices. We have seen these practices time and time again with the hundreds of artists we have worked with.  Jamie and Kaylan's list of 5 Things Successful Artists Do: Commit to creating  - Artists who are successful in their work and career all have a certain level of commitment.These artists figure out what they can commit to during the season of life they are in and they really go for it. They make their art as big of a priority as they can and develop habits and routines that create growth for their careers.  Develop an art language or art voice - The most successful artists are the ones who have really dug in deep and figured out their artistic language. This can mean many different things, but it means knowing what you make and why you make it and having a visual vocabulary that is strong, succinct and recognizable. Have a Strong Network - Support cannot be underrated. Not only do fellow artists validate your identity as an artist, they appreciate your work and join in supporting you around the challenges of figuring out your art career. A strong and diverse network is crucial to keeping you going in your practice.  Consistent Self Promotion -  Putting yourself out there and sharing your work in a consistent way creates trust between you and your audience. This promotion builds momentum for your career. Some of the most successful artists are ones sharing their work without feeling ashamed and without apology. Despite any doubt, do the work anyway -  Commit, move forward and do not let your doubts get in your way! We really believe that everything else will follow if you prioritize your work and do it even when you feel uncertain or full of doubt.  Head to thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn how we can support you as you build and grow your foundation as an artist! As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists. 

In the last episode, we talked about 4 relationships every artist needs, and in this episode Kaylan tackles how to network and actually build those relationships in ways that are sustainable. So, go back and listen to Episode #26 if you missed it and then dive in to Episode #27 of Thriving Artists, Podcast, 5 Sustainable Strategies for Networking. Networking is hard work and can be time consuming. Having a plan to develop your network means you are intentional, you are motivated, and you are invested in your career and the art careers of others!  Kaylan's 5 sustainable strategies for networking are: Identify your relationship layers- Take the 4 layers of relationships we outlined in episode #26. Who are the people in those categories? Write down their names! If you have even one person in each category, that's great! Target the gaps- Find places those relationship layers feel a little thin. Maybe you have many people in your audience but could use some close art friends in your inner circle. Maybe you have lots of close friends and artist mentors and peers but you need some art professional connections.  Pick a time frame and time amount- Make time for networking and consider it part of your work. Pick a time frame, this is when you will network and for how long. You probably naturally already have some networking built into your life. This could be a monthly studio date with a friend or a crit crew meeting through TTN. It all counts! Share consistent content- Share consistent content and share that content consistently across all layers of your network. Did a museum acquire a new work of yours? That's something to share! Spread the news to your close friends, your mentors and peers, your followers and your professional contacts. Identify your outlets- Identify your outlets for each layer of your network, this means asking how you best communicate with each layer. For your close friends, you may use text messages. Maybe for peers, you use the Thrive together Network. It might be best to communicate with your audience and followers through Instagram or a newsletter. For professional connections it might be email or a postcard. Head to thrivetogethernetwork.com to download your Artists Networking Toolkit and join us for the FREE SESSION of Art & Tea on Tuesday March 14th where we are going to be working all this out together. 

Today we are chatting about relationships!! Relationships in the art world can sometimes feel tricky, but we really need other artists, arts professionals, and people in our communities to support our work. No artist thrives in total isolation. In Episode #26 of Thriving Artist, Podcast, 4 Relationships Every Artist Needs, we break down the different types of relationships you need to to have a well-rounded and supportive community for your studio practice. Jamie and Kaylan's 4 Relationships Every Artist Needs are: Your closest art friends: These are people in your closest orbit. They just “get it”. You can text them last minute, ask any question, or get quick feedback on your work. Your mentors and peers: Right outside of your inner circle are peers and mentors. We need quite a large number of peers in order to feel supported as an artist. These relationships can range from acquaintances to closer friends. You need to have artists in your community who support your work. Your audience and collectors: This is the third layer of relationships. These are the people who follow you on social media accounts and comment, like, and share your work. They buy your art and hang it in their homes, and they generally follow along with what you are doing. These people may or may not be artists, but they certainly are art-appreciators, and we need people like this in our lives to support our careers!  Your professional connections: This is the last layer. These are folks like gallery owners, curators, people who run podcasts or have other platforms. They work in the press or at publications. These are people who can do the work of sharing, supporting and giving opportunities to an artist that can really take your career to the next level.  If you want to dive more into understanding the relationships in your life as an artist, we have a FREE GIFT for you called The Artist's Networking Toolkit. Included are worksheets and activities, plus 2 free sessions of our popular Art & Tea weekly network programming on this topic! These are “open house” style sessions where you don't have to be a member but you can join us to check it out! These two sessions are on March 14th and March 21st, 2023 at 1:00pm EASTERN or 10am PACIFIC.  Head to our website thrivetogethernetwork.com to find out more, download Your Artists Networking Toolkit and find the Zoom links to the corresponding open house sessions in our Instagram link in bio.   

What comes to mind when you hear the word “critique”? As artists, the idea of putting our work out there and receiving feedback can be daunting, if not completely scary! We've all heard the stories of artists getting their work verbally ripped to shreds in a grad school critique. Here at Thrive Together Network, we believe that critique can be respectful and caring, providing a deep and transformative experience that pushes your work forward. We model this approach in our Crit Crew program, so we wanted to do a deep dive here in this episode to discuss all of the benefits of feedback in a small group setting like our Crit Crews. Join us for Episode #25 of Thriving Artists, Podcast, 5 Ways Critique Can Change Your Practice, as we discuss and demystify…the dreaded critique.  Jamie and Kaylan's 5 Ways Critique Can Change Your Practice are: Helps you understand what others are seeing when they look at your work: Being part of a critique where others are simply sharing with you what they see when they look at your work can be SO powerful. It can guide you towards making decisions within your work that you would never have arrived at on your own. This helps you get your concepts across! Roots you more deeply in your art lineage: We don't always have the knowledge for understanding exactly where our work fits into the canon of art history. We have to learn these things through research, lots of time spent in galleries and museums and we aren't always able to tune in to those narratives. Others can contextualize your work and jumpstart your understanding of where you fit into the bigger picture of the art world. Opens you to new materials or processes: Deep knowledge of materials and processes comes with time and experience. As independent artists, we reach for the materials we know and the processes we are familiar with. However, when we open ourselves to critique and let other artists and mentors look at our work and studio practice, they help us see that there are new materials or ways to make our work that might help make our work stronger! Guides you toward your next steps: Working in your studio alone day after day can send you into ways of working that become habitual, familiar and known. Critique can shake things up and guide you to new exciting places! Nourishes your artist identity: Establishing a relationship with other artists who give you productive feedback is nourishing to you because YOU are developing your skills talking about your work. You are making connections, learning, and that nourishes your artist identity in immeasurable ways.  If you want to join our crit crew program, we would love to extend the invitation. These groups are truly life changing, and getting feedback like this on your work can revolutionize your career! Our enrollment is currently open and spots are filling fast! Our program is limited to 40 artists so sign up before the deadline of February 26th to ensure you get to participate.