In this podcast episode, we're diving into the exciting world of art discovery. We'll chat about trying out different art tools, subjects, and styles, and why making mistakes can actually be a good thing for your art journey. From getting feedback to showing off your work online, we'll share practical tips to help artists find their unique styles.

Finding our artistic style can be a potentially frustrating journey for some, so let's check out how to find your artistic style.

Tis the season! Join us in this episode of "Artistic Presence" as we encourage you to be fully present, explore, and create with mindfulness. Discover how the present moment transforms each art project, contributing to a landscape of creativity and self-discovery. Tune in and start the journey. 🎨🌈 #ArtisticPresence #MindfulCreation #StudioArtProjects

Conquer Challenges and Find Your Artistic Voice! 🎨✨ In this episode of the Art Life Plan Podcast, we delve into the power of overcoming challenges and embracing self-expression. Discover strategies for conquering creative blocks, cultivating resilience, and seeking support. Explore the importance of honoring authenticity, embracing vulnerability, and finding inspiration within. Unleash your unique artistic voice and create meaningful work that resonates with others. Tune in now to unlock your artistic potential! 🎧🔥 #ArtLifePlanPodcast #OvercomingChallenges #SelfExpression #ArtisticVoice #UnlockYourPotential

Supercharge Your Artistry through Collaboration and Feedback! 🎨✨ In this episode of the Art Life Plan Podcast, we explore the transformative power of collaboration and feedback in the artistic process. Discover the benefits of collaboration, how to foster fruitful creative partnerships, and the value of constructive feedback in refining your work. Unlock new perspectives, nurture growth, and elevate your artistry to new heights. Tune in now and join the conversation! 🎧🔥 #ArtLifePlanPodcast #CollaborationAndFeedback #ArtisticGrowth #ElevateYourArtistry

Mentioned in the episode:

Check out Laura's work at https://www.instagram.com/laurainspirit/

Master the Art of Creation: In this episode of the Art Life Plan Podcast, we delve into the transformative stage of the creation and execution stages in the artistic process. Discover essential techniques and strategies employed by artists to bring their visions to life. From honing technical skills and embracing experimentation to planning effectively and staying connected to authenticity, we unlock the secrets to artistic mastery. Join us as we explore the power of execution and empower your creative journey like never before. Tune in now and elevate your artistry to new heights! #ArtLifePlanPodcast #ArtisticExecution #ArtisticMastery #CreativityUnleashed"

Unlock the Secrets of Artistic Brilliance: In this episode of the Art Life Plan Podcast, we delve into the transformative stage of research and concept development in the artistic process. Discover the power of in-depth research, exploration, and refining concepts as we guide you through a journey of creativity and knowledge. Gain insights into how research fuels inspiration and shapes your artistic vision, and explore techniques for concept development that make your artwork resonate with depth and meaning. Join us as we unravel the hidden gems of research and concept development and empower your artistic journey like never before. Tune in now to elevate your artistry to new heights! #ArtLifePlanPodcast #ResearchandConceptDevelopment #ArtisticInspiration #ArtisticJourney"

Cookie Redding shares real talk about failure and why it’s an essential part of every artist’s path. In this episode, she opens up about her own missteps and how they’ve helped shape her career. Tune in if you’re ready to let go of perfectionism, rethink mistakes, and see failure as fuel for growth.

In this first episode of Art Life Plan, Cookie Redding shares personal stories and tips on balancing creativity with life’s demands. With two decades of experience, Cookie offers insights for artists at any stage to find harmony in their art and daily life. Tune in for real talk on creativity, balance, and building a sustainable artistic practice.

Welcome to the Art Life Plan podcast, where art, creativity, and personal growth converge. Hosted by Cookie Redding, this introductory episode sets the stage for an inspiring exploration of the artistic world.

In this inaugural episode, we invite you to join us on this journey, delving into the lives (and plans!) of artists from various backgrounds and disciplines. Discover their unique creative processes, sources of inspiration, and the hurdles they've overcome along their artistic paths.

Art Life Plan isn't just about art; it's about finding purpose, embracing creativity, and creating a fulfilling life through artistic expression. We'll debunk myths, provide practical tips, and delve into the transformative power of art in shaping our lives.

Whether you're an aspiring artist seeking guidance, a seasoned creative looking for inspiration, or someone who appreciates the beauty of art, this podcast is for you. Each episode will empower you to pursue your artistic dreams, establish a sustainable creative practice, and uncover the profound impact of art on personal growth.

Join us on this artistic odyssey as we celebrate the beauty of creativity, unravel the mysteries of the art world, and unlock the potential within each of us. Welcome to the Art Life Plan podcast—your gateway to unleashing your creative journey.

So, hit play and let's embark on this artistic adventure together.

Ever had a moment where you just knew what to do next in your art? That’s your creative intuition at work. In this episode, we’re diving into how to recognize that feeling, trust it, and strengthen it over time. We’ll talk about how experience, practice, and gut instincts shape your creative process—without overthinking it. If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself while making art, this one’s for you.

Ever feel disconnected from your creative work? In this episode, we explore what happens when artists lose touch with their creative identity and how to find your way back. Whether you're facing burnout, self-doubt, or just a creative lull, this conversation will help you reconnect with your artistic self in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Tune in for real talk on navigating the ups and downs of the creative journey

Sometimes it's good to embrace the beginner mindset as an artist. In this episode of Art Life Plan with artist and educator Cookie Redding, learn how to stay curious, overcome creative fear, and find joy in the process of learning new skills, no matter your experience level.

Feeling stuck in your creative practice? Discover actionable ways to break unproductive habits, refresh your routine, and reignite your passion for art. Learn how small adjustments can lead to big breakthroughs.

Planning your creative year doesn’t have to be stressful. In this bonus episode, we’ll talk about designing a flexible roadmap for 2025 that works for your goals, your art, and your life. From setting intentions to staying connected to why you create, this episode will help you start the year feeling inspired and ready to grow. 

In this episode of Art Life Plan, we’re looking back at the past year and talking about how to turn everything you’ve been through—good, bad, or just plain confusing—into meaningful art. Whether you’re into storytelling, abstract work, or realism, we’ll explore how to take what stood out to you this year and use it to fuel your creative process. It’s about making space for all of it—the wins, the struggles, and even the messy moments—and finding ways to create from where you are. Let’s start the new year feeling inspired and ready to make something new. 🎨

Ever feel like your creative plans are holding you back? In this episode of Art Life Plan, we’re diving into what happens when you let go of rigid expectations and start creating with more freedom. It’s about trusting your gut, embracing the unknown, and letting the process guide you. If you’ve ever felt stuck or weighed down by your own plans, this is the reminder you need to loosen your grip and let the magic happen.

As we're now well entrenched into December (and the 4th quarter!), let's chat about the new year, our creative practice and things to let go (more on letting go..can you tell it's a stage I'm in?) of in our creative pursuits. Join host Cookie Redding as we chat about what we can do to do to prep for the new year.

Sometimes projects don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. In this episode, we dive into the art of letting go when a creative project just isn’t working. We’ll explore how stepping back can actually open new doors, share ways to overcome creative blocks, and talk about what it means to honor your process without guilt. Join us for a real conversation on finding balance, trusting your instincts, and learning when it’s okay to move on.

Let’s get real about the money side of being an artist. From juggling unpredictable income and side gigs to handling debt and finding ways to save, we’re diving into the ups and downs of keeping a creative career sustainable. If you’re an artist trying to make it work financially while staying inspired, this episode is packed with honest advice to help you balance your art with your bills.

Disclaimer: I’m not a financial planner or advisor. The ideas shared in this episode are based on personal experiences and insights for artists. For professional financial advice, consider consulting a licensed financial expert.

Can you really plan for creativity, or does it only happen in the moment? In this episode, I share what I’ve learned over 20 years as an artist and teacher about finding the balance between structure and spontaneity. Whether you’re juggling a busy life, chasing inspiration, or just trying to make more time for your art, we’ll explore how to create a schedule that works for you—without stifling your creativity. Join me for a down-to-earth chat about how to make space for your art and keep the inspiration alive.

Finding balance between creativity and life’s demands can be tough. In this episode of Art Life Plan, Cookie Redding shares down-to-earth ways to keep creating, even when family, finances, and unexpected challenges come up. A relatable listen for artists looking to stay inspired through it all.

Every artist faces self-doubt, but what if your inner critic isn’t just holding you back—it’s trying to tell you something important? In this episode, we explore how to interpret self-criticism in a way that fuels creative growth instead of stopping it. Whether you’re struggling with perfectionism, external feedback, or the pressure to produce, this conversation will help you shift your mindset and keep creating.

Ever felt like art was just something you did on the side, and then suddenly, it started taking over in the best way? In this episode, we're sharing stories from artists who never planned on making a living from their art but found themselves in creative careers anyway. We’ll talk about how hobbies can turn into real opportunities, the challenges of balancing creativity with the business side, and the importance of community in those early stages.

Whether you’re an artist at heart or just curious about how art careers can unfold without a set plan, join us for a real, down-to-earth conversation about navigating an unexpected path in the creative world.

Welcome to Season 2 of Art Life Plan! In this episode, we’re talking about the real-life balancing act between making art and managing everything else life throws at you (spoiler alert--it was inspired by some life chaos ha!). We’ll dive into how to keep creating when family commitments, financial pressures, and unexpected challenges start crowding your day. You’ll get down-to-earth tips for building routines that actually work, finding people who support you, and learning to embrace the messiness that comes with juggling art and life. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning, this episode offers relatable insights to help you keep going, no matter where you are on your creative journey. Join us for an honest conversation about how art and life intersect—and how to find your balance along the way.

Think creative freedom means having unlimited choices? Think again. In this episode, we dive into how constraints—whether it’s limited time, materials, or self-imposed rules—can actually help you make better, more innovative art. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many options or stuck staring at a blank canvas, this is for you. Learn how setting boundaries can sharpen your focus, boost problem-solving, and even make your creative process more enjoyable. Whether you're an artist, designer, or creative entrepreneur, embracing constraints might just be the key to unlocking your best work.

Life doesn’t stop for your creative practice, and making art when everything feels overwhelming can be tough. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to keep creating even when life throws unexpected challenges your way. Whether you're juggling responsibilities, dealing with stress, or just struggling to find time, this conversation will help you stay connected to your creativity without pressure or perfection.

What advice would your future creative self give you? In this episode, we explore the wisdom you might already have within you if you imagine yourself 10 years down the road. From staying motivated and trusting your instincts to navigating the business side of art and embracing rest without guilt, this conversation will help you connect with your creative process in a more authentic way. Join us as we discuss the realities of the creative journey and how to find joy in the work itself. 

Ever feel like you’re forcing your creativity, but nothing’s clicking? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about the power of pausing—why stepping away from your work can actually help you come back stronger. We’ll dive into how to recognize when you need a break, ways to pause without feeling guilty, and how rest can actually fuel new ideas. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just drained, this one’s for you.

The new year started with big energy, but where are you now? This episode is a real talk check-in on your creative practice—what’s working, what’s not, and how to adjust without guilt. Whether you're on a roll or feeling stuck, February is the perfect time to reassess, refocus, and keep moving forward. No pressure, just honest reflection on your art and the business side of things. 

Talent gets a lot of attention in the art world, but is it really what makes a creative life successful? In this episode, Cookie Redding talks about why consistency matters more than raw talent. It’s all about showing up—especially on the days when you’re not feeling inspired. We’ll explore how staying consistent can build momentum, improve your skills, and help you move past self-doubt. Whether you’re just starting out or have been at this for years, this episode is a reminder that small, steady efforts can make all the difference. Tune in to find out why consistency beats waiting for inspiration every time.

Discover how to align your creative practice with nature’s rhythms in this episode. This episode explores how the changing seasons can inspire, recharge, and guide your artistic process, offering insights to help you embrace the natural ebb and flow of creativity. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about finding balance, sustainability, and purpose in your creative life.

A conversation about making art that actually feels like you. This episode explores how your core values can shape what you create, how you work, and how you share it with the world.

Ever wonder if your art is more about your own story or the world around you? In this episode, we talk about the difference between making personal work and making work that looks outward—how it affects your process, how people connect with it, and why it’s okay to land somewhere in between.

Doing the same thing over and over in your art doesn’t mean you’re stuck—it means you’re digging deeper. Repetition helps you refine your skills, see new details, and uncover ideas you might have missed the first time. This episode explores how showing up to the same practice again and again can lead to real creative breakthroughs.

I’m resting this week while I feel a bit under the weather (plus it's finals week!) but I didn’t want to leave the space empty. This short episode offers one gentle creative prompt to carry with you. No pressure, no goals—just something small for yourself. Back next week with a full episode. Thanks, as always, for being here.

Starting something new can be the hardest part. In this episode, I’m talking about that familiar hesitation in front of a blank canvas and how you can shift it into a mindful, grounded ritual instead of letting it spiral into avoidance. Whether you're just getting back into your art practice or starting your hundredth piece, this is a conversation about slowing down, noticing your resistance, and finding a better way to begin.

Letting Go of Outcomes: How Non-Attachment Can Free Your Creative Flow
Hosted by Cookie Redding, artist, professor, and creator of Art Life Plan, this episode explores how releasing attachment to results can actually unlock more creative momentum. Cookie shares personal studio experiences and actionable ways to reconnect with your art by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. Whether you're feeling creatively blocked or just burned out from always chasing results, this episode offers grounded insight to help you reset. Tune in for real talk on what it means to make work that feels free, open, and present.

Ever feel like your creative time keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list? In this episode, we talk about how to organize your calendar so studio time isn’t just a nice idea...t’s something that actually happens. No rigid systems or hustle talk here...just real strategies that work for real artists with real lives. Whether you’re juggling a full-time job or trying to focus in an open day, this conversation is about figuring out what works for you and making space for the work that matters.

Hosted by artist and educator Cookie Redding, this episode of Art Life Plan explores how making art can be a steady act of resistance in a world that often feels overwhelming. Cookie shares real talk about staying creative during heavy times, building a sustainable art practice, and why showing up to your work still matters. Whether you're new to art or deep in your studio life, this conversation invites you to reconnect with your creative process in honest, grounded ways.

Invisible Success: Celebrating the Wins No One Sees
In this episode of Art Life Plan, artist and educator Cookie Redding talks about the creative victories that often go unnoticed...the internal shifts, quiet decisions, and personal growth that fuel a lasting art practice. If you’ve ever felt like your progress doesn’t “count” unless it’s public, this one’s for you. Tune in for a real conversation about what success can look like behind the scenes... and why that matters more than ever.

The Art of Starting Ugly explores why messy beginnings are not only normal but necessary in creative work. If you've ever frozen at the start of a project because it didn’t feel “good enough,” this episode is for you. I talk about the value of imperfect first drafts, how to move past the pressure to be polished, and ways to build momentum when you feel stuck. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, you’ll find real talk, practical tips, and creative permission to begin… exactly where you are.

In this episode of Art Life Plan, we explore how half-formed, vague, or messy ideas can actually lead to powerful creative breakthroughs. Whether you're staring at a sketch you don’t know what to do with or sitting on a sentence that’s been living in your head for months, this is for you. I talk about how I save fragments, how they show up later in my work, and how you can start using your own half-ideas as creative fuel. This one’s for anyone who's ever had a “what even is this?” moment in the studio. Let’s turn those into something real.

What happens when you really show up to your art practice...not just physically, but mentally? In this episode, we talk about how being present in your studio can shift everything. From small rituals to focused attention, this isn’t about productivity... it’s about connection. Whether you’re feeling scattered or just need a reset, this is a reminder that showing up with presence can change how you feel in your work, and about your work.

What happens when you hit pause on purpose? Not because you’re burned out or stuck, but because you want to see your work differently.

In this episode, I talk about what it means to take a real break…the kind that gives your creativity space to breathe instead of shutting it down. I share how I’ve been experimenting with mindful breaks, why they actually build momentum, and why creative play can be one of the best ways to pause without feeling like you’ve abandoned your work. If you’ve been feeling scattered or restless (or guilty about not doing enough) this one’s for you.

This episode is about paying attention to the tools and materials you use every day in your creative work. How do you reach for them? How do you avoid them? And what does that say about your process? I share how my own relationship with materials shifted from “just getting the idea out” to letting the materials themselves shape the work.

We’ll talk about habits you might not even notice, why “saving the good paper” can hold you back, and how to reconnect with your tools in small, low-pressure ways. Whether you work with paint, clay, thread, or a digital stylus, this is about noticing how you show up when you createand what opens up when you do.

What happens when you stop focusing on finished pieces and start focusing on the process? In this episode, we explore the idea of art-making as an endless journey where creativity itself is the goal. I share how shifting from outcome-driven work to process-driven practice can open up your studio life, keep your ideas fresh, and help you reconnect with why you started making art in the first place. You’ll also hear practical tips for building a studio habit that values experimentation, play, and creative curiosity over perfection. Perfect for artists looking to recharge, find their flow, and rediscover joy in their work.

Let’s talk about perfection and why it can actually get in the way of making honest work. In this episode, I’m digging into how the little flaws—the things we usually try to hide or fix—are often what make a piece feel alive. I’m sharing some real examples from my own studio, what I’ve noticed in student work over the years, and why chasing polish can flatten your voice. If you’ve ever second-guessed a brushstroke, over-edited a piece, or felt pressure to make things look “right,” this is a reminder that the human parts of your art are often the most powerful.

What does it really mean to make honest work? In this episode, I'm digging into the idea of authenticity in your art practice—how to tell if your work truly reflects where you are, what gets in the way, and what to do when it doesn't feel quite like you. I’ll share thoughts from my own experience in the studio, ideas for checking in with your creative direction, and tips for reconnecting with the kind of work that actually feels right. Whether you're shifting styles, starting fresh, or just questioning what "authentic" even means, this one's for you.

What do artists owe the world… if anything? In this episode, I’m digging into the complicated question of whether artists have a moral or social responsibility when making work. Do you need to speak to current events? Should your art take a stand? Or is it enough to simply create honestly and let the work speak for itself? I’m sharing thoughts from both the studio and the classroom, plus a few practical ways to think through your own creative values and how your work fits into the bigger picture. Whether you’re an artist who likes to respond to the world or one who prefers to stay in your own lane, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about what it really means to make responsible work — on your own terms.