Explore every episode of the podcast Artist Academy

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m chatting with my friend and Artist Academy member, Tara Juozitis, who’s currently leaving her six-figure job in product management to pursue art full-time. After starting her art company in 2024, she jumped into murals and has been growing her business while balancing a demanding career and family life.

We talk about where her mural jobs are coming from, the benefits of investing in marketing, and what she's learned from hiring help to quickly get her to where she wants to go. Tara also shares how she manages her busy schedule while making time for her growing business, and why having the right support has made a big difference.

If you’ve been thinking about quitting your day job but aren’t sure if you’re ready, Tara shares how she’s growing her mural business while still working full-time. We also talk about taking on projects outside your comfort zone and figuring things out along the way.

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m talking with Laura Thompson, a window painter with over 20 years of experience. She shares how window painting became an additional income stream in her art business and how artists can take advantage of the holiday season.

We discuss how to find clients, choose the right paint and supplies, and price your work. Laura also shares how she uses social media to attract customers, plans her schedule around the Christmas rush, and turns window painting jobs into opportunities for more mural work.

From getting your first client to learning how to work more efficiently, Laura offers practical advice for artists who want to try something new and earn more from their skills. If you’ve been looking for another way to grow your art business, window painting might be worth exploring!

Get Laura’s Five Steps to Window Painting e-book HERE!

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m joined by Stephen Ridley, a British pianist, artist, and entrepreneur with a pretty incredible story. He started playing piano when he was just two years old, went on to study at Durham University, and eventually landed a job in investment banking. But despite the success and security, he knew it wasn’t the life he wanted.

Stephen eventually left banking, bought a £100 second-hand piano, and took it onto the streets of London. That decision led to a career that has taken him to more than 60 countries, performing for audiences all over the world and eventually building his own music education company.

We talk about what street performing taught him about putting your work out there, getting feedback, and building confidence. Stephen also shares his thoughts on rejection, making money from your art, and knowing when to say no.

There are so many similarities between what Stephen has experienced as a musician and what we experience as painters. His story is a great reminder that there isn’t one specific path you have to follow to build a career as an artist, and sometimes taking a completely different path can lead you somewhere you never expected.

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sitting down with my friend and Artist Academy member Ariane O’Day.

I’ve known Ariane for about five years, during which I’ve had the privilege of watching her painting career blossom over time. She started out teaching and bartending but quickly realized those jobs were taking time away from the creative career she really wanted.

Ariane shares what it took to finally let go of safety nets, find clients in a new community, and turn one opportunity into many through word of mouth. We also talk about the confidence she gained through attending Mural Meetups and how that experience helped her take on bigger projects.

If you’re an artist who dreams of leaving your day job and making a living with your art, I think you’ll really connect with Ariane’s story. There’s no single path to becoming a full-time artist, but sometimes the biggest step is simply deciding to stop letting the thing that pays your bills keep you from building the career you actually want.

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m talking with Brittany Wolfe of Painting with a Twist in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has been with the franchise for nearly 16 years and talks about how she was able to build a successful paint-and-sip studio, and how you can too.

We talk about why she chose the franchise route, the support that comes with it, and everything that goes into keeping a studio running. From marketing and hiring artists to managing the finances and making sure customers have a great experience, there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes than you might think.

We also talk about her partnership with Birch Tree Communities where she brings art to adults with mental disabilities. As part of the project, participants paint their own birch trees, with each individual tree coming together to create a larger collaborative piece of artwork.

She shares what she’s learned from working alongside her husband, balancing motherhood and business, and what makes someone a great instructor. We talk about finding your own personality as a teacher and remembering that the creative side of being an artist needs the business side to support it.

Let me know what you think of this week’s episode with Brittany Wolfe!

Check out Wolfe Studio Art to see more of her work.

“Your worst client will teach you more about your business than your best one ever will. They’ll show you every gap in your process, every weakness in your communication, every boundary you didn’t set.”

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sharing some of the worst customer experiences I’ve had throughout my mural career and the business lessons those experiences taught me.

From an unpaid project that ended up in court to mistakes I discovered in my own contracts, these stories weren’t always easy to go through, but they showed me exactly where my business needed to improve. I’ll talk about the importance of clear communication, detailed sketches, contracts, deposits, getting approval for changes, and setting boundaries before problems happen.

Because difficult customers don’t always mean you have a bad customer. Sometimes, they reveal where your systems, communication, or boundaries need to be stronger.

If you’re a mural artist or creative business owner, this episode will help you recognize potential problems before they become expensive ones. My goal is to give you practical lessons you can apply to your own business without having to learn them the hard way.

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m talking about selling original canvas art and how I unexpectedly sold about $7,000 worth in just three weeks.

I’ve made more than a million dollars with murals, but only around $50,000 from original canvas work in the last 13 years. So these recent sales really surprised me, especially because some of the paintings had been sitting around for many years.

I’m sharing my pricing strategy to sell, and the different ways these paintings finally found buyers. I talk about getting out of my own head when someone actually wants to buy, and how my art connects with those right buyers in a way I never thought it would.

But more than anything, this episode is a reminder to play the long game. Just because something doesn’t sell today doesn’t mean it won’t sell years from now. Keep painting and keep putting your work out there because you never know when the right person is going to find your art.

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m joined by Daniel Scott, a coach for creatives who works with artists on creating a life that supports both their creativity and their financial goals. Daniel comes from an interesting background as a musician and former lawyer, having spent 12 years advising ultra-high-net-worth clients before shifting his focus to helping creatives build lives around their purpose.

We ended up going down a pretty interesting rabbit hole about what we actually mean when we say we want to be “successful.” Is it making more money? Having more freedom? Being able to spend your time doing what you want? And how much of what we’re chasing is actually something we want versus something we’ve been taught to want?

We also talk about the very practical side of making a living as an artist—how much money is actually enough, what to do with the money when you have a good year, and how to set up your business so you’re not constantly working just to keep up.

There’s definitely some back and forth in this one, but I think that’s what makes the conversation interesting. If you’re trying to figure out how to make your art work financially without letting the business side take over your life, give this episode a listen.

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m joined by oil painter Chris Abigt. I met Chris at an art show in Springfield and was immediately drawn to her work. I ended up buying one of her prints and knew I wanted to have her on the podcast.

Chris has turned art shows into a full-time business. She and her husband travel around the Midwest and do up to 18 shows a year. But there is a lot more to making art shows work than putting your paintings in a booth and hoping they sell.

We talk about how she decides which shows are worth applying for and how far in advance she plans. We get into what makes a show successful for her and how she factors in expenses like booth fees, hotels and travel.

We also talk about what happens between shows. Keeping up with inventory and reproductions during a busy season takes a lot of planning. Chris also explains how she and her husband divide up the work and make the business work as a team.

If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build an art business around art shows, this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at everything that happens before, during and after the booth.

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m joined by Derrik Diza to dive into hiring, team building, and growing an art business beyond just yourself.

Derrik was previously on the podcast to talk about outreach. Since then, he has built a much bigger operation with employees, artists, a mentorship program, and systems that allow him to take on more work without doing everything himself.

With hiring as the focus of this month’s content, I wanted to hear what Derrik has learned from building his own team. He shares how to know when it’s time to hire, what tasks to hand off first, and why having a system in place makes all the difference. He also explains why he believes culture matters more than skills when choosing the right people.

Derrik has also spent a lot of time figuring out what works in his marketing. He shares his approach to cold email and niche marketing along with some great advice on making your outreach sound more human. We get into how testing and consistency can help you find what works and eventually turn that process into something someone else can manage.

The bigger lesson here is that growth doesn’t mean you have to work more hours or do more yourself. It means finding ways to build systems and bring the right people in so your business can grow beyond what you can do alone.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I'm sharing why hiring a virtual assistant for around $150/month can completely change the way you run your art business.

I'll walk you through what I delegate, when it's time to hire, and why your most valuable hours should be spent creating and promoting.

Over the last couple of months, I've made over $100,000 while investing about $20,000 into hiring help. That decision has helped me avoid burnout and keep my workweek to 35 hours or less while still making a GREAT profit.

Take a look at my complete hiring framework and behind-the-scenes videos showing exactly how my virtual assistant helps keep my business running inside the Artist Academy Membership. Join for your 5-day free trial today! CLICK HERE!

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, we're talking about why hiring an artist helper sooner than you think could be one of the best decisions you make for your business.

I'll walk you through the five levels of artist helpers, what I typically pay, and how to know which type of help is right for your business. I'll also share why you don't have to wait until you're overwhelmed to start hiring and how the right support can free you up to focus on growing your business.

If you'd like to learn more about hiring, join us inside the Artist Academy Membership. For just $37 a month, you'll get access to my subcontractor agreement, hiring questions, tax and payment systems, behind-the-scenes videos with my team, and step-by-step training on how my virtual assistant helps keep my business running smoothly. Start your free five-day trial at artistacademy.com.

Whether you're ready to hire today or just thinking ahead, I hope this episode gives you the confidence to take that next step when the time comes.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I'm chatting with Kelli Panique, host of Picture Book Summit, an online conference created for aspiring and published children's book writers and illustrators. If you've ever dreamed of creating a children's book, whether you're writing, illustrating, or hoping to do both, this episode is for you.

Since I'm currently working on my own picture book, I took this opportunity to ask all the beginner questions. Kelli shares what to expect at Picture Book Summit, how the children's publishing industry works, what agents and editors are looking for, and why storytelling matters just as much as the illustrations.

We also talk about finding illustrators, traditional publishing versus self-publishing, creating stories that kids genuinely connect with, and simple ways to improve your storytelling from the very beginning. Whether you're a muralist looking for a new creative challenge or someone who's had a children's book idea sitting in a notebook for years, you'll walk away with a better understanding of what it takes to bring that story to life.

Picture Book Summit website: www.picturebooksummit.com
Picture Book Summit IG: @picture_book_summit

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I sit down with artist Mary Harris, for a fascinating conversation about the fine art world. While we usually spend a lot of time talking about murals, this episode takes a different direction as Mary shares what it really takes to build a career as an exhibiting fine artist.

Mary is a Los Angeles-based artist who has worked with brands like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Hyatt, Cinemark, Pressed Juicery, and more. She has built a career that blends commercial projects with gallery exhibitions, collectors, residencies, and the international fine art market.

We discuss what it takes to break into the fine art world and how artists can position themselves for gallery representation. Mary explains why building a cohesive body of work matters and how genuine relationships with other artists often lead to the biggest opportunities. She also shares practical advice on pricing artwork, finding grants and residencies, choosing professional materials, and creating a career that balances commercial work with personal creative projects.

If you've ever wondered what life looks like beyond commissions and murals—or if you've dreamed about seeing your work in galleries and museums—this conversation will help you better understand that path.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I'm sitting down with Australian muralist Binx, whose career took an unexpected turn after a devastating flood destroyed her studio and years of artwork. Instead of giving up, she rebuilt her business through murals and is now taking on some of the biggest projects of her career.

We talk about what's helped her grow her business, from building relationships through word-of-mouth to consistently documenting every project so future clients can follow along. Binx also shares what she's learned from managing large-scale murals, staying organized on the road, and taking on opportunities that once felt out of reach.

If you're building an art business or love hearing how other artists have carved their own path, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation. Binx shares so many honest lessons about growing a creative business, and I have a feeling you'll walk away inspired to keep building yours.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I'm sitting down with sculptor Stephen Feilbach, whose larger-than-life creations have become destinations for families, travelers, and communities. If you've ever stopped to take a photo with a giant sculpture, you've probably experienced exactly what he's hoping to create.

I went into this conversation thinking sculpture was just another art medium. I quickly learned there's so much more behind it. We talk about the process of turning an idea into a sculpture that's built to last, why the materials matter, and what it really costs to create artwork that can live outdoors for decades.

We also talk about pricing custom work, finding the right clients, and why artists need to keep learning long after they've mastered their craft. There's a lot that muralists and other creatives can relate to, even if you've never picked up a sculpting tool.

If you're building an art business or simply love hearing how other artists think, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation. It gave me a whole new appreciation for public sculpture, and I have a feeling it'll do the same for you.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I'm chatting with Clarissa from San Diego Party Banner about how she built a profitable side business creating custom hand-painted party banners.

What started as a birthday decoration for her son quickly grew into a business that's generated hundreds of banner orders, digital products, and a growing online community. She shares how she designs every banner in Canva, paints them efficiently, and balances it all while working a full-time job.

We also get into pricing, supplies, shipping, customer communication, and the simple systems that help her save time. If you've been looking for another way to make money with your art or you're curious about adding a creative side hustle, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how Clarissa built this business.

Let me know what you think of this episode with Clarissa from San Diego Party Banner!

It's easy to look at successful artists and assume they have something you don't—more talent, more connections, more money, or more opportunities. But what if your greatest advantage is something you already possess?

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, we'll talk about how to identify the strengths and experiences that make you uniquely valuable. Maybe it's your ability to connect with people. Maybe it's your business background. It could be your willingness to take risks, your work ethic, or the challenges you've overcome. Every artist has advantages they can use to create opportunities.

I'll also discuss why many competitive advantages can be learned. You'll discover how to develop skills that complement your natural strengths and how combining those strengths can help you stand out in a way that's difficult to replicate.

If you've ever felt like you're falling behind, this episode might help you recognize that your greatest advantage has been with you all along.

Are you building the art career you actually want, or the one that simply feels safest?

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I'm diving into a mindset shift that's been on my mind lately: the idea that many artists unknowingly limit their income by limiting the types of opportunities they're willing to pursue.

Using examples from both the art world and beyond, I'll explore the difference between low-ticket, high-volume work and higher-value services that require more skill, confidence, and commitment. We'll talk about pricing, fear of failure, imposter syndrome, and why learning the hard thing is often what leads to the biggest rewards.

If you're ready to think bigger about what's possible for your art business, this conversation might be exactly the push you need.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I'm sharing a reminder that I think every artist needs to hear from time to time: just because things are slow doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

A year ago I found myself staring at an almost empty schedule. There were opportunities floating around, but nothing seemed to be sticking. I found myself questioning whether I was being too selective and if I needed to change course. Fast forward to today, and I'm in one of the busiest seasons of my career, juggling multiple large-scale mural projects and booking months ahead.

The funny thing is, there wasn't a magic marketing strategy, a viral post, or a big breakthrough moment that changed everything.

In this episode, I'm talking about what I've learned from experiencing both the slow seasons and the busy ones. I share why I believe so much of success comes from compounded effort, how becoming more selective with projects has shaped my business, and why I'm focusing on reinvesting in my work while the momentum is here. If you've been showing up consistently and wondering if your efforts are making a difference, I hope this episode encourages you to keep going.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m chatting with artist and former tech entrepreneur Shirley Yang Crutchfield about her journey from startup founder to luxury portrait artist.

After stepping away from a successful career and becoming a mother, Shirley found herself facing an identity crisis that ultimately led her back to art. Through years of experimentation, she discovered a unique niche creating highly detailed portraits of accomplished women using traditional 24-karat gold water gilding techniques.

We talk about finding your niche, building a personal brand, creating meaningful client experiences, and balancing ambition with fulfillment. Shirley shares how she transformed a centuries-old gilding process into a modern celebration of women who have overcome challenges and built remarkable lives. We also discuss pricing, marketing, collaborations, social media, PR, and the importance of creating work that feels authentic to who you are.

If you're trying to figure out what you want to be known for as an artist, or you're navigating a major life or career transition, this episode is for you.

This week’s May Mural Month replay episode on the Artist Academy Podcast features the social media-famous international muralist, Kiptoe.

I knew this guy had a ton of Instagram followers (278k), even more fans on YouTube (832k), and plenty of experience under his belt. But what I didn’t know about Kiptoe was that his hustle game is next-level—and that he started traveling the world independently in his 20s, building his brand from the ground up.

He’s a great example of an artist who took the time to get really good at his craft, then pitched himself (and still continues to pitch today) to clients to land the mural jobs he wants.

This dude needs no further introduction—and I know you’re going to feel seriously inspired by this week’s replay episode with Kiptoe.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m chatting with international muralist Nina Valkhoff for another May Mural Month episode!

Nina shares how she went from painting custom client work in the Netherlands to creating large scale wildlife murals across 16 countries worldwide. Over the years, she slowly transitioned away from painting whatever clients requested and began fully embracing her own colorful, nature inspired style.

We talk about mural festivals, traveling internationally for projects, finding creative confidence, and the importance of patience when building a long term mural career. Nina also opens up about burnout, learning to take breaks between projects, and why protecting your creativity matters just as much as improving your skills.

We also get into mural photography, documenting your work professionally, favorite paint materials, and how social media has naturally helped attract mural opportunities throughout her career.

If you’re interested in mural festivals, creative growth, and the realities of painting murals professionally, this episode is for you!

This week’s replay episode of the Artist Academy Podcast is an interview with the international street artist Peachzz (aka Megan Russell). You’ll hear Megan tell her story of how she got started with murals (using spray paint) with a theme of birds and wildlife. Her style evolved into also painting the human form, and fast forward to today with one that blends into both human and nature.

Megan got her start by applying to mural/street art festivals and shares with us her tips on how to put your best foot forward when sending in an application. She has a template that she uses and, in this interview, goes over it page by page to give you a better idea of what kind of effort is needed to land these high-competition jobs.

Megan inspires me to create more of what I want to create, as opposed to just leaning into commissioned work, and apply for bigger opportunities. I think every artist will get something from this interview, no matter if you’re a muralist or not. Let me know what you think of this week’s replay episode with Peachzz (Megan Russell).

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m chatting with Australian muralist Cat Dean for another May Mural Month episode!

Cat shares her journey from selling drawings at markets to building a full time mural career while raising two daughters along the way. Today she paints murals for schools, businesses, hospitals, and government spaces across Australia.

We talk about developing a signature style, pricing mural projects, balancing motherhood with business ownership, navigating burnout, and learning how to confidently take on bigger opportunities before feeling fully ready. Cat also shares how her detailed optical illusion murals helped set her apart as an artist.

Plus, we dive into the differences between muraling in Australia and the U.S., from paint brands and materials to marketing and client communication.

If you’re looking for encouragement to grow your mural business, trust yourself more, and keep learning as you go, this episode is for you.

This week’s replay episode of the Artist Academy Podcast is an interview with an incredibly talented Australian muralist and mentor Danielle Weber!

Danielle has built a thriving art business from the ground up, painting murals and canvases priced anywhere from $10K to $30K on average. We talk about everything from how she connects with clients through Instagram DMs to how she bought her own warehouse studio and turned it into a creative hub.

She also shares her no-fluff approach to pricing, confidence, and setting boundaries as an artist. We also dive into the importance of community over competition, building a sustainable mindset, and balancing creative freedom with business growth.

Tune in to hear how Danielle’s story proves that with strategy, passion, and a bit of grit, you can make a full-time living doing what you love, from Melbourne to anywhere in the world.

This week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast is an interview with Australian muralist Patrycja Hannagan, also known as Mural Nomad. We talk about how she built a full-time mural career while traveling across Australia, what she learned from completing her 100 Mural Project, and how her business has evolved over the years.

Patrycja shares the reality behind life as a traveling muralist, from landing jobs in small towns to managing large-scale projects, teaching other artists, and building a strong community through retreats and mentorships.

We also get into some of the harder parts of being a full-time artist including burnout, grief, personal growth, and navigating unhealthy mentorship experiences in the mural industry.

If you’re interested in murals, creative business, travel, mentorship, or the behind-the-scenes reality of being a working artist, this episode is for you.

This week’s replay episode of the Artist Academy Podcast is an interview with Canadian muralist Corrado Mallia where we talk about what it actually takes to build a mural business over time.

Corrado shares how he started with cold outreach, practiced on his own, and slowly built consistent work through referrals. We get into pricing murals, what goes into quoting a project, and why it’s important to charge based on value, not just time.

We also talk about common mistakes like undercharging, skipping deposits, and doing extra work without adjusting the price, along with simple ways to avoid those situations.

If you’re working toward making murals a steady income, this episode gives a realistic look at the process and the decisions that come with it.

To kick off May Mural Month, I wanted to step outside of my usual circle and have conversations with muralists in different parts of the world. In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m talking with Toronto-based artist Tetyana Bibik.

We get into the realities of running a mural business in Canada, from pricing differences and currency gaps to a high cost of living and seasonal limitations due to winter. She also shares how she stays booked through email outreach, networking, and trade shows, and how becoming a parent has shifted the way she approaches time, pricing, and balance.

Let me know what you think of this week's episode with Tetyana Bibik.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m talking about something that can be tough for artists to navigate… what happens when a mural gets painted over.

It’s a situation that brings up a lot of emotion, especially when a piece is loved by the community or holds personal meaning. I’ve experienced it myself, and recently my city went through a similar situation, with guest artist Austin Sepulveda, that sparked a lot of conversation. I interviewed Austin to chat about his painting techniques and what it was like being the artist commissioned to paint over a much loved mural.

The biggest takeaway from this episode is that painting is a business, and art replaced by more art is just part of it. Murals fade, building ownership changes, and new murals are painted. Finding a way to not take it so personally, or just replicate it, is the key to solving these tricky situations.

Join MURAL MONEY BOOTCAMP starting May 1st! 

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I break down what actually wins a mural job when you’re not the only artist being considered.

Because it’s rarely about price.

It’s about how you show up, how clearly you position yourself, and how easy you make it for the client to say yes.

I walk through real situations where I was up against other artists and what made the difference. This includes getting in front of the client, presenting ideas on the spot, and putting in extra effort where it counts.

If you’ve ever felt stuck competing with other artists or unsure how to stand out in an RFP or bid situation, this episode will shift how you approach it.

Join MURAL MONEY BOOTCAMP starting May 1st! 

This episode of the Artist Academy Podcast breaks down the stages every artist goes through while building a career, based on both my own experience and what I’ve seen coaching artists over the years.

It starts with the early phase of uncertainty and self-doubt, where you’re figuring things out and questioning if this is even possible. Then comes the stage where work starts coming in, but everything feels messy, overwhelming, and you realize you’ve been undercharging and overcommitting.

From there, it often leads into burnout, caused by saying yes to everything, people-pleasing, and not knowing how to manage your time or boundaries. Eventually, if you stick with it, you move into a stage where you’re more confident, more selective, and finally in control of your schedule, pricing, and energy.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, second-guessed yourself, or wondered if you’re doing this “right,” this episode will help you understand where you are and what to expect next.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I sit down with photographer and business coach Scott Proposki to talk about what really drives success as a creative.

Scott has worked with brands like National Geographic and the White House, but this conversation focuses on what made that possible behind the scenes.

We get into why talent alone isn’t enough, how most artists hold themselves back without realizing it, and what actually helps you get consistent work. From outreach to positioning to thinking differently, this is a practical breakdown of what works.

If you’re trying to grow but feel stuck or inconsistent, this episode will give you a clearer direction on what to focus on next.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m walking through a simple question that can change everything when you’re scared to go all in on your art career: what’s the worst that could actually happen?

I’m breaking down the biggest fears artists have around money, pricing, clients, skill level, and stability—and sharing how I’ve handled those same fears in my own business.

We’ll look at what those “worst case scenarios” actually look like in real life (hint: most of them are fixable), and how to handle them with a plan instead of panic.

If you’ve been stuck in the “but what if…” loop, this episode will help you move forward with more clarity, confidence, and a solid game plan.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m talking with Colorado-based artist Samuel Popovich. He has built an incredible business around his hilarious, character-filled frog paintings and is sharing exactly how he did it.

We talk about how he developed his unique style, how he taught himself to paint through YouTube and experimentation, and how he turned a playful idea into artwork people genuinely collect. We also get into the business side of it all, from selling prints and originals to using Instagram, ManyChat, and email marketing to create successful print drops.

If you’ve ever wanted to build a stronger art business or sell more prints, this episode will leave you inspired and full of ideas.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sharing the uncomfortable truth about marketing yourself as an artist—posting online, talking on camera, networking, pitching, and doing all the awkward things that actually lead to opportunities.

If showing up feels uncomfortable, you’re not alone. A lot of artists struggle with putting themselves out there, promoting their work, or being the face of their business. In this episode, I talk about why that feeling is so common and why it shouldn’t stop you from sharing what you create.

We’ll also talk about why trying hard isn’t something to be embarrassed about, why even posts that seem to flop can still reach the right people, and why letting yourself be seen is often the key to getting hired. The truth is, the thing that feels the most cringe is often the exact thing that moves your art career forward.

www.artistacademy.com

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m diving into a topic artists keep asking about lately—AI. I decided to put three of the most talked-about platforms—ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and MidJourney—to the test and see how they actually perform when used inside a real mural workflow.

In this episode, I’m sharing how I use AI in my own mural business to create faster mockups, refine concepts, generate references, and save time without letting it replace my creativity.

If you’ve been curious about using AI as an artist, this is my honest breakdown of what each platform does best, where each one falls short, and how to use them in a way that still feels ethical and true to your work.

www.artistacademy.com

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m bringing back a highly requested 2020 interview with wildlife artist Carla Grace — and the lessons are just as relevant today.

Carla breaks down how she slowly built her career into full-time art by focusing on technical mastery first, then letting demand and pricing follow. We discuss her acrylic layering technique, collaborating ethically on reference images, and learning to detach emotionally so you can operate professionally.

On the business side, we talk about cultivating a premium collector experience from first inquiry to final delivery, choosing exclusivity over prints, managing commissions strategically, and the hard-earned confidence that came from finishing a life-sized painting that tested her limits.

This conversation is proof that strong art careers aren’t rushed — they’re built deliberately.

This week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m giving you the honest talk I wish someone had given me earlier. We’re covering the habits that quietly hold artists back—like hiding behind tools, blaming the algorithm, or constantly switching directions before giving anything a real shot.

I break down why obsessing over your weak spots can keep you from becoming known for your strengths, why marketing isn’t optional if you want paid opportunities, and why someone less talented might be earning more simply because they show up consistently. We’ll also talk about the discomfort of being seen online, the discipline it takes to stick with something long enough to see real progress, and how investing in quality—whether that’s materials, education, or mentorship—can fast-track your growth.

This episode might sting a little, but if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building traction, it’s exactly what you need.

This week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast is for my fellow Type B artists… and it might make a Type A listener clutch their planner.  

After hosting a mural meetup in Costa Rica, I realized just how differently artists operate—some plan every detail, and some (hi, it’s me) make decisions in real time, right there on the wall.

I’m sharing the “Type B” habits that keep my mural business moving: staying flexible when clients change their minds, why my contract protects my creative freedom, how I handle deposits (or don’t), and the systems I do use so I can still wing it without chaos. If you’ve ever felt “too messy” or “not organized enough” to run a real art business—this one’s for you.

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sharing one of the biggest shifts that’s changed the way I run my creative business: batching.

From sketching and painting to marketing, admin, and even studio cleanups, batching has helped me stay consistent, protect my energy, and actually get the things done that artists tend to put off. I’m breaking down what I batch weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly, with real examples of how grouping similar tasks together saves time, mental energy, and decision fatigue.

We’ll talk about why constantly jumping between different headspaces doesn’t work, how to batch creative work without killing your creative flow, and how batching content, promotions, and business tasks can make your life feel lighter instead of more overwhelming.

This episode will help you simplify your process, stay focused, and finally clear some space on your to-do list.

As we enter the month of love, I have a little Valentine’s present for you — join Artist Academy for just $1!

Whether we’re selling ourselves on a dating app or selling our art on social media, at the end of the day we’re all people connecting with other people who might want what we have to offer.

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I break down the surprising similarities between dating and marketing your art—first impressions, confidence, response time, storytelling, and knowing when something simply isn’t the right fit. I share practical advice on presenting your work online, responding to inquiries clearly and quickly, and telling stories that make your art memorable.

At its core, this episode is about confidence, self-respect, and connection. We’re not marketing to algorithms—we’re connecting with people. If you’re ready to show up with more clarity and trust in your art business, this one’s for you.

Click HERE to join

In this episode of the Artist Academy podcast, I have a conversation with artist and educator Josie Lewis about what it really takes to build a sustainable art career over the long term.

We talk about balancing large-scale commissions, selling work online, and teaching—while navigating fear, failure, focus, and constant decision-making. Josie shares why there’s no magic formula for success, how action creates clarity, and why learning to be okay with getting it wrong is part of staying in the game as an artist.

This episode also explores social media as a tool, intentional pricing, adapting when styles or trends shift, and trusting what Josie calls the “living path”—taking the next step before everything feels certain.

At its core, this conversation is about resilience, hope, and making art in a world that often feels heavy, while still building something sustainable and real.

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sitting down with Patrick Walgamott, an Artist Academy student who recently quit his day job to become a full-time artist.

I’ve watched Patrick’s journey for years — from getting back into painting through pet portraits to slowly building income through murals, commissions, and paint parties while working a physically demanding job. Like so many artists, he thought it would happen faster… and like most of us, it took longer than expected.

We talk about what finally pushed him to take the leap, how he handled the fear around money and stability, and why consistency and local marketing played a huge role in making it work. Patrick shares real numbers, real doubts, and the mindset shift that helped him commit fully — even without everything perfectly lined up.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to quit your day job, this episode will help you see what’s actually possible when you decide to go all in.

In this episode of the Artist Academy podcast, I sit down with Lennon Bone, founder of Stop the Starving Artist, to talk about why connecting with people matters more than perfect content or clever marketing.

We explore how storytelling, values, and real human experience help audiences connect with art, why fear of judgment keeps artists stuck, and how reframing marketing as an exchange—rather than manipulation—can change everything. If you’ve ever struggled with sharing your story or felt uncomfortable selling your work, this conversation will help you approach both with more clarity and confidence.

This is the last week to join Mural Money Bootcamp!

If you want a breakdown of my profit/expenses and a look into my Quickbooks, join us next week inside the Artist Academy Facebook group for a video walkthrough of exactly how I calculate my taxes, how much I spent on supplies, hiring, etc.

Join Mural Money Bootcamp

Let’s start the new year with a goal… what’s yours? In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m talking about setting big, exciting goals for the year ahead—and more importantly, how to break them down so they actually feel doable instead of overwhelming.
I share how I think about long-term income goals for artists, why I like working in phases, and what really moves the needle when it comes to hitting big numbers.

Let’s Talk Goals as a Muralist…
Instead of one massive, intimidating number, I like to think in stages:

• $20K – Year 1

• $50K – Year 2

• $100K – Year 3

Take your big, almost-out-of-reach yearly goal and divide it into three for the first 100 days.

Money goals are fun… but action goals get results.

My Action Goals for the First 100 Days

• Create something every single day

• Share my creations, life, and process 4x per week

• Publish 1 podcast episode per week

• Apply to 4 art calls

• Pitch 4 mural ideas to walls or businesses

How Do I Keep Myself Motivated?

• Motivating audio in my ears

• Challenges to keep me moving

• And most importantly… a plan

Clarity creates momentum.

We begin the 31-Day Challenge on January 1st!

Join Mural Money Bootcamp

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m kicking off one of my favorite traditions of the year—the 31 Day Challenge—and inviting you to join me. For the eighth year in a row, I’m sharing why committing to daily creation and sharing from January 1–31 can completely change your momentum as an artist.

I walk you through what the challenge is, why it works, and how it blends creativity, marketing, and habit-building into one simple daily practice. I also share what I’m doing for this year’s challenge, why I finally decided to stop putting it off, and how this practice has shaped everything from my confidence to my career—including leading to my book, Mural Money.

We talk about choosing the right project, keeping it manageable, using tools (including AI) to reduce friction, and why creating something every day helps you find your style, grow your audience, and trust yourself more deeply as an artist.

I also share how the 31 Day Challenge pairs perfectly with my Mural Money Bootcamp, starting January 1, designed to help artists build momentum and land mural clients in the first 100 days of the year.

If you’re craving motivation, clarity, creativity, and a strong start to the new year, this episode is your invitation to show up, create daily, and start 2026 with intention.

Artist mentioned: Summer Paradiso

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m chatting with Odette Guastavino, a Netherlands-based muralist and painter whose whimsical, magical artwork stopped me mid-scroll on Instagram. What started as admiration for her art quickly turned into a conversation about style, storytelling, and building a sustainable art career—especially after I realized she had recently joined the Artist Academy.

Odette shares her journey from studying architecture to building a mural career through Facebook groups, word of mouth, and social media, and how she’s now intentionally shifting her focus toward canvas work, prints, and more flexible income streams. We talk about transitioning from client-led mural commissions to creating original, imaginative paintings that sell—often before they even make it to her website—and what helped her recent work go viral. We also explore why whimsical and nostalgic art resonates with adults just as much as kids, and how she presents her artwork in context to help buyers visualize it in their homes.

Toward the end of the episode, Odette shares one of her most powerful tools yet: how she’s using AI to mock up artwork in real interiors, speed up her workflow, and ultimately sell more paintings—without compromising her artistic integrity.

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sharing the collective wisdom of artists who are out there doing the work, growing their businesses, and proving what’s possible. I asked members of the Artist Academy who made six figures this year to reveal the biggest lessons they learned along the way.

Instead of just my perspective, you’ll hear a chorus of voices from artists at different stages and specialties, all navigating their own creative paths. Discover what helped them break through plateaus, the unexpected places they found clients, the courage it took to raise their prices, and the personal projects that opened doors they never saw coming. Along the way, I’ll share how their journeys mirror many of the wins, challenges, and mindset shifts I’ve experienced in my own career.

This episode is about possibility. It’s about seeing yourself in the stories of others, realizing you’re not alone, and getting fired up about what your next chapter could look like. If you’re craving both motivation and practical guidance, this episode will light a spark.