Today, Ceri is joined by Laleh Khorramian, painter, printmaker, animator and textile artist, whose work spans drawing, light, costume and collage. Laleh reveals the roots of her creative life, from drawing under duress to discovering Van Gogh in Costco. Laleh shares how growing up between cultures shaped a dual sense of self that still informs her work.   She explains how she rebuilt her practice and sense of self after cancer diagnoses and found her way back when the work felt lost. Whether you are building a sustainable practice, navigating reinvention or reclaiming your identity in your work, this episode is for you.   The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing and start building momentum in your art career? Apply for the next Artist Mastermind Circle a six-month coaching programme for mid-career artists who are serious about growing their confidence, income, and opportunities. Apply by 21 July at https://cerihand.com/artist-mastermind-circle/ to take the next bold step.   KEY TAKEAWAYS   ·        Take notice of what you see, feel and dream, they are what you are destined to create. ·        Let go of shame about the things you get wrong and accept support.   BEST MOMENTS   “I became aware of that. It was okay, if it reflected me, it's okay. Actually, this is I'm, I'm the artist. It's that that work is what it is because of me, because I made it, and there's my voice in particular is important to what's happening there.”   “you have to sometimes become something very outside yourself. You have to create skills that you didn't know you had or think you could summon, including acceptance.”   “So you make something in response to a person or a character. Yeah, very often it's not someone I know it's, very often it's, it's a, it's a character, it's a, it's a, I think there's all constantly an ongoing opera in my mind.”   ABOUT LALEH   Laleh Khorramian (b. Tehran, raised in Florida) is multi-award-winning artist with degrees from RISD, SAIC, and Columbia University. Her work spans animation, painting, lighting, and textile art.   She exhibits internationally including at MoMA PS1, Times Square and the Saatchi Gallery. Her awards include the Vasseur Artists’ Award and the Pollock Krasner Foundation Grant.   Laleh created LALOON - an ongoing project of hand-painted garments, gowns and costumes in NY.   https://www.lalehkhorramian.com https://www.instagram.com/lalehkhorramian   PODCAST HOST BIO   With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.   Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!   https://cerihand.com/membership   Build Relationships The Easy Way Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly and build the confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.   https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network   Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com   This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Ceri talks about something every artist faces – getting stuck. That moment where everything grinds to a halt, you feel overwhelmed and unable to make progress. Ceri has helped all kinds of artists overcome this issue, everyone from emerging artists, mid-career artists, even artists with solo shows at major institutions, so she will help you too. Stuck happens to everyone, but staying stuck, that part´s optional.  The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing and start building momentum in your art career? Applications are now open for the next Artist Mastermind Circle—a six-month coaching programme for mid-career artists who are serious about growing their confidence, income, and opportunities.Apply by 21 July at https://cerihand.com/artist-mastermind-circle/ and take the next bold step.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Getting stuck is normal, part of the normal creative rhythm.  Having too many choices, burnout, a perfectionist mindset, being isolated or avoidance are usually at the root of your paralysis. If you feel overwhelmed, break the mountain into pebbles, then take one action at a time. Taking small steps, getting one thing done at a time creates the steady momentum you need to get unstuck. BEST MOMENTS “The key is not to attach shame to being stuck. You're not broken, you're not behind, you're human and you're not alone.” “Stuck is a normal part of the creative rhythm. It's not failure, it's feedback.” “Being stuck is not a character flaw, it's a signpost. It tells you it's time to pause, reassess and adjust. The worst thing you can do is retreat into silence.” “Sketch, one idea, call one curator - progress returned.” “Isolation magnifies stuckness, community dissolves it.” “You don't have to untangle the whole knot at once. Just start pulling on one thread. Movement generates momentum. Momentum generates confidence.”   PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  Build Relationships The Easy Way Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/ Book a Discovery Call Today  To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 

For this episode, Ceri is joined by the fiercely honest, endlessly generous Erika B Hess, a painter, the artistic director of Chautauqua Visual Arts and host of two brilliant podcasts. She's exhibited nationally and internationally, curates shows and publications and has helped build an entire support system for artists.  Erika shares her artist journey, including the moment her paintings stopped being something she controlled and became something she listened to. She talks about learning to say no, building a life with intention and the magic that happens when you let go of good to make space for great. If you're juggling a creative life with caregiving, craving more time in your studio, or learning how to say yes to what truly matters, this episode is for you. KEY TAKEAWAYS Early on, Erika learned to pivot, which enabled her to pursue her passion as an artist. It took Erika nearly 20 years to completely trust her work and produce work that is 100% hers. Be honest in your work. People respond to authenticity. Don´t hesitate to hire help. Say yes to rest, schedule your downtime. Talk about your work in an accessible way. When your career takes off, saying no and getting in the studio more is essential. Don´t be a slave to social media. Use it to showcase your work and keep it up to date. BEST MOMENTS “That was the turning point… having to be brutally honest with myself.” “This kind of success is actually a new space to navigate.” “Say yes to the painting waiting inside you.” “You can't make room for new, wonderful, beautiful things if you don't let go of the other behind you.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.erikabhess.com https://www.ilikeyourworkpodcast.com/submitwork https://www.instagram.com/erikabhess https://www.amazon.co.uk/Field-Guide-Getting-Lost-Canons-ebook/dp/B002VM7FYO PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing and start building momentum in your art career? Applications are now open for the next Artist Mastermind Circle—a six-month coaching programme for mid-career artists who are serious about growing their confidence, income, and opportunities. Apply by 21 July at https://cerihand.com/artist-mastermind-circle/ and take the next bold step. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy Way: Unlock Your Artworld Network Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/ **** Book a Discovery Call Today  To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity  Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Ceri Hand interviews Keri Elmsly, the Executive Director of Programming at ACMI (Australia's national museum of screen culture). Keri takes us on her remarkable journey from the underground London rave scene to staging groundbreaking immersive art experiences worldwide. She shares insights from working with pioneering artists like UVA, Mira Calix, and Memo Akten to reshape cultural institutions. Together, they explore Keri's approach to fostering ambitious collaborative artworks, from aligning infrastructure to handle complex projects to ensuring artists are properly compensated. Keri offers invaluable advice for creative professionals and shares her extensive knowledge and experience in this episode. KEY TAKEAWAYS Keri was drawn in by the vibrant DIY creative ethos of the 90s underground rave scene in London, learning the power of transformative collective experiences. She observed that artists who kept up consistent creative practice no matter their environment produced the strongest, most refined work. As a producer, Keri sees her role as the "hero" for the artist - achieving the impossible together, not just facilitating. When commissioning artists in her experience, paying them to prototype ambitious ideas leads to the best outcomes. Keri believes cultural institutions like museums must become more invitational and move at the speed of contemporary culture to stay relevant. For museums, she feels improving organisational infrastructure is crucial so operations don't paralyse programming ambition and flexibility. Keri encourages creatives to remember they likely have more supporters and backers than they realise and to simply reach out and connect.  BEST MOMENTS  "I left home on my last day of school to go on the road." "The people who had the most output were the most refined and dedicated. And when I look at where their careers are now, they’re still artists." "I was like, well, I don’t know what Second Story is. I’ve never even heard of them. And then, my son was like, mom, I’m really tired of being poor." "I think the encouragement is you have more backers than you think you do...just say hi to people that you haven’t chatted to for a while." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Subscribe to receive my weekly coaching message to nurture your creativity and be the first to hear about our latest creative coaching, mentoring opportunities and course announcements.: https://linktr.ee/cerihand 

Ceri interviews Christian Viveros-Fauné, a Chilean curator and writer based in New York. Christian shares insights from his prolific career curating major biennials and writing for renowned publications. Christian offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of curating a citywide exhibition, from fundraising and gaining stakeholder buy-in to selecting impactful artists and works. He also discusses his personal creative drive, his approach to art criticism, and key artists who have influenced his perspective. Christian also talks about his next curatorial risk - a new book tackling the provocative themes of regulation and experimentation in the art world.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Political turmoil in Chile as a child shaped Christian's view of art as a powerful tool for social commentary. When curating a major exhibition, you must convince stakeholders it's a team effort they have a stake in. Christian seeks art that innovates on recurring humanist themes like war and love. He's committed to working in fledgling contexts and pushing institutions to grow. Christian values art's "figural" meaning beyond words, the way it visually engages society. He aims to translate complex ideas about art accessibly as a writer and curator. When writing criticism, Christian's established voice means he rarely tailors pieces now. His next book explores provocative themes of regulation and experimentation in art.  BEST MOMENTS  "I wanted to convince people that it's a team operation, that there's a stake in it for them as well as for you and the organisation you're representing." "I'm a firm believer in the larger field of humanity." "The fact that we get [big ideas] in new envelopes when they're effective, I think that's where the magic happens." "My interest has remained in this notion of figural thought and the way meaning spills over." "You never do know when you touch somebody in their hour of need." "Keep being prepared to put yourself in the midst of those new, strange contexts to help us see the world differently." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** **** Subscribe to receive my weekly coaching message to nurture your creativity and be the first to hear about our latest creative coaching, mentoring opportunities and course announcements.: https://linktr.ee/cerihand 

Ceri interviews Zerritha Brown, Head of Culture at London's Camden Council, about how her Jamaican roots fuel her rebel spirit to drive grassroots activism. Zerritha shares how she brings that spirit into institutional settings through relationship-building and empowering others. She provides insight on how institutions need to understand their communities, not just co-produce content. Zerritha also discusses her soft yet deep listening leadership style and how she’s paving the way for the next generation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Zerritha’s Jamaican heritage and music instilled a rebel spirit in her to create access and open doors in the arts for underrepresented communities. She builds relationships with institutions to create change from within, like bringing a sound system into the British Museum. Institutions need artists and community members working at all levels, not just co-producing content. Zerritha’s approach involves collaborating with the same artists long-term to actively shape communities. Her listening leadership style achieves remarkable results by empowering others. She believes in succession planning to pave the way for the next generation of diverse arts leaders. Dance and movement energise and inspire Zerritha to keep growing as a leader. Despite challenges, she learned to lead as her authentic self rather than fit a typical leadership stereotype. BEST MOMENTS "That rebel attitude, being Jamaican, from Kingston, Jamaica, music as well, particularly reggae was becoming quite politicised at that time. My dad always carried that warrior, fighter, rebel, rebellious spirit, which was ingrained in me and my siblings." "The spaces that we have in our control are the public realm. So how do we start to use that public realm and our role as connectors and conveners, bringing people into public space through cultural intervention?" “They've been able to come in and really connect with us with what is going on in the ground, what needs to happen, where we're doing things wrong, where we're not listening. But also feed that into some of the partners that they're working with. I've seen a real shift change. "I think also just being me as well and, and just being that, you know, I find, as I said, listening is a real skill…I don't think I can do my job if I don't listen." PODCAST HOST BIOMeet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Subscribe to receive my weekly coaching message to nurture your creativity and be the first to hear about our latest creative coaching, mentoring opportunities and course announcements.: https://linktr.ee/cerihand 

Join Ceri as she explores the captivating story behind multimedia artist Soheila Sokhanvari's work. Discover how art saved Soheila from depression as a scientist and fuelled her true calling. Hear how Soheila overcame deep challenges arriving in the UK as a teen and sacrificed family time to follow her artistic path. This moving episode unpacks Soheila's drive to spotlight pre-revolutionary Iran and honour exiled female performers through her portrait work. KEY TAKEAWAYS Love empowers us to cherish our creativity and ourselves. Self-love forms the bedrock for life and work. Embracing failure enables growth and learning - a key to achieving our version of success. Discomfort brings genuine expansion. Diving into the deep end helps us thrive. Soheila uses beauty and colour to draw people close to difficult narratives in her art. Her scientific background taught Soheila to embrace failure and find order in chaos. Why Soheila became an unlikely activist, spotlighting oppressed Iranian women. Her solo exhibition at the Barbican, London, coincided with protests, providing her a crucial platform. BEST MOMENTS "I can't help but love the person eventually, or at least I need to love them before I start." "I make my life very difficult. I like that frisson between the vision and the materiality." "I was just thrilled and happy to be there, but utterly out of my depth." "To me, success is when you get up in the morning and until night, you do what you really love." "I want to become a voice for Iranian women because if I don't, my silence would be too heavy." "I'm making a rubbish public speaker, but I've become a reluctant yet vital activist." "When I'm not in my comfort zone, when I'm pushed to the brink, some order comes." PODCAST HOST BIOMeet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Subscribe to receive my weekly coaching message to nurture your creativity and be the first to hear about our latest creative coaching, mentoring opportunities and course announcements.: https://linktr.ee/cerihand  **** JOIN OUR UPCOMING COURSE: Become A Master Mentor November 17th, 18th, and 24th 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (GMT) Unlock your full potential as a creative mentor with our 3-day online course. In this transformative programme lead by Ceri Hand and Lina Asrarguis, you'll develop results-oriented systems, master effective onboarding, craft an irresistible value proposition, confidently set your price points and budget for profit. Plus, enjoy interactive demos, comprehensive worksheets, and access to a vibrant online creative community. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your mentoring skills. Apply now! https://www.cerihand.com/become-a-master-mentor

Join artist, designer, and educator Julie Verhoeven in this episode as she shares her creative journey. From hating school and struggling to get into art college, to working with notorious fashion designers John Galliano and Martine Sitbon, Julie has forged her own unique path. She opens up about the imposter syndrome she faced early on, how being different fuels her creativity, and why she didn’t consider herself an “artist” until later in her career. Listen in for her honest take on being an artist and creative as well as tips and advice for emerging creatives looking to chart their own course. KEY TAKEAWAYS Not getting into art college lit a fire in Julie to pursue fashion design. She developed a strong mindset and willpower which then propelled her successful career. Julie has always felt like an outsider and struggled with shyness but has learned to channel those feelings into her creative expression and individualism. Deep connections are more important to Julie than large social circles, often forming a creative partnership with just one other person. Julie thrives under fast-paced environments with intense schedules and tight deadlines that force decisive action. Though she resisted the "artist" label for a long time, Julie now embraces making work just to please herself without fear of judgement. She gathers inspiration from her vibrant neighbourhood, reality TV, music, and other multisensory sources. Julie urges creatives to fill time so doubts can't creep in, commit fully to their work, and push past discomfort towards change. BEST MOMENTS  "It was like a revelation. It was just the best thing ever...I felt absolute freedom when I got there." "I find it unattractive, the thought of being an artist...this sort of self-centred, all about me." "I try and create work [knowing] that nobody really cares, nobody's really looking." "I don't allow space in my brain for doubt or fear." "There are no rules” PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand JOIN OUR UPCOMING COURSE: Become A Master Mentor November 17th, 18th, and 24th 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (BST) Unlock your full potential as a creative mentor with our 3-day online course. In this transformative programme lead by Ceri Hand and Lina Asrarguis, you'll develop results-oriented systems, master effective onboarding, craft an irresistible value proposition, confidently set your price points and budget for profit. Plus, enjoy interactive demos, comprehensive worksheets, and access to a vibrant online creative community. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your mentoring skills. Apply now! https://www.cerihand.com/become-a-master-mentor

Ceri talks to legendary photographer and TV host Normski. He shares his extraordinary journey from capturing the burgeoning hip-hop scene in the 1980s to becoming Britain's foremost youth presenter. Normski lifts the lid on his creative obsessions, the hustle behind his lens, and key lessons like following your passion, surrounding yourself with a supportive tribe, and having the courage to take creative risks. KEY TAKEAWAYS Follow your gut instincts and believe in your vision, don't listen to the naysayers. Treat each project like it's the most important, even if it's just 5 minutes you should always give it your all. Build relationships and community, they will lift you up during challenging times. Allow yourself different creative seasons, learn to try new things and reinvent yourself. Create work you love and the love from others will come. Integrity and authenticity shine through when your work is created with them. Lift others up and help inspire those coming up behind you. Stay curious, take creative risks and be willing to fail, that's always where the magic happens. BEST MOMENTS  "I was obsessed with getting back to develop the film, hoping I didn't let any light in to bleed it out - reliving that shot was everything." "It's about being willing to be shit in those moments. Even if you're not willing, you have to be prepared for it to be really crap." "How is anyone going to be completely sure? If you have a feeling, follow it through." "If it's not made with love, it probably won't be received with love. It might make you money, but I'm not sure it will have the shelf life." "I find joy in showing people what's possible, photographs can inspire." "There's something about you lifting the stone and looking at what's underneath - you're a bit nosy, curious." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand JOIN OUR UPCOMING COURSE: Become A Master Mentor November 17th, 18th, and 24th 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (BST) Unlock your full potential as a creative mentor with our 3-day online course. In this transformative programme lead by Ceri Hand and Lina Asrarguis, you'll develop results-oriented systems, master effective onboarding, craft an irresistible value proposition, confidently set your price points and budget for profit. Plus, enjoy interactive demos, comprehensive worksheets, and access to a vibrant online creative community. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your mentoring skills. Apply now! https://www.cerihand.com/become-a-master-mentor

Publisher and editor Sharmaine Lovegrove joins Ceri in this week's episode of the Extraordinary Creatives podcast. Despite dealing with dyslexia and homelessness and as a teen, Sharmaine has beaten the odds to become an award-winning MD, publisher and editor. She shares how books were her safe haven growing up and discusses her unique journey to the top of the publishing world. Sharmaine offers incredible, inspiring advice to aspiring creatives and reveals her secret to keeping her creative cup full (hint: it's not PG!). Tune in to hear this remarkable woman's story. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sharmaine turned to books as an escape in response to feeling like an outsider growing up in a multicultural London. Reading gave her confidence and perspective. She became a truth seeker due to experiencing trauma growing up – she now uses that skill to help authors excavate stories and ideas. Sharmaine doesn't want to be the protagonist in every situation, instead finding confidence in supporting others’ brilliance shine rather than having to be centre stage. Deciding to move to Berlin gave Sharmaine space, time with family, and more focus on editing -  staying connected to the heart of publishing while avoiding the noise. Modelling psychological safety as a leader helps Sharmaine ensure that her team feels comfortable stretching themselves, failing, and growing together. Sharmaine is committed to pleasure and joy which help keep her creative cup full, she always makes time for sex, food, and Arsenal football! BEST MOMENTS  "Being an immigrant Mom in Germany showed me I didn't grow up in an immigrant household - it taught me the difference between ethnic minority and immigrant." "A lot of sex, watching football and eating food - indulgent things that take focus. That's where humans have always connected." "Know yourself, be intentional and unapologetic, but also listen and grow. Look for gaps where you can make a difference." "Keep going. I'm really proud of you. You did what you needed to do and you were right." "I don't have the same story as James Baldwin or Dr. Maya Angelou. That gave me confidence - it could be so much worse." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand

Ceri is joined by poet, comedian and musician John Hegley. From busking to the big stage, John reflects on finding inspiration in everyday objects, overcoming challenges of fame, and the importance of mental well-being. He opens up about his own battles with depression and how connecting and creativity aided his recovery. Listen in to this episode as he unpacks evolving creative pursuits - from visual art to lyrical translation aimed at forging a human connection and even gives an exclusive musical performance on mandolin to finish! KEY TAKEAWAYS Creativity can be found in humble everyday items - inspiration is all around us. Busking and street performing built confidence and taught adaptability. Fame and visibility bring mental health challenges that require active care. Finding your tribe and connecting creatively is deeply healing. Staying open to learning new skills keeps creativity fresh. Collaboration with others brings great artistic joy. Gratitude for creativity's gifts is just as important as the output.  BEST MOMENTS  "Science doesn’t need things to be true, just adequate." "I think I've had a playful ability, an ability to play with words since I was young, I think." "I was doing a talk to midwives and I said, one of the things that we have in common, myself and you, is that we try to make people feel better." “There’s a love of the absurd, I’ve always really loved that about your work… and sometimes there’s a tinge of melancholy in some of the work you perform” “The moment that changed things was having the John Peel session” “After all these years you still have those little niggles, it’s the creative in you” PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand

Ceri interviews quantum artist Libby Heaney, an award-winning British visual artist with a PhD in quantum physics. Libby shares her inspirational journey navigating classism and sexism as a working-class woman in elite academic institutions. She finds solace in art, eventually pursuing it full-time after earning enough money in science. Libby discusses entangling quantum computing with digital art, creating magical, sensual experiences that question reality. A courageous and candid conversation on processing grief after her sister's suicide through vulnerable artworks. Libby reminds us that connection and hope can transcend life's challenges. KEY TAKEAWAYS Libby was bullied and felt like an outsider as a working-class "gobby clever one" in an elite physics program, finding refuge in art studios after a turbulent home life. She persevered in physics to fund her art school dreams but still felt patronised as the only woman in Oxford labs with unprofessional male academics. Libby pioneered art interrogating biases in AI systems, including classism, through projects like Lady Chatterley's Tinderbot. She creates multi-sensory quantum artworks using code she writes to entangle ideas of fluid identity and the magical realities beneath surface perceptions. Processing her grief over her sister's suicide through paintings and VR, Libby vulnerably explores transcendence and hope within devastation. Sharing quantum physics concepts with the public, Libby wants to spread the queer, non-binary nature of the microscopic world. Despite obstacles, Libby encourages persistence in finding your passion and community, taking care of your whole self. BEST MOMENTS  "I'd say, like, keep going, then it will be all right, like, but I think I knew that deep in me as well. I knew what I wanted to do." "I'm really interested in embodiment and affect and sensation. Cause I think the technical details of quantum are quite hard." "If you know what you want to do, just keep going” "I had so many dead ends, which we haven't really spoken about, but that's, to be really clear, I've had so many times things haven't worked out for me, and I've had to go back and try again." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand

Ceri sat down with Ekow Eshun, a creative director, writer, curator, and broadcaster, to discuss his personal journey and creative purpose. Ekow's story of growing up in Ghana and returning to a racially charged Britain in the 1970s is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. He talks the importance of studying politics and history, and shares the publication that had a profound impact on his life. Ekow's candid discussion of the emotional ability and confidence required to speak and question his own thoughts is truly inspiring. He also talks about his current work as a curator, including an upcoming exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. Ekow reflects on the satisfaction and joy he finds in following his curiosity and providing spaces for black artists to be seen and heard.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Ekow's creative purpose stems from his early experiences of living in Ghana and returning to 1970s Britain, where he witnessed the marginalization and dismissal of people of colour. Ekow's choice to study politics and history at the London School of Economics was a strategic move to stay in London and be part of the exciting cultural scene of the late 1980s. Ekow's confidence and ability to have a public opinion and speak on various platforms comes from his extensive research and reading, which allows him to have a well-informed perspective on different topics. Ekow's curatorial work, such as the upcoming exhibition "The Time is Always Now, Artists Reframe the Black Figure," focuses on black figuration and aims to shift the perspective from objectification to subjectivity, inviting viewers to see through the eyes of the artists and their subjects. Ekow finds joy and fulfilment in his creative career by following his curiosity, connecting different aspects of his interests, and using his work as a way to navigate and challenge societal norms and expectations. BEST MOMENTS "I felt very strongly from an early age that unless I found a way to make my own voice heard, then all you're doing is living within someone else's definition of who you are." "The joy, therefore, is to follow the threads backwards to unravel that thing and to see also where else it can lead you." "I'm interested in artists of all kinds who begin from a presumption that sit within and without that… They're trying to both interrogate the world and offer another way of seeing the world." "So Noah Davis' 1975, it's a blissful painting, but it sits on Ford Proud… Many of the things I do follow on from each other." "The first piece I wrote for The Face magazine… It was about these particular shoes that had kind of returned to popularity… It gave me this kind of validation that you could walk down the street, see something, sell a story on that basis." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand

If you are waiting for the right moment, gallery or person to make your art career click, you could be waiting forever. In this episode, Ceri shares four powerful ways to start earning from your art. Not someday, not once you feel ready, but today….right now. The strategies Ceri shares are insights that come from the real-world experience of Zawadi, an exceptional artist who had great networking skills and plenty of shows but was still not earning. Then, she joined The Artist Mastermind Circle, the peer support, coaching, forums and masterclasses, shifted everything and enabled Zawadi to take things to the next level and start earning. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understand what it really takes to be sales and commission ready.  Ceri´s provides a masterclass to give you a full understanding of how commercial galleries, agents and art advisors really work. Prepare the groundwork to make it easy for potential buyers to say yes. Maximise the advocates you already have. Re-connect with buyers and people you have worked with or for in the past. Don´t let fear and the avoidance behaviours that result from that fear continue to hold you back. Group coaching is a powerful way to open up, recognise what is holding you back and find the support you need to take the right action, break through and earn. Coaching doesn't just give you answers, it shows you how. Registration for the next The Artist Mastermind Circle starts on 13th May. BEST MOMENTS “If you're stuck in a loop, waiting to feel ready, wondering when your time will come, let this be the sign - your time is now.” “Join The Artist Mastermind Circle to get real-time feedback, insight and care from myself and artists like you.” “She wasn’t quite ready to sell, not because her work wasn´t strong, but because her systems were missing.” “That shift from feeling like an outsider to realising she had something valuable to offer was seismic.” PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing and start building momentum in your art career? Applications are now open for the next Artist Mastermind Circle—a six-month coaching programme for mid-career artists who are serious about growing their confidence, income, and opportunities. Apply by 21 July at https://cerihand.com/artist-mastermind-circle/ and take the next bold step. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy Way: Unlock Your Artworld Network Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/ **** Book a Discovery Call Today  To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity  Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri interviews artist Tim A. Shaw, co-founder of the Hospital Rooms charity that focuses on arts and mental health. During the interview, Tim talks about his journey as an artist and how his work has transformed inpatient mental health units. He shares the challenges and rewards of collaborating with artists in these settings, emphasising the importance of selecting those who can see the potential in these spaces. Tim also reflects on the emotional and psychological impacts of working in such contexts and the support provided to artists. He shares insights into the motivation behind starting Hospital Rooms and the process of convincing hospitals to collaborate. Tim's passion for art and mental health shines through as he discusses the power of creativity to bring hope and change to individuals in these challenging environments. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hospital Rooms is an arts and mental health charity that commissions artists to transform inpatient mental health units. They also run workshops and a digital art school. The selection of artists for projects is based on their ability to create stimulating and thought-provoking work, as well as their willingness to problem-solve and adapt to the unique challenges of working in mental health settings. Working in mental health settings can be emotionally and psychologically challenging for artists. Hospital Rooms provides support and creates a safe environment for artists to navigate these challenges. The organisation uses creative methods for gathering feedback and evaluation, such as visual matrix workshops and non-traditional feedback forms, to ensure a more engaging and meaningful process. Tim A. Shaw, the artist and co-founder of Hospital Rooms, has transitioned from creating large-scale installations to smaller, more intimate paintings. His work often explores themes of mental health and parenthood   BEST MOMENTS "We commission extraordinary artists to transform inpatient mental health units around the country." "We're very present on a working ward for a number of months… our team are really amazing at making the artists feel safe while also making their best work." "I think most of us have… been sectioned… so going into an inpatient ward that might be very similar to the one that they were in, or they visited someone in, can be very challenging and quite triggering." "I think the work we do in Hospital Rooms, we feel like we have a responsibility for some of that work to be quite transformative, to really change the way you think and feel when you're in that space." "You know, everyone can experience it and we should all have the right to experience it. And, you know, the service users we work with, there's so many creative ways of thinking."   ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand

In this episode of the Extraordinary Creatives Podcast, Ceri Hand speaks with visionary artist Jenkin van Zyl about his journey from suburban life to the vibrant club and squat party culture of London. Jenkin is a multi-talented artist who creates immersive worlds that challenge binary oppositions and celebrate otherness. He shares the challenges he has faced in funding and managing large-scale projects, and offers valuable advice to emerging artists. He also talks about his experience exhibiting at the prestigious Hayward Gallery and how artists can embrace their unique worldview to live differently. Jenkin's new project explores the intersection of fantasy, horror, and contemporary politics. This inspiring conversation is not to be missed! KEY TAKEAWAYS Jenkin van Zyl describes his style as a fusion of artistry and intensity, drawing inspiration from theatrical ballet and horror elements. Jenkin's creative journey started in London squat parties and queer club culture, where he explored and expressed complex ideas about masculinity and identity through unique costuming. Jenkin emphasizes the importance of discovering your authentic voice and surrounding yourself with honest, supportive confidants who can provide straightforward guidance. Jenkin's work is characterized by its expansive creativity, incorporating filmmaking, sculptural works, drawings, performance, and writing, often presented in installation and world-building contexts. Jenkin faces challenges in funding and developing the scale of his projects, as well as balancing the multifaceted demands of being an artist, including project management, marketing, and navigating the art industry's underfunding and limited resources. BEST MOMENTS "I describe myself as a filmmaker, but that kind of inevitably spills out into kind of sculptural works, drawings, performance, writing." "I think there is a sense of otherness that is applied onto queer bodies and the otherness of monsters that has been emphasised over the years, I think is interesting." "I think it's about having kind of confidence in your worldview and nurturing the parts of that that are like super unique and necessary." "I think it's about going and making sure that I was doing as much stuff that had like physical material to kind of refresh and recharge." "I think it's really important at points in the work that we make to kind of not focus on the overwhelming state of crisis, but to apply CPR to the embers of things that are really important to salvage the world of humanity." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand

Ceri welcomes Beth Bate, Director of the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre in Scotland. Beth shares her inspiring story of overcoming childhood bullying to find her place in the arts world. Beth shares the importance of finding your tribe, or surrounding yourself with people who appreciate your uniqueness. Beth's leadership in championing diversity and inclusion is admirable, and she is helping other creatives thrive. Reminder to embrace your creativity and chart your own path. If you're looking for some inspiration, Beth has it all! KEY TAKEAWAYS Overcoming challenges: Beth's journey from childhood bullying and health challenges to thriving in the arts is a testament to endurance and resilience. Finding your champions: Beth emphasizes the importance of finding a community of people who support and champion your creative endeavors, whether it's through youth theater or professional networks. Embracing your inner spark: Beth encourages embracing your unique identity and expressing yourself authentically, even if it means standing out from the mainstream. Learning from impactful mentors: Beth highlights the influence of mentors like Mark Ball and Sylvia King, who taught her about leadership, community engagement, and the power of creating meaningful connections. Saying no and setting boundaries: Beth mentions the importance of recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and surrounding yourself with a team that complements your skills. She also emphasizes the need to make tough decisions, even if they are unpopular, in order to create a positive and effective work environment. BEST MOMENTS "There was something in being able to recognize your community and recognize who your supporters are." "I think being involved in arts and culture in whatever form, there's so many ways to do that, your theatre is just but one." "I think there is something about being attracted and drawn to things which were perhaps slightly outside of the mainstream." "I learned an enormous amount from Mark in terms of taking huge responsibility for the voice and the power and the role that you can have." "There is something remarkable about creating connection and being radical in all of its senses, but also about thinking about having fun, thinking about how we create a fun community that does brilliant things together." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand

If you're looking for some creative inspiration, today's guest John Marchant shares his unique journey as a curator, gallerist, and artist collaborator. He's worked with some big names in the industry, such as Body Map and Jamie Reid, and he discusses how he balances the artist's vision with the expectations of galleries and audiences. John also talks about his current project, a large-scale installation in a field that combines art, spirituality, and a political message. His story is all about curiosity, resilience, and the transformative power of art.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Embrace opportunities: John's pivotal moment came when he saw a spread of photographs in a magazine that inspired him to pursue a different path. He encourages others to seize opportunities, even if they seem unconventional or risky. Curiosity and openness: John's curiosity led him to work with a diverse range of artists and explore different creative scenes. He was drawn to politically active artists and those who pushed boundaries, allowing him to learn and grow in his role as a curator. Navigating different perspectives: As a curator, John had to navigate the space between the artist's vision and the expectations of funders and galleries. He learned to wear different hats and see from multiple perspectives to create cohesive and meaningful exhibitions. Demand the impossible: Jamie Reid's iconic artwork often carried political messages and challenged the status quo. John learned the power of demanding the impossible and pushing boundaries through art, which resonated with audiences and sparked conversations. Resilience and adaptability: John's experiences, from working in construction to curating exhibitions, taught him resilience and adaptability. He learned to navigate challenging situations, work with limited resources, and find creative solutions to bring artists' visions to life. BEST MOMENTS "I opened a very, very early copy of ID magazine…this massive thing was clanging in my head saying, you do not have to conform to what you're being raised for." "Jamie Reid…the artwork for the Pistols was actually a political action in itself." "Demand the impossible…people love that still." "We proposed this thing with a whole series of festivals around the year…and they said, Yeah, we'll do that. That seems great." "We're standing there in this field with the local chapter of the Druid Order, kids brought in by the Sensory Trust, various people…that was one of the maddest things that we actually did together." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand

Ceri Hand interviews Sue about her creative journey, from her humble beginnings in a non-artistic family to her fascination with LSD and Americana. Sue's unwavering passion and unique approach to art have led her to remarkable success despite facing rejection. She also shares the hilarious story of how Charles Saatchi purchased her work. Sue's authenticity and determination to follow her own path serve as an inspiration for anyone seeking a meaningful creative life. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sue Webster's creative journey was not initially encouraged or supported by her family. Despite this, she pursued her passion for art and found her own unique path. LSD played a significant role in expanding Sue's creativity and opening her mind to new possibilities. It instilled in her the confidence to explore different mediums and techniques in her artwork. Sue's collaboration with Tim Noble, her future husband, was born out of their shared interest in pushing the boundaries of art. They experimented with assemblages made from found objects and developed their own DIY aesthetic. Sue's obsession with Americana and customization influenced her artwork, particularly in her use of chrome, flashing lights, and references to 1950s design. She drew inspiration from car shows and the visual impact of hot rods. Moving to Bradford and later Halifax provided Sue with affordable studio spaces and opportunities to exhibit her work. These experiences in the art community helped shape her confidence and determination to push the boundaries of her creativity. BEST MOMENTS "I guess I always considered it to be a burden, having this sort of creative part of you that you have to exercise a demon I guess you have to get some stuff out your system and it was never encouraged when I grew up." "I was very much drawn together on that. And then once we graduated, there was somebody came along, you know, and said, oh, I've got a studio complex up in Bradford in Yorkshire, which I'm opening up and I'm looking, I can give you a free studio if you want to move up." "I just thought, God, I don't want to be one of them people. I just want to leave."  "I was very lucky and had a massive space and then Tim moved down to sculpture not long afterwards and there was no room so he just had a curtain under the stairs." "I just thought, you know what, I'm going to move from painting to sculpture department as soon as I can, and you know, I went first." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand

How do we know when our life calls for profound change? Ceri Hand’s journey of resilience and transformation began in the aftermath of a life-altering brush with death. In this episode, Ceri shares her empowering story of overcoming a relentless storm of challenges and rediscovering herself, highlighting the transformative power of self-care along the way. Hear how Ceri made the difficult decision to leave behind a job she loved in search of a more balanced life, embarking on a journey of deep reflection, courage, and self-discovery. KEY TAKEAWAYS Prioritising self-care and setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling creative life. Ceri's wake-up call incident served as a reminder to take care of ourselves and make necessary changes. Mentoring and coaching can be powerful tools for overcoming fears and challenges, making progress in creative endeavours, and achieving personal and professional goals. Ceri's experience as a Creative Coach showed the positive impact it had on their clients' lives. Addressing negative and limiting beliefs is essential for unlocking creative potential. By managing thoughts and developing a positive mindset, creatives can experience more freedom and opportunities. Being in service to others and building a supportive creative community can lead to personal growth and empowerment.  Creativity is a key factor in achieving success and making a meaningful impact in the world. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to embrace their creativity, be adventurous, create brilliant work, and connect with others.   BEST MOMENTS "I was lucky. Another 30 seconds and the train might have sped off, ending my life." "It wasn't just about changing jobs or cities. It was about changing myself." "Feeling like we're alone, we're an outsider, like we don't belong, don't deserve success, don't understand the rules and don't know who our tribe is, are common thoughts for creatives." "I learned how to develop a positive mindset that would enable more creative freedom and opportunities." "At the core of this podcast lies the belief that creativity is the key to success." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering artists and creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the contemporary arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand

For this episode, Ceri is joined by British Filipino curator, writer and researcher John Kenneth Paranada. He bridges the worlds of art, science and other disciplines to shape global conversations around sustainability, resilience and regenerative practices. They unpack his journey and explore how art is mobilising change and the role institutions like the Sainsbury Centre can play in shaping climate consciousness. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about creativity activism and the courage to take a stand. KEY TAKEAWAYS The language of art is powerful, globally understood and moves people on an emotional level. Every city or art space has its own brand and language, but in all of them art touches people, inspires and exposes them to new ideas and makes them think differently. Art is inspiring experts from different disciplines to work together to solve climate change. We all need to take a clear stand to protect the climate, despite the risks. Be respectful and polite but be effective. The Sainsbury centre takes an innovative approach and looks at things holistically. The materials and mediums used for A World of Water are deliberately varied to attract people with a wide range of interests. Ken shares examples. We need to reduce carbon emissions for exhibitions e.g. loaning locally. Artists can play a role by using more sustainable and waste materials. BEST MOMENTS “The climate-culture conversation needs to be bridged, needs to be unpacked.” “The power of art is that it gives you an image, it gives you a particular kind of interface for understanding complexity.” “Art can unpack the kinds of emotions in us that mobilise us to want to make change.” “Museums will be very important in creating hope for our public to fight climate change.” “Should we actually continue making sculptures out of bronze?....” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kenneth-paranada https://www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk/ PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing and start building momentum in your art career? Applications are now open for the next Artist Mastermind Circle—a six-month coaching programme for mid-career artists who are serious about growing their confidence, income, and opportunities. Apply by 21 July at https://cerihand.com/artist-mastermind-circle/ and take the next bold step. Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy Way Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/ **** Book a Discovery Call Today  To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity  Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Ceri explains how to recognise when fear is holding you back, particularly fear of what others think or of rejection. If you are constantly telling yourself you are not ready or good enough to take the next step in your creative journey, in all likelihood it is fear that is holding you back.  Ceri shares some simple strategies any artist can use to recognise, face and overcome their fears.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Most of the artists Ceri works with do not lack talent, motivation, skill or ideas, yet they struggle to make progress. Usually, it is fear that is holding them back. Being afraid is normal, it´s human, so there is no need to be ashamed of feeling that way. If you are avoiding something you need to do to make progress, name it. Say it out loud. Fear thrives in silence. Sharing your fears with other artists, especially in person, is incredibly powerful. It demonstrates to you that others feel the exact same fear you do, yet many have conquered it, which means you can too. Stop using unproductive tasks as a way to avoid the things you fear doing. Ceri shares a simple strategy you can implement immediately. Action beats perfectionism. Surround yourself with other artists and share your fears openly with them. They truly understand how you feel so you can draw on their support and experience to take action and conquer those fears. BEST MOMENTS “You´re not lazy, you’re not unmotivated, and you certainly are not lacking talent, but you might be afraid.” “I’ve been avoiding pitching for a public commission I really want. I tell myself I’m not ready. But really—I’m scared they’ll say no, or worse…yes.” “Turn that big shadowy monster into something small enough to hold…name the thing you´ve been avoiding.” “Fear loves to dress up as perfectionism.” “You don’t need a bigger network; you need a braver one.” “Being in a group of artists who are generous, smart and real, changes how you see yourself.” PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy Way Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/ **** Book a Discovery Call Today  To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity  Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri speaks with author and former CEO Margaret Heffernan about embracing uncertainty as a creative tool. From her journey through theatre, BBC production, tech leadership, to becoming a bestselling author, she shares how uncertainty isn't something to fear but a space where possibility thrives. Her latest book also explores how artists navigate and flourish in unpredictability and how in uncertainty lies choice, freedom, opportunity, exploration and adventure. KEY TAKEAWAYS Margaret embodies creative flexibility and has in her career, from theatre to BBC producer to tech CEO to acclaimed author, proved creative thinking transcends industries and can lead to unexpected opportunities. Uncertainty contains freedom, choice, and opportunity. If we eliminated it life would turn into a mere to-do list. Artists inherently understand this and demonstrate how to thrive within ambiguity. Heffernan tests ideas by asking: "If I ignore it, will it go away?" The ideas that persist (whether for businesses or books) are the ones worth pursuing, her creative instincts can guide important decisions. For emerging artists, the intrinsic reward of creating meaningful work often outweighs financial stability and many choose creative uncertainty over predictable comfort because the satisfaction exceeds anything else they could do. When faced with rejection or indifference to your ideas, instead of being crushed, consider that you might just need to explain it better. Persistence and refinement are essential creative skills. Perfectionism cripples creativity, experimentation and being willing to try different approaches when stuck can help you as an artist. Success often comes through iteration rather than getting it right the first time. Storytelling is central to communicating complex ideas effectively, Margaret structures her talks and writing around "tentpole stories" that support her arguments, making abstract concepts accessible and memorable. BEST MOMENTS "I'm quite startlingly comfortable with uncertainty. I remember the very last startup I ran, I ended up closing down because I could not find a path to profitability. I just had a real confidence that at some point it would become clear. And at some point it did." "The hard boiled business person is going to say, look at the mess we're in, and you're saying we need more art? Are you out of your mind? The mess that got us here isn't gonna get us out. We need a very profound mindset shift." "In uncertainty lies choice. In uncertainty lies freedom. In uncertainty lies opportunity, exploration, adventure. Most people don't wanna know what they're getting for their birthday." "I use the test: if I ignore the idea, will it go away? The businesses I ended up running were ideas that wouldn't go away and I used pretty much the same test for books." "For all that I was strongly advised not to write Embracing Uncertainty, regardless of how it does, I would've been very unhappy if I'd wimped out." "Instead of getting crushed by indifference, I thought, actually I just need to explain it better. That's actually such a brilliantly inspiring take on taking responsibility for how we're communicating our ideas." "We are not fated to be one thing or another. It's up to us.” "When I talk to people about eliminating uncertainty, I'm only about halfway through the story when they suddenly realise, wow, this is not what we want. This is not what anyone wants in their life."   EPISODE RESOURCES Guest Links: https://www.mheffernan.com/ PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Welcome to the 100th episode of Extraordinary Creatives! One hundred thousand listeners, nineteen months and now ranked in the top 1.5% of podcasts and in this episode, Ceri wants to remind you what being an extraordinary creative is all about. KEY TAKEAWAYS You keep showing up, even when it’s messy. You sit with the dualities. You know risk, failure, and mistakes are part of the deal. You ask curious questions. You stay open. You feel deeply, and it all goes into the work. BEST MOMENTS "You know that consistency doesn’t mean doing it perfectly. It means turning up with curiosity, with vulnerability, and with the willingness to try again, even if yesterday felt like a failure.” “You make because you have to, not for applause, not for approval but because there is something in you that refuses to be silenced.” “You’re not trying to make safe work, you’re trying to make true work and there’s nothing more courageous than that.” “You know that the clues to your best work are usually hidden in your foundations, in the early obsessions, the weird childhood drawings, the thing you couldn’t stop doing when no one was watching.” “You don’t need to be louder. Or quicker. Or more polished. You just need to keep choosing creativity in a world that’s constantly nudging you to quit. You’re not behind, you’re becoming and we’re lucky to witness it.” EPISODE RESOURCES   PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri interviews Sherry Dobbin, a cultural strategist whose work spans continents and iconic spaces. From starting in theatre to transforming Times Square, Sherry shares how she crafts meaningful cultural experiences that change how we engage with public spaces. She reveals the secrets behind successful public art, innovative funding models and her approach to helping people engage and not feel intimidated by public art. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sherry's journey began in theatre, where she learned to embody multiple perspectives through mask work, establishing her passion for crafting environments where people can explore and connect. Successful public art needs three levels of engagement: aesthetic appeal that draws in the casual observer, deeper resonance for those knowledgeable about art and dialogue with important contemporary issues. Creating clear frames or visual cues in public spaces helps people understand how to engage with art, allowing them to feel confident rather than confused or intimidated. Sherry advocates for meeting people where they are by providing simple instructions about what to do rather than what not to do, giving audiences the confidence to engage with even the most challenging art. Developing cultural spaces in commercial developments can work when both parties understand value beyond direct financial transactions, arts organisations bring people, energy and identity to developments. Cultural organisations should rethink funding models by considering their total operational needs rather than focusing on rigid categories, opening up to partnerships where both parties maintain integrity while addressing shared interests. When developing cultural spaces, look to the youngest creators to understand future trends, focus on how artists create rather than what they create to anticipate evolving needs. Embracing ‘healthy naivete’ allows for innovation, asking questions and trying approaches that go against expectations can lead to breakthroughs when done with respect and genuine curiosity. BEST MOMENTS "That early understanding of occupying different spaces and identities has shaped her lifelong passion for crafting environments where people can explore, question and connect." "I was much better at taking really great directors and artists and helping them to push themselves, to think further, or how to support the work, or how to come up with solutions for them." "Being able to find alternative realities is how we can help to see solutions to problems." "It's this delicate balance between something being finite enough and clear enough you can focus on it, but it still allows this infinite number of ways in which it can be interpreted." "A lot of it is about giving instructions about what you want people to do. Don't put up don'ts. Everything can turn into an invitation." "Don't assume old sponsorship models anymore, people are really looking towards this matchmaking idea." "Cultural organisations are not the only entities that get free rent in commercial properties. So stop apologising for it and start understanding how you bring something to them."   EPISODE RESOURCES Guest Links: https://sherrydobbin.com/ PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Have you ever sat staring at your work, wondering why it’s not resonating? In this episode, Ceri talks about why you might be stuck in how you are being seen, or not seen and why this doesn’t mean you are failing. She shares six real-world strategies to help you shift gears and make your creative practice feel energised, intentional, and visible again. KEY TAKEAWAYS Share the real reason behind your work. Most artists can describe what their work looks like, but that is only surface level. Reveal what drives you to create meaningful connections. Stop hiding behind your artist statement. Authenticity matters, you need to sound human to build a connection and when people know what you care about, they will remember you and refer you. Speak clearly about your process, most people will first encounter your work online and being able to picture and imagine your process counts. Use your titles as an emotional hook. This is often forgotten, but it is a quick win. Make your work relevant to the now. Art isn’t separate from the world, so make sure people understand how your work connects with the world today. Be specific about what you want. Start with one goal and share it everywhere you are, including your bio and newsletters. BEST MOMENTS “Being stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing, it often means you’re ready to evolve.” “People don’t just connect with aesthetics, they connect with story. With purpose. With the why.” “Make your artist statement human, not academic.” “Clarity creates movement, it helps you focus your energy and opens doors because others can see exactly what you’re aiming for.” PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri speaks with Chantelle Purcell, a curator, producer, and visual artist who co-founded Hive Curates and Other Landz. Chantelle shares her experiences, from grassroots creative spaces to large public art projects, discussing how she manages the balance between community engagement, inclusive spaces and the art. With a passion for creating inclusive spaces and championing culturally diverse artists, Chantelle discusses her approach to curating with care at its centre. Ceri and Chantelle also discuss securing funding, building meaningful collaborations and creating a lasting legacy in public spaces. KEY TAKEAWAYS Creating inclusive environments in the arts means challenging traditional models, through initiatives like Other Landz and Hive Curates, Chantelle builds platforms that specifically support culturally diverse artists and those who haven't had opportunities to create work in public spaces. The power of 'meanwhile spaces' lies in their flexibility and community impact, Chantelle's BroadWorks project transformed a disused building in Liverpool Street into a vibrant cultural hub, supporting over 300 creatives and attracting more than 10,000 visitors in 18 months. The etymology of curate is rooted in care, which should extend to artist development, community engagement and creating accessible spaces that honour local contexts and heritage. Chantelle's work with Enfield Winter Lights and Light Up Kilburn shows how Light festivals can create community engagement. These types of events can change perceptions of public spaces and create platforms for showcasing underrepresented artists. Building relationships with local authorities and developers requires understanding their priorities. You should research cultural policies, understand community demographics and begin engagement 6-9 months before events to build meaningful connections. The role of curator includes both curation and production. Beyond selecting artworks, curators must understand fabrication, planning permissions, community engagement and the entire ecosystem of networks that support public art projects. Chantelle shares that project management fees typically run about 20-25% of total budgets, with artist fees guided by industry standards, ensuring resources flow back into local communities. Chantelle began with a passion project that evolved into a sustainable business, demonstrating how creatives can test concepts, iterate, and develop their unique approach over time and create their own opportunities. BEST MOMENTS "I was always passionate about creativity from a really early age. I was lucky that I had the support of my mum, I was raised by a single parent, but she always encouraged fine art and creativity." "Often we don't think of curation as being about care, if you think about the etymology of the words and the idea of care, I think we often forget this." "For me, curation has evolved. It's changed. When I was working in a commercial context, it was more about curating a body of works for an exhibition. Now it's really about creating legacy and working with local communities." "We realised that the physical interaction or encounter could happen in the public realm and so that's when we started to pivot." "My idea of curation is challenged by the context in which I'm working in." "It's being able to work with an artist, to give them all of the funding, perhaps the tools that they need to fabricate something that they have never fabricated before, to be part of that process EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.chantellempurcell.com/about PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

In this solo episode, Ceri talks about how museums decide what art to collect and how you can get your work chosen. She reveals the strategic thinking behind how museums select artwork, from collection policies to board decisions and gives advice for artists looking to get their work into prestigious collections. Ceri explains that successful museum acquisitions happen when artists help institutions understand the storytelling within their work and shares why building authentic relationships is the foundation of a sustainable creative career. KEY TAKEAWAYS Museum curators follow collecting policies approved by the institution and board, focusing on works that connect past collections with contemporary dialogues, unlock new stories, and address current social issues like climate justice. Successful museum acquisitions require artworks with multiple layers of storytelling that can work across various platforms, like exhibition spaces, press materials and learning resources. Artists should provide ’jumping off points’ rather than interpretations for their work, giving audiences different entry levels through Q&As, videos, quotes, or other ways that reveal process and motivation. Museums typically request a 20-25% discount when acquiring work due to the significant long term costs of preservation, storage, insurance and potential technological updates for digital works. Building your network effectively means focusing on 10-15 core champions rather than spreading yourself too thin, as quality relationships matter more than quantity. When reaching out to curators or artists you admire, reflect their work back to them first, show genuine enthusiasm and avoid tentative language, be direct about what you're proposing. For networking across multiple art worlds (animation, galleries, street art, etc.), start with one area, research and chunk your approach into manageable pieces rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Everyone in the art world regardless of their success level, experiences doubt and appreciates genuine recognition so sharing specific observations about what you value in someone's work creates a meaningful connection. BEST MOMENTS "Museums are the custodians of art for future generations and for the zeitgeist, they're thinking about how to share ideas of our time with future generations and unlock stories in the existing collection." "The works that generally get bought are works that have multiple layers of storytelling, not just within the process, but within the image itself, because that image then gets distributed across press, archives, internal communications." "Don't be shy and distant and aloof and just hope that the work does all the magic for you because that's putting a lot of responsibility on the artwork and assuming that everybody is literate in your language." "It only takes 10 to 15 core champions in order to have a sustainable, creative career. So when we think about less is more, it's better to go deep with a few people than to try and hit a ton of people all at the same time." "When we hesitate, it gives people an out. Instead, say 'I know we would have a brilliant conversation because I know there are amazing people not just in my network, but I know that you would resonate with some of the things that I'm thinking about.'" "Sometimes a curator and an artist work magic together and together they do extraordinary things. They come up with new ideas, so it doesn't look like the same curator and art partnership because they bring out the best in each other." EPISODE RESOURCES cerihand.com/courses PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

For this compelling episode, Ceri is joined by artist Jeremy Hutchison, whose subversive, multi-disciplinary practice spans performance, sculpture, video and text. They cover essential takeaways for artists today: how to subvert the aesthetics of capitalist spectacle without shame, how humour disruption and wrong-headed commercialism can be radical tools for change; and why artists must stop waiting for permission and instead beg forgiveness, push edges and find their co-conspirators.  The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing and start building momentum in your art career? Applications are now open for the next Artist Mastermind Circle—a six-month coaching programme for mid-career artists who are serious about growing their confidence, income, and opportunities.Apply by 21 July at https://cerihand.com/artist-mastermind-circle/ and take the next bold step. KEY TAKEAWAYS Don´t ask for permission, push the boundaries and embrace risk. Beg forgiveness afterwards. Nonsense and humour are powerful - they make people pause and question. Leverage the systems you are critiquing to reach more people. Working with others, movements and communities fuels your creativity and increases reach. Notice small detail they can be catalysts for impactful art. If you want a sustainable practice, regularly take time to recharge. You need good mental and physical health. BEST MOMENTS “You don't need 700 people. You only need about 7 or 10 champions.” “Sometimes in the midst of a political or cultural crisis, the risks that artists have to take set them apart from the tribe.” “I often begin with a tiny thing that pops out of the great sea of life, and it will somehow express the full weirdness of the greater thing.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://jeremyhutchison.com https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhutchison PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy Way Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/ **** Book a Discovery Call Today  To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity  Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Ceri is joined by Richard Malone, a groundbreaking Irish artist whose work has been commissioned for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Permanent Collection and is held in MoMA. Coming from a working class background in Ireland, Malone talks about forging a unique creative path, rejecting conventional systems, embracing being an outsider and keeping artistic integrity despite opportunities for commercial success.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The colours and materials in Richard's work connect directly to his experiences on building sites and his grandmother's textile work. Despite not following traditional paths, Richard's commitment to making work on his own terms has led to significant recognition, including being the first Irish artist commissioned for the Metropolitan Museum's Permanent Collection. Richard believes in maintaining complete creative control, rejecting commercial opportunities (including creative director positions) that would compromise his artistic integrity. For Richard, success means having the daily privilege to create in his studio rather than external validation, fame, or financial reward, which helps him maintain perspective. Richard views trust as essential to the creative process, crediting collaborators who created psychological safety for his most successful projects, including his Royal Academy installation. Coming from a working class background in Ireland has given Richard a different perspective on institutions like the Royal Academy, allowing him to approach them with both respect and necessary irreverence. Richard believes artists need to become comfortable with failure and rejection and accept things when they don’t happen the way you would like or expect. BEST MOMENTS "The further that you get from where you started, the more you realise the importance of those things in constructing who you end up becoming." "I think there is a part of me that really resists that art market in the way that I resisted the fashion system because it doesn't feel right to me.” "The real luxury and the real joy, which I don't think a lot of people understand now, is that I get to come and sit in a studio and make whatever I want in a day. That is unbelievable to me from where I have come from." "Like it reads immaculately, award, award, award, show, show, show, institution, institution, institution. But like, none of that was planned. And there's so much shit that's in between." "I've been rejected for everything at least once. And I think now when I get rejected for something, it means nothing. It means absolutely nothing to me. I'm just like, oh, it's just not in my path.” "Get off social media. It's not real and stop looking sideways."   EPISODE RESOURCES Guest Links: https://www.richard-malone.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardmalone/?hl=en PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri talks about why many artists feel guilty about receiving support. Whether it’s financial, emotional backing or practical help, many struggle with feelings of guilt after asking for or receiving help. Ceri talks about how to shift from guilt to gratitude and embrace support as a fundamental part of the creative process. She also shares how to use reciprocity in a way that feels good for you and those who support you. Ceri ends the episode with a short exercise to help you reframe your mindset and truly own the support you receive. KEY TAKEAWAYS Support is not charity, it’s an investment. People believe in your work and its potential to make an impact. Your creative work deserves investment, in the same way businesses would find investors and scientists source funding for research. When you feel guilt from accepting help you aren’t allowing yourself and those who believe in you to grow. Artists work hard to help others make sense of life. They challenge perceptions and expand our understanding. They improve every aspect of our lives, often asking for nothing or very little in return. Another reason artists can feel guilt is because of unspoken expectations, be clear and define any reciprocation or expectations with those who support you. Money and creativity have a complicated relationship. Many of us internalise the idea that making money from art taints it or financial support means we’re not independent. But thriving in your creative practice often means finding a healthy relationship with money. Write down three instances where you’ve received support. It could be financial help, encouragement, mentorship or a practical hand with something related to your creative work. Then think about why you felt guilty about accepting it, what story you were telling yourself at the time and think of a reframed perspective, that acknowledges why the support was given and why you deserved it.   BEST MOMENTS “Why do we feel guilty about getting support? So often, it’s because society loves the story of the self-made genius who did it all on their own.” “Whether it’s financial help, emotional backing, or practical assistance, many of us feel like we’re somehow on the backfoot or even a bit of a scrounger when people step in to help.” “Artists enrich culture, challenge norms, and hold up a mirror to society, often without the recognition or compensation that matches the profound impact they have. Your creative practice has value, your work is vital and those who support you are investing in something that helps move humanity forward.” “Often the person offering support isn’t looking for anything extravagant, they just want to feel appreciated and involved.” “Instead of apologising for being supported, embrace it as part of your creative ecosystem.” EPISODE RESOURCES   PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri interviews award winning filmmaker Halina Dyrschka, whose documentary "Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint" brought worldwide attention to the pioneer of abstract art. Halina shares her creative experiences, from acting and classical singing to filmmaking, the challenges of securing funding for her documentary and her battle against institutional gatekeeping in the art world. She also talks about how artists can embrace true creativity by recognising the essentialness of exploration and that reality is often overrated!  KEY TAKEAWAYS Halina's creative journey began in acting and classical singing, but frustration with the narrow minded theatre system led her to filmmaking, to maintain creative independence and tell stories that matter to her. When first seeing Hilma af Klint's work, Halina experienced an immediate emotional connection and became angry at how institutions had overlooked such powerful art, revealing systemic problems in museum culture. The art world often operates on institutional thinking rather than individual vision, people in museums across different countries think similarly because they prioritise career and success over the true purpose of art. Creating great work requires collaborating with people who will challenge you; Halina values working with editors and composers who bring different strengths and aren't afraid to push back when something isn't working. Funding is a major challenge for independent filmmakers, but Halina emphasises the importance of starting projects through self-funded research and following your enthusiasm before securing complete financing. After winning film prizes, Halina realised the happiness didn’t last and that what matters most is the inner journey and connecting with even one person who understands your work. Halina is drawn to extraordinary, overlooked biographies like Maria Sibylla Merian, a 17th-century female scientist and artist who travelled to South America to study insects when people were still burning witches in Europe. True creativity often emerges from spiritual exploration; both Hilma af Klint and James Howell (subjects of Halina's documentaries) were interested in spiritual questions. BEST MOMENTS "Reality is highly overrated. Especially as an artist.” "It would have been a completely different film if we had gotten funding immediately. It took me quite a long time, five years for the research and doing it. But those were important years because even in the last half year, things were discovered." "When my film was finished, I was refused from festivals for weeks, over months. Then I had an interesting moment; I felt that if I could just reach one person with it, that would be a huge success." "If you put yourself alongside people who you are happy to be challenged by, I think that's a really great and exciting creative environment, where someone can playfully tease you into another way of thinking." "The ego is the biggest problem for all of us. It's something we really have to get rid of, hopefully in this life." "If it happens, it happens. If it should be, it will be. And if not, it does not. You have to trust life a bit, always trust life." "The most important thing is that you trust yourself because then other people can trust you as well."     EPISODE RESOURCES Guest Resources: https://ambrosiafilm.de/en/film/jenseits-des-sichtbaren-hilma-af-klint/ PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative. .

Ceri talks about something that’s essential for every artist, how to spot your best work and see it objectively. She talks about why it is so important for your artistic career and how you can learn to make choices about your work, from submitting your work to group exhibitions.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Step back and create distance. If you are too close to your work then you will never be able to see it objectively. Time separation is a great way to practice this, put your work away for days or even weeks before you look at it again. You can also separate yourself by creating distance, hanging it up for example or seeing it in a different context. Look at your work as an image first. View your work as an image on a screen as in most cases this will be the first way people will see your work. Flip the question, what is the work trying to do? Ask yourself, What’s it really about? Where does the energy sit, where do your eyes go first? Does it surprise you, or does it feel predictable?Are you holding onto this piece because it’s genuinely strong, or just because it was a nightmare to make? Get clear on your core line of enquiry. If your work doesn’t align with what you care about most, it’s probably not your best! Ask for feedback and be realistic about it. Don’t just ask friends or people you know already like your work, ask people who will give honest and real feedback you can work with. Use your own best work to compare with. Stop comparing yourself to other artists. Your goal should be to keep pushing your own boundaries, rather than measuring up to someone else. Trust your body’s response, your instincts often know more than your rational brain, so don’t ignore them BEST MOMENTS "When you’re too close to your work, it’s impossible to see it objectively.” “People are seeing your art as a digital image before they ever encounter it in person” “If your work is driven by rage at the destruction of nature but it comes across as calm and decorative, it’s not hitting the mark.” “You don’t need endless opinions that send you round in circles. But you do need to be prepared to hear something that challenges your assumptions.” “Be ruthless with yourself, not in a self-critical way, but in a strategic way. You’re not just making work to tick boxes; you’re making work to move your practice somewhere new, somewhere you haven’t been before. That’s where the real progress happens.” “Your body doesn’t lie. Even when your brain is trying to rationalise and talk you into liking something, your body’s reaction cuts straight through that noise.”   EPISODE RESOURCES   PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri interviews Rodolfo Groenewoud, co-founder of In4Art an institute pioneering art driven innovation. Rodolfo has secured funding for over 75 experimental projects, working between art and the sciences and industry.  Rodolfo talks about how artists function as influential researchers, capable of changing businesses and scientific breakthroughs through their unique thought processes. He demonstrates how collaboration creates innovation when artists are given the psychological safety to experiment. If you want to know how to connect your creative work to industries beyond the arts and find new ways to secure funding, you won’t want to miss this episode. KEY TAKEAWAYS Rodolfo discovered artists were natural innovators during his honeymoon in Cuba, realising their studios weren't just creative spaces but laboratories of research and experimentation. This led him to establish In4Art to bridge artistic approaches with business and scientific innovation. Traditional innovation follows linear thinking, while art driven innovation allows for ‘meandering’, letting creators explore unexpected pathways that businesses typically avoid, resulting in breakthrough solutions when properly facilitated and protected. In4Art develops interdisciplinary partnerships between artists, scientists and businesses through an iterative process, beginning with small scale exploration phases before securing larger funding opportunities, ensuring all participants receive value regardless of project completion. Artists applying for collaborative opportunities should focus on communicating their motivation and vision rather than detailed project proposals. Showing genuine interest in collaboration and the subject matter is more compelling than technical details. Successful collaborative projects require psychological safety, with Rodolfo serving as a translator between corporate timelines and artistic processes, helping companies understand that apparent lack of progress often masks profound development happening. The most successful projects achieve recognition across multiple domains, appearing simultaneously in museums as artwork, at scientific conferences as research as well as in businesses as practical applications. Emerging artists should align their financial needs with their preferred working style, working out realistic income requirements before targeting opportunities, rather than applying to every available funding source. Art driven innovation creates more responsible and sustainable technology by encouraging reflection, questioning and testing. It also demystifies complex innovations like AI. Artists are essential collaborators in any development process. BEST MOMENTS "I wasn't just entering places where artists were being creative or painting or sculpting. I was entering places of research and experimentation and prototyping, very similar to the laboratories and companies I'd been working with." "The main word and how it differs is meandering. It's allowing for the possibility of meandering. Artists can go from step one to step four and then decide they want to spend two weeks thinking about step two B in order to reach step six afterward." "We slice up potential long term collaborations into phases and try to be open. We have this amount of money so we can get it to there, we'll search for more. If we have it, we can take the next step." "Artists are one of the most important groups we have that can help with testing, experimentation, questioning, and demystifying. For that alone, they should be a normal party in any innovation process." "When entering artist studios, I realised these were places of research and experimentation, similar to business laboratories I'd worked with - just smaller, often centred around one person or team." "I know of many organisations who are very restless and want to see results quickly. The biggest advice I have, give it a year or a year and a half. Don't try to judge too much what goes on in between." "My special sauce is that I'm an easy collaborator. I can easily work with people from very different walks of life, understanding just enough about every topic to avoid asking stupid questions." "Instead of going for everything, think about why it should be you to go for this opportunity. Most of the time, we can pick out the applications that have spent time thinking about their fit."   EPISODE RESOURCES   PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

What if the biggest thing stopping you from selling your art is the way you think about selling? Join Ceri in this short solo episode as she talks about how you can fix your mindset around sales and sell more of your art. KEY TAKEAWAYS Selling your art isn’t selling out but about backing yourself. You will keep finding reasons you can’t sell if you are holding onto this idea. BEST MOMENTS "Selling your art isn’t about selling out” EPISODE RESOURCES   PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri speaks to art collectors Darryl de Prez and Victoria Thomas about their art collection, their approach to collecting and their views on why the art world needs to start recognising the true cost of art. They share their 30 year journey from meeting at the Courtauld Institute to building a stunning contemporary art collection. They talk about how their home has become an intimate evolving gallery, reflecting their commitment to supporting artists and living with art in a very personal way. KEY TAKEAWAYS Art collecting for Darryl de Prez and Victoria Thomas isn't about investment or status but about supporting artists' practices and living with work that continues to reveal new meanings over time. They've never sold a piece and loan works freely to exhibitions. The couple prioritises work with layers beyond aesthetics, pieces that intrigue, unsettle and challenge them. They're drawn to art that feels slightly sinister or mysterious, with an absence of humanity that creates a space for potential. Their collection evolved organically from individual purchases to collaborative decisions. They often recognise instantly when a piece speaks to them both, sometimes watching video works repeatedly before deciding to acquire them. Gallery relationships are crucial to their collecting. They value gallerists who educate them about artists and provide insight into practices, acknowledging galleries' vital role in supporting artists. They buy work regardless of medium, from paintings to video installations. They embrace artists who work across different disciplines. They respect artists' evolving practices, believing an artist's distinctness remains recognisable even as their medium changes. When hanging work in their home, they initially placed pieces wherever space allowed but now arrange more thoughtfully, discovering that works naturally develop relationships and conversations with each other across themes and concepts. Budget constraints shape their collecting, typically spending under £5,000 per piece and relying on galleries' payment plans. They've noticed financial barriers can prevent artists from continuing their careers. The couple wishes the art world would recognise the true cost of creating art and compensate artists fairly. They advocate for supporting artists' ‘thinking time’ and value art for its own sake, not just for economic benefit. BEST MOMENTS "We're attracted to work where aesthetics are important, but there needs to be something behind it, something that intrigues, that takes you further than the surface image." "I spent a lot of time exploring all these items and creating a fantasy world around them. I think that's why with art, I'm very interested in things that are speculative narratives and realities." "The joy of living with art is that you can experience it in a way you can't if you're looking at it in a museum. Works change with the light, they change with the time of day, they change with my mood." "When Adham thanked us for buying his work because it enabled him to do further work, that got rid of all my bourgeois guilt about acquiring art." "We find it incredibly moving to know that our interest in someone's work has enabled them to further develop ideas and make work they otherwise wouldn't have been able to do." "The collection starts to have a mind of its own and it kind of dictates what you buy. We can see a work and think, 'we really love this,' but it wouldn't work with the other work we have." "I think artists should be realistic about what the true costs are for presenting art to the public in a way that is wonderful and serious and meaningful."   EPISODE RESOURCES   PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

In this solo episode, Ceri talks about a common thing that holds artists and creatives back, waiting for funding, permission or the perfect time to get started. She shares why there is never a perfect time to start and how to succeed as an artist in any field, is just to begin and make things happen. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Work Comes Before the Money: Funding follows momentum, funders, collectors, commissioners want to back projects, not just ideas. The ‘Right Conditions’ Are a Myth: There’s this common belief that you need the perfect time, space, or set of skills before you can really commit to your work. But there is no perfect time. Exploration Leads to Evolution: No amount of planning can replace doing. Once you actually start, you learn what works, what excites you, and what you really need and the more you create, the more momentum builds. BEST MOMENTS “If your project only exists in your head, it’s incredibly difficult for anyone else to get excited about it.” “You don’t need ideal conditions, you just need to begin.” “Even just saying out loud what you’re working on makes it more real. Don’t let funders, gatekeepers, or circumstances dictate your creative momentum.” EPISODE RESOURCES   PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri welcomes Emma Richardson, a polymath creative who seamlessly navigates music and visual art. Currently the bassist and vocalist for Pixies while maintaining her painting career, Emma talks about creative courage and change. She shares her experience with Band of Skulls, her pivot towards painting during lockdown and her unexpected invitation to join one of rock's most influential bands. Emma's story shows the power of following your creative instincts, even when the path forward isn't clear. KEY TAKEAWAYS Emma credits her early art teacher Mr. Malin for introducing her to diverse art forms and her tutor Clunie Reid for providing philosophical reading that expanded her artistic vision. The music industry and art world require different approaches but similar courage. Emma describes how transitioning from an established band to pursuing painting full time meant "being back to square one" but allowed her to reconnect with her original passion. The creative states of music and visual art have distinctly different energies. While performing music provides an immediate collective energy exchange with audiences, painting offers a private, contemplative flow state where Emma can explore deeper themes and take different kinds of creative risks. Performance involves a specific kind of energy management. Emma evolved from using alcohol to manage performance anxiety to developing much better self care including exercise and proper sleep, to be in the right headspace and have the right energy. Finding your creative community transforms solo practice. After reconnecting with painting through the Turps correspondence course and Ceri Hand Rocket Booster course, Emma discovered an essential group of fellow artists who provided both inspiration and practical support for her renewed career direction. Emma learned that passion alone isn't enough, understanding promotion, sales, and professional relationships is essential for building a sustainable creative career in any discipline. Saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities can lead to extraordinary growth. When invited to join Pixies, Emma embraced the challenge of learning their extensive catalogue and stepping into a legendary band, demonstrating how preparation meets opportunity in creative careers. BEST MOMENTS "Being given a book at school with Georgia O'Keeffe's work just really resonated with me, there was a feeling about her work that I got, which I loved." "At college, just learning different skill sets of drawing from life, drawing from still life... the thrill of that, being able to draw from life and make something appear out of nowhere, which looked actually real." "Being on tour is quite an intense experience. Early days, everything's new, you're seeing new countries and cities for the first time. There's usually quite a lot of alcohol involved for nerves. You have this sort of come up and then come down." "With painting, it's very much still a performance but because it's solo and you're on your own in a space and no one's watching you, you can get lost a bit easier and feel a flow in a sense."  "When you're starting a different aspect of your creative practice, where you feel like you're at a different stage, it's those early stages of 'How do I promote myself? How do I sustain my practice? How do I sell work? How do I get shows?'"  "It's being brave enough to go out and ask for help sometimes, or ask for knowledge, or to be able to understand the business side of the art world a bit more. You want to create, but earning and living from it is another beast."  "I think from what you were saying earlier, that sort of delight when the gallerist invited you to be in the show. There's a shared commitment to sharing the work with a wider public, that that's something that you desire."  "Sometimes to wait for great, we have to say goodbye to good. It can be tough to walk away from people, projects, or careers we love in order to explore what's truly possible for us." EPISODE RESOURCESEmma RichardsonWebsite: emmarichardsonart.comInstagram: @elrpainting Band of Skulls – I Know What I Am (Official Music Video), featuring Emma Richardson’s painting as a stunning animated backdrop, seamlessly blending her visual and musical worlds. PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

In this solo episode, Ceri talks about a truth many artists and creatives struggle with: Success won’t change your life. We’re told that success is the finish line, but this is far from the truth, success is fleeting and life carries on afterwards. Ceri talks about what success really means for creatives and artists and how changing your mindset around it can help you build and live a more fulfilling life and creative career. KEY TAKEAWAYS Success isn’t about reaching a final goalpost but about continuous growth. When you start measuring your progress by how much you’re evolving, rather than just ticking off achievements, everything changes. Most artists and creatives underestimate the power of slow-building momentum. You’re not just working toward some distant finish line; you’re constantly growing in ways you might not even notice. If you want to build a creative life that lasts, stop waiting for success to validate you. Instead: - Redefine success – What does progress look like for you? - Follow your curiosity – Chase ideas, not approval. - Celebrate small wins – Acknowledge every step forward. - Track your progress – Keep a journal, document your journey, and reflect on how far you’ve come. - Give yourself permission to change – Your creative path isn’t fixed. It’s fluid, and that’s a good thing. BEST MOMENTS “That external validation wasn’t the most important part, the real reward was in the process” "But the real joy? It comes from holding these goals like a roadmap, not a rigid itinerary. The destination helps plot the most scenic route, where you’ll meet incredible, funny, and inspiring people along the way.” “Have you had a conversation recently that sparked a new idea? Have you experimented with a technique or approach that felt exciting? Have you shared your work with someone and received valuable feedback? These are growth moments. And they matter just as much as a big career milestone.” EPISODE RESOURCES   PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

In this empowering episode, Ceri dismantles the myth that you are not achieving enough as an artist. Something that virtually every artist that comes to her for coaching tells her is true of them. Ceri explains how to use honest reflection, and mindset shifts to put things into perspective, fully appreciate your achievements and celebrate your wins. This episode will enable you to reclaim your confidence and progress with renewed clarity and enthusiasm. The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing and start building momentum in your art career? Applications are now open for the next Artist Mastermind Circle—a six-month coaching programme for mid-career artists who are serious about growing their confidence, income, and opportunities.Apply by 21 July at https://cerihand.com/artist-mastermind-circle/ and take the next bold step. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cultivating the right mindset is key. Notice the micro wins and celebrate them - track progress to help you. Consistency is what sets successful artists apart. Comparing yourself to other artists is a trap.  The art world puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on artists.  Don´t wait for institutions or gatekeepers to validate your work. Just keep creating. BEST MOMENTS “The art world loves fashion and labels. I say, Forget it. What matters is consistent contribution.” “Train yourself to expect good things. Wire your brain to notice the progress you're already making. Success builds more success. Momentum attracts more momentum.” “Write down every single action you've already taken to move your career forward.” “There is no hierarchy. There is no right combination. There is only your unique self-made path.” “When you see it in black and white, you'll realize you're much further ahead than you ever allowed yourself to believe.” “You've already proven your resilience, your commitment and your contribution stand in that. Let it lift you.” HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy Way Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/ **** Book a Discovery Call Today  To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity  Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Ceri is joined by Marcelle Joseph, an American independent curator and collector based in the UK whose collection champions female identifying and queer artists. Marcelle talks about her journey from corporate lawyer to art world innovator, revealing how early influences in material culture shaped her curatorial vision. With over 50 exhibitions curated since 2011, she discusses her feminist focused collection and her GIRLPOWER residency in France and gives advice for emerging artists. KEY TAKEAWAYS Marcelle's journey into art began with material culture influences from her grandmother's textile work and her father's entrepreneurial spirit. This now manifests in her current collecting of ceramics and textiles from female identifying and non binary artists. After leaving a successful corporate law career, Marcelle reinvented herself through a degree at Christie's Education and founded Marcelle Joseph Projects in 2011, eventually curating over 50 exhibitions that explore feminist theory and the performativity of gender. Studio visits are crucial exchanges where Marcelle connects with artists' influences and processes. She recommends artists prepare thoughtfully, demonstrating their practice range and sharing their theoretical inspirations. For new artists looking for opportunities, Marcelle advises maintaining a professional Instagram and comprehensive website showcasing at least five years of work, being selective with networking events as well as persistently applying for residencies and grants. Marcelle established a unique 50/50 collecting partnership with Kimberly Morris called the GIRLPOWER Collection, which expanded into a residency program in France that offers stipends, materials budgets and exhibition opportunities to three artists annually. The contemporary art market faces serious challenges, particularly for small to mid size galleries. Marcelle highlights Hauser & Wirth's model of offering small galleries a commission when signing their artists as a potential sustainability solution. Institutional governance work has been central to Marcelle's impact, including  a former trustee at Matt's Gallery, Ambassador for the Royal Academy Schools, and Vice Chair at Mimosa House,  which she values for championing marginalised voices. Marcelle's dream retirement project is to create a foundation in her hometown in upstate New York to introduce contemporary art to young people while offering artist residencies, giving back to the community that shaped her. BEST MOMENTS "I've adopted a lot of my father's mentality in my own career journey about deciding that I want to do something that's really brave and sort of outside of my comfort zone and just attacking it and making it happen." "I'm all about platforming those artists who have been marginalised or written out of the traditional Western art canon by the patriarchy." "I like supporting early career artists because it’s the most pivotal part of their career in my opinion. If they can’t get past being an early career artist, they’re not going to be an artist." "I often call my collection a collection of conversations, because almost all of the artwork is by artists that I know, that I've worked with, written about, done a studio visit with." "Don't be afraid to approach your heroes. What's the worst thing that can possibly happen? They turn around and walk away, right?" "I know websites are going out of fashion, but I find them so incredibly important to do my initial research on artists. A holding page is not enough. I like to see at least five years of their work." "Curating is all about caring for the artwork, but it's also about caring for the artist. That's really important to me." "Life is short so you shouldn't let any opportunity go by." EPISODE RESOURCES https://marcellejoseph.com @marcelle.joseph PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Tired of shouting into the void? In this episode Ceri reveals how creators can find their perfect audience without compromising artistic integrity. Using climate crisis art as a case study, Ceri demonstrates how identifying ideal clients can transform creative careers. Rather than changing your work to please others, it's about strategically connecting with those who already resonate with your message and using this in all aspects of your work, from creating to marketing.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Defining your ideal client isn’t about changing your work or selling out. It’s about assessing what you already create, what you’re passionate about, and finding the people who care about the same things. Consider your clients demographics such as age, location and income. Psychographics are also important, things like their interests, values and beliefs and aspirations. Be as specific as possible, when you’re specific, you can tailor your marketing, your social media content and your pitches to speak directly to your ideal clients. BEST MOMENTS "You don’t need to change what you create. You just need to find the people who are already aligned with it.” “Who is most likely to resonate with your work? Think about age, occupation, lifestyle, and location.” “This isn’t about exclusion, it’s about making meaningful connections.” EPISODE RESOURCES PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri is joined by Rosalie Schweiker, a South German artist and cultural organiser reimagining how art can drive social justice. As co-director at Migrants in Culture, Rosalie shares her journey from EU citizen to confronting the UK's hostile immigration system and how this transformed her creativity. The conversation explores motherhood's impact on creativity, building collective driven organisations and dismantling oppressive systems while designing joyful alternatives. KEY TAKEAWAYS Rosalie structures her week meticulously since becoming a mother: two days of childcare, two days at Migrants in Culture and one day for "mopping up" life admin. This routine provides space for her creative process. Migrants in Culture operates as a design agency that creates capacity for organisers to imagine a world without borders, following design justice principles while ensuring their processes align with their values around migration justice. The traditional commissioning model for socially engaged artists often places them in an impossible position, expected to deliver transformative work with minimal resources while bearing all responsibility and getting paid less than everyone else involved. Building a collective helps shift from the unsustainable model of the individual artist to a more accountable, transparent system where decisions are made together, resources are shared and relationships are less disposable. Artists shouldn't view themselves as special or separate from broader societal pressures, instead recognising they are workers within a system helps adjust expectations and create more sustainable practices. Challenging the romanticised view of the artist, Rosalie suggests the system is intentionally designed to keep artists precarious while serving as "lightning rods" for organisational processes that otherwise can't be fixed. Motherhood has shifted Rosalie's artistic practice to focus on drawing as documentation and processing, showing how creativity adapts to life circumstances rather than requiring ideal conditions. The concept of "submerging" is as important as "emerging" for artists. Sometimes withdrawing from visibility to reflect, recharge, and develop work away from external pressures is essential to creative sustainability. BEST MOMENTS "I guess you find your people by just constantly showing up in a way. It wasn't like I had this as a vision for myself." “The art world can do whatever it wants to do. I am not here to fix that mess.” "When we make a report for an organisation or if we do graphic design and people are excited about it, you get quite direct feedback." "The system is designed to work. People, especially when they're first engaged with immigration, they're like, 'Surely that must be a mistake,' but if this mistake keeps reappearing all the time, we can assume that this is structural, and this is intended." "I really struggle with attributing value to what I do as an artist, as a person. I can only do that when other people are in conversation with me for some reason." "That idea of continuing the status quo by trying to fix it, solve it, work hard, graft, overcome it, is such a familiar story to so many of us listeners, I'm sure." "Submerging is as important as emerging, I would say."   EPISODE RESOURCES www.RosalieSchweiker.info https://www.instagram.com/rosalieschweiker/ https://www.migrantsinculture.com/ PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ready to stop waiting for that elusive cash fairy and actually make 2025 the year your bank account catches up with your creative talents? Ceri explains how artists and creatives can rewire their financial mindsets to elevate their earnings in 2025.  Ceri reveals practical accountability frameworks, goal setting techniques and mindset shifts that turn vague money hopes into tangible results.  This episode delivers the financial reality check creative souls desperately need and teaches you how to hack your money mindset.  KEY TAKEAWAYS  Rewire Your Money Mindset. Say these out loud to yourself: "I can earn money." " I earn money." "I have money." "I spend money." Try saying these out loud every morning for a week. Notice what thoughts come up. Challenge them. Find a ‘Money Mark’. So a friend, colleague or mentor who’s also ready to level up. Here’s how to make it work: Set a financial goal for the year and share it. Meet monthly (or fortnightly) to check in, swap ideas, and keep each other motivated. Call out each other’s limiting beliefs. Use your collective brainpower to spot opportunities, collaborations, and new income streams. Set a Financial Goal and Actually Track It. Be specific, Define Your Number. Identify Your Income Streams the Sh*t Work – If it’s time-consuming, joyless, and underpaid, ditch it. Use a System to track your progress. Set Deadlines and Stay Accountable. Money goals only work if they have deadlines. Break it down like this: Annual goal. Quarterly check-ins. Monthly Milestones. Regular Money Mark meetings. Know Your Worth and Price Accordingly. Your prices should reflect the value you bring, not just the hours you put in. Charging properly doesn’t make you greedy, it makes you sustainable. The right people will pay your rates. Stop Hoping and Start Practising. Here’s the truth: getting better at making money is just like getting better at your creative work, it takes practice. BEST MOMENTS Most of us in the arts have been trained to believe that making money is for other people. That success stories are anomalies. That talking about cash is a bit icky. Money goals only work if they have deadlines. Otherwise, you’ll still be thinking about them in December 2025, wondering where the time went. "Your prices should reflect the value you bring. Price confidently, and your clients will recognise the worth of your offerings." “You’re not bad with money. You just haven’t trained yourself to think about it differently.” EPISODE RESOURCES PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri explores the future of cultural spaces with Seb Chan, the director & CEO of ACMI, where he is redefining how museums connect with their audiences. Seb talks about his evolution from experimental music producer to museum innovator and reveals how his background in creating immersive musical experiences has shaped his approach to museum design. Seb’s unique experiences and professional knowledge give a unique perspective on how museums can shape the future. KEY TAKEAWAYS Drawing from his experimental music background, Seb discovered that museums should move beyond traditional education to spark curiosity. His experience in underground music scenes taught him how to create environments where people feel empowered to explore the unfamiliar. Going from tech consultant to museum CEO, Seb developed a future focused philosophy. He now insists cultural institutions must be designed for the future, considering not just technology but also the skills future generations will need. Leading multiple international institutions taught Seb the importance of acknowledging diverse cultural contexts. His experiences across New Zealand, Australia, and America shaped his understanding of how museums can create inclusive spaces that transcend shared assumptions. Physical tools can enhance digital experiences. Seb’s work with these technologies revealed solutions for maintaining visitor focus in our distraction prone lives. Through years of visitor research and practical application, Seb developed strategic principles for creating memorable museum experiences. His approach integrates multisensory engagement with thoughtful space utilisation. Witnessing the erosion of societal trust, Seb recognises why cultural institutions are vital spaces for rebuilding connections. His leadership philosophy emphasises fostering genuine dialogue and understanding across communities. Despite facing resource constraints and pandemic exhaustion, Seb maintains his commitment to experimentation; continuous innovation is crucial for addressing complex societal challenges. Based on his transformative work at ACMI, Seb changed how they measure success. He shifted focus from traditional visitor counts to deeper engagement indicators, fundamentally changing how museums evaluate their impact. BEST MOMENTS "For me, music has a particular ability to transcend cultures and time and space too, it gives you a different sense of time. Going to a gig or going out to an event, that sort of sense of time shifts and time stretches and makes me think about things in other ways." "In the world we live in, where all our social relations and communities are run through media, museums have a vital role in helping people make sense of that complexity." "You can design spaces to change behaviour and to change people's openness and when you design them well, they work. I know a lot of artists are sort of thinking about this sort of stuff too." "Niche interests and the platforms that media is distributed on, and the way those platforms monetise attention as well is based on fragmentation and driving difference amongst that. And that can be very interesting and positive and also politically, it can be very destructive as well as we're seeing play out in various parts of the world." "Focus is hard now. I think people find there's lots of things vying for their focus. But again, using those design principles, I think you can design for focus." "We need to find ways to disagree about things... there was an ability to disagree without it becoming, your house getting swatted." "It's very easy to get someone interested in music that they didn't think they liked and it's probably the easiest art form to get someone interested in because it's so multisensory." "People are interested in lots and lots of different things and they're very up for things they're not familiar with if you don't make them feel like idiots."   EPISODE RESOURCES GUEST LINKS: www.acmi.net.au IG: @acmionline PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Moving beyond the myth that bigger is always better, Ceri reveals what actually works: intentional, strategic, and well placed moves. Building the right relationships, choosing the right projects and being open to unexpected opportunities. In this short episode, Ceri shares the power of the "3P Exercise" (Possibility, Person, Place) and talks through how you can maximise your effort in the right way. KEY TAKEAWAYS Possibility: What’s One Move That Could Make a Real Difference? Write down one opportunity that could move things forward for you right now. Person: Who Could Help Expand Your View? Write down the name of one person you’d love to connect with. Someone who inspires you, whose work you admire, or who you think could provide a fresh perspective. Place: Where Inspires You? Think of one place, it could be a gallery, publisher, agency, festival, or organisation, that excites you. Somewhere you’d love to be part of.   BEST MOMENTS "Smart moves aren't about cutting corners; they're about maximising your effort in the right way." "I committed to getting started rather than waiting until I was 'ready.' Now, here we are." "No ask, no agenda, just a genuine expression of interest. The result? We're now hatching a plan to work together." "The more deliberate your actions, the bigger the impact."    EPISODE RESOURCES PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri speaks with Claire Luxton, a British artist who is revolutionising the art world through her multidisciplinary approach. From self portraiture to large public installations, Claire shares her thoughts on pricing artwork, building authentic brand collaborations and maintaining creative integrity while achieving commercial success.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Claire has developed a distinctive artistic process that merges performance and photography, choosing to capture everything in camera using a Hasselblad medium format camera rather than relying on AI, reflecting her commitment to authenticity in an increasingly digital world. Through her journey with brand collaborations, Claire has learned to evaluate opportunities by asking "Would future Claire say yes?" a self filtering approach that helps maintain her artistic integrity while building commercial success. Claire approaches every project with extensive research and preparation, believing that understanding context deeply enables her to create more meaningful and impactful work. Claire’s public art installation approach begins with historical research, allowing her to uncover and tell forgotten stories of each location, from decommissioned lighthouses to power stations, creating work that resonates with both place and community. Her experience with MTR Agency has changed how she views artist collector relationships, moving away from the traditional gallery model of separation to embrace direct connections with collectors, leading to more meaningful artistic dialogue. Claire's social media strategy evolved from posting frequently to carefully curating content that authentically represents her artistic vision, prioritising meaningful engagement over algorithmic success. After leaving exclusive gallery representation, Claire found her voice by exploring different creative avenues before ultimately returning to fine art with a clearer vision and stronger boundaries. She structures her editions thoughtfully, offering one off pieces for largest works and editions of three for smaller sizes, a strategy that reflects the value of her work and her desire to maintain its specialness. BEST MOMENTS "At the time, that was incredibly exciting and I was very green and fresh and I didn't really have any experience, any experience that I had was self generated, as both of my parents were secondary school teachers, so I had zero connections in the art world." "I want to make the art as true conversation and then there to be the by product of money from that." "Would future Claire say yes? So this future me that I picture, would I say yes to this in two years time, in five years time? Would I be happy that I did this?" "So many collectors are invested in not only the piece, but in yourself and having conversations with collectors about why they were interested in the piece in the first place is so incredibly valuable." "If something has a lot of conversations, to say there are a lot of comments and a lot of people having conversations, I feel like that's helpful and informative because it means that it's struck a chord." "Only you can do what you do. I know that there's lots of other people who can do similar things, but only you can do you." "Art is about problem solving so when you're given certain parameters, you then can fit your practice within those parameters and it kind of pushes you in different directions."  "I want to make the art as true conversation and then there to be the by product of money from that. It's a difficult space to navigate, but I think at the core it's about finding those key values within your practice that really resonate with your voice and kind of sticking to your guns." EPISODE RESOURCES Guest Links: www.claireluxtonart.com @claireluxtonart PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri examines how to liberate creative authenticity by offering ideas for artists who feel creatively blocked. She shares five actionable methods to escape creative paralysis and embrace your unique artistic voice. Ceri also provides examples from pioneering artists like Lindsey Mendick and Laure Prouvost, who dared to be different, and suggests exercises for practising these five ways to be bolder, braver, and weirder in your art. KEY TAKEAWAYS Bland is Boring – Stop Playing It Safe. If you don’t take risks, your work blends into the wallpaper of creative mediocrity. Push the thing that makes you Absurdity Unlocks Confidence. You don't have to make absurd, bonkers work but you do have to let yourself be surprised. Injecting a bit of the unexpected forces you into fresh territory—and that's where your best expression is waiting. Authenticity Attracts Your People. Stop second-guessing whether people will “like” your work. That’s not the goal. The goal is to make something only you could make. Embracing Mistakes Enhances Creativity. The fear of making mistakes is far more dangerous to your creativity than any actual mistake. If you’re constantly trying to avoid failure, you’ll never push your work into truly interesting, original territory. Trust Your Intuition. Overanalysing kills creative momentum. BEST MOMENTS “With AI churning out generic mush and tech pushing us towards sameness, what we need now is your gloriously weird, hyper-specific, totally you take on things.” “Playing it safe leads to forgettable work” “You don’t need everyone to love your work. You need your people to love it. The ones who get it.” “Your intuition is always talking to you. The trick is learning to hear and, more importantly, learning to trust it.” EPISODE RESOURCES PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri speaks with artist Erica Eyres, whose work masterfully balances on the edge of discomfort and revelation. Erica shares her creative process, including how she transforms found images into haunting portraits and creates ceramic replicas of mundane objects. The conversation explores the delicate dance between artistic freedom and commercial success and how understanding and overcoming your creative vulnerability shapes you as an artist.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Erica embraces her compulsive need to make art constantly, choosing to produce abundantly and edit later rather than limiting her output.  Her unique approach to video work requires complete solitude. She plays all characters herself and can only perform when entirely alone, highlighting how some artists need specific conditions to access their creative depths. Through her international exhibition experience, Erica has observed how cultural context dramatically shapes audience reception, particularly noting how her work dealing with childhood themes received starkly different reactions in Denmark versus Glasgow. She views gallery relationships as having organic lifecycles, similar to dating, and has learned to navigate these professional partnerships with both commitment and acceptance of their natural evolution. Experience has taught her to be strategic with social media, sometimes keeping new work private until ready for specific exhibitions, maintaining a careful balance between visibility and preserving work for shows. Teaching at university level has become both a financial anchor and creative stimulus for Erica, keeping her connected to emerging perspectives while forcing efficient use of studio time. Her journey has shown her that success in art isn't about dramatic breakthroughs but rather sustained practice through inevitable ups and downs. BEST MOMENTS "I've definitely had people tell me that I make too much work... but I've sort of also tried to just accept that this is just how I work, is to make quite a lot of work and then eventually edit it down." "It's almost compulsive, I suppose. I really just have this need to make stuff and I've always had that." "I think everyone has a time where things are going really well, like you see really successful artists that have downtimes as well." "The art world is so complicated and I still feel like I'm learning about it and all the kind of idiosyncrasies of it." "Most galleries want to show the best work that an artist could possibly make. That's what they're really looking for." "You never know who's looking... but it also doesn't matter. Do you love what you do enough whether someone's looking or not?" EPISODE RESOURCES PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Join Ceri for a short solo episode where she details how you can create more time to do what you love as a creative. KEY TAKEAWAYS Conduct a time audit: Where is your time actually being spent currently? Track your time in 30 minute chunks for 3 days and see where your time is going. Categorise your time and look at how you can prioritise differently and amend to free up more time for creativity. Use time blocking and be strict with this, schedule your creative time. You can even set certain days for creative time and ring fence this from admin tasks. Systemising and automating can save you time and effort, for example using templates for contracts and emails. BEST MOMENTS "There’s so much admin, so many side gigs and a never ending to do list” “We all think we’re busy but are we spending time doing the right things?”  “Clients of mine realised they were spending more time responding to enquiries and invoices than actually painting”   EPISODE RESOURCES PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.