What did I hope having my own Art business would make possible for me?

I was recently reminded of the power in answering 1 simple question.

As I continue to explore new directions with my painting, I've been re-connected to that feeling of beginning, anticipation and enthusiasm for what's next with trepidation over all the uncertainty. 

I had NO idea, if I could actually create this career as an Artist, but I knew I had to try.

On today's podcast episode I share with you, what the beginning was like for me, why I really started my Art business and if it's lead to where I thought it would, while also sharing what I think having an Art business today could make possible for you!

If you caught my last email, I shared some Creative Thursday changes that are going into effect this summer. Our 4 day work weeks M- Th, are happening! And I'm podcasting and emailing you the Creative Thursday 3 every other week, instead of every week, through August. I also unintentionally took a long pause from posting to Instagram.

What I did do, is make art! I took a weekend painting workshop in Sonoma, California that lead to some pretty inspiring discoveries in my work, see the sneak peek above and more details were sent out in the Creative Thursday 3 today. Are you on the list? Join here at creativethursday.com

Letting go + stepping back, and getting more support is not my comfy place ~ I've been a do it all myself kind of girl who also prides herself on a strong work ethic (which is all fine + good unless the work rarely pauses)

I most definitely hustled my way to this place in my business (more on today's podcast episode below), and it's not how I plan to grow from this point forward. 

For the record; the choice to hustle less is not to be confused with sizing down on my BIG vision for Creative Thursday, for us! It just means that more wonderful people will be invited along for the journey to help bring that vision for uplifting our creative community into reality, while I also continue with my art.

Taking these gentle steps forward with a focus on designing a business that supports me, instead of bringing me close to burnout ~ feels pretty incredible so far.

I hope to be an example of what's possible when it comes to building + growing a thriving online business today. 

As always I intend to keep you in the loop with new discoveries, which is what today's podcast is about, inspired by a question one of our EA members Dana asked “How much do you have to hustle as an Artist?”

What's it really take to be a professional Artist?

How many hours are you supposed to work to make your dream a reality.

In this episode I share the truth of what's involved to growing an online business in today's climate and how the landscape is starting to change.

This season, you know the one with the laid back summer vibes (or chill winter vibes for my Southern Hemipshere friends) not usually known for planning....however what I've found... is that this is actually one of the the BEST times of year to peacefully check-in and do a little pre-planning for the next 6 months of the year ~ and specifically prepare your Holiday season collection, my business Artist friend!

In this episode I'm sharing 3 simple steps to do a mid-year check-in that will set you up for a successful + satisfying second half of the year!

Ready to re-connect with your vision + plans for 2021 alongside a group of dedicated Artists (both emerging and established) you can still join us for a mid-year check-in and creative dreaming + planning session, click here to to join us for the Profitable Artist's Planning Challenge.

Call all high-achieving and heart-centered Artists. Want to to turn your passion into an Art career, here are the top qualities I believe it takes to thrive as an Artist, selling online today.

I know, I know ~ when I was coming up with this title High-Achieving Artist (not to be confused with over-achieving) that pairing of words sounded so unfamiliar, downright strange. 

In my desire to support Artists in building a thriving business around a practice of creating Art they love, I never connected High-Achieving with Artist before,  but in recent months it's become increasingly clear the stakes have been raised. As author, Steven Pressfield says, it's time to step into the role of the Professional. Here's how!

Ready to re-connect with your vision + plans for 2021 alongside a group of dedicated Artists (both emerging and established) next week, starting Monday June 14 to have a mid-year check-in and creative dreaming + planning session, click here to to join us for the Profitable Artist's Planning Challenge.

If this is your attitude, chances are I'm not the right Mentor for you.

When I constantly say that the opportunity to become your Mentor is an honor I do not take lightly, it's not just polite lip service ~ I mean it and this is why.

I take your trust in me very much to heart. The more years I do this work, the more I want to become an even better Mentor, which means that behind the scenes, I'm now constantly learning and refining my skills as a coach, to show up my best for you.

Mentoring looks a little different for me now than when I started teaching again 3 years ago. 

And as I continue to grow as a coach, I always want to keep you posted on my intentions and how I think I can best support you so that you can decide if working together is the right fit for you, at this time.

Enjoy!

Radical Transparency + No Justification

I reached a point in my creative journey when I realized I had been subconsciously asking for “permission” for a lot of choices in my life. I wondered if other creatives were feeling the same, and how could I support them in breaking through the need to seek opinions + approval from others.

While I continued to move forward in my dreams year after year, there was so much more hesitancy + second guessing than I realized along with a strong desire to please, to not unintentionally offend, or polarize.

But you can't confidently stand for something and still appeal to everyone, not in your art or your message.

Maybe you can relate? but I would say that many of us Creatives still have a disconnect around embracing “Marketing” “Selling” and “Making Money” while still making our Art (with heart). Proudly making money and creating Art that lights you up are not mutually exclusive.

I'm going to explore this topic more in the coming weeks, and I'm kicking off the conversation in today's podcast episode where I very clearly explain a shift in my business for the first and last time ;)

Enjoy and let's do this! 

Who knew that a spontaneous trip to NYC in 2015 with a ticket to the first Periscope conference in hand would lead to this learning opportunity? 

exhibit a: photo of me + Zach Spuckler and friends in NYC when the Revlon Cam projected us on the huge screen in Times Square

But first! my fellow creative, lean in + listen closely as my guest, friend + mentor, Zach Spuckler gives you a peek behind the curtain about an untapped marketing possibility that Artists are barely, if at all exploring? let alone leveraging to get their gifts + beautiful work in front of the RIGHT Collectors again and again.

A great teacher, one who always likes to leave you with a practical take away, Zach's sharing his step by step marketing strategy that grew his side hustle handmade candle business from 0 - 152 orders in the first 60 days of opening their Calming Oasis shop.

Join us for this one time only + limited space very special learning opportunity, FB Ads for Artists Implementation Workshop

You can find all things Zach Spuckler at

on instagram @heartsoulhustle

heartsoulhustle.com

I remember that day I took a selfie in the Toronto Marriott elevator, like it was yesterday.

It was the day I FINALLY put my years of self-doubt aside, got out of my own way and showed up like never before, for me and for you ~ helping you fulfill your creative dreams.

For the first time in years of growing Creative Thursday, I'm having a financial breakthrough, paying back debt that began when my business started, and today I'm talking about how I'm doing it!

Welcome to the Age of the Thriving Artist.

 The deadline to join my mentor Stu's program TRIBE ends TONIGHT! @ midnight. This could be your turning point! like it was for me. So excited for you! Join Tribe here.

Last week, I talked about how online teaching helped me transform my business and discover a powerful tool for growing revenue. 

This week we're back on Clubhouse, delving into some of the myths behind online teaching for Creatives. 

Do you feel the nudge to share what you know and love with someone else or is Imposter Syndrome creeping in.  Could this be a good option for you? Listen on to learn more!

If your curiosity is peaked! maybe you are thinking about adding recurring revenue to your business, you don't want to miss this once a year only free TRIBE Workshop with my business mentor, Stu McLaren starts today, April 22nd  

Click here to register for the workshop

Artists and entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to expand. This is incredibly important to growing a profitable business, as proven by the unpredictable rollercoaster that was 2020. 

In order to not only survive but thrive in business, you want to plan for adding additional revenue streams.

This episode delves into three reasons why online teaching might be something to consider as an alternate source of income. While it may not be for everyone, you might be surprised at how it can take business to the next level. Listen on to learn more!

And join my business mentor Stu McLaren starting next week, Thursday April 22 for his Free Tribe Workshop that happens only once year teaching you all about Recurring Revenue options that can work for you and your unique business.

Click here to Register