On this episode we interview visual artist, author, coach, and the host of the “Art & Cocktails” podcast, Ekaterina Popova. We talk about her journey of art entrepreneurship, balancing multiple income streams, the power of trusting your honest voice writing down your long term goals, becoming a manifesting generator, and protecting the magic of you…

To frame or not to frame, that is the question! As artists we are faced with thousands of creative decisions with every piece, and to frame or not to frame is one of them too. On today’s episode we give an overview of your framing options as an artist, the pros and cons of framing your work, as well as tips and factors to consider when framing your…

Commissioned artwork can be a tricky game. Whether it is a painting, mural, logo, illustration, sculpture, or other type of client work, there’s a significant element of collaboration involved that can be a first time experience for many creatives. On today’s episode we share our top 10 tips for collaborating with a client on a commissioned piece. …

On this episode we interview art business mentor and author of the Amazon Best Selling book, Art Money & Success, Maria Brophy! We talk about shifting your mindset around money and pricing, building relationships with an email newsletter, the importance of making murals easy for the client, creating a life you want to live, leveraging one opportuni…

Letters of intent are a key component to receiving public art calls, grants, and various artistic opportunities. But what should this letter include? In today’s episode, that is what we discuss! From your interest in the opportunity to creative ways of highlighting your previous experience, a strong letter of interest can make the difference betwee…

Retaining your image copyrights as an artists is extremely important, not only for legal purposes but also for future income streams! However, what exactly is an image copyright? Although we are not lawyers, in today’s episode we discuss what it is, why it’s important, how you get an image copyright, as well as factors to consider when seeking disp…

On this episode we interview North Carolina painter Michele Yellin. We talk about the impact of going abroad in one's creative development, the benefits of working on multiple art pieces at once, finding a studio space that fits your current lifestyle, and watching your work evolve over time. Stay Connected with Michelle: www.micheleyellin.com http…

On this episode we interview hyper feminine artist Ali Hval. We talk about the balance of painting and sculpture in building a body of work, challenging traditional expectations of femininity, making art that feels like a performance, becoming bold in one’s creative process. Stay Connected with Ali: www.alihval.com https://www.instagram.com/alihval…

Many artists experience the rollercoaster of emotions during their creative career. In today’s episode we talk about the moments of failure that may secretly be breakthroughs in your process and artistic style. We talk about art being a continuous learning journey, embracing the process, and the importance of intention.Episode Blog Link: https://ww…

On this episode we interview artist and muralist, Sarahlaine Calva. We talk about taking Action before you are ready, evolving your creative style through murals, being selective with commission clients, utilizing technology in your creative process, and pursuing projects you are passionate about. Stay Connected with Sarahlaine: www.sarahsface.com …

Making art isn't always easy, but it's a path we choose and one that requires artistic resilience along the way. In today’s episode we discuss the importance of having a learning mindset, leaning into the process of art making over the final outcome, embracing experimentation, overcoming frustration with knowledge, and the process for finding satis…

Hustling is great, however an important aspect of the creative process that often gets overlooked is the power of pausing to reflect on your work. In today’s episode we discuss the importance of reflection in your art practice, sourcing and managing creative ideas, and embracing your unique workflow to avoid stress and burnout. Episode Blog Link: h…

On this episode we interview interdisciplinary artist Sara Torgison. We talk about advocating for your work in academia, exploring the intersection of ceramics and fiber art, navigating art workshops and figuring out where time exists in your life to prioritize your art practice. Stay Connected with Sara: www.saratorgison.com https://www.instagram.…

On this episode we interview Artspace’s Creative Director Annah Lee. We talk about shifting one's focus from art making to curating stories, the power of designing the tone of an art exhibition and advice for artists on applying for exhibitions, photographing your work, and the importance of creating a body of work. Stay Connected with Annah: artsp…

As working artists, you understand the demands of managing every aspect of your creative business. However, embracing the concept of delegation can be a game changer! In this episode we unpack the need for delegation in our businesses, the benefits and obstacles you may face, as well as the easiest first steps to start delegating today! So if you’v…

It’s time for our listener questions! In this episode we answer questions from artists and art professionals that we received at Triangle Artworks 2024 Annual SMASH the Arts event. We cover a lot of topics including struggling to find like minded artists locally, pricing your work in order to make a living, staying authentic to your creative voice …

We are celebrating 3 years of the Level Up Artists Podcast! Over the years, both the podcast and our creative journeys have evolved significantly. In this episode, we're taking a trip down memory lane to explore all the major milestones. We'll chat about the evolution of our artistic styles, the transformations in our studio spaces, and how our inc…

A cybersecurity breach is not a matter of if, but a matter of when in this day in age. In today’s episode we partnered with Triangle Artworks to host a Lunch and Learn presentation where local cybersecurity expert, Torrence Reed, talks about how this space may affect artists. Torrence discusses… Art, AI and Your IP Why having back up data is import…

On this episode we interview artist and mental health professional, Lamar Whidbee. We talk about chasing purpose with the work you make, being grounded in storytelling, the feeling of artmaking, the power of creative mentorship, and the role that mental health plays in our day to day lives. Stay Connected with Lamar: https://www.lamarwhidbee.com ht…

On this episode we interview artist and quilter Michelle Wilkie. We talk about the importance of building a community in the art world, making the most out of any opportunity, exploring the intersection of quilting and fine art, and the admin workload of being a full time artist. Stay Connected with Michelle: https://www.mlwilkie.com/gallery https:…

In today's episode, we explore the intersectionality between art and mental health. It is of course no substitute for professional help, however, in addition to doctor-led treatment, art making can have an incredibly powerful impact on your day to day life! So whether you’re a professional painter, musician, sculptor, writer, singer, coloring book …

On this episode we interview Raleigh based figurative painter, Ashley Harrington. We talk about developing your style as a self taught artist, becoming aware of your self awareness, embracing the excitement of being an emerging artist, and hosting your own art show. Stay Connected with Ashley: https://ashleyharringtonart.com/ https://www.instagram.…

In today's episode, we dive into the intriguing and potentially controversial intersection of AI and artistic expression. We brainstorm AI's role in the creative process and our ability to use it as a tool to enhance creativity, not replacing the artists’ human touch. From generating ideas to editing down artists statements, AI is a tool that shoul…

On this episode we interview Charlotte based artist Angela Lubinecky. We talk about using art to spread joy in your community, following what makes you happy, leveraging local events to network, sharing open calls with other artists, and embracing community over competition. Stay Connected with Angela: Website: www.lolangi.com Instagram: https://ww…

Money is top of mind for any entrepreneur so in today’s episode we discuss how to save money in your art practice. Whether you're a seasoned creator, or just starting on your journey, we are going to discuss tips and insights to help you make the most out of your resources. From reviving old supplies for a fresh start, to identifying money wasters,…

On this episode we interview Artist and Paper Sculptor Michael Velliquette. We talk about discovering paper as a complex creative medium, exploring where present and permanence intersect, pursuing opportunities that are genuine to the work, and nurturing professional relationships while balancing gallery representation. Stay Connected with Michael:…

Today's episode is dedicated to the young emerging artists in our community! Being an artist isn't just about creating pretty pictures or sculptures—it's a lifelong journey filled with exploration, growth, and endless possibilities. But there are certain traits that will carry you through your creativity journey toward the life of being a successfu…

On this episode we interview Triangle ArtWorks ArtSwell Education Director, Cynthia Deis, about a challenge that many artists struggle with… Pricing! Are you pricing your work correctly? How do you do it? Where do you start? Why is it so notoriously difficult? These are all questions that we cover in today’s episode! So whether you are an emerging …

On this episode we interview Durham, NC based sculptural artist Eliza Redmann. We talk about her experience as a person with a brain injury and her artwork, pivoting from architecture into full time artist, leveraging art licensing agreements, taking control of your own success and the power of outsourcing work in your business. Stay Connected with…

Today we have a bit of a “gut punch” episode as we focus on the career minded artist mindset shift of making collectors, not just digital content. How you define success as an artist is different for everyone, however, if sales are your focus – today’s episode is for you! Making scalable and tangible progress in your business is not always done by …

What are the core unifiers that make your artwork uniquely yours? That is what we cover in today’s episode! Whether it's visual elements, conceptual threads, crafting a marketing narrative, or venturing into new mediums, these are the aspects that tie your diverse creations into a harmonious whole. Episode Blog Link: https://www.levelupartists.com/…

There are many hidden costs when running your own business, but what do you truly need to prioritize? In this episode we talk about the hidden financial costs of your art business, evaluating which are non-negotiables, and understanding the long term investment that those costs are building towards in your art business. Episode Blog Link: https://w…

The new year is the perfect time to set goals for your art business. But where do you begin? On today’s episode, we will be sharing some of the most important areas we look at every year in order to see what went well, what needs adjusting, clarify intentions, and define the steps needed to reach your goals. Whether you are just beginning the journ…

We are excited to announce the launch of four Level Up Artists Course Modules at LevelUpArtists.com! After talking a lot about how we can better share forward the advice and business lessons we have learned with other artists like you, we decided to evolve our business membership into evergreen course modules that are designed to meet your specific…

It’s a new year, but what should your goals be for 2024? In this episode we share our 2024 goals in regard to marketing, exposure, our art making practices, income stream shifts, personal goals, as well as our overall “word” for the new year! Whether you are a creative reevaluating your goals, or you are not sure where to start, this episode will d…

Feeling FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) in the art world is inevitable and all artists face it at one point or another. In this episode we are going to unpack this feeling by talking about the comparison trap and why it's crucial to focus on your unique journey. We discuss the illusion of success, the pressure to constantly produce, and the deceptive al…

The holidays are different for everyone – they can be joyous or they can be difficult. We want to strike a balance between the art making, and the art business, while also balancing family gatherings, art markets, holidays sales, special events, and the list goes on. You may feel overwhelmed with so many commitments, but hopefully today’s conversat…

Art workshops can be a GREAT way for artists to learn something new, get out of their own head, and switch up their creative routine! But with all of the workshops and online classes that are out there these days….which one should you do first? In today’s episode we talk about the different types of workshops, how to identify your goal, and the fac…

For many creatives, our relationship with our art making practice can change over time. In today’s episode we talk about maintaining art as a hobby, the shift that occurs when you turn your art into a business, and the therapeutic potential art can have in your life! We discuss what each of these art making practices look like and tips for when you…

On this episode we share our experiences with murals, how we got started and what we've learned so far. We discuss upsides and potential hurdles, tips and tricks we've learned from our own projects, and share forward advice we learned from seasoned muralists. If you have an existing art practice and are considering adding murals to the mix, this ep…

On this episode we interview emerging artist, Jalen Jackson. We talk about his experience as Artspace’s first HBCU Artist in Residence, the rewarding frustrations of figurative painting, unpacking questions through your artwork, the importance of networking, and the journey of building a creative career as a full time artist with a full time day jo…

What do you do during the “slow” moments of your art business or creative practice? That is what we discussed in today’s episode! We talk about how to embrace the rest, shift your mindset, revisit your goals, and take action on the right things to create future opportunities. So if you're looking to navigate the ups and downs of your creative and e…

It’s time for a catch up! In this episode we discuss what we are both working on as well as wins and struggles in our current studio practice. We cover a handful of topics ranging from upcoming events at Artspace, painting murals, taking intentional time for rest, and the importance of reassessing priorities as we enter into the busy holiday season…

Staring at a blank canvas can be an intimidating feeling for many artists. In today’s episode we are going to dive deeper into that feeling, where it comes from and how creatives can proactively combat it! From building creative routines, to quieting your inner critic, you are not alone when it comes to moments of fear in the creative process. Epis…

From an all or nothing mindset to fortune-telling yourself out of opportunities, cognitive distortions are a natural and inevitable part of a creative career. In today’s episode we discuss ways in which they can impact our art practice and discuss coping mechanisms that will help combat these thoughts. Afterall, building creative resilience is key …

On this episode we interview painter and muralist Autumn Cobeland. We talk about finding nature as a source of inspiration, utilizing technology to enhance your creative process, expanding your art business with prints, and how to use the work you make to influence the opportunities that you pursue. Stay Connected With Autumn: Website: https://www.…

Rejection is a normal part of being an artist and not always fun to deal with. From the emotional impact of the experience to experiencing imposter syndrome, these moments can feel debilitating. But on today’s episode, we discuss how to navigate rejection and reframe it as a catalyst to growth! Episode Blog Link: https://www.levelupartists.com/lua-…

On this episode we interview watercolor artist and art educator Jim Kuhlman. We talk about the difference between what art is and what it is about, the importance of crystallizing your vocabulary as an artist, the power of working alongside other artists, and how to build trust in an art critique group. So whether you are an emerging artist who is …

It’s time for a catch up! In this episode we discuss what we are both working on as well as wins and struggles in our current studio practice. We cover a handful of topics ranging from painting murals, delegating art admin tasks, and the importance of keeping a sustainable work-life balance to avoid burnout as we enter into the busy holiday season …

In today's episode, we want to delve into an important aspect of the creative process: What comes first, the idea or the material? Understanding your answer to this question as an artist can provide valuable insights into both yourself and the work you create. This understanding is an invaluable tool for any artist. Whether it's identifying your na…