This is another episode of the student spotlight series where every Monday I interview my amazing Artist Academy Advanced students to get to know them better, give them direct advice on their art business, and so I can get feedback on how to be a better teacher. This week I’m interviewing two artists, Jeni Dolde and Christy Perez.

Interviewing the past couple weeks has got me thinking… Some people like Megan in last week’s episode join the group mainly for the community and comradery while others like Jeni join for the tutorials and templates. I love hearing that all aspects of the group are being utilized because I work really hard on those tutorials so it’s nice to know they are being used.

In my mind I kinda categorize every member into 2 types: You’re either the silent go-getter or the group cheerleader. Some are both! But some people don’t comment a lot in the group, they just take the information and run with it in their own business. Then others still use the templates and things but a big part of growing their art business is getting and giving feedback to and from other members in the group. They cheer them on when they’re doing well and help hype them up when someone is struggling. No matter what your role, it’s so cool to see how the group is turning into this really positive place where artists can go, no matter where you’re at in this journey, and get a nudge in the right direction; mentally or physically with a step-by-step lesson or a pat on the back. I think the analytical artists listening will be able to relate to Jeni in this first interview so let’s get to it!

www.instagram.com/jenidolde

Next up is Christy who has a very interesting story of how she was introduced to me and it’s in one of my favorite contexts, but I’m going to let her tell you all about it. If any of you listening have a funny or inspiring story of how you found me or the podcast and you’d like to let me in on that knowledge, please email or DM me and I would love to know and share it on my social media. I think it’s so cool what the internet can do (when it works) in terms of bringing people together and uncovering new information. Speaking of bringing people together, as you probably heard in this interview, we are doing our first ever Artist Academy Mural Meetup on July 11th so if you would like more information on that just message me and I will fill you in! Artists will be coming together to create the most Instagrammable spot in the Midwest next month. It will be a fun-filled learning experience for anyone who wants to get into painting murals. If that’s you, then message me! Hopefully you’ll get to meet both Jeni and Christy there, so let’s get into Christy interview so you can get to know her a bit better.

www.instagram.com/Hibiscus.art

www.artistacademy.co