Art is not a hobby

In this conversation, James Cook and I talk about creating opportunities for yourself as an artist. Sometimes the work finds you, and sometimes you have to show people what you’re capable of. We talk about the business behind his typewriter art, limited editions, print-on-demand, growing your newsletter, and the business decision that made the biggest impact on his career.

⏱️ TIMELINE

00:19 — James’s creative journey

06:13 — Learning to create opportunities

07:38 — Strategies behind limited edition runs

13:22 — Print-on-demand & print platforms

17:08 — Business decision that made the biggest impact

23:45 — Tips for growing your newsletter

28:28 — Deciding which projects to take on

41:35 — Artists to keep an eye on 👀

🎨 ABOUT JAMES COOKJames Cook is an artist known for creating intricate artworks using typewriters, transforming individual typed characters into detailed images.

🌐 Website: jamescookartworkshop.com📸 Instagram: jamescookartwork📺

Subscribe to AINAH Community on YT: @ainahcommunity

🌐 Website: www.artisnotahobby.co

📸 Instagram: @artisnotahobby

Watch more artist interviews on AINAH Community.#JamesCook #TypewriterArt #ArtistInterview #ArtistCareer #CreativeCareer #ArtBusiness #AINAHCommunity

In this conversation, Hannah Lipsey and I get real about building an art career around both creative exploration and a sustainable business — from moving away from commissions and developing her own work, to finding the “shiny objects” that inspire her and navigating the balance between originals, prints and exclusivity.Topics we cover: When Hannah’s creative journey beganMoving from commissions to her own workFinding satisfaction in reflective & hyper-realistic workWhere she finds her “shiny objects” Finding the balance between exclusivity & accessibility What to do when clients don’t want print runsOriginal vs. prints Strategies & mindsets for transitioning into an art career Gallery representation & partnership considerationsWhat she wishes she knew as an emerging artistArtists to keep an eye on 👀🎨 ABOUT HANNAH LIPSEYHannah Lipsey is an artist known for her highly detailed colored pencil work, including reflective and hyper-realistic pieces. Her practice explores light, texture and everyday objects through intricate, carefully rendered compositions.🌐 Website: hannahlipseyartist.co.uk📸 Instagram: @hannahlipsey_

In this conversation, Ed Fairburn and I get real about the realities of being a full-time artist — from his first viral piece and turning that momentum into a career, to the patience and investment behind his work and how his definition of success has changed over time.We talk about finding your path as an artist, personal work vs. commissions, the realities of working for yourself, and what it takes to build a creative career that lasts.

✨ Topics we cover:

When Ed’s creative journey began

What "AINAH" means to him

His first viral piece& the transition to full-time artThe time & patience behind his work

What his creative process has taught him

Original work vs. commissions

Building a sustainable creative career

What he wasn’t prepared for as a full-time artist

How his definition of success has changed

Advice for emerging artists

2 artists to keep an eye on 👀

🎨 ABOUT ED FAIRBURN

Ed Fairburn is an artist known for his intricate drawings that transform maps into detailed portraits and figures. His work explores the relationship between people, place, and the landscapes we inhabit.🌐 Website: edfairnburn.com📸 Instagram: @edfairburn