What happens when you stop focusing on finished pieces and start focusing on the process? In this episode, we explore the idea of art-making as an endless journey where creativity itself is the goal. I share how shifting from outcome-driven work to process-driven practice can open up your studio life, keep your ideas fresh, and help you reconnect with why you started making art in the first place. You’ll also hear practical tips for building a studio habit that values experimentation, play, and creative curiosity over perfection. Perfect for artists looking to recharge, find their flow, and rediscover joy in their work.

Let’s talk about perfection and why it can actually get in the way of making honest work. In this episode, I’m digging into how the little flaws—the things we usually try to hide or fix—are often what make a piece feel alive. I’m sharing some real examples from my own studio, what I’ve noticed in student work over the years, and why chasing polish can flatten your voice. If you’ve ever second-guessed a brushstroke, over-edited a piece, or felt pressure to make things look “right,” this is a reminder that the human parts of your art are often the most powerful.

What does it really mean to make honest work? In this episode, I'm digging into the idea of authenticity in your art practice—how to tell if your work truly reflects where you are, what gets in the way, and what to do when it doesn't feel quite like you. I’ll share thoughts from my own experience in the studio, ideas for checking in with your creative direction, and tips for reconnecting with the kind of work that actually feels right. Whether you're shifting styles, starting fresh, or just questioning what "authentic" even means, this one's for you.

What do artists owe the world… if anything? In this episode, I’m digging into the complicated question of whether artists have a moral or social responsibility when making work. Do you need to speak to current events? Should your art take a stand? Or is it enough to simply create honestly and let the work speak for itself? I’m sharing thoughts from both the studio and the classroom, plus a few practical ways to think through your own creative values and how your work fits into the bigger picture. Whether you’re an artist who likes to respond to the world or one who prefers to stay in your own lane, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about what it really means to make responsible work — on your own terms.

What happens to your art if no one ever sees it? In this episode, I’m talking about the quiet work... the things you make that live in your sketchbooks, your hard drives, or the corner of your studio. We’re digging into whether creativity needs an audience or if the act of making is enough on its own. I’ll share a bit about how I think through this in my own practice and offer some ideas for how you can protect your private work... even while navigating the world of sharing and selling. If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to be seen and needing space to create just for you... you’re not alone. Let’s talk about it.

What happens when you really show up to your art practice...not just physically, but mentally? In this episode, we talk about how being present in your studio can shift everything. From small rituals to focused attention, this isn’t about productivity... it’s about connection. Whether you’re feeling scattered or just need a reset, this is a reminder that showing up with presence can change how you feel in your work, and about your work.

In this episode of Art Life Plan, we explore how half-formed, vague, or messy ideas can actually lead to powerful creative breakthroughs. Whether you're staring at a sketch you don’t know what to do with or sitting on a sentence that’s been living in your head for months, this is for you. I talk about how I save fragments, how they show up later in my work, and how you can start using your own half-ideas as creative fuel. This one’s for anyone who's ever had a “what even is this?” moment in the studio. Let’s turn those into something real.

The Art of Starting Ugly explores why messy beginnings are not only normal but necessary in creative work. If you've ever frozen at the start of a project because it didn’t feel “good enough,” this episode is for you. I talk about the value of imperfect first drafts, how to move past the pressure to be polished, and ways to build momentum when you feel stuck. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, you’ll find real talk, practical tips, and creative permission to begin… exactly where you are.

Hosted by artist and educator Cookie Redding, this episode of Art Life Plan explores how making art can be a steady act of resistance in a world that often feels overwhelming. Cookie shares real talk about staying creative during heavy times, building a sustainable art practice, and why showing up to your work still matters. Whether you're new to art or deep in your studio life, this conversation invites you to reconnect with your creative process in honest, grounded ways.

Invisible Success: Celebrating the Wins No One Sees
In this episode of Art Life Plan, artist and educator Cookie Redding talks about the creative victories that often go unnoticed...the internal shifts, quiet decisions, and personal growth that fuel a lasting art practice. If you’ve ever felt like your progress doesn’t “count” unless it’s public, this one’s for you. Tune in for a real conversation about what success can look like behind the scenes... and why that matters more than ever.