In this episode of the Artist Academy podcast, I’m chatting with hyper-realistic painter and educator Christopher Remmers, and let me just say—his work is next level. I reached out to him because I was blown away by the level of detail in his paintings and just had to know what’s going on behind the scenes.

Christopher shares how he left behind a successful construction career to go all in on art, and how that leap of faith led to a fully booked commission schedule, an online academy, and projects that align with his creative vision.

We get into:
-His exact commission process (including pricing)
-How he finds clients on purpose by pitching to aligned collaborators
-His behind-the-scenes design workflow (spoiler: it’s intense and brilliant)
-The email funnel strategy he uses to stay booked
-Why mindset and mastering your craft matter more than any marketing trick

Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this episode will give you the push to take action and keep going. Christopher’s journey shows how skill, clarity, and persistence can turn your passion into a full-time career. 

www.artistacademy.com

In this episode of the Artist Academy podcast, I open up about something that so many artists struggle with: support systems (or the lack thereof).

This episode explores what it’s like to grow a creative career without constant encouragement from those around you. There’s a reflection on the difference between blind support and honest concern, and how to stay focused when friends or family don’t fully “get” what you're trying to build.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, second-guessed, or unsupported, this one’s for you. It’s all about trusting yourself, finding the right community, and creating for you, not for the applause.

www.artistacademy.com

After a $100K first 1/3 of the year, I’m now sitting here with zero projects on my calendar. How did this happen?! I’ll tell you in today’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast.

I take full responsibility. I burned myself out in the first part of the year, going full steam ahead with work and socials. Then spring sprung in Missouri, and I had better things to do than outreach and painting for other people—things like gardening, farming, and just being outside in this beautiful weather with people I actually like.

Every time I hit a dip in commissions, I can’t help but wonder: Is this the universe giving me the time (or rather, forcing me) to finally tackle those things on my wishful to-do list? Things like picking up canvas painting again.

I caught myself saying, “I’m just not motivated,” and “Maybe it’s just a slow season in my area.” But are those things even real? Not really. Let’s dive into it…

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m kicking off a brand-new interview series—this time shifting the spotlight away from murals and onto artists who are creating and selling canvas work, just in time for the upcoming holiday season.

I sat down with Caroline Karp, a professional artist, teacher, and creative entrepreneur who’s built a vibrant career by painting what inspires her—often from beaches, cities, and mountaintops around the world. Caroline shares how she balances teaching kindergarten with selling canvases, many of which are painted on location and shipped rolled to collectors.

We chat about pricing high-ticket art, building authentic connections outside of social media, and the power of simply showing up and painting what lights you up.

If you’re looking to boost your canvas sales or kickstart a new series for the holidays, this episode will give you the motivation to dive in and start creating.

In this episode of the Artists Academy Podcast, I’m sitting down with the wildly talented muralist Mandi Caskey—aka Miss Birdy—whose colorful, whimsical work totally stopped me in my tracks on Instagram. We talk all about how she went from painting in tunnels for fun to getting hired to paint massive fantasy-inspired murals for cities, festivals, and corporate clients.

Mandi shares how a random graffiti hangout in college sparked her love for street art, how she carved her own path despite professors and critics pushing for something more “traditional,” and how she’s built a thriving business doing what she loves most—telling stories through playful, larger-than-life murals.

We also dive into how she finds clients, the systems she’s set up to apply for mural calls, and how her nonprofit, Catalyst Columbus, is helping turn overlooked spaces into bold public art across Ohio. If you’ve ever dreamed of making a living from your art—and doing it your own way—you won’t want to miss this conversation.

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sitting down with muralist Lacey Hennessey to talk about how she went from painting coolers in college to building a full-time mural business. Lacey shares how she left her corporate job behind, fueled by a business-first mindset and smart use of social media to grow her audience and client base.

We chat about how she keeps everything organized with color-coded spreadsheets, why transparency online has been key to her success, and how vinyl murals became a game-changer for scaling her business. Lacey also dives into her “box system” for pricing murals and how she structures client conversations to save time and avoid endless revisions.

If you’re looking for practical tips to blend creativity with business and make a living as an artist, you’re going to love this episode with Lacey!

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m talking with muralist Naomi Haverland, whose dreamy, dimensional style is turning everyday walls into magical, mural-worthy moments. Naomi’s work is bold, playful, and packed with personality—and in this conversation, she shares exactly how she got here.

We chat about the early days of finding her voice as an artist and why she only shares the kind of work she wants to attract. Naomi dives into the process of applying to mural festivals, what it’s like painting alongside other artists from around the world, and how she’s learned to confidently navigate public art opportunities.

She also talks about working with clients of all kinds—corporate, private, and community-based—and how she adjusts her approach to fit the project while staying true to her creative vision. From digital prep to on-site execution, Naomi walks us through her tools, techniques, and the mindset that keeps her work feeling fresh and fun.

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring your unique style to the wall—and actually get paid for it—this episode is full of the inspiration and insight to help you do just that.

This week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast features Kendall Kippley, a muralist from Colorado who’s built a thriving career painting in the style she loves — and getting paid for it. 

Kendall shares her journey into mural-making, from an early art education surrounded by nature to apprenticing under an experienced muralist who showed her the ropes. We dive into how she’s cultivated her recognizable, nature-inspired style, what her process looks like on and off the wall, and how she connects with the clients and brands who appreciate her unique voice. 

You’ll also hear her practical tips for landing the kinds of commissions you want, creating systems that make mural work easier, and keeping your creative spark alive while balancing the business side of art. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your mural career feel authentic and sustainable — this one’s for you! Tune in and get inspired by Kendall’s story and strategies for painting what you love and making a living doing it.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m giving you a peek inside the Artist Academy membership by sharing one of our core training videos—the second video you see when you join. It’s a step-by-step roadmap to becoming a professional muralist (keyword: professional, also keyword: profitable).

I break it all down: what to do first, how to avoid overthinking, and how to keep going when you inevitably hit those “what now?” moments.

Whether you're just starting out or need a better system, this episode lays out the exact steps to grow your art business and become the go-to artist in your area. Because the journey really starts when you begin to confidently own the title artist—and build from there.

Let’s get to work!

This week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast features California-based muralist Hana Daly, who’s been creating murals professionally for over 20 years. If you’re the type of artist who just wants to show up and paint—without diving deep into the business backend—Hana’s story is going to feel like a warm hug and a gentle nudge forward. 

We talk about how she got started without an art degree, how she built her business through word-of-mouth, residential clients, and just being a genuinely good human. She shares what it’s like to paint emotionally powerful murals in pediatric hospitals (including end-of-life care spaces), and how she’s become known for her “one-day murals” that deliver fast impact with heart. 

We also chat about charging fairly, working with donors for community projects, and why residential gigs might just be the underrated gem in the mural world. 

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the business side or unsure how to get started, Hana’s honest, heartfelt approach will leave you inspired and ready to say “yes” more often.