Artist Academy

It sucks to lose a mural job. Period. It also sucks to see another artist land the job you really wanted. Let’s just be real—it’s easier said than done to feel happiness for someone who got the opportunity you were reaching for.

In this week’s Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sharing stories from my own career where I’ve been on both sides of that coin. I’ll walk you through how I overcame those negative feelings and reframed them into something useful. Instead of dwelling on what I didn’t get, I’ve learned to ask:
• How can I stand out in a crowd?
• How can I niche down even more?
• How can I enjoy what I do daily, even more?
• How am I already different from other muralists in my area?

This episode is all about choosing community over competition, sticking to your value instead of lowering your prices, and finding your unique edge.

And before I wrap up, I’ll also give you details about the 2026 Costa Rica Mural Meetup —a week of mural painting, spray and latex training, sunrise yoga, and jungle adventures.

 Get all the info and see the mockups here: www.artistacademy.co/meetup

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I get to revisit with muralist Hibaaq Ibrahim, who first joined me years ago when she was just starting out. Back then, she had only recently quit her day job—today, she’s a full-time commercial artist in Minnesota with projects starting at $10k and a schedule that keeps her booked year-round. 

In this episode, Hibaaq shares how her mindset, goal-setting, and smart investments in courses and mentorship helped her grow quickly. She talks about the habits that keep her consistent, why she only takes on projects that align with her values, and how working with an art consultant has freed her up to focus on creating. 

This conversation is full of practical advice for artists who want to raise their rates, attract better clients, and build a career they actually love.

On this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I sat down with Colorado artist Maggie Sackmann, who’s built a thriving canvas art business while raising a toddler. 

We talked about her leap from corporate life to full-time painting, why she releases quarterly collections, and how she prices her work in the $2,000–$3,000 range. Maggie also shared how framing boosted sales, how video content helped grow her audience, and the way she balances commissions with painting what she loves. 

What stood out most was hearing how she makes it all work as a mom, the mindset shifts she’s made to treat art like a business, and the importance of sharing your story so collectors connect with you. I left this conversation inspired with ideas to try in my own art journey, and I think you will too. 

www.artistacademy.com

This week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast features muralist Corey Paige, who turned her bold, colorful designs into a thriving business painting murals for homes, businesses, and even major brands. From experimenting with paint markers in her parents’ basement during the pandemic to collaborating with JetBlue, Dunkin’, and the New York Knicks, Corey’s journey is a masterclass in persistence and creativity.

We talk about how she prices her murals, balances residential versus corporate projects, and uses social media to get noticed by big names. Corey’s advice is simple but powerful: don’t wait for opportunities — create them.

Her story is proof that following your unique style can lead to doors opening in ways you’d never expect.

www.artistacademy.com

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy podcast, we’re diving into budget vs. luxury pricing language—and how the words you choose can either draw in high-value clients or unintentionally invite bargain-hunters.

If you want to repel low-paying clients, avoid words like cheap, affordable, budget, quick fix. Replace them with words like investment, statement, signature, premium, transformative.

What you don’t want to use if aiming for high-paying customers:

Quick and inexpensive way to add color.

Murals are cheaper than professionally installed wallpaper!

I can beat other artists’ prices.

Murals starting as low as $300.

I’ll make it work for you no matter what your budget is.

We can keep it simple and affordable.

Wording that positions you as a premium creative professional:

Custom artwork designed to transform your space.

Luxury murals that elevate environments and leave lasting impressions.

One-of-a-kind, hand-painted murals tailored exclusively to your brand.

A permanent investment in your space’s identity and value.

High-impact statement pieces that capture attention and admiration.

Museum-quality finishes with durability that lasts for decades.

Each design is created in collaboration with you, ensuring a truly bespoke result.

Transform your blank walls into landmark destinations.

I create immersive, large-scale art experiences that inspire and impress.

This isn’t just paint on a wall — it’s an asset that adds cultural and financial value to your property.

Instead of “cheap” → say “accessible entry point” (if you must talk about lower price).
Instead of “affordable” → say “scalable depending on vision.”
Instead of “decorate” → say “transform” or “elevate.”
Instead of “price” → say “investment.”

In this episode of the Artist Academy podcast, I’m diving into the heart of my mission: helping women achieve financial freedom through art. 

I’m sharing why I believe it’s so important for women to make money, how I’ve turned life’s challenges into motivation, and the freedom and respect that financial independence brings. 

This episode is all about using your skills to create choices, stability, and the life you truly want.

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.