Creative Perspectives Podcast

In this Episode, I talk with friend and professional artist Paul Apps. Paul describes himself as an impressionist realist, adept at using a wide range of mediums to bring his artwork to life.

We touch on Pauls’ use of multimedia at the beginning of the episode, before diving into the evolution of art as a business, and Pauls’ unwavering commitment to his aspirations. He highlights the importance of adaptability and reinvention as a professional artist – ‘as artists we never stop learning’.

I ask Paul for his opinions on the positives, as well as the struggles that Covid-19 has brought with it, which leads us naturally into a discussion about how to be an effective ‘content creator’.

Following this, Paul touches on a reoccurring theme for the podcast; that of community and networking. Before we finally discuss coping mechanisms for those days when lack of inspiration hits. Do we get our inspiration from action, or our action from inspiration?


Find Paul at:

www.paulappsfineart.com/

Find me at:

www.tomshepherdart.com

Instagram/tomshepherdartist

www.patreon.com/TomShepherdArt

YouTube - TomShepherd Art

facebook.com/TomShepherdArt/

In this Episode I run through some of my key methods for using Instagram productively. 

I delve a little into some of the pitfalls of Instagram; including the numbers trap and the importance of depth over breadth when looking at follower numbers.

Following this, I talk about how to use Instagram effectively; addressing questions such as 'Which numbers should I pay attention to?', 'What about the Algorithms?!' and 'What are my intentions for using Instagram?'. 

I then take a look at the actionable tasks that we can do to enhance our 'Insta-experience'. For example; best practise, quality vs. quantity of posts and when to post. 

Finally, I approach the topic of networking and community in the Instagram world, along with the importance of creating a fun and sustainable Instagram practise that suits you. 

Find me at:

www.tomshepherdart.com

Instagram/tomshepherdartist

www.patreon.com/TomShepherdArt

YouTube - TomShepherd Art

facebook.com/TomShepherdArt/

Music at the end of the Podcast is by Abbie Jebbers

Find Abbie at:

www.abbiejebbers.co.uk

facebook.com/abbiejebbersmusic

instagram.com/abbiejebbers

The role of creativity and art is a fascinating and important topic, now more than ever! In this episode I chat with artist and recently qualified Art Therapist, Kat Williamson.  

We touch on Art as Therapy but we go much deeper into the psychology and science of why Art can be so powerful when used as therapy. It’s ability to break down our barriers, bypass our blockages, and connect us more deeply to our feelings, memories, and ultimately ourselves, becomes clearly apparent in this interview.

Kat is wonderfully open about her own experiences going through Art Therapy and we then dive a little deeper in the processes, mechanisms and power of creativity when used in this way. 

This leads us into the interconnectedness of all aspects of not only ourselves, but of everything beyond this; eventually wrapping up with Kat’s very exciting plans on where to take her own Art Therapy practices.

Find Kat:

www.KatWilliamsonArt.com

instagram.com/katwilliamson_art

Find me at:

www.tomshepherdart.com

Instagram/tomshepherdartist

www.patreon.com/TomShepherdArt

YouTube - TomShepherd Art

facebook.com/TomShepherdArt/

Jake Spicer is not only a fantastic artist, but also I very highly regarded life drawing tutor, successful author and head of Draw, a life drawing studio school in Brighton. And, as you will soon hear, so much more!

In part 2 we go deeper into drawing & creativity, the world of life drawing, teaching, book writing and oh, so much more. You could pull out an inspirational quote from any moment of this chat...not to be missed!!:)

Find Jake:

JakeSpicerArt.co.uk

Facebook.com/JakeSpicerArt

Instagram.com/brightondrawing

Twitter/BrightonDrawing

TheDrawingCircus.co.uk/

Find me at:

www.tomshepherdart.com

Instagram/tomshepherdartist

www.patreon.com/TomShepherdArt

YouTube - TomShepherd Art

facebook.com/TomShepherdArt/

Jake Spicer is not only a fantastic artist, but also I very highly regarded life drawing tutor, successful author and head of Draw, a life drawing studio school in Brighton. And, as you will soon hear, so much more!

Jake's story alone is a great listen; but sprinkled with wonderful insights into the art world, a humbling approach to business, and the importance of an art community, with the support that it provides on so many levels, make this another excellent episode!

Find Jake:

JakeSpicerArt.co.uk

Facebook.com/JakeSpicerArt

Instagram.com/brightondrawing

Twitter/BrightonDrawing

TheDrawingCircus.co.uk/

Find me at:

www.tomshepherdart.com

Instagram/tomshepherdartist

www.patreon.com/TomShepherdArt

YouTube - TomShepherd Art

facebook.com/TomShepherdArt/

Tori Ratcliffe gives us a transparent, funny and realistic glimpse into her life as a working artist here in the UK.

We get a great insight into the ups and downs of this life, as well as finding rhythm and direction throughout a working year, the joys of a studio companion (you'll see!!), finding your way as an artist, the balance between fund raising and making a living, plus a whole lot more!

Ultimately this is a story of being grateful for everything past, present and future, on this road a little less travelled.

Find Tori:

ToriRatcliffe-Art.co.uk

Facebook/ToriRatcliffeArt

https://www.instagram.com/toriratcliffeart/

Other Mentions:

Ask an Artist Podcast

Find me at:

www.tomshepherdart.com

instagram.com/tomshepherdartist

www.patreon.com/TomShepherdArt

YouTube - TomShepherd Art

facebook.com/TomShepherdArt/

Ali Cavanaugh is an internationally renowned artist who produces breath taking watercolours.

Ali has built a wonderful art career with many interesting twists and turns, and her insight into not only life as a working artist, but also into the unique personal journey we go on as creatives, is both inspiring and invaluable.

In this episode we discuss, amongst many other things:

• Ali's Art Career journey and making big decisions
• Constantly moving forward with your art and career
• Transition from oils to watercolour and her experimental and lesser known materials and techniques
• Getting down to the nitty gritty of the numbers in business
• Balancing art, being a mum and life
• Finding an authentic voice and the constant micro evolution needed to progress your art and your career.

You can find Ali and her work at the links below:

AliCavanaugh.com

Instagram - Ali Cavanaugh

Patreon - Ali Cavanaugh

Find me at:

www.tomshepherdart.com

instagram.com/tomshepherdartist

www.patreon.com/TomShepherdArt

YouTube - TomShepherd Art

facebook.com/TomShepherdArt/

A fascinating episode where I chat to UK Artist, Violet Astor. 

Fresh off the back of a wonderful year I talk to violet about taking hold of ideas and making them happen, her career as an artist so far and her business approaches, through to the love of her main medium, charcoal.

Two other largely covered topics are Violet's experience with the relatively unknown, and on the whole misunderstood, Lyme disease. The affect on her life but also how it led her to art. This not only gave her focus but ultimately became a huge part of her healing, most mentally and physically. The power of art and creativity is not to be under estimated!

As with most wildlife artists we cover the role of art with conservation. So many angles and variations on this but I love Violet's approach of harnessing, celebrating and fostering pride and passion in the environment and it's wildlife.

You can find Violet and her work at the links below:

https://www.violetastor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/violet.astor/

https://www.facebook.com/violet.astor.art/

Find me at:

www.tomshepherdart.com

instagram.com/tomshepherdartist

www.patreon.com/TomShepherdArt

YouTube - TomShepherd Art

facebook.com/TomShepherdArt/

Jay gives a very thoughtful and honest glimpse into his life and world as a professional artist. 

An inspirational and fascinating story, with a unique perspective on life as professional artist, as well as the need to wear many different hats being an artistic one man band, and of course as a father.

This is a story of striving for balance in life and art, whilst in pursuit of creative authenticity and freedom!

We talk everything from Jay's upbringing and approach to business, through to juggling all that life has to throw at him. We also get into creating the right environment to open the creative portal, pulling into that flow state space, then just enjoying the ride!

All this and more in this episode of Creative Perspectives.

You can find Jay at the links below:

JayAlders.com

Podcast

Instagram

facebook.com/jayalders

Twitter/JayAlders

Patreon/JayAlders

Find me at:

www.tomshepherdart.com

instagram.com/tomshepherdartist

www.patreon.com/TomShepherdArt

YouTube - TomShepherd Art

facebook.com/TomShepherdArt/

Where Wildlife art & conservation meet can be a powerful tool, but also a place that requires a serious balancing act.  Sofiya is an equally passionate conservationist and wildlife artist, and is carving out a unique lifestyle.

I talk to Sofiya about how many different aspects of life, art and conservationist she is learning to balance.

Sofiya tackles many conservation issues that are lesser known, and is out there on the front line directly working with organisations and groups.

A large part of what she does is taking messages and concepts and translating them into a sensitive, yet powerful visual form. Not easy!! 

As well as this Sofiya is trying to carve out a path as a selling artist, looking to reach new audiences with her impactive art, but also her strong messages!!

You can find Sofiya and her work at the links below:

https://www.instagram.com/sofiya.shukhova/

https://www.shukhova.com/

https://www.facebook.com/shukhova.art/

Find me at:

www.tomshepherdart.com

instagram.com/tomshepherdartist

www.patreon.com/TomShepherdArt

YouTube - TomShepherd Art

facebook.com/TomShepherdArt/