Empowering The Artist Within

Overcoming self-doubt, embracing imperfection, and finding clarity on your creative path.

Sponsor the Podcast;  https://buymeacoffee.com/artbylizross

Episode Summary

In this warm, uplifting conversation, Liz Ross welcomes gentle creative guide Jo McCarthy to explore the real journey of being an artist and creative entrepreneur. Together, they discuss overcoming self-doubt, embracing imperfection, and building confidence in your creative business. This episode is a nurturing space for creative souls, offering gentle encouragement, practical advice, and soulful support for anyone seeking authenticity and growth in their creative path.

Guest Introduction

Jo Mcarthy

Jo is a gentle creative guide based in Wales, known for supporting makers, artists, and creatives in finding clarity and confidence. With a background in education, business, and creative mentoring, Jo brings a holistic, nurturing approach to helping creative souls thrive.

Key Topics & Quotes

Music Credit: Feeling Good by Doug Maxwell

In this deeply honest and heartfelt solo episode, Liz Ross opens up about the real behind-the-scenes of being an artist — the self-doubt, the limiting beliefs, the tiny steps of courage, and the unexpected ways confidence grows through showing up again and again.

From navigating open calls and the emotional rollercoaster of rejection and acceptance, to the overwhelm of producing a weekly podcast, Liz shares the EXACT thoughts, fears, and breakthroughs that so many creatives quietly hold inside.

This episode is a gentle reminder that you’re not alone.

You're not behind.

And you're allowed to grow slowly.

If you’ve ever doubted your voice, questioned your worth, or felt like everyone else is “further ahead,” this conversation will bring you comfort, clarity, and a renewed belief in what’s possible.

A grounding reminder that you don’t need to transform all at once…

You just need to take the next small step.

– Why Liz is shifting the podcast from weekly to fortnightly

– How approaching gallery owners feels scary for almost everyone

– The surprising way confidence grows through tiny, repeated actions

– The emotional process of submitting to open calls (and handling rejection)

– The belief-action-outcome cycle and how it shapes your entire creative life

– Why your “messy middle” is worth sharing and never something to be ashamed of

– Your limiting beliefs are not your the truths.

– Tiny steps count. They build confidence gently and sustainably.

– One rejection doesn’t define your worth or your future.

– Galleries, opportunities, and creative growth all start with simply showing up.

– Your voice, your story, and your journey matter far more than you realise.

– You are allowed to change your mind, slow down, rest, and choose a path that feels good.

💛 The Limiting Beliefs Ladder

A gentle framework to help you shift the stories that hold you back.

✨ The Creative Confidence Tracker (7-Day Practice)

Build momentum and self-belief through tiny, intentional creative actions.

Download coming soon — make sure you're subscribed to Liz’s newsletter so you don’t miss it 👇🏻

💌Sign up to my email list:

https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/818485/114166279194019425/share

✨ Website: https://www.artbylizross.com

Explore Liz’s artwork, podcast notes, and creative offerings.

☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/artbylizross

Support the podcast + creative work.

🎨 Instagram (Art): https://www.instagram.com/artbylizross

Behind the scenes, art process & inspiration.

🎧 Instagram (Podcast):

https://www.instagram.com/empoweringtheartistwithinpodcast

Episode updates & creative reflections.

🎁 Free Printable:

https://subscribepage.io/affirmationgift

Anna Mcdonald; Listen to Anna on episode #17 & #18 @annafmcdonald http://www.annafmcdonald.com

Alice Sheridan Listen to Alice on episode #20 @alicesheridanstudio http://www.alicesheridan.com

Kaisa Hart; Listen to Kasia on episode #11 & #24 @artistkaisahart http://www.kaisahart.com

Simone Russell @simonerussellart http://simonerussellart.com

Sara Hoque @sarahoqueart https://www.sarahoque.com

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Liz Ross speaks with Matija, founder and director of MASA UK Gallery, about what it really means to be an artist — from developing your craft and trusting your voice, to navigating galleries, rejection, and the courage it takes to show your work.

This nourishing conversation is filled with wisdom for artists at every stage. Matija shares her heartfelt mission to support local creatives, uplift emerging artists, and make original art accessible to everyone.

If you’ve ever wondered how to approach a gallery, whether your work is “good enough,” or how to keep going when doubt creeps in — this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and the reminder that you are not alone.

“Don’t paint what you think will sell. Paint what’s in your heart — that’s what people connect with.”

A grounding reminder that your authentic artistic voice is your greatest strength.

MASA UK Gallery – Bury

Website: https://masa-uk.co.uk

Instagram: @masa_art

MASA UK Gallery – Altrincham

Website: https://masa-uk.co.uk

Instagram: @masa_art

Currently exhibiting at MASA Gallery Bury

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jomortonartist/

Exhibiting at MASA Gallery Altrincham

Kate Collins – Painter known for her beautiful china work

Dave Coulter – Self-taught artist with an extraordinary journey

David Swithenbank – Celebrated sculptor, former President of Bury Art Society

✨ MASA UK ArtX Biennale Exhibition

Featuring 30 artists including ME! - I’m very excited to have 2 of my artworks in this exhibition!

5 December – 21 December 2025

Exhibited across both MASA galleries (Bury & Altrincham)

A beautiful opportunity to discover new artists, support local talent, and gift meaningful artwork for the holidays.

✨ Manchester Art Fair

MASA UK Gallery will be exhibiting artists work at manchester Art Fair 22nd & 23rd November 2025

Details: https://manchesterartfair.co.uk

✨ Website: https://www.artbylizross.com – Explore Liz’s artwork, blog posts, and creative offerings.

☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/artbylizross – Support the podcast and Liz’s creative work.

🎨 Instagram (Art): https://www.instagram.com/artbylizross – Artwork, inspiration, and behind the scenes.

🎧 Instagram (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/empoweringtheartistwithinpodcast – Episode updates and creative reflections.

🎁 Free Printable: Get your free affirmation gift now: https://subscribepage.io/affirmationgift

Gentle reminders for when life doesn’t go to plan — designed to inspire calm, reflection, and creative self-care.

👉 Get My Free Affirmation Gifts 💜

In this soothing affirmation episode, Liz Ross offers gentle motivation for artists and creatives navigating life’s unpredictable moments. Through mindful breathing, reflection, and affirmations, Liz reminds us that slowing down and caring for ourselves is a vital part of the creative process.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, tired, or off-rhythm, this episode is a quiet space to pause, reconnect, and remind yourself that you are enough — exactly as you are.

“You have grown into a version of She

The world had no idea you could ever be.”

A reminder to believe in your own growth and strength. You are already becoming everything you were meant to be.

– Gentle affirmations for when things don’t go to plan

– Words of self-care and compassion for creatives

– Reflections on rest, overwhelm, and returning to balance

– An excerpt from Donna Ashworth’s poem Warrior

– A reminder that rest and reflection are part of consistency

– You don’t have to do it all to be enough.

– Resting is part of your creative rhythm.

– Every pause holds purpose.

– You are worthy of the same tenderness you give to others.

✨ Website: artbylizross.com – Explore Liz’s artwork, blog posts, and creative offerings.

☕ Buy Me a Coffee:  – Buy a coffee for Liz ☕️ Support the podcast and Liz’s creative work.

🎨 Instagram (Art): @artbylizross – Artwork, inspiration, and behind the scenes.

🎧 Instagram (Podcast): @empoweringtheartistwithinpodcast – Episode updates and creative reflections.

🎁 Free Printable: Get my free affirmation gift

A special message for you 💜

You are beautiful 💜 You are loved 🧡 Release the need for perfection. What matters is taking the next step 🩷 Each step we take brings us one step closer to our true authenticity. Choose progress over perfection. Choose yourself 🩷 Choose authenticity 🩵 You are a beautiful soul and the world needs you just as you are💜💖

Welcome back to Empowering the Artist Within! I'm your host Liz Ross and after a few weeks away, I’m catching you up on what’s been happening behind the scenes. In this week’s episode I’m sharing an honest catch-up on life, art, and creative courage. From taking time off for rest to showing up live on YouTube for the first time! We’ll talk about embracing imperfection, what consistency really means, and why sharing the messy moments matters just as much as celebrating the wins.

In this episode, I talk about:

🌿 Why I was forced to rest and take a break from the Podcast 

🎨 My recent experiences with open calls and what happens when things don’t go the way you hope

💻 Going live on YouTube for the first time (and how I found the courage to hit “Go Live”)

💫 Why consistency doesn’t always mean perfection — and what it can look like for artists like us

🖌️ My latest art explorations and what’s inspiring me creatively right now

This is a gentle, honest catch-up episode about the highs and lows of being a creative and how sharing the “messy middle” can be just as uplifting as sharing our wins.

✨ Mentioned in this episode:

My YouTube Channel: Art by Liz Ross

Free Procreate Masterclass: http://subscribepage.io/freeprocreatemasterclass

Buy Me A Coffee;

Podcast guest episodes mentioned:

Ep. 29 — Bury Art Museum

Ep. 30 — Gabriel Lipper 

💜 Let’s stay connected:

Podcast Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/empoweringtheartistwithin

My website; https://www.artbylizross.com

ETAW Facebook Group; https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredartistcommunity

Procreate Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procreateartcommunity

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to follow, rate, or leave a review - it means so much and helps others find the show.

In this gentle reflection episode, Liz Ross shares an honest update about slowing down, recovering, and learning to show up — even when things don’t go to plan.

After a few weeks away from the mic, I reflect on finding inspiration in everyday moments, navigating creative consistency, and redefining what it really means to “keep showing up” as an artist.

Recorded on a quiet autumn walk, this episode is a reminder that creativity and self-expression don’t have to be perfect - they just have to be real.

Mentioned in this episode:

🎧 Tune in for warmth, honesty, and gentle encouragement to embrace rest, reflection, and inspiration in your own creative rhythm.

Welcome back to Empowering the Artist Within, this is the space for creativity, self-expression, and personal growth!

I’m your host Liz Ross, and today we’re diving into an inspiring episode with the wonderful artist Gabriel Lipper.

Gabriel joins me to share his evolution from classical realism to blending abstraction with representation, and his philosophy on creating art that’s both skillful and free. We explore the balance between disciplined practice and creative freedom, the role of community, and the importance of carving out time for art in everyday life. Gabriel also introduces his courses, including Learning to See and the upcoming Figure Workshop, designed to guide artists at every stage of their journey.

Sign up for Gabriel Lipper’s Figure Workshop; https://www.8paint.art/a/2148170151/JAN3t2oU (Affiliate link) - If you sign up through my link, I’ll earn a small commission - at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to support my podcast while you enjoy the course.

This conversation is full of insights for anyone looking to grow as an artist, overcome fear, and embrace a more joyful, authentic approach to making art.

💛 In this episode:

Art is a journey, and this episode is a beautiful reminder that growth, joy, and connection flourish when we approach it with curiosity and courage. 🌿

✨ Mini Challenge:

Pick one way to make time for your own creative practice this week. It could be a 15-minute sketch, experimenting with a new technique, or starting a small collection of pieces. Notice how it feels to create without pressure or expectation. Come over to the Facebook group and let us know what you created. https://facebook.com/groups/empoweredartistcommunity

⭐️ Question of the week:

What’s one way you’re embracing creative freedom in your art right now?

Come over to my podcast Instagram account and share your thoughts. I can’t wait to hear your stories!

🗣️ Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for Gabriel Lipper’s Figure Workshop; https://www.8paint.art/a/2148170151/JAN3t2oU (Affiliate link) - If you sign up through my link, I’ll earn a small commission - at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to support my podcast while you enjoy the course.

💌 Connect & Support:

https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/818485/114166279194019425/share

Keep creating, keep exploring, and above all, keep believing in yourself.

Liz 🌿

Welcome back to Empowering the Artist Within, this is the space for creativity, self-expression, and personal growth!

I’m your host Liz Ross, and today we’re shining a spotlight on something inspiring in my local community; the Bury Festival of Arts.

Joining me are Sarah Evans and Katie Stansfield from Bury Art Museum and Gallery, who share the story of how the festival began, how it’s evolved, and the beautiful way it’s supporting both artists and the wider community.

We talk about the festival’s impact on local creatives, the opportunities it offers for artists at every stage of their career, and the importance of keeping art inclusive and accessible. From free workshops and affordable art initiatives to personal success stories, this episode is a celebration of connection, creativity, and the power of coming together through art.

💛 In this episode, you’ll discover how the Bury Festival of Arts:

Art is for everyone and this episode is a beautiful reminder of the joy, inspiration, and connection that bloom when we make creativity part of everyday life. 🌿

✨ Mini Challenge:

If you’re local, find a way to get involved with the Bury Festival of Arts - attend an event, join a free workshop, or show up to support local artists. If you’re listening from further afield, explore what creative festivals or community events are happening near you and make space to be part of them.

⭐️ Question of the week:

How has your local art community inspired you?

Come over to my podcast Instagram account and share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear your stories!

💌 Connect & Support:

🗣️ Mentioned in this episode:

Keep creating, keep exploring, and above all keep believing in yourself.

Liz 🌿

Welcome back to Empowering the Artist Within, this is the space for creativity, self-expression, and personal growth!

I’m your host Liz Ross, and this episode is all about allowing for freedom in your creativity through traditional & digital art journaling.

If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blank page, pressured to “finish” an art journal spread, or afraid of ruining something you like, you are not alone. So many artists get caught up in perfectionism and fear of the outcome. In this episode you’ll hear about my experience with art journaling, how it can provide us with a safe space for expression, and how digital art can change everything.

We’ll talk about how digital art tools, like Procreate, can open new doors to creativity. Just like traditional art journaling, they give you permission to experiment, explore, and create without the pressure of a finished result.

💛 In this episode, you’ll discover how to:

Art is not about the medium, it’s about the freedom to express yourself. Your creativity is valid, meaningful, and worth celebrating🌿

✨ Mini Challenge:

If you don’t know how sign up for my FREE Procreate Masterclass and I’ll show you

You could choose to import a gelli print, collage paper, page from your art journal or a canvas piece.

Play around with the brushes, make some marks and have some fun playing.

Export as a jpg and sae to your camera roll.

Come over to my new Facebook group and share your explorations with us.

⭐️Question of the week:

Do you use Procreate or another digital tool in your creative practice? How do you feel about mixing digital and traditional ?

Head over to my new instagram account and let me know your answer in the comments - look for the question above in my feed and pop your thoughts under it.

💌 Connect & Support:

🗣️ Mentioned in this episode:

Kaisa Hart - 7 Day Mark Making Challenge https://www.kaisahart.com/mindful-mark-making-challenge 

Kaisa Hart Free Art Journaling Course https://www.kaisahart.com/art-journaling-joy-course

Follow Kaisa on instagram https://www.instagram.com/artistkaisahart/

Keep creating, keep exploring, and remember your art doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. 🌿

✨ Welcome back to Empowering the Artist Within, the space for creativity, self-expression, and personal growth! I’m your host Liz Ross, and today’s episode is a gentle yet powerful affirmation session to help you show up boldly as a creative, even when fear or self-doubt shows up.

If you’ve ever hesitated to share your art, felt nervous about posting your work, or worried that your creations aren’t “perfect,” these affirmations are here to ground you, remind you of your worth, and encourage you to take brave steps in your creative journey.

💛 In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

Build courage and confidence as a creative

Feel safe to show up imperfectly

Transform fear and self-doubt into motivation

Embrace vulnerability as a strength in creativity

🎨 Sample Affirmations from this episode:

I am learning to show up with courage, even when I feel afraid.

I am learning to show up with courage, even when I feel afraid.

I celebrate my creativity; messy, imperfect, and beautifully mine.

I am safe to take up space as an artist.

✨ Remember: confidence is built step by step, one brave moment at a time. Take a small action this week: Share your art, try something new, or simply acknowledge your progress. Every act of showing up is a victory!

💌 Connect & Support:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show!

Follow me on Instagram to keep the conversation going at my NEW instagram account for the podcast www.instagram.com/empoweringtheartistwithin 

Explore more inspiration and art here: www.artbylizross.com 

Keep creating, exploring, and keep believing and trusting in yourself. Your voice and your art matter.