Empowering The Artist Within

So many of us long to share our art, our voice, or even just a glimpse of ourselves online but when it comes to actually doing it, confidence crumbles. The inner critic kicks in, negative thoughts spiral, and before we know it, we’ve shrunk ourselves small again.

If that feels familiar, this episode is for you.

I open up about my own journey of building confidence; from barely being able to speak up on video calls, to recording podcast episodes without a script. Along the way, I share the practices and mindset shifts that helped me grow braver, and the importance of having community support when you’re learning to show up.

Together we’ll look at:

Why negative thoughts and limiting beliefs keep us quiet and small.

How to reframe those stories into encouragement and possibility.

Why giving yourself permission to be imperfect is one of the most freeing things you can do.

The magic of sharing your work even if it’s messy, unfinished, or unpolished.

How letting go actually makes space for new opportunities.

You’ll walk away from this episode with encouragement to start showing up as you are, permission to be imperfect, and a reminder that your creativity is worth celebrating.

Because your art is magic. And it deserves to be seen.----more----

With thanks to my supporters; @artistkaisahart  @annafmacdonaldart @sg_art_and_journals

----more----Connect with me - Liz Ross:

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Welcome to this week’s episode of Empowering the Artist Within with Liz Ross. I am so excited to bring you this extra special bonus episode this month. Today I’m joined by the incredible Louise Fletcher; Artist, mentor, and creator of the transformative courses Find Your Joy and Find Your Voice. In this honest conversation Louise shares her journey from overcoming her limiting beliefs to mentoring hundreds of artists worldwide, and how her work helps creatives break free from perfectionism to rediscover their authentic voice.

We dive into the heart of her teaching: trusting your intuition, embracing mistakes, and showing up for your art consistently. We also explore the power of community through her Art Tribe membership, and how art can be a mirror for life - teaching patience, self-acceptance, and presence.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

💡 Try This: Paint or draw for 20 minutes without judgment. Focus on process, not perfection. Notice what happens when you release expectations.

Connect with Louise Fletcher:

Follow Louise;

Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/louisefletcher_art/

Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/louisefletcherart

Website; https://www.louisefletcherart.com  

Connect with Liz Ross:

☕️ Loved this episode? Support the show by buying me a coffee 

Welcome to Empowering the Artist Within, the podcast that nurtures your creativity, builds your confidence, and reminds you that your art and your story matter. I’m your host, Liz Ross, and today’s conversation is a tender and expansive one with the wonderful artist and community builder, Kasia Hart.

Together we explore what it really looks like to keep showing up for your creativity while navigating the realities of life.

We talk about creative momentum, resistance, and the beauty of being witnessed by someone who just gets it. It’s open, honest, and full of those “me too” moments that make artist friendships so meaningful.

If you’ve ever questioned your pace, your voice, or your place in the creative world, this one’s for you.

Honest reflections on creative identity and self-doubt

The difference between being productive and being present

How to keep going when resistance shows up

Why community and artist friendships matter so much

Thoughts on showing up as yourself

Talking about your work, showing your work, and letting it evolve

Your art doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.

Artist friendships are medicine - you don’t need to create alone.

It’s okay to grow slowly. It’s okay to start again.

Your creativity doesn’t disappear - it transforms.

Talking about your work helps you understand it.

Showing up imperfectly is better than not showing up at all.

Kasia Hart: galiaalena.com

Lewis Noble: //www.lewisnoble.co.uk/

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Leave a review; it helps others find this space

Share it with an artist friend who needs encouragement

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Take a gentle pause in your day...

In this grounding affirmation episode, I’m inviting you to soften. To breathe. To speak to yourself the way you speak to the people you love - with kindness. 

If you’ve been hard on yourself lately, questioning your creativity, or caught in comparison, this is your reminder that kindness is strength and you are worthy of your own tenderness.

These affirmations were written to help you reconnect with your self-worth, your voice, and your creative confidence. So let this episode be a soft landing for you, open up and give yourself time, space and the love you deserve. 

🌸 You’ll hear affirmations for:

This is for the artists who give so much, but forget to refill their own cup. Let this be that moment.

🎧 Take a breath, get still, and let’s begin.

✨ If this episode resonates with you, please consider:

Let’s keep building a creative life rooted in connection, community, and freedom of expression -together. 💛

📍 Connect with me:

Join my mailing list for private podcast episodes.

Is it ever too late to become a full-time artist? In this episode, Host of Empowering the Artist Within, Liz Ross talks with painter and printmaker Sam Waters, Sam shares how she reignited her creativity after decades in corporate life and what it really took to rebuild her confidence, momentum, and art practice from the ground up.

Liz and Sam explore how past experiences can support your creative future, why community and artist friendships matter, and the mindset shifts that helped Sam step into life as a working artist. 

For anyone navigating the space between a creative calling and real-life responsibilities, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and honest encouragement.

Sam's encouragement;

“It’s never the worst thing that happens. In fact, usually more opportunities open up.”

🎯 Key Takeaways

🔗 Links & Resources

✨ If this episode resonated with you…

Explore more episodes at: artbylizross.com/podcast

How to Be Seen as a Sensitive Creative: Visibility Without Overwhelm

Have you ever felt that lump in your throat when it’s time to share your work? Like you’re about to reveal a piece of your soul to the world?

In this personal solo episode of Empowering the Artist Within, we explore the vulnerability of being visible as a creative, especially for sensitive souls, women, and those who’ve grown up with messages about staying quiet, small, or “perfect.”

We talk about the fear of being seen, how past experiences and perfectionism feed that fear, and most importantly how to begin sharing your work in a way that feels safe, empowering, and true to you.

This is a gentle space to reflect, feel understood, and take small steps toward being more visible without the overwhelm.

Because showing up isn’t about being loud or flawless, it’s about being real and authentic.

In this episode, we explore:

Episode Takeaways Recap:

Connect with Liz Ross:

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

Website; artbylizross.com.

Tag me on Instagram @artbylizross and let me know what this episode brought up for you. I love hearing your reflections.

🎧 Prefer to listen to these reflections by email? I’m now offering audio versions of select newsletters stay subscribed and you’ll get access first! Sign up to my email list:

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

In this soul-nourishing episode, Liz Ross is joined by the incredible Alice Sheridan; artist, mentor, and founder of the Connected Artist Club. Alice has been a guiding light in my own creative path, and it was such a joy to sit down with her and explore what it truly means to live a creative life.

We talk about how our art reflects the seasons we’re in, how it helps us explore who we’re becoming, and why creativity is never linear. Alice shares powerful insights on permission, process, and what it means to create from the heart.

We also explore the origins and evolution of the Connected Artist Club and why Alice has always made space for both structure and softness, strategy and soul, in the way she supports artists.

This episode is an open-hearted look at how we grow; not just as artists, but as humans.

✨ Takeaways from this episode include:

🌼 Listen in for a thoughtful, real and encouraging chat and don’t forget to check out Alice’s Connected Artist Club if you’re looking for long-term support in your creative life. You can find out more and put your name on the waitlist here; Connected Artist Waitlist

Subscribe to Empowering the Artist Within

Leave a review; it helps others find this space

Share it with an artist friend who needs encouragement

Find more stories + support at artbylizross.com

Follow me on Instagram: @artbylizross

In this calming episode of Empowering the Artist Within, we’re focusing on the power of kind self-talk. You’ll be guided through a gentle set of affirmations designed to support your mindset, boost your emotional wellbeing, and soften your inner critic. Whether you’re creating, reflecting, or simply need a moment of grounding, these affirmations will help you connect with your inner voice and speak to yourself with more compassion.

Let this be a reminder: your words have power and you deserve to be on the receiving end of your own kindness 💖

Perfect for listening while journaling, making art, or starting your day.

🔗 Connect with Me & Explore More

🌐 Website: artbylizross.com

📸 Instagram: @artbylizross

💌Sign up to my email list:

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In Part 2 of my conversation with minimalist artist and founder of The Organised Artist, Anna Macdonald, we dive even deeper into how she created clarity and calm in the midst of life’s chaos.

Anna shares how her experience with ADHD, anxiety, and motherhood led her to seek a more peaceful, structured way of living and how her passion for minimalism, organisation, and creativity came together to support her own healing. Now she's helping artists to take control of their lives, through her membership - The Organised Artist.

We talk about:

Whether you’re navigating overwhelm, ADHD, or just craving a more intentional way of creating and living, this episode offers both comfort and practical insight.

🌿 LISTEN NOW to hear how Anna turned personal challenges into a calm, connected creative life and how you can too.

💬 Connect with Anna:

🌐 The Organised Artist Website

🌐 Anna F Macdonal Website

📸 Anna F Macdonald on Instagram

💛 Stay Connected with Me:

🌐 Website: artbylizross.com

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & your favourite podcast app.

In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by minimalist artist and founder of The Organised Artist, Anna Macdonald. We dive into Anna’s creative journey, her experience living with ADHD, and the deep impact that anxiety, depression, and burnout had on her life.

Anna shares openly about what it’s like to reach breaking point and how reconnecting with creativity, building meaningful friendships, and finding a supportive community helped her heal from within. This is a gentle, powerful reminder that you’re not alone, and that you’re worthy of being seen exactly as you are.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. In part 2 we go deep into how organising her life led to clarity and calm and why she is so passionate about helping other creatives to organise their lives so they can feel the same.

So grab a cuppa and settle in for a beautiful and honest exchange about art, healing, and the courage to keep going.

🌐 The Organised Artist Website

🌐 Anna F Macdonal Website

📸 Anna F Macdonald on Instagram

🌐 Website: artbylizross.com

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & your favourite podcast app.