Not Real Art

Confused by NFTs? Meet the software developers who are making generative artwork a piece of cake. 

Today, we’re joined by two cutting-edge innovators: Ashton Owens and Andrew Medearis of Good Month Labs, a software development company that calls itself “the TurboTax of NFT deployment.” In this episode, Ashton and Andrew sit down with NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power to discuss their recent passion projects in the spheres of cryptocurrency and counterculture. 

You’ll learn how the two founded Good Month Labs and subsequently launched BAZ, a golf-inspired collection of NFT artworks numbering over seven thousand. Featuring the “violently pastel” works of Kyokill, the collection is available on OpenSea, and will likely appeal to patrons who adore its unique combination of golf, dinosaurs, and Web3 art. Discover the collection here.

Ashton and Andrew also dive into their recently launched Cake app, which will create a one-stop solution for artists in Web3 spaces—regardless of whether you’re an old pro or a total NFT neophyte. The two discuss how NFTs are shifting power back to artists, what Cake will do to facilitate this process, and how artists and NFTs can evolve together. 

We also touch on the definition of “programmable assets,” why NFTs can actually offer IRL experiences, and how blockchain technology can be kinder to our planet. Don’t miss our insightful conversation with Ashton and Andrew of Good Month Labs. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Andrew explains how a passion for counterculture led him to NFTs
• Ashton shares his chance encounter with NFTs while working in sports marketing
• Ashton and Andrew relay their vision of accessible art at the intersection of golf and NFTs
• Ashton sheds some light on the BAZ TOUR Collection by Kyokill on OpenSea
• The two discuss Good Month’s Cake app, and how makes NFTs easier for artists
• Andrew acknowledges market value for art and NFTs can be borne out of confusion
• Ashton explains how NFTs can lead to real-world experiences and strengthen relationships
• The two software developers respond to environmental criticism of NFTs
• Lastly, the two talk about the hottest new industry event: NFT.NYC

For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/good-month-labs

The democratization of art does not mean dumbing it down. It means increasing access for artists and audiences alike, an objective that today’s podcast guest, Melissa Richardson Banks, is super passionate about.

Melissa is an arts marketing specialist, podcast host, photographer, and the founder of CauseConnect, an art consulting firm that recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of “doing business by doing good.” She specializes in creating strategic marketing partnerships and is known for designing innovative, cost-effective solutions that produce results, from raising funds to raising awareness. Known as Downtown Muse for her photography of the Los Angeles and Houston art districts, Melissa is also an independent cultural producer. She plans, creates, funds, and executes events and projects, from museum exhibits, community festivals, and virtual and in-person speaker series to classical music concerts, influencer dinners, and salons. To date, Melissa has produced, marketed, managed, or funded over 100 museum exhibitions and managed several national tours of traveling exhibitions and art shows. 

In today’s episode, Melissa shares her observations on the legitimacy of so-called “real art” and offers some insight into her creative journey, from middle school artist to arts marketing specialist. We also touch on the dissolving divide between fine and commercial art, why what you call yourself as an artist matters, and the story behind her creative partnership with longtime comedian and art collector Cheech Marin. Tune in to the episode to find out how Melissa elevates and supports artists—then learn how you can do the same.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The importance of arts education and making art more accessible
• Why Melissa believes that art is all around us; all we have to do is seek it out
• Hear the story of the first time she acknowledged herself as an artist
• Reflecting on the dissolving divide between fine and commercial art
• Why what you call yourself matters, and the growing number of titles artists can choose from
• The fascinating story of how she came to manage Cheech Marin’s art collection
• How the two launched the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture, now open in Riverside, CA
• Why Melissa believes her role is to promote and support artists over herself
• Debunking some of the biggest misconceptions about Chicano art
• The intangible services Melissa has provided for artists over the years, and the tangible projects that are most significant to her
• The multitude of ways that you can support artists, from buying art to sharing their work
• A glimpse into the joy that Melissa’s art collection brings her on a daily basis

For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/melissa-richardson-banks

Welcome to a special Father’s Day edition of the NOT REAL ART Podcast! Today, you’ll hear from Sol Guy, an incredible film producer and writer who believes we change and shape our world through the stories we tell.

His passion for art and social change has led him on a unique creative journey. From his early days as a founding member of groundbreaking Canadian hip-hop group the Rascalz to creating and presenting TV shows, producing and directing films, writing books, and managing other artists, Sol has always been very intentional about implementing business practices that are both innovative and socially-minded.

His most recent film, The Death of My Two Fathers, is a courageous exploration of identity, fatherhood, life, and death. In this episode, Sol shares how the film unpacks the meaning of family, explores race, and why we must all face where we come from for the sake of those who come after us. By offering the film as a resource, Sol’s hope is to inspire people to live intentionally, face difficult challenges head on, and be inspired to use creativity, conversation, and storytelling as a means for healing and honoring our loved ones. Tune in today for a powerful (and emotional) conversation about grief, reconciliation, and fatherhood.

Key Points From This Episode:

• A candid and emotional reflection on the unpredictable voyage of grief
• The importance of recognizing your mortality in order to get the most out of life
• Why Sol believes we can heal ourselves and one another through creative practice
• Recognizing that we can inherit beauty, truth, and gifts in the same way we inherit intergenerational trauma
• How Sol found the courage to explore difficult topics like fatherhood, reconciliation, and loss
• Why he believes it’s important to raise sensitive sons and encourage vulnerability in boys
• Hear about Sol’s experience of visiting his father’s first family in Kansas City
• How his sister, Travistine, helped Sol rediscover his roots, reexamine what it means to be Black in America, and reconnect with the people his father left behind
• How Sol came to understand the parallels in his own life as a better understanding of his father’s choices emerged
• Understanding the value of showing up as a witness, not a savior
• Sol shares what he believes is his love language: making art with someone.
• A look behind the scenes as Sol shares the process of filming The Death of My Two Fathers
• How his team helped him find the universal narrative in his personal story
• What Sol learned about collaboration and the true nature of abundance during the process
• The energetic resonance of the process that remains in the final creative product
• How Sol hopes to offer this film as a resource and where you can watch it

For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/sol-guy

How many people would be willing to risk it all to pursue their dreams? Today’s guest, Danish artist Mikael B., packed his bags and flew to LA after selling the graphic design company he started with his twin brother. 

In 2014, while Mikael was working as a graphic designer, he created a colorful map to hang in his Copenhagen apartment. That work, “Vibrant World,” went viral after being posted online, spurring global demand for Mikael’s prints and providing a launchpad for the artist’s budding career. Encouraged by the response, Mikael and his brother sold their graphic design business and moved to LA to focus on art-making—and the rest, as they say, is history.

Blending Cubism with Wildstyle graffiti, Mikael began splashing his designs all over LA soon after arriving. Today he works with brands like American Express and Bentley Motors to create eye-catching projects and public murals that brighten the city. He credits his success to his brother’s business savvy, describing their partnership as “yin and yang.” 

In today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder and publisher Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Mikael B. to discuss how the young artist took control of his creative career. You’ll get a glimpse into Mikael’s creative journey, from Denmark to The City of Angels, and hear about his ongoing commitment to creating work he loves—not just art that sells. We also touch on the role social media plays in Mikael’s success, how to embrace the unknown with enthusiasm, and what you can learn from the crossover between fine and commercial art. 

Ultimately, Mikael believes taking an extraordinary leap of faith enabled his creative success. The artist shares a powerful and inspiring story about sacrifice, commitment, and vision—tune in today for insight from the intrepid artist.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Mikael’s introduction to art-making via graphic design
• How he felt called to express himself authentically rather than building corporate brands
• Why he describes his partnership with his twin brother as “yin and yang”
• The story of how "Vibrant World" went viral and kickstarted Mikael’s journey as an artist
• The role that social media played in enabling Mikael to take control of his own career
• Some of the sacrifices he had to make in order to get his business off the ground in LA
• What you can learn from the crossover between the commercial and fine art worlds.
• How Mikael has been inspired by graffiti and how it has influenced his signature style
• The value of embracing the unknown and getting out of your comfort zone
• Strategies from his agency days that Mikael applies to building his personal brand
• The importance of staying true to yourself: why Mikael paints what he loves, not what sells
• The dedication and commitment it takes for ordinary people to do extraordinary things
• How taking this leap of faith enabled Mikael to become a better version of himself
• Insight into his daily routines and rituals, from regular exercise to meditation and practicing gratitude, and how they contribute to his success
• How you can benefit from prioritizing self-care as a creative practitioner
• What's next for Mikael B, including his upcoming solo exhibition!

For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/mikael-b

How do you turn your passion into a successful business? When Los Angeles-based artist and entrepreneur Ilse Valfré was just 22-years-old, she started a Tumblr blog that would propel her from preschool teacher to internationally sought-after artist.

Today, fans of her brand, Valfré, include Jessica Alba and Emma Roberts, as well as millions of girls and young women around the world. In this episode of our podcast, NOT REAL ART founder and publisher Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Ilse and her husband, Donald Eley, to discuss how they built a family business while raising two bchildren. You’ll gain insight into the challenges and rewards associated with building a successful brand in today’s tech-savvy world and learn about Ilse’s passion for drawing. We also touch on the importance of starting a creative business while you’re young, establishing a strong community to rally around you, and what it takes to forge your own path.

Prompting young artists to view hardships as gasoline for their creative fire, Ilse believes the challenges she’s endured shaped her success for the better. Her quirky, irreverent characters reflect this philosophy, smirking in the face of adversity even as tears fall from their eyes. A modern-day internet success story, Ilse urges creative entrepreneurs to follow their passions, jump in with both feet, and make mistakes—you never know what might happen! We also dive into the Web 3.0 and NFT world, where Ilse and Donald have created Valfrélandia, a collection of 600 unique, hand-drawn NFT artworks

Though Ilse credits her success to the incredible community she’s managed to build online, it’s the artist’s sunny disposition and relentless optimism that propels her work into the wider world. In today’s episode, Donald and Ilse share their magic formula for modern success as they reflect on what it’s like to have over a million followers in their community: “It keeps us inspired.”

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into Ilse’s upbringing and the Tumblr blog that launched her global brand
• Why Ilse encourages creative entrepreneurs to start young (and make mistakes!)
• Donald explains how the Valfré brand “rides the line” between fashion, art, and design
• The authenticity in her work that Ilse believes people are drawn to
• How the internet provided a space for Ilse to build her own world and forge her own path
• Viewing the internet as a window or a stage to introduce viewers to your work
• Discover how Donald and Ilse met and how their skillsets compliment one another
• How growing up surrounded by street food and urban art in Tijuana influenced Ilse’s practice
• A glimpse into Donald’s journey and how he became the businessperson that he is today
• Why Ilse says she has learned to trust the journey, even when it is challenging
• Understanding how Ilse’s characters reflect this philosophy, smirking in the face of hardship
• What it’s like for Ilse to have a million followers and how it inspires her to keep going
• The uplifting and positive messages her artwork spreads amongst the Valfré community
• Diving into the Web 3.0 and NFT world, where Ilse and Donald have created Valfrélandia
• How emerging technology can connect creators with their fans in a whole new way
• The benefits of having a family business and how Ilse and Donald advocate for each other

For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/valfré

No matter how many accolades you receive, they will fade, and the plaques in your honor will eventually be removed and replaced with new ones. Of course, receiving recognition for the creative work you do is an important part of staying motivated as an artist, but today’s guest believes that it should be the work itself that inspires you, not the awards you collect for it. That being said, today, we are honored to welcome our first-ever Emmy Award-winning artist, Senior Vice President of Development and Production for Red Rock Films, Shannon Malone-deBenedictis! A former video installation artist, Shannon is a creative storyteller and a leading figure in film development and production spanning several genres. Notable projects include Secrets of the Whales, winner of the 2021 Emmy for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series, as well as Penguin Town and Shark Week. In today’s episode, Shannon emphasizes the value of patience, determination, and collaboration, highlighting the critical roles that great storytelling and constant curiosity have played in her decades-long career as a documentary filmmaker. We also touch on why the ability to work well with others is more important than raw talent and discuss some of the challenges that come with pitching films to investors, before Shannon offers her practical advice for filmmakers, plus so much more! Make sure not to miss this down-to-earth and insightful conversation with the one and only, Shannon Malone-deBenedictis!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into Shannon’s career trajectory; from an art degree to office work and back to film!
• Hear what it was like for Shannon and her team to win an Emmy for Secrets of the Whales.
• The epic undertaking of filming the series and the collaborations that made it possible.
• Studying the social, cultural traditions of whales, previously considered exclusive to humans.
• Shannon’s belief that studying the culture of whales will play a key role in our ongoing efforts to protect them.
• How advanced technology like drones enable us to capture footage in an ethical way.
• Some of the controversy that often accompanies documentary filmmaking.
• How Sigourney Weaver brought classic storytelling and emotion to Secrets of the Whales. 
• Find out how Shannon believes COVID contributed to this project winning the Emmy. 
• Two compliments that meant the most to Shannon, one of which was from a four-year-old.
• The surreal moment when Secrets of the Whales won the Emmy for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series.
• Why Shannon prioritizes the work she does over any accolades she has received for it.
• Why simply having talent doesn’t mean you’ll get work; you can’t work in a vacuum.
• The importance of learning how to collaborate and work with others as an artist.
• Shannon and Sourdough share their mutual appreciation for the Jackass movies.
• The amazing travel opportunities that being a documentary filmmaker has afforded Shannon.
• Highlighting the roles that great storytelling and curiosity play in documentary filmmaking.
• Challenges that come with pitching documentary films, and Shannon’s advice for filmmakers.

For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/shannon-malone-deBenedictis

The shifts and changes that have always characterized the creative industries have accelerated in the last few years with the rise of the blockchain and the introduction of NFTs into the popular lexicon. There are now more new avenues than ever for artists to explore and find themselves a niche in, and this is both exciting and daunting for many young creators. Here to talk about his journey through the creative life and his explorations into new possibilities is the amazing kaNO! Born and raised in New York and now based in Los Angeles for many years, kaNO is an artist, toymaker, animator, and generally a man of many talents! kaNO is also a family man, a thoughtful human, and someone we are so lucky to host on the podcast and share this space with. In today's episode, we speak about many different areas of kaNO's life, from how he approaches productivity and time management to his thoughts on education and community. The bulk of the second half of our chat is spent on the crypto space and how kaNO is thinking about his place in this burgeoning area of the art landscape, so to catch it all from a truly fantastic guest, hit that play button!

Key Points From This Episode:

• kaNO's attitude to juggling different projects and demands on his time. 
• The impact of education in kaNO's journey and the time he spent at art school. 
• Democratization of the art business; his philosophy and what enabled him to keep growing. 
• Why a network of peers and mentors are so important to any aspiring artist.
• Current projects that kaNO is busy with; his forthcoming exhibition, new toys, and forays into NFTs and the blockchain! 
• kaNO's perspective on NFTs currently and how they could change the game. 
• How the NFT world connects to the Metaverse and a new creative culture. 
• kaNO explains where he is at in his own process of learning about NFTs and where he wants to pour his energy.
• The shift away from physical and tangible products with the younger generation. 
• Staying relevant with the ways we acquire and share knowledge. 
• The attraction that young people have towards the open and free nature of NFT education.

For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/kano

Today on the Not Real Art Podcast, we have the pleasure of introducing you to world-renowned artist, Andre Miripolsky. As colorful as the art he creates, Andre’s signature style of pop imagery is bright, whimsical, and energetic, and he has collaborated with the likes of Bette Midler, Quincy Jones, Robin Williams, The Rolling Stones, and MTV, among others. His work exploded onto the scene in the 1980s with the design of Elton John's famous ‘piano jacket’, and he is best known for his Fear No Art series, the Miripolsky Art Barbie, and his ‘Absolut Vodka illustrations from the ‘90s. In this episode, Andre shares some insight into his career, his upbringing around the world, and what led him to ultimately settle in Los Angeles. Tuning in, you’ll learn more about his iconic Viva LA! Program, which celebrates the power of collaboration and the incredible, dynamic people that make LA one of the most creative cities in the world, and we dive into how Andre is embracing cutting edge technology as he ventures into the world of NFTs with his distinctive shark characters. Andre believes he was born to be an artist, which is clearly evident as we dive into his story. So, for a fascinating discussion with one of the most brilliant creative minds of our time, make sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What constitutes ‘real art’ and some of the unintended consequences of technology.
• An interesting story about why Andre isn’t a French citizen, despite being born in Paris.
• Why Andre says he received an art education “by osmosis" by the time he was two.
• How he found himself through art at a young age and sold his first painting at 10-years-old.
• The importance of branding as an artist, which Andre first discovered as a high school senior.
• The role of marketing and promotion in the NFT world and the challenges virtual art presents.
• Insight into some of the important partnerships that Andre has made in the NFT space.
• Why Andre says that he always felt like an old soul, even when he was a child.
• How he has embraced cutting edge technologies and processes throughout his career.
• Why he believes the epitaph on his tombstone should read, "In spite of myself.”
• The accident that led Andre to create one of his best-known bodies of work, Fear No Art.
• How he made rock and roll history by designing Elton John’s famous ‘piano jacket’.
• Why Andre attributes his success as an artist to his ability to adapt his energy to the different ecosystems and platforms of the art world.
• Understanding his involvement in the Viva LA Music Festival via his iconic Viva LA! Platform.
• Why he believes that the phrase, “Viva LA,” is behind the success of the brand.
• Information about Andre’s SharkTales Art Club NFTs, his partnership with the Beneath the Waves Foundation, and where you can find them.
• Where you can follow Andre on Twitter and Instagram.

For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/andre-miripolsky

As much as we tend to separate ourselves from other species, human beings are animals too. Our natural ecosystems support all of us, not just the whales or the polar bears we want to save, and the only way we can sustain our lives and our health on this planet is if the planet is alive and healthy. Today’s episode centers around an incredible organization that is doing important work at the intersection of culture and environmentalism to further the conservation of our oceans. Led by Founder and Executive Director, Tré Packard, The PangeaSeed Foundation is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to raise awareness and create positive change using what they call ‘ARTivism’. Tré is a renowned public art curator and award-winning environmental photographer who marries art and activism to cultivate a new era in marine conservation and, in today’s episode, he shares some of the groundbreaking work that PangeaSeed has done with artists like Shepard Fairey and Nychos to raise awareness about the fragility of our oceans. We also gain some insight into what compelled Tré to look at conservation through a different lens and you’ll learn about their recently released book, Sea Change: A Decade of ARTivism for Oceans, which features a carefully curated selection of the purpose-driven artworks that PangeaSeed has collaborated on over the past 10 years. To find out how PangeaSeed is giving the oceans a voice through their unique blend of art and activism, make sure not to miss this insightful conversation with Tré Packard!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What compelled Tré to look at conservation through a different lens: art.
• Insight into Tré’s lifelong connection with, and passion for, the oceans.
• The value of art as a communication tool to drive change.
• How the Sea Walls public art program empowers and educates communities about the importance of protecting our oceans.
• How they collaborate with global partners and stakeholders to create a legacy of ARTivism.
• The special selection of artwork featured in Sea Change: A Decade of ARTivism for Oceans.
• Ocean pollution, microplastics, and the power that consumers have to drive change.
• Tré reflects on how religion and politics can influence our relationship with the environment.
• Tré’s hope for the next generation and how he believes young people can mobilize for good.
• Sea Walls in Churchill, Manitoba, which is known as the “polar bear capital of the world.”
• A sneak peek into some of the murals and creative productions coming your way this summer.
• Breaking down the seven chapters of Sea Change and what you can expect from the book.
• How you can support PangeaSeed by purchasing limited edition artworks from their shop.
• How PangeaSeed supports artists through their Printed Oceans and Sea Walls programs.
• Where you can find and stay up to date with PangeaSeed and Sea Walls on social media.
• Some of the ways that Tré takes care of himself so he can continue fighting for the cause.
• Sourdough tells the story of how he ended up living in Churchill, Manitoba, for a year.

For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/pangeaseed-foundation