I have interviewed Lisa once before, quite a while back and since that time we have become good friends. I wanted to bring her on this series so you could tune in as we talk about the-meaning0behind-art-creation. Sound deep? Well, it sort of is. Lisa has terrific insight, is a terrific teacher and has been holding my hand a bit as I leap into new territory, you can hear more about that here. Lisa helped me think about writing an artists statement and has help me let go of things that were holding me back. She is a fabulous, deep and FUN artist and mentor. If you get the chance to take a workshop from her, DO IT! She has a gift for teaching! She also has a gift for art. If you get a chance to own some of her work, DO IT! 

I decided to end this Artists and Mentor Series with a note from me. In this episode I talk about what I am up to and why I needed an online break and what evolved as a result. This is a good episode to listen to if you are feeling a bit fatigued with the internet, if you ever needed to stop something you are thought you were invested in and if you think you need to take a good long look at where you are headed. I am sharing what the last couple of months have looked like for me and the motivation behind some of my new art AND how using my own coaching from Smart Creative Style ended up helping me find my visual rhythm. 

I am so excited to welcome back Danielle Krysa from The Jealous Curator. Danielle has recently released her third book (woo-hoo) titled Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk. This is such a terrific read, I just had to have her back on for the Artists and Mentor Series. Her podcast, Art For Your Ear, has kept me painting when I could otherwise be drifting off into the kitchen in procrastination. Danielle is funny, smart, vulnerable and talented. I adore her collage art (check out the screenshot below from her Instagram feed) Tune in as we talk about producing art while trying to wrestle, make friends with and stamp out that critical voice!

Today I'd like you to meet Jason Horejs. Jason is the owner of Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ and he is also the author of the Red Dot Blog. I have really  gotten immersed in in his blog and in the mentorship that he offers to fine artists. As the son of an artist Jason  grew up attending Art show, hanging out in art galleries (his first job at 14 was at an art gallery!) and he really knows and understands both side of the equation. He understands art collectors and artists. I think that is rare and even valuable! I have found him, his blog and even his followers on his blog (read the comments!) to be a terrific resource. Jason has a heart for helping artists meet their goals and has set up so many ways to help them via his blog, books, his online gallery and mentorship. Tune in to this episode of the Artists and Mentors Series.

HI! Welcome to a mini series called "Artists and Mentors." Today on the podcast I am interviewing Grace Bonney from Design Sponge. She recently wrote a fabulously inspiring book called, In the Company of Women. With a focus on diversity she highlights talented gifted women and asks them about their businesses, how they find balance and even what they have learned from their so called 'mistakes." I have heard Grace speak a couple of times and she is always eloquent and full of wisdom so I know you will enjoy our chat. As for me, I felt a bit rusty when I am interviewing her, what?! Hang tough and I find my gift of gab again on this one! Stay tuned as I reveal who is next up on this mini series!

There is a new wave in town! take a listen to my final episode before my podcast sabbatical and see what is new for Smart Creative Women!

Ohhhh, you are going to like this one! Megan Auman and I are digging into the mind of shoppers and discussing why it is so important to understand your business  model and how you are showing up online. We get get super detailed because I have certainly met my match in Megan and how our minds work out marketing dilemmas. I have always been impressed with Megan smarts,  teaching style and her desire to help other creatives businesses succeed. Some of you might know Megan from her  teaching  site, Designing and MBA. TUNE IN. You will get a lot out of our girlfriend chat, we may have forgotten we were recording (and that is when all the good stuff happens!)

I pulled out SOME of my favorite pieces from Megan's jewelry line (just in case anyone is shopping for me, haha!)

Ok, forgive my street talk but the seems to be a lot of talk about business fatigue, malaise and flaming out lately. I have noticed this in several circles that go beyond the creative ones and I wanted to ask you what your thoughts are on the subject. Can you have you own a business and NOT put in a gazillions hours and still be successful? What are ways we can deal all the demands on ourselves and make sure we don't flame out? Most importantly, what are your beliefs around the subject? Tune in to hear what I think and leave your thoughts below. 

Meet Laura Novak the founder and mastermind behind the photography studios, Little Nest Portraits. Laura is sharing how she grew her boutique photography studio into a national brand,  while keeping the high end feel and studio experience. 

She had an artistic philosophy that blended classic portraiture technique with spontaneity and emotion. In this episode she explains why and how she had made her brand into franchise and how she communicates and teaches her passion and skills to new franchise owners.  Laura believes families can get high quality family portraits in a relaxed fun atmosphere at an affordable price. Tune in and hear how she manages her team and how she made the big leap in growing her business while being a  busy mother. 

As you may or may or not know, I have a bit of  fascination on how the internet and social media have changed the way we interact with brands. Brand that are trying interact with us as individuals online and offline. My curiosity led me to these lovely ladies, Emma Hetherington and Grace Murray from Fohr Card.

Advertising and print media has changed dramatically in the rise of the "new advertising machines" called " influencers." Enter companies like Fohr Card,  a company that brings brands and influencers together for smart campaigns. Emma and Grace have such a fun story  that may have included a quarter life crisis, hopping on an airplane landing in a snowstorm in NYC and making careers for themselves. You will like this dog-walking-turned-into-opportunity story, so tune in! You will you also see a possible opportunity for you! 

Get a glimpse into this interesting  world. You may just want to start reaching out to brands that could be looking for a creative with YOUR special skills.  Listen in and check out Fohr Card, no giant following necessary.  It is free and only requires some creative  ideas as to what is possible. Not bad, right?

From the founders of  Fohr Card: "We founded Fohr card with the purpose of bringing together two groups of people who share a love for storytelling; creative brands and creative influencers. Alone, each can create beautiful stories. Together, we believe they can create even greater ones."