In this episode I talk to Cass Deller, a surface pattern designer about her unique approach to business, productivity, and creativity. Cass shares her journey of building a creative practice, she discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing multiple roles, including managing courses, licensing designs, and experimental creative work. Cass also touches on the practical aspects of running a business, such as using administrative help, leveraging social media organically, and trialing new marketing strategies like Facebook ads. She highlights the importance of continuous learning, community support, and embracing her unique way of working for long-term success. I really enjoyed hearing about how Cass has built a successful creative business by following her intuition and playing to her strengths, I hope you do too!

You can find Cass’ Website here

You can find her instagram here

You can find the podcast here

Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

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In this episode I interview Laura Horn, an artist, podcaster, YouTuber, and teacher, discussing organisational tools and mindsets. Laura emphasises the importance of a flexible approach and learning from both successes and mistakes. She shares her experiences in building systems for her business, including the use of virtual assistants to streamline tasks and free up creative time. The conversation highlights the value of thinking big, simplifying ideas, and breaking them down into manageable tasks. Laura also talks about strategies for email management, the importance of having a good email provider, and using tools like Flowdesk for segmentation and automation. Additionally, she touches on the balance between business tasks and creative work, suggesting approaches like dedicating specific days for admin or creative activities. Laura discusses the use of social media schedulers and shares her methods for switching between business mode and creative mode and the constant juggle to maintain momentum in an art practice. Finally, she offers insights on how these organisational tools ultimately support more creative freedom and time.

You can find Laura’s Website here

You can find her instagram here

You can find her podcast here

And her vlog here

Tools that Laura mentioned in this episode:

Flowdesk

Sanebox

CoSchedule

You can find the podcast here

Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speaks with Sarah Birtles, an art dealer and the founder of Sarah Birtles Art and Advice. With over a decade of experience in commercial and public galleries, Sarah has built a business that connects individuals and businesses with original artworks through art fairs, online sales, and in-home consultations.

Sarah shares her insights into the different tiers of art fairs in Australia, the risks and rewards of participating in them, and how she selects which artists and artworks to bring to different locations. She also discusses how collectors engage with her artists and provides valuable advice for artists considering selling their work at an art fair.

Sarah shares her thoughts on maintaining confidence, avoiding common pitfalls, and presenting artwork effectively. We also discuss the role of galleries and dealers at fairs, the etiquette for artists approaching them, and how the art fair industry is evolving in Australia and New Zealand. 

Mentioned in this episode:

• Sarah Birtles
• Ben Tankard
• Fiona Smith
• The Affordable Art Fair
• The Other Art Fair
• Sydney Contemporary
• Melbourne Art Fair

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In this episode of The Creative Kind, I sit down with Nic Dempster, a painter from Ōtepoti Dunedin, New Zealand, to discuss NZ art fairs. Nic shares his journey of entering the art fair scene, providing insights into how he chooses which fairs to attend and some of the challenges he’s faced. We discuss the different types of art fairs in New Zealand, the importance of exposure, and the logistical aspects of participating in these events. Nic also shares practical advice for artists, including the importance of having business cards, preparing spiels, handling constructive feedback, and staying energised throughout the fair. The conversation delves into the benefits of community and networking within art fairs, highlighting both the opportunities and obstacles that come with this unique marketplace.

You can find Nic here:

You can also find his artwork at: DeNovo, Flagstaff, Mobile Art, Art on Thames, ArtBox and  Soul Gallery.

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n this episode I have a great conversation with Kylie King-Hazel, a self-taught artist from Pōneke, Wellington. Kylie shares her experiences and motivations behind her art, which is deeply influenced by her personal journey and her desire to represent the beauty of Te Ao Māori for her Māori husband and children. We discuss the challenges of being a self-taught artist, including dealing with self-doubt and the importance of mentorship. Kylie highlights the transformative role of AI in her work and the cultural considerations in her art practice. The conversation also touches on the significance of community, patience, and self-belief in this crazy career choice of ours!

You can find Kylie here on instagram 

Mentioned in this episode:

David Kassan

Shana Levenson

You can find the podcast here

Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

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In this episode I chat to Penelope Boyd, a self-taught painter from Canberra. Penny discusses how she came to develop her unique style and the self-reliance and determination it took to get there. She talks about early exposure to blogs and online resources and a long history of trial and error and how this helped her to refine and discover what works for her. Penny talks about some of the challenges she faced, including physical injuries and she also reflects on the freedom of being self-taught, allowing her art to evolve without the influence of formal art education. We discuss some of the challenges artists face in developing their professional skills beyond making art, including writing artist statements, managing finances, and navigating the business side of the industry. This chat with Penny really highlights the value of long-term commitment and practice, in honing one's artistic voice. I really enjoyed this chat and I hope you do too!

Penny has an upcoming exhibition 'Lost and Found' at Grainger Gallery in Canberra from the 13-30th of March 2025

You can find Penny here on Instagram

And her website here

You can find the podcast here

Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'The Creative Kind,' I’m joined by Rachael Mayne, a psychologist and painter based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, to discuss the intersection of anxiety and art. Rachael explains that anxiety is a normal, protective mechanism but can become problematic when it impacts daily functioning. We explore how anxiety manifests for artists, and how tools like journaling, mindfulness, and therapy can help. We touch on issues of imposter syndrome, the impact of social media on self-esteem, and the challenge of staying inspired. We also discuss our personal experiences of navigating the "ugly phase" in paintings, recognizing it as a natural part of the process rather than a sign of failure. Racheal offers practical strategies for managing creative anxiety, including having multiple projects at different stages and recognizing when energy levels allow for experimentation. 

You can find Rachael here on instagram:

And her website here

Mentioned in this episode:

The links to the books/resources that I mentioned are:

- The Centre for Clinical Interventions - Resources for looking after yourself:

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself

- The Happiness Trap - How to stop struggling and start living, By Russ Harris (book)

We discuss topics related to anxiety and mental health in this episode, including how these experiences can affect artists. While we approach this conversation with care, some parts may be sensitive for certain listeners. If you find this topic distressing, please take breaks or skip this episode if needed. If you’re struggling with your mental health, we encourage you to seek support from a mental health professional or reach out to someone you trust. 

📞 Additional Mental Health Resources:

• New Zealand: Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counselor anytime.
• Australia: Contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
• International: Visit befrienders.org to find helplines in your country.

You can find the podcast here

Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I talk to Dr. Lou Cooper, psychologist, host of the Emotion Focused Podcast and head of training at the Australian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy. We discuss the relationship between creativity and anxiety, exploring if artists really do experience more anxiety compared to others. Lou provides insights into recognising, managing, and normalising anxiety, balancing emotions in the creative process, differentiating between helpful and debilitating anxiety, and the role of community and social media in an artist's mental health. We also answer a few listener questions about anxiety spirals, using emotions as inspiration, and career uncertainties. Throughout the discussion Lou explains the importance of acknowledging anxiety and offers strategies for managing it, normalising it and possibly even using it when we think about or are in the process of creating art.  

Links to:

International Society for Emotion Focused Therapy

The Emotion Focused Podcast- Hosted by Dr Lou Cooper

• Listen on apple podcasts
• Listen on spotify
• The Emotion Focused Podcast on Instagram

We discuss topics related to anxiety and mental health in this episode, including how these experiences can affect artists. While we approach this conversation with care, some parts may be sensitive for certain listeners. If you find this topic distressing, please take breaks or skip this episode if needed. If you’re struggling with your mental health, we encourage you to seek support from a mental health professional or reach out to someone you trust. 

📞 Additional Mental Health Resources:

• New Zealand: Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counselor anytime.
• Australia: Contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
• International: Visit befrienders.org to find helplines in your country.

You can find the podcast here

And the podcast newsletter here

Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Dublin-based artist Mark Conlan, known for his expressive and whimsical work across various mediums, including digital art, illustration, and hand-painted pieces. We discuss the evolution of Mark's career, from his days as a graphic designer to becoming an illustraton artist and how his style and techniques have adapted over time. We talk about the importance of personal projects in driving commercial success, and the value of continuous exploration and confidence in artistic growth. Mark shares insights on balancing commercial work with personal expression, dealing with creative blocks, and the significance of rest and nature in maintaining creativity. 

You can find Mark here:

Mark Conlan’s Website

Mark Conlan’s Instagram

You can find the podcast here

And the podcast newsletter here

Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I talk to Fleur Wickes, a New Zealand artist, writer, photographer, and master's student. Fleur discusses her evolution from a photographer to a multifaceted artist, sharing insights about her creative process, which focuses on emotional connections and human experiences. Fleur also talks about the significance of imperfection in her art, the transition away from photography, and the role of business in her creative journey. We discuss the importance experimenting has played within her practice, as well has things that have stayed constant such as her use of photographic paper and her love of words. This episode explores the many ways Fleur's work has evolved over the years, and how throughout those changes, she’s always sought to explore the emotional resonance of art.

You can find Fleur here:

Fleur Wickes Website

Fleur Wickes Newsletter

Fleur Wickes Instagram

Mentioned artists include Diane Arbus, Rose Wiley Joel Peter Witkin, Emily Hartley Scutter, Wolfgang Tillman, CJ Hendry, and Glenn Hayward.

You can find the podcast here

And the podcast newsletter here

Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.