The Inspiration Place

This week we're covering the artists behind the official White House portraits, the artist and singer-songwriter Issy Wood, enslaved pottery artists, and American outsider artist Nellie Mae Rowe.

Official Obama Portraits Unveiled at the White House

The White House held a ceremony to unveil the official portraits of President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. Better late than never, right?

Artist Robert McCurdy painted the official portrait of President Obama. He tells his subjects not to smile and to look directly into the camera to capture a transcendental moment.

Michelle Obama selected artist Sharon Sprung. Mrs. Obama's statement about how a girl like her was never meant to be in the White House is inspiring.

For more information on the Smithsonian portraits, check out podcast episode 127, Rise of the Black Portrait Artist

Portrait Artist Sharon Sprung

The identity of the presidential portrait artists is top secret, and it's usually revealed about a year after a former president leaves office.

Sharon Sprung painted the official portrait of first lady Michelle Obama. Although she completed it in 9 months, she had to keep the portrait and the fact that she'd done this important work secret for over 5 years!

She was inspired to paint portraits by the early death and memory of her father.

If you think you'd like to paint portraits, you can take my free class, 5 Simple Steps to Painting Portraits That Your Friends and Family Love

Art and Albums: Artist and Singer Songwriter Issy Wood

Artist and singer-songwriter Issy Woods (as well as Joni Mitchell) proves that it's possible to be a multi-passionate artist.

Her art and her music are provocative, and like the trial-blazer she is, her album is titled My Body Your Choice.

She's outspoken, opinionated, talented, and not afraid to let her art reflect her passions.

If you'd like to know more about how to generate hype around your work, you'll love hearing my conversation with Michael Schein, The Hype Handbook with Michael F. Schein

Enslaved Potters

There is a new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art - Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina.

One of the items exhibited by artist Dave Drake is a piece of pottery signed with his name Dave and the word "concatenation"

When I was researching and writing my book, Artpreneur, I was intentional about being inclusive. Too many books about art only talk about white, cisgendered men. Sharing the story of artists like Dave is important to inspire the next generation of artists.

It isn't out until January, but you can get pre-order bonuses now!

The Art of Nellie Mae Rowe

The American artist Nellie Mae Rowe was in her 60's when she began to transform her Atlanta home into what she called her playhouse. It became a destination for artists until she passed away in 1982.

Check out her art in the book Really Free: The Radical Art of Nellie Mae Rowe.

If you're feeling like a fish out of water when it comes to sales and marketing, you're not alone! Sales makes many people uncomfortable, but what if increasing your sales was possible without focusing on selling?

What if you could use your genius, your natural enthusiasm and flow state to sell more art?

Anna Tsui is an intuitive business coach, writer and international speaker that helps people unlock their genius flow. She's worked with Harvard University, Boston Business Women, and even the Boston Police Department, teaching others how to let their genius fuel their business and success is her superpower.

In this episode Anna unpacks so much wisdom about how to operate within your genius flow:

• How to identify your innate genius
• Approaching sales from your energetic genius rather than ego
• Leading with your inspiration and love for connection first over sales (for now)

Tsui shares how some of the practices you've been taught may actually be closing down your genius. Sometimes we have an aversion to sales and marketing because we haven't developed the muscle to show up as our most authentic selves . Anna shows us how to connect and energize the space you're in even more.

Instead of stressing yourself out over more followers and more emails, focus on people and building genuine connections. Lead with curiosity and give yourself permission to not think about sales for a moment by creating more space and opportunity for your genius to lead and inspire others.

"Our genius is the thing we discount the most, but it's also the thing that people will pay the most for, and that makes us truly unique." -Anna Tsui

For full show notes go to https://schulmanart.com/218

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🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉

Don't forget to check out the Inspiration Place goodie bag. Go pick up your party favor over at SchulmanArt.com/freebies. Whether you're a passionista or a passion professional, I've got something just for you.

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🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE!

If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast

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BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

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I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

Should Instagram Get to Censor Art?

Whether we like it or not, they are.

Their guidelines explicitly allow for real world art that depicts sexual content. Some artists are being banned completely.

A good example: The Little Black Gallery in London had their entire account deleted for a congratulatory post that had a silhouette image of a woman.

Artists need a platform to be seen.

I ran into an issue when I tried to promote my watercolor class Go Figure. This course will help you paint realistic and natural human figure, and my very non-explicit image was considered too explicit for Instagram.

Click here for access to my Go Figure class.

Why Art is Now Boring

Do you like art that's interesting, pushing boundaries or boring vanilla art? I know you all want interesting art. So why has art become boring?

Journalist, Michelle Goldberg wrote about the new book by W. David Marx Status and Culture: How Our Desire for Social Rank Creates Taste, Identity, Art, Fashion, and Constant Change

Goldberg shares that the book highlights how we use art and fashion to demonstrate our social status, but the author no longer thinks it's no longer working. Why? Several reasons but one of the biggest is the ability we have to fake our "image" with filters or by photoshopping ourselves next to a private plane.

For links to this and other great reads check out my book club list.

Grab my book club reading list here!

The Dark Side of Matisse

The Red Studio Exhibit shows the famous Matisse painting of his studio. The exhibit pulls out each piece of art and other things in the room.

It's made me aware of a backstory that I didn't know until now. The nude painting depicted is likely that of Matisse's daughter who would have been 16 or 17 at the time.

It makes me see this in a new light. What do you think?

Join the conversation and let me know what you think on Instagram.

Big Eyes: The Art of Margaret Keane

Margaret D. H. Keane (born Peggy Doris Hawkins, September 15, 1927 – June 26, 2022) was an American artist known for her paintings of subjects with big eyes. She mainly painted women, children, or animals in oil or mixed media.

Her husband was originally credited for her work, but she claimed ownership after they divorced. They had to have a "paint off" in court so she could prove it was her work!

A resurgence of interest in Margaret Keane's work followed the release of Tim Burton's 2014 biopic Big Eyes which I highly recommend.

If you are struggling to gain recognition for your work, I've got you.

Check out podcast episode 170, Top Insider Publicity Secrets with Senior Media Coach Lynya Floyd

Art World News Weekend Edition

It's been a busy week. We've covered censorship on Instagram. Additionally, we found out that art is now boring from author W. David Marx.

I'm still checking out your comments about the ethics of Matisse's painting of his daughter.

Lastly, I loved sharing Margaret Keane's story about her art, her fight to claim her own work, and why her method of painting eyes came about.

Until next time, stay inspired.

Artists are beautifully creative people and I believe that all artists can make a living and thrive from their art. There's personal work that needs to be done with your mindset, and skills that need to be learned such as marketing, building your email list, and learning how to attract the right audience and paying clients, but it can be so rewarding.

Today's episode is from our 200th episode coaching party where Shaun Roney and I answer questions that were submitted. Shaun is our mindset maven in the Artist Incubator Program. She helps artist with the mindset piece, and more specifically she helps people with neurodiverse brains manage their focus.

There are so many gems in this episode to help you wherever you are on your journey. Some key ideas we tackle in this episode include:

• The difference between an artist thriving and starving is the quality of their thinking
• Being a successful artist means growing your email list first (social media 2nd)
• Lead with more of you and your authenticity to find your audience
• You can have different styles of art and still niche down
• There's plenty of opportunity selling in a downturn market. Mindset is key
• Having judgement for others results in self-judgement and insecurity

Whether your biggest struggle is finding your audience or actually doing the things that will move you forward, it's so important that you realize how huge your thoughts are in your success and failures. What you believe about yourself, about the process, and about the people sharing key insights with you leads you to results or to sameness. You have to decide what to believe and what to think for yourself.

"When you're believing that the time is not right, it's going to create a feeling in you, and you're going to show up a certain way, and it's going to absolutely prove to your mind that the time is not right." -Shaun Roney

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/216

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Don't forget to check out the Inspiration Place goodie bag. Go pick up your party favor over at SchulmanArt.com/freebies. Whether you're a passionista or a passion professional, I've got something just for you.

++++++++++++++++++++

If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast

++++++++++++++++++++

BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++

I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

Writing Lessons from Nora Ephron

Nora Ephron was one of the most popular and accomplished writers in American literature and film. She did it all. Movies, books, essays, magazine articles and more.

Today I'm sharing her strategies that you can use to improve your own writing.

For more helpful writing tips check out podcast episode 171: Words that Sell: 5 Top Copywriters Share their Best Advice with Laura Belgray, Lacy Boggs, Tarzan Kay, Kimberly Houston, and Danielle Weil

The New York Art Scene Circa 1962

There's an exhibit called New York 1962-1964 covering that 3-year period of art in the city. It was a time of epic changes, and the exhibit explores the way artists documented the era.

Looking at art through the lens of the events during that time frame reminds me that what's happening in our world impacts how we see and experience events which affects our expression and the art we create.

Does the Supreme Court get to decide: What is Art?

This fall the supreme court is going to hear a case about Andy Warhol's paintings of the artist known as Prince. Specifically, the legal concern is if the images violate the copywrite law with a portrait of the musician.

Essentially, they are deciding "what is art?" Why is this coming up now? The Andy Warhol foundation has licensed work that was originally based on a single-use license.

It's complicated and I have lots of questions. Let me know what you think on Instagram.

Want to know how to make sure you're protected? Check out podcast 44: Protect Your Art from Copycats and Freeloaders with Legal Expert Katie Lane

Take Yourself Seriously as an Artist

Did you read any books written by July Blume? Her book Are you There God, It's me Margaret was instructional for me as a young 4th grader. A movie based on the book will be released in 2023.

This was the first of 29 books written by Blume but when this was published everyone, including her husband (at the time) laughed at the idea that she was a writer.

Not Judy. She knew she was a writer.

It's time to re-write your story. Start taking yourself seriously. I want you to choose to believe in yourself as the artists, the writer, the creator that you are.

Your Friends Shape Your Mindset

A new study from Harvard found that poor children found that kids who had friends from across class lines has better outcomes that those who didn't.

I became friends with a group of girls, and we decided that we were gifted. We talked about becoming poets and artists and though I am not in touch with them now, I found out that is exactly what happened for at least 2 of them. The seeds of who we were and who we became were planted during those 6th grade friendships.

Our friendships shape what we see as normal. It helped us all believe what was possible for us.

Listen to Master the Emotional Side of Goal Setting with Miriam Schulman schulmanart.com/175

If you are looking to surround yourself with other artists and creators, check out the Artists Incubator.

Pre-order the book Artpreneur: Schulmanart.com/BOOK

Come tell me what you think @schulmanArt

It's so interesting that while many of us would enthusiastically agree that we'd love to be financially free and independent, most of us have terrible language and poor choice of words around our money conversations.

Whether you're talking about what you can afford or how much you'd like to charge for your next art project, the words you use may seem insignificant, but be warned, they are sabotaging your efforts to get what you really want.

Today's episode with Serena Hicks is kind of a BIG deal because it may very well be the money mindset breakthrough you've been waiting for. Serena nurtures and educates people that want to be in a loving, healthy, and easy relationship with money. She is about two things, and that's BIG happy money and having BIG fun!

What core ideas around money are going to take you from where you are now, playing small, not charging what you want and deserve, living the starving artist life to living life in abundance and radical self-love, minus the financial struggles and martyrdom?

Core Money Mindset Makeover Ideas:

• Eliminate the "harmless" language and replace it with empowering language
• Someone choosing not to spend money with you doesn't mean it's too expensive
• Thinking that people won't spend money, attracts people that won't spend money
• Money does matter, demonizing it is keeping you powerless
• If you're selling art, it's about money
• Feel wealthy by celebrating the small wins along the way

"There is a client at every single price point. And there's a critic at every single price point." - Serena Hicks

Serena shares so many golden nuggets of money wisdom, and everything she shares is super practical. Pricing your art or creative work is challenging. There are so many hurdles to jump to get into an empowering mindset that allows you to charge what is right with conviction, and it starts with you and how you see money and financial choices. Serena explains why you have to stop seeing your pricing as expensive and start seeing it as expansive. A great way to start is using the examples here to replace "harmless" language.

"Harmless" language vs. Empowering language

• I can't afford that vs. I choose not to prioritize that at this time
• I only have X number of clients vs. I already have X number of clients!
• That's too expensive vs. that's not something I choose to invest in at this time

"So many artists have been conditioned, like the starving artists is a social norm, and I think it's easy for that to be a badge of honor, and I offer that it's optional." - Serena Hicks

Check out the Inspiration Place Goodie bag

Follow us on Instagram for even more value

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/214

++++++++++++++++++++

🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉

Don't forget to check out the Inspiration Place goodie bag. Go pick up your party favor over at SchulmanArt.com/freebies. Whether you're a passionista or a passion professional, I've got something just for you.

++++++++++++++++++++

🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE!

If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast

++++++++++++++++++++

BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout-out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++

I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

How to Choose a Course Topic

Are you one of those people who have too many ideas? For those of us who love diving into new projects, picking a topic can stop us before we get started. Focus can help when it's time to create your course.

To get your started, I'm outlining 3 ways to narrow your focus so you can decide on the main thing. A final note: don't worry if someone else has already done it. As artists we're all bringing our own special sauce that's not going to be like any others.

Join Amy's Bootcamp!

Your First Online Art Class

Did you know that art classes are the most popular types of online learning courses? It's true. In fact, online learning as a whole is growing. World Economic Forum explains that over 200 million people are looking for online learning opportunities, like yours.

For more info about how to get started check out my recent interview with Amy Porterfield.

3 Ways to Produce an Online Class

Creating an online class does not have to be complicated. I outline 3 ways you can do this, including low-tech to a bit more tech-involved. These strategies work well by the way, and you can create value for your learner easier than you might expect.

Don't let lack of tech resources stop you from getting started.

Get my shoppable resource list here!

How to Choose a Course Name

You have a great course idea. You're ready to go and now it's time to figure out a name so you can promote it to your fans. I've got you covered with my 7-point checklist.

1. Is it easy to remember?
2. Is it easy to say out loud?
3. Are there keywords that your audience will recognize? (I've got a great example)
4. Is it interesting?
5. Is the name a bit too creative?
6. Will the name explain what the class is about?
7. Does the name resonate with the students looking for your class?

Grab the Create Your First Online Art Class resource that Amy Porterfield and I created for you!

Artist Success Stories

When I wanted to sell my first art class, I didn't have many people on my email list. I knew I needed to reach new people, so I used Facebook ads. I'm explaining my exact strategy that you can copy in your own way.

This has worked for many others and I'm sharing examples because I want you to know you can do this too.

Don't forget the resources that are ready to help you successfully create and sell your own online art class.

Equipment and Resource List

My 5 Step Course Creating Guidebook

Create Your First Art Class Training with Amy Porterfield

If you are an artist or identify as a creative of any kind, chances are you should probably consider how to start you first online art class. It can be a scary process that makes you question yourself, but it can also be one of the most profitable things you can do.

Today we have Amy Porterfield, the online marketing expert herself, here with a run down on everything you need to know to get out of your comfort zone and start creating your own online course. Amy is also the host of the top ranked podcast Marketing Made Simple.

This episode is packed with plenty of goodies for you to digest and get started.

Biggest Mistakes of First Time Course Creators:

• Not growing your email list ASAP
• Giving everything you know away at once, producing overwhelm
• Waiting too long to get started

Amy gets into the heart of the matter and breaks down how to market to your audience. What a good advertising budget is for different stages, and how much you can charge for 3 different types of classes, all of which she explains in detail.

Even with all of these components being planned, it's still easy to sit back with imposter syndrome wondering why anyone would want to pay for an online art class from you. Amy gives you 3 super reasons why people want and need an art class from you specifically.

"There is absolutely a way to get your skill set and your talents into a digital course and reach far more people than you ever would in an in person workshop." - Amy Porterfield

If you haven't begun building your online course yet, Amy warns that you need to start building your email list and prioritize it in your plans. Social media is fickle and can be in your favor one day and against you the next day because of algorithms. Amy's emphasis is that you at least own your email list.

"If you only build your business on social media, you are building it on rented land." - Amy Porterfield

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

The Inspiration Place with Amy Porterfield Episode 88

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/212

++++++++++++++++++++

🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉

Don't forget to check out the Inspiration Place goodie bag. Go pick up your party favor over at SchulmanArt.com/freebies. Whether you're a passionista or a passion professional, I've got something just for you.

++++++++++++++++++++

🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE!

If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast

++++++++++++++++++++

BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++

I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

What Can We Learn From the Masters?

How do we deal with the pain in the world and still carry on? I know it feels like we're living during one of the most challenging times, but the truth is, there has always been chaos and pain and heartache in the world.

When you feel down, poetry may help. Listen to hear the poem Musee des Beaux Arts by W. H. Auden for a bit of inspiration.

Declare Your Identity as an Artist

Impostor syndrome. Who am I to write a book or sell my art? I've been there, and I also realized I could figure it out.

If you are struggling to call yourself an artist here's what I want you to do. Declare it to everyone! Share this from a place of connection. When you practice showing up in the world as an artist you begin to re-write your story.

Get Artist Affirmations Here (Plus the bonus from Amy Porterfield)

What Kinds of Online Classes Can You Create as an Artist

When you are starting out in the digital course world, it's overwhelming. There are so many options, so I recommend starting with these 3 concepts:

• A starter course like Watercolor Secrets
• A spotlight course like Spirited Sunflowers
• A signature course like Watercolor Portrait Academy

This is the framework I used to grow my business. I have a great resource to help you get started: The Course Creator Starter Kit.

For even more help you can get access to a free training from expert Amy Porterfield. Join her 5 Day Bootcamp to help you claim success when it comes to teaching your online class.

Discover the 9 Tools Recommended by Top Artists to Create Stunning Art Videos

When I first started creating art video tutorials, I was overwhelmed with all the options. I asked for help to get the right set up that works for me. After 10 years, I've streamlined things and I'm sharing them with you today.

1. Digital Camcorder with a rotating view finder
2. Tripod with multi-angle rotation
3. Webcam for your laptop or PC
4. Microphone
5. Lighting (especially if you don't have lots of natural light)
6. Cyberlink software
7. Memory card for your camcorder
8. Kajabi – online course platform
9. Zoom

Get the list of these resources here.

Fight for Your Art Dreams

100 years ago today, the 19th amendment was signed giving women the right to vote. It's also the anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech."

There are numerous women artists that inspire me. I can name so many just off the top of my head so was disappointing to hear that less than 10% of the art at the MOMA were by women artists. That was in 2002, and sadly it hasn't changed much in the past 20 years.

We don't have to be a statistic. We can fight. I believe in you, in your art, and your dream.

Here's a quick recap of all the free resources we talked about today- 12 Artpreneur Affirmations schulmanArt.com/AFFIRMATIONS Course Creator Starter Kit schulmanart.com/GUIDE Art Video Tech set up list schulmanart.com/tech

Regardless of your creative medium, earning extra cash is a bonus no matter where you are in your artist's journey. Nothing breaks my heart more than meeting artists that want to expand their business skills and become more successful, but are stuck because they don't have the money to invest.

Today, I'm sharing 3 quick strategies that will help creatives earn an extra $1000-$2000. These strategies don't require much time or money from you, just the willingness to show up and go after what you want.

3 Quick Cash Strategies That Work:

• One-day workshop
• Easy furniture flip
• Calendar presale for the Fall season

The discomfort of being an artist and following your passion in a way that allows you to monetize those skills is the business side. Sales and business are a necessary part of a successful artist's business.

In my Artist Incubator program I share the step-by-step process you'll need to execute on even more strategies that will earn more than $10K. My programs are designed to give artists the skills and strategies they will need to grow. If you want to create an online course, I've also created the Course Creation Playbook, which you can download for free and get started right away.

Modern Cabinet Pulls https://amzn.to/3oiIvfL Modern Cabinet Handles https://amzn.to/3B3ssdt Fusion Mineral Paint in Raw Silk https://amzn.to/3yScPmo schulmanart.com/GUIDE

Follow me at Schulman Art Instagram

Interested in applying for the Artist Incubator Program's Masterclass Track? Apply here

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/210

++++++++++++++++++++

🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉

Don't forget to check out the Inspiration Place goodie bag. Go pick up your party favor over at SchulmanArt.com/freebies. Whether you're a passionista or a passion professional, I've got something just for you.

++++++++++++++++++++

🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE!

If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast

++++++++++++++++++++

BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++

I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart