The Inspiration Place

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Pablo Picasso

Whether this is a proven fact or not is irrelevant. What matters is that there is an innate connection between children and creativity in all forms. Whether it's through paint, imagination, or creative play in a universe far, far away, there is an inner child in each of us that could help our creative juices and inspire in new ways.

"Treat your inner child well and make sure you give it plenty of things to keep its imagination growing" -Charlie O'Shields

Today's guest, Charlie O'Shields is a Creative Director by day with side hobbies and projects that absolutely light up the world. He started a blog and a 2000-day art journey in 2015 that became the Doodlewash blog and so much more. He's authored multiple books helping people connect to their inner child and "create like a kid again." Charlie also founded Watercolor month which is a nonprofit 31-day challenge and community dedicated to watercolor painting.

In addition to being all around amazing, Charlie shares:

• How to show up, practice, and share your work
• Encouraging people to get creative
• How Happy Hour turned into much more than art
• The inspiration for World Watercolor Month in July

"It's just a matter of doing creative things on a regular basis. And it's not just doing them, it's a practice, everything in life is a practice. - Charlie O'Shields

Even if art is your business and something you take seriously, Charlie echoes a great reminder that adding fun into your work and a bit of joy goes a long way for the people that see it and feel it in your art. Remember to give your inner child the space it needs to play, stay creative, and keep imagining.

If you want access to my free masterclass and workbook:

5 Simple Steps to Painting Portraits

My Watercolor Supply List

Follow me at SchulmanArt Instagram

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/199

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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

One of the best parts of being creative is deciding to live with intention, on purpose, with passion and heart. Art cannot be contained and restrictive. It's meant to be liberating for the artist and a sacred escape from a world that judges and sometimes lacks the vibrant colors of the artistic spirit.

Today's guest, Shereen Sun, Founder of Radiant Wild Heart, embodies the rebellious spirit of a true artist. She is a multiple six-figure creativity mentor that identifies as a queer Muslim American woman who is also neurodivergent. Like Miriam, she too is in the process of writing her first book.

If you've considered or are still pondering writing a book, whether you are going the traditional path or self-publishing, this episode is such a great resource and opportunity to gather two book writing experiences at once. Shereen is publishing her first book, Radiant Wild Heart while still running her business.

In addition to the book writing journey, some other key points touched on include:

• The importance of sharing your values and authenticity
• Living your creative mission and nurturing your inner artist
• Living your truth, coming out queer, and attracting the right people to your brand

"When you tell your story, your real story, and you come out of the closet and say who you really are, what your values are, and what you love to do, you're going to attract the right people where you don't have to hide anymore" -Shereen Sun

If you want in on the Artist Incubator program:

Check out the Mastermind Track or

Check out the Self Study Track

Schulman Art Instagram

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/198

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

🎉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

When you're just getting started and getting your feet wet in a new space, it's natural to look around and study the industry standards and norms. Obsessing over what you should do, how you should look, how you should be showing up can be paralyzing. Even worse, when you arrive and no one there looks like you, the thought of running away is hard to ignore.

Think about this…

There is no one path into art. There is no standard or art norms that should keep you from playing with and pursuing what makes you come to life. Art is healing and beautiful and has a universal song that sounds different to every artist out here.

Artists come in many shades and complexities from countless paths to find the creative spark that brings them to life. Today's guest, Joy Ting Charde, ignited her creative spark as a way to communicate with her teacher and other students when she was new in the U.S. and couldn't speak English.

Even still, her journey to art came after becoming an elementary school teacher. Not having professional training, working a full-time job that she actually enjoys is the part of this artist that is perhaps most relatable and familiar.

Joyful Takeaways for Non-Traditional Artists:

• A great journey can start with a small 7 day challenge
• Taking fun courses that spark your interests and curiosity can be life changing
• Like the Alchemist, journeys often take us full circle
• Having a fulfilling artistic journey doesn't mean you have to leave your 9 to 5

"Give yourself a little challenge, and who knows, you might fall in love with it and end up doing the same kind of creative work for a long time." -Joy Ting Charde

Joy started art licensing and has an agent, but her path there was not linear. The roads don't have to make sense, you just have to show up willing to explore and be open to changes. Give yourself a chance to fall in love with new creative work.

Check out Miriam's Free Water Color Supply List

Schulman Art Instagram

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/197

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

🎉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

Using photography, projectors, and tracing is a secret most portrait artists won't talk about, but it's been used by artists in some form since as early as the 1600s, if not earlier.

In this episode, I share how famous artists such as Johannes Vermeer, who painted The Girl with a Pearl Earring, and Norman Rockwell, an American painter known for his illustrations, also used photography and projection to create portraits.

I am convinced that watercolor is the medium for creating portraits, and if you've never done so before, my Watercolor Portrait Academy gets into more details. You can watch me paint, and you can learn how I use these techniques to create amazing portraits.

Knowing this taboo technique is a game-changer for so many people. A few things I think you'll need to know about watercolor and this artist's secret is:

• There is no shame in using these techniques to create your own portraits
• You can totally elevate your skill level and confidence
• Using these techniques is a creative art of its own

"By calling out these other artists is not to shame anybody [...], but to let you know there's no shame in doing this. There's no shame in using photography and your art." -Miriam Schulman

Episode mentioned you'll want to check out also:

How Portraits Can Turn Passion into Profits

Check out Miriam's Favorite Art Supplies

Miriam's free resources

Schulman Art Instagram

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/196

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

🎉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

Doing the things you don't feel qualified to do while stepping out of the ordinary, mundane existence to allow yourself the space to show up is more than terrifying. Imposter syndrome is real! If you consider the most creative and amazing people you know, it's safe to say that their greatness came on the other side of a lot of internal dialogue.

Terry Runyan is a visual artist and creative encourager that totally understands the inner struggles that take place for artists and creatives. She's a published author, teacher, YouTuber, and fun artist with licensed work you can see here.

"It's not that the perfectionism, or the imposter syndrome, or any of that inner critic stuff doesn't come up. I just see it for what it is, and I know who I am." -Terry Runyan

Terry's creative path to uncover an artist's wisdom:

• Drawing and painting from a very young age
• Licensing her artwork
• Overcoming perfectionism
• Struggling with self-worth
• Mindset and mediation practices
• Thoughts are not necessarily true

"Creativity is just there, whether we feel it or not. If we're not feeling it, it's only because our thinking is going around and telling us we're blocked or that we don't have that talent, but we can ignore that thinking" - Terry Runyan

Terry's openness and vulnerability about her journey is a reminder of what lies on the other side of the mental struggles we go through. You have to put in the work and wrestle with thoughts, even when the thoughts feel like a fact, and you're certain they must be true.

Growth is a journey, and the path for a creative can get really tough without a strong mindset.

Don't forget to check out Terry's book, Painting Happiness, where she gets into ways to deal with your inner critic, mindfulness, and perfectionism.

Also, check out Schulman Art's Mindset Playlist and Miriam's Favorite Art Supplies for Art Journaling

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/195

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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

Journaling has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. It's known to help with finding inspiration as well. Since you are here, it's a safe bet you too are looking for inspiration. We are deep diving into creative art journaling.

Creative journaling, also known as visual journaling and art journaling, is known to today's guest, Abbey Sy, as travel journaling. Abbey is a published author, creative, influencer, and YouTuber with more than 40K subscribers.

In today's conversation, Abbey details her creative experiences, combining her love for travel with editing, producing and so much more.

Travel journaling and creativity with Abbey Sy:

• Producing YouTube content and creative direction
• Having her travel journals published as zines
• Documenting life on paper to make art more accessible
• Going through a creative energy slump
• Who is the future Abbey?
• Detailed account of being published

"Travel journaling has a really special place in my heart, and I really would like to share that with other people, and with others who would want to know more about it." - Abbey Sy

Abbey's obsession with art and her work ethic has created the opportunity to publish 7 books on all things creative and artsy, from hand lettering to calligraphy to her travel journals. Because creatives sometimes struggle with disciplined organization and productivity, Abbey also shares her best tip for staying productive.

"Enjoy the journey. Live in the moment and really embrace every part of it. The good, the bad, and all these little things that make it great." -Abbey Sy

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/194

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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

Journaling is well known for reducing stress and anxiety while allowing you to process emotions and go deeper into self-discovery. Art therapy also has very similar effects and can boost your confidence while allowing you to express yourself. When you combine art therapy into a form of journaling, something magical is created that can really lead to transformation and healing. For many people, art journaling can be a gift that allows you to connect with your inner child.

Rakefet Hadar is an art therapist, author, mentor, and facilitator that not only guides people, but also teaches others how to find their version of joy through healing their wounds. She joins Miriam in this special episode to explain and inspire you to create your own Soul Pages.

Soul Pages and Art Journaling with Rakefet:

• Finding inspiration through traveling and nature
• What exactly is visual art journaling
• Rakefet's 7 elements of visual journaling
• The intention behind visual journaling and soul pages
• Rakefet's journey teaching others and starting an international mentor program

"Try to connect to your inner child, because I think that's like the most empowering part of you, [...] and joyful parts of you can be activated if you connect to your inner child." -Rakefet Hadar

Rakefet's journey is about connection and exploration with yourself. It's not necessarily about being a professional artist. It's about transformation and healing through the essence of what connects to your soul.

"Connect to those parts that help you thrive and dream and achieve your goals." -Rakefet Hadar

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/193

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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

As we continue to deal with the tail end of the pandemic that rocked us all in 2020, we are starting to see artists emerging that found perseverance and something to hold on to. Sarah Matthews is an accomplished artist that specializes in printmaking and binding. She's an Alma Thomas Fellow at the Studio Gallery in Washington, DC, and part of the permanent collections of Yale's Manuscript Library. We can't leave out that she's also a wife and busy mom. In this episode, Sarah shares how her art survived the challenges and struggles Covid created. She has incredible experiences teaching art at a college level and sharing her gifts with people everywhere she can.

Areas we explore with Sarah:

• How she got her art into Yale
• What is an artist's book?
• Sarah's art classes for printmaking and binding
• Sarah's Covid experience and finding new opportunities
• Behind the scenes of an artist's marketing strategy

"If there's something that you really want to do, just go out and do it, [...] we should be able to live our life to the fullest each and every day." -Sarah Matthews

Don't Miss Miriam Schulman's Mindset Playlist to quiet your inner critic and overcome self-doubt.

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/192

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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

In honor of Mother's Day and in the spirit of embracing motherhood (however you experience it), this year I'm bringing together 6 incredible women to share how motherhood has influenced their creativity, tips they have for encouraging creativity in their own kids, and ways to balance your creative career with motherhood.

Jen Lehner, founder of Front Row CEO and Front Row VIP Masterclass shares her lessons on being more present with her kids. Working from home, though physically present, can still create distance and disconnect. Her advice is to build a supportive team that creates the space you need to enjoy a work life balance. Join Jen's waitlist for Front Row CEO

Allison Lane is an editor and marketing strategist that will get your book published and marketed with her company, Allison Lane Literary. Her thoughts around influencing creativity in your children are about encouraging your kids. She has found success balancing motherhood with 1-2 hour time chunks.

Candace L Davis is helping entrepreneurs navigate the publishing process and so much more in her business and with her podcast, Nothing But The Words. Candace's lesson from motherhood that encourages creative thoughts is boredom. Being bored as a child and allowing her children to be bored became the best way to encourage creativity.

"Making space for my children's creativity has simply meant making space for my kids' souls" - Patty Lennon

Patty Lennon, from the Space for Magic Podcast, beautifully shares that, "creativity at its best is something we feel as much as something we do." Having children with completely different creative expressions, Patty reminds us of why honoring children's unique creativity and teaching them to admire the creative process is necessary for future artists.

Whitney McNeill, the founder of the Messenger of Spirit, shares how to connect with your spirit guides and connect with your intuition. She reminds us to be mindful of our energy, and that perfectionism isn't realistic just because that's what society dictates to women and mothers. Whitney is a beautiful reminder to give yourself grace.

Shaun Roney, ADHD coach and founder of Revealed Path Life Coaching expresses why modeled behaviors and skills are the best for your children. Shaun's leading advice is to get your family involved in your creative businesses and honor the components needed to allow more creativity.

"The thing about creativity is it has to have freedom to be whatever it's going to be. Someone can't force you into being creative. They can't teach you how to be creative. They have to allow creativity to happen." -Shaun Roney

Check out Miriam Schulman's Artist Incubator Program

Also, check out Miriam's free Painting Portrait's Masterclass

Additional Episodes Mentioned:

The Art of Receiving Episode 60

Space for Magic Episode 165

Hire Your First VA with Jen Lehner Episode 75

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/191

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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

As frustrating as it may be, you cannot be in a creative state of flow 365 days a year. When you identify as a creative, that can feel like a heartbreak and a bit of an identity crisis, and yet it's a perfectly normal part of life.

You won't always feel like you're in perfect balance, and there are days that we all feel hopeless and think, I've lost my creativity for good (being dramatic time to time is totally fine). Understanding that your personal life will go through seasons, your creativity will go through seasons, and your business will also go through seasons will allow you to manage yourself in these seasons much better.

Chanti Zak is a growth coach and consultant, and the founder of the Empathy Marketing Ecosystem & Agency. She joins me to simplify the most common seasons we experience, explains what you can expect in these seasons, and shares how you can better manage yourself and your success as a creative through all of your seasons.

Chanti's framework of seasons in business for creative endeavors:

• Fallow season of hopelessness and the gifts it bears
• Fertile season of new beginnings and perspectives that bring energy and inspiration
• Flourish season to reap the rewards of the fallow and fertile seasons

A much-needed bonus you don't want to miss in this episode are tips that Chanti and I both share for how to receive abundance. It's something many of us struggle with and these are tips you can implement right away!

"Whatever season you are in, you're in the right place, roll with it and know that change is the only constant."

-Chanti Zak

Artist Incubator

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/190

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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