The Inspiration Place

As artists and creatives, it's easy to relate to how crushing criticism about your art can feel. Maybe you know people who never bothered to pick up a paint brush, a pen, or instrument because a poorly delivered comment about their craft killed their excitement and joy.

Have you struggled with self-defeating thoughts like…

Is my art good enough?

Can I call myself an artist?

Am I really creative or wasting my time??

If you're an artist you probably have, and that's okay! You are here and today's guest, Carla Sonheim is an artist, online art teacher, and the author of Drawing Lab for Mixed-Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun! She was once a young enthusiastic artist that took one too many blows to her creative ego that pushed her away from art in her teen years. Luckily, she rekindled her passion and love for art in her late 20s, inspired by her own son's art.

Getting Fearless and Bold in Your Creative Pursuits:

• Overcoming painful criticism
• Finding confidence in your art and skills
• Being inspired by the world and life around you
• Teaching art online and in person
• Creating online art classes and a business that feeds the soul

"Every drawing, no matter if you are a beginner or experienced, has magic to it." -Carla Sonheim

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/189

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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

Building your art business gets stressful real fast when it takes you beyond the comfort of creating art. Still, marketing, sales, and engagement are a necessity for any person building a business.

Why should you know your brand archetype as an artist? You have your own style and preferred medium of art, so is branding and archetypes really important? After all, you're possibly running ads, you're staying on top of social media posts, and you have your own art collections for sale and available for purchase. Maybe you've even set up a few funnels to grow your business.

Jennifer Kem is the creator of Master Brand. While she agrees that marketing is part of branding, she also distinguishes why branding is more about your messaging.

"The brand is your art, and the rest is science. Marketing is a science, sales is a science, but your brand is the soul of how you're presenting yourself in the world."

-Jennifer Kem

Branding for Artists and Creatives 101:

• What branding is and isn't
• How artists should think about branding
• What is an archetype
• What are brand archetypes
• Dominant, intrinsic, intuitive, and creator archetypes you should know

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/188

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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 June 2021, something incredible happened that may have included you. Many people have reached a breaking point and are no longer satisfied working in a job that is unfulfilling. If you've been in this situation, you may agree. It can feel like your energy and soul are literally being drained out of your body.

Christa Forrest is living her dream as a full-time artist. She walked away from the prestige, stress, and anxiety of a financial career serving in private wealth management at Merrill Lynch.

Walking away from a lifeless existence only working to pay bills may be simpler than you imagine. Regardless of your art medium and style, pursuing your passion is worth the challenge when the reward is the freedom to create and live on your own terms.

"Just enjoy life and be amazing about what you do."

- Christa Forrest

Christa's Findings to Follow Your Passion:

• Why walking away from a stressful career is not as scary as you think
• What to consider when you leave a steady paycheck to be happy
• How making yourself more visible for the love of your passion is a must
• How Christa is changing lives with her Creative Souls Art retreat
• Ways to respectfully use photo references for your art medium

Miriam's Inspired Portrait Playlist: Schulman Art Playlist

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/187

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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 much would you say your art is worth? Turning your art into a fulfilling business that does more than barely get you from one month to the next, is a business skill worth learning.

There's no need to live like a starving artist when you can use your creativity, develop skills, and start thriving in ways you never thought possible.

Understanding the psychology behind pricing and consumer behavior is one part of how artists go from amateur to professional.

"Which part of the brain do you want your customers to be using when buying art?" -Miriam Schulman

Pricing strategies for your business:

• Charm or prestige pricing
• Rounded pricing
• What dollar signs and decimals say about your art
• How to use pricing to communicate experience over transactions

This topic is one of the lessons from my forthcoming book Artpreneur. In this episode, you'll discover how to price your art to grow a lucrative business.

Check out the Artist Incubator Program: Art Business Coaching

Listen to the full episode with Jeffrey Shaw: How to Price Your Art

If you had an a-ha moment today, share this episode with a friend and leave a review, it's appreciated!

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/186 ++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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

Have you been struggling with creative blocks lately? For artists, there is a direct correlation to creative flow and inner knowing and intuition. Are you mindfully connecting with your intuition? Allyson Scammell is an intuitive coach and energy clearing guru that guides entrepreneurs to become more successful. By being open to connection with energy or source, and carefully exercising your intuitive gifts, you can unlock greater creativity than you imagined was possible. The process involves joy, trust, and openness to receiving. "When you have more joy in your process, you attract more buyers. You become that magnetic person, you're creating at your best, and it absolutely leads to more sales. It leads to more abundance..." -Allyson Scammell

Creative Insights to Unlock Creativity Discussed in This Episode:

• Spirit animals and greyhounds
• Intuitive gifts you have to exercise
• 5 stages to open the door to your intuition wider

Allyson's 5 Stages to Deeper Intuition:

1. Invitation
2. Calibration
3. Isolation
4. Initiation
5. Communication

This is your invitation from Allyson to take time with yourself to explore how your intuition speaks to you. Understanding how to listen to what your body and spirit are telling you is critical to your business and personal success. Really take a moment after this podcast and ask yourself who you are calling yourself to be, and listen for the answer.

Miriam's Free Guide: The Artist Profit Plan

Must-listen podcast playlists: SchulmanArt.com/playlist

184: Overcome Your Fear of Visibility and Public Speaking with Lex Vernon

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/185

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

🎉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

It's been estimated that over 75% of the population experiences anxiety around public speaking. A fear of looking foolish, forgetting your words, or lack of experience are just a few of the reasons why the fear of speaking, or glossophobia, is a crowd favorite.

Alexia Vernon, Founder and President of Step into Your Moxie, dubbed the Moxie Maven by President Obama's White House, shares expert tactics to help you crush it the next time you are asked to speak, whether it's live or in a virtual setting.

"The greatest gift we can give ourselves is to slow down"

-Alexia Vernon

Key Insights and Tactics Every Artist Needs for Public Speaking:

• How Alexia combines theater, speaking, and coaching
• The most important question you'll ever ask yourself
• Courageous tips to slow down and deliver your message with intention
• The key to delivering clear calls to action that move people
• How you can Step into Your Moxie

Alexia's Tip for Moving People Towards Awareness:

1. Get your audience to identify with the outcome you help them visualize
2. Communicate your offer so they know it's needed to achieve their outcome

Alexia describes what it means to Step into Your Moxie as, "the process of developing the mindset and the skill set to be able to walk into any room, into any conversation, onto any live or virtual stage and, unapologetically, speak up for yourself for the ideas and issues that matter most to you, and to call people to take action."

You can Step into Your Moxie at Alexia's Live Event coming in April 2022, or you can check out her book, Step Into Your Moxie on Amazon.

Miriam's Free Guide: The Artist Profit Plan

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/184

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

🎉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

This is part of the continuing "what's wrong with" series. I want to make sure that when you engage using Instagram, that it's effective for you. I'm sharing 5 things I see people doing that just don't work. Hear what they are, along with the steps for your Instagram makeover. What works on social platforms changes and this is a great time to check your account and make sure you are up to date with the most current and effective practices.

5 Things that are wrong with your Instagram account:

• No link in bio. Your bio is the most important part of your Instagram account since it's the only place where you can have a live link. Use it well! Hear the 3 best ways to make this work for you.
• Your account is private. When someone goes to check out your Instagram page and it's private, you are creating a barrier that doesn't have to be there.
• Gaming the system. There are a few things that people do on Instagram to try and "game" the system. Buying followers, following/unfollowing, or using an automated system. Some of this violates terms and conditions and you may even risk account shutdown.

• User pods. This is one of those things that sounds like a good idea, but won't give you the results you want. It's not a good use of your time, and it won't bring the engagement that will help you grow your reach.
• Your avatar is not a picture of you. People want to engage with a real person, not a brand. Show up as a living, breathing human.

Improve your Instagram account and watch engagement and followers increase. Make your posts and your investment of time there worthwhile.

Links:

What's Wrong with Your Website

What's Wrong with Your Email

The Marketing Playlist

Linktree

Schulman Art Instagram

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/183 ++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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 focused on creating and selling art, understanding how to optimize your social media channels can become a major roadblock. Social media can be super effective in helping you increase your online sales, but you have to know there is more to it than just posting images of your amazing art.

Miriam brings in the Online Presence Expert, Italina Kirknis. Although she offers Done for You services, she is sharing ways for you to create more engagement and connection, and it has nothing to do with your art, but it will help you increase your art sales considerably.

"Share more than your art, so people will buy your art."

-Italina Kirknis

3 Game-Changing Ideas to Get You Results:

• Things to share other than your art
• How to set boundaries with your personal life
• Ways to use free social media platforms to grow your business and your network

Italina's Tip for Finding Easy Content to Post

Check your calendar the night before and see what activities you can take a photo of or make into a quick story. People relate to the things that they do too.

Driving your engagement up, connecting with people, and sharing a glimpse into your life helps your personal brand. It builds rapport and makes you more relatable, which makes people more likely to interact with you and ultimately more likely to purchase.

Miriam's Free Guide: The Artist Profit Plan

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/182

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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 license your art is one of the most-asked about topics in the artist community. I decided to do a round-up episode and highlight some of the past conversations and put them here in one helpful podcast. Ronnie Walter: How can an artist find out if licensing is a good option for them? She explains what you need to know, and the 3 pathways artists can pursue. Lilla Rogers: When another artist succeeds, it's good for all of us. Hear her advice about licensing "saturation." Hint: there's always a demand for fresh new ideas.

Jennifer Orkin Lewis: Hear how to find inspiration each day. Jennifer shares her process once she's determined what she wants to create.

Gary Levine: Find out how Gary and his firm works with artists and how they work with the retailers. He explains deadlines, how buyers make their decisions and how they determine what upcoming trends.

Tara Reed: Hear how Tara works with her agent and how she creates her collections. Find out the best place to start and the must-have options when designing your collections.

Lori Siebert: What do you need for your portfolio? Lori breaks it down and explains the categories that buyers will look for. She also explains that creating art that brings you joy is still the best place to start.

Art licensing can feel complicated. You don't have to know all the pieces before you start. Check out the full recordings for more insight and inspiration.

009: Licensing Your Art with Tara Reed

010: How to Get an Art Agent with Gary Levine

027: Drawing Everyday with Jennifer Orkin Lewis

068: Make Art That Sells with Lilla Rogers

155: Licensing Your Art with Ronnie Walter and Miriam Schulman

163: How to Get Started with Art Licensing with Lori Siebert and Miriam Schulman

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

Being an artist selling art online comes with unique challenges. Maybe the dream for you as an artist didn't start with making a profitable business, but at some point, every artist realizes the need to do more than survive. Creating beautiful art that is appreciated, valued, and seen by everyone is rewarding, but how do you create high-quality art that earns more than an acceptable living?

In this episode Miriam is exposing the most common problems artists have with email and how to fix your email problems to become more profitable.

"A lot of artists think If only they had more followers, they'd get more sales. This is a classic artist mistake."

You will discover what to look at to improve your email marketing:

• Email address vs. email list - why you need both
• What Spam Is and what it isn't - understand this to stay legal
• How to cleanup your email list - keep it up to date so your info is always relevant
• Using an email service provider - it's not just a good idea, it's how you can find out what your audience wants to receive from you
• Why create a welcome sequence of emails - do this once and see on-going results
• The 5 mistakes artists make with emails - sharing what I wish I knew when I got started

Links Mentioned:

How to Sell More Art Free Training

Website

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/180 ++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉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