The MFA Podcast

What makes SPRING/BREAK Art Show so different from every other art fair?

In this episode, Marina Granger sits down with SPRING/BREAK Art Show founders Andrew Gori and Ambre Kelly to talk about how the fair began, why they created a model that gives artists more agency, and why SPRING/BREAK can be such a win-win for both artists and collectors.

They also talk about what it means to build an art fair while being creatives themselves. Ambre is an artist, Andrew is a filmmaker, and together they share how they stay efficient, keep creating, and navigate one of the hardest parts of being a creative today: comparison and jealousy in the age of social media.

In this episode:

→ How SPRING/BREAK Art Show started → What makes it different from traditional art fairs → How its model benefits both artists and collectors → How to be more efficient as a creative → How to deal with jealousy and comparison → What Andrew and Ambre have learned from building the fair over the years

SPRING/BREAK Art Show is on view September 23–28.

Tickets: https://springbreakartfair.com/

What do you do when galleries are following you, visiting your studio, complimenting your work…and then nothing happens?

In this episode of The MFA Podcast, I answer a question from an artist who feels like she's doing everything right—but gallery interest hasn't turned into exhibitions, representation, or sales yet.

I break down the two things I think are often missing: the practical follow-up and the inner micro-actions that shape how you build relationships in the art world.

We talk about:

→ The simple email you can send when you finish a new artwork you think a gallery—or collector—will connect with

→ Why you don't always need to wait for someone else to make the next move

→ How your Reticular Activating System (RAS) can influence the opportunities, signals, and possibilities you notice

→ The tiny unconscious behaviors that can either move a relationship forward or keep you waiting

→ Why networking becomes much easier when you stop thinking of it as "networking" and start thinking about making friends in your industry around shared interests

And I share why real-world immersion can change the way you understand—and connect with—the art world.

Interested in Immersion: Miami my intimate art-world retreat + 1:1 program during Miami Art Week? Learn more and register here: https://theartistadvisory.com/miami26

Art fairs aren't just places to see art — they can help you understand where you fit in the art world.

In this episode, I share how artists can use art fairs as a form of market research: to identify the galleries that align with their work, understand how similar artists are positioned, compare pricing, and get a clearer sense of where their work belongs in the contemporary art market.

If you've ever wondered which galleries are right for you, how to price your artwork, or how to navigate art fairs more strategically, this episode will help you look at them through a completely different lens.

Join the Waitlist for "Immersion Miami: A 2-Day Retreat + 3 Private Sessions" here: https://theartistadvisory.myflodesk.com/gibva2gfvk

If you've ever looked at another artist's career and thought, "Why is it happening for them and not for me?"—this episode is for you.

In this episode, I'm talking about the difference between fault-seeking and miracle-seeking, and how the evidence you train yourself to notice can shape the way you experience your art career.

When you're constantly looking for what isn't working—the unanswered email, the gallery that hasn't called, the post that didn't perform—it becomes very easy to believe nothing is happening.

But what changes when you start noticing the evidence that things are moving?

We'll explore how this mindset shift can help you stay resilient, recognize momentum, and keep showing up for your career even when the bigger results haven't arrived yet.

If you're building an art career and finding yourself caught in comparison, frustration, or wondering when it will finally be your turn, tune in. Listen to a previous episode on The Law of Attraction: https://theartistadvisory.libsyn.com/how-to-invite-more-abundance-into-your-life-using-feng-shui-and-law-of-attraction Connect with Marina on Instagram: www.Instagram.com/theartistadvisory

Join Marina Granger for this special episode of The MFA Podcast, where you will tune into her latest masterclass: How to Become Magnetic to Galleries and Collectors Unleash the coveted, curated, and collected artist within.

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/VL9Jjk9RU90

Interested in diving deeper? Visit https://www.theartistadvisory.com/bonus to enroll into The Artist Academy. If you go there after the deadline to enroll, you can always get on the waitlist for the next cohort.

One of the biggest misconceptions artists have is this:

"They asked for the price... and then disappeared. I guess they couldn't afford it."

But after years working as a Gallery Director, I've learned that price is often not the real reason.

More often, collectors simply haven't experienced enough value before they receive the number.

Value comes first.

Price comes second.

In this episode, I'm sharing five ways to increase the perceived value of your artwork so collectors feel more connected, more confident, and more excited to invest in your work.

Inside this episode, you'll learn:

✨ Why not showing your "best work last" may actually be costing you sales.

✨ How luxury brands present products—and what artists can learn from them.

✨ Why showing less artwork can create more demand.

✨ How your artist story and elevator pitch help collectors emotionally connect with your work.

✨ The surprising role your nervous system plays in pricing artwork with confidence.

✨ Exactly how to respond when someone asks for the price of your artwork (without accidentally talking them out of buying).

The way you present your work communicates just as much as the work itself.

When collectors understand why your artwork matters—and when your presentation matches its value—pricing becomes a much easier conversation.

The Artist Academy™

An 18-week personal and professional development program for artists who are ready to strengthen their mindset, refine their message, attract collectors, work with galleries, and build sustainable careers.

Enroll in The Artist Academy™: www.JoinTheArtistAcademy.com/Yes

Free Live Masterclass: How to Get into Galleries That Don't Accept Submissions

Learn what galleries are looking for, how to show it to them, how to connect with them, and the mindset shifts that will get you there faster.

Reserve Your Spot: www.TheArtistAdvisory.com/Galleries

When you're overwhelmed, everything can start to feel urgent.

You have too many ideas, too many unfinished projects, too many things you think you should be doing—and instead of moving forward, you freeze.

But overwhelm is not just a productivity problem. It affects the energy you bring into your studio, your decisions, your visibility, and the way you build your art career.

In this episode, I'm sharing practical tools to help you move out of overwhelm and into overflow.

Overflow is the state where you feel creatively connected, supported, clear, and resourced. It is where you can create from inspiration rather than pressure—and take meaningful action toward the work and art career you truly want.

You do not have to force yourself into your next chapter.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is create enough internal space to hear what your next step actually is.

The Artist Academy™ Enrollment is now open for my 18-week personal and professional development program for artists who are ready to strengthen their mindset, clarify their work, become more visible, and build meaningful momentum in their art careers.

https://JoinTheArtistAcademy.com/Yes

Live Masterclass: How to Get into Galleries That Don't Accept Submissions Join me live on July 15 for an interactive masterclass where I'll teach you how gallery relationships actually begin—and how to position yourself to become an artist galleries want to know.

https://TheArtistAdvisory.com/galleries

Your Artist Blueprint Download the PDF to uncover the next steps that are most aligned with your work, goals, and current stage of your art career.

https://TheArtistAdvisory.com/blueprint

Podcast: What I learned from Taylor Swift: The Rosenthal Effect and Your Success Listen to the podcast episode mentioned in today's conversation to learn more about how expectations can shape performance, identity, and results. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-i-learned-from-taylor-swift-the-rosenthal-effect/id1512078680?i=1000735975505

Unlock the secrets to transforming your art career — from mindset shifts to practical marketing tactics, this episode features real insights from artists who have been there and made progress. Listen as The Artist Academy™ Graduates Paula Borsetti, Julie Kavanagh, Deborah S., and Joy Tirade share their wisdom. If you've ever wondered whether investing in your growth is worth it, this conversation makes a strong case that staying stuck may be the bigger cost. Discover how holistic approaches like subconscious mindset work can accelerate success.

Artists share how shifting internal narratives opened doors they once thought were out of reach. We also break down practical strategies: refining your elevator pitch, curating your website like a gallery, and pricing your work with confidence.

You'll learn how to build an authentic message that attracts collectors, supports gallery representation, and elevates your presence in the art world.

But this episode goes beyond tactics — it's about mindset mastery. From overcoming imposter syndrome and fear of rejection to using visualization and EFT tapping, these artists show how internal work can create external opportunities.

Whether you're just starting out or ready for your next leap, this conversation proves that success is about more than talent: it's about alignment, strategy, and action. If you're ready to grow your art business with both practical tools and a holistic mindset, this episode is your fast track to momentum. Your next breakthrough could be one listen away. Enroll in The Artist Academy™: https://jointheartistacademy.com/yes

Most artists wonder—should you hide your prices or be transparent? Marina Granger reveals the strategy that balances gallery relationships, direct sales, and online presence, transforming how you sell your work without risking your gallery partnerships. Imagine turning online inquiries into direct sales while maintaining control over your prices and reputation. This episode breaks down how to navigate the tricky terrain of pricing online, working with galleries, and building a powerful email list that boosts your sales year-round.

This episode is essential if you're an artist ready to take full control of your sales, grow your independent authority, and deepen your gallery relationships—all while boosting your income. Avoid the pitfalls of transparency and scarcity mindset—implement these proven tactics to elevate your art career today. Whether you're just starting to sell independently or already working with galleries, Marina's insights will help you build confidence, trust, and sales momentum that last. Perfect for artists looking to thrive in the digital age, this episode unlocks the strategic mindset to sell smarter, not harder.

The Artist Academy is also open for enrollment: visit https://www.theartistadvisory.com/yes to learn more and enroll

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ekaterina Popova, creator of Create Magazine and leader of the Create Collective community. Kat shares her journey from growing up in Russia, overcoming challenges, to building a thriving artistic and entrepreneurial career, emphasizing the power of community and mindset in success.

• Kat's origin story: moving from Russia to the US and her early artistic influences
• The evolution of her art career and founding of Create Magazine in 2013
• Lessons learned from partnerships and rebranding over the years
• Building a supportive community for artists at all stages
• Strategies for connecting with big names and seizing opportunities
• How to navigate gallery relationships and develop multiple income streams
• Breaking free from the scarcity mindset rooted in Soviet mentality
• Manifestation, divine intervention, and trusting the process
• The importance of removing limiting beliefs and embracing abundance
• Practical tips on art supplies affordability, and best pigments
• The role of community in creating opportunities and collaboration
• Advice for artists eager to grow their careers and cultivate consistent work

00:00 - Introduction to Ekaterina Popova and her creative journey 02:15 - The transition from art student to community builder 05:05 - Creating the Creative Business Handbook & collaborative wisdom 09:15 - The story behind launching Create Magazine and rebranding 13:50 - Building authentic relationships with industry leaders 16:45 - How to approach and collaborate with big names in art 20:10 - Navigating gallery relationships and developing multiple income streams 25:00 - Overcoming scarcity mentality from Soviet upbringing 27:30 - Manifestation stories and divine intervention moments 30:50 - Practical advice on art supplies and pigment selection 34:20 - The power of community and collaborative opportunities 37:45 - Who joins the Create Collective and the benefits of being part of a supportive tribe 41:10 - The kind of artist that thrives in Kat's community 43:00 - Rapid fire Q&A: astrology, favorite flowers, movies, and travel dreams 47:20 - Final tips on building abundance and trusting your creative path