Ep: 8 Building Artist Communities with Kristine Schomaker

In this episode, I sit down with Kristine Schomaker—artist, mentor, and the founder of Shoebox Arts, Art and Cake, and the new nonprofit January Arts. Kristine shares how her journey as an artist and leader has evolved and how building community, offering resources, and creating space for artists has shaped her career. We talk about her nonprofit launching this fall, her long-running Perceive Me project, and how navigating body image, self-worth, and the art world has all come together in her work. Kristine also opens up about dealing with depression, cancer, and how finding the right support changed everything.  In this episode we talk about: ✨ Why Kristine started January Arts to offer affordable support for artists✨ How her nonprofit will create artist residencies, fellowships, and a resource hub✨ Her experience with Shoebox Arts, mentoring, and artist management ✨ The story behind her project Perceive Me and how it became a movement ✨ Her honest take on the gallery system, art coaching, and the need for community ✨ How she navigates money as an artist and why her work isn’t just about sales ✨ Why she believes artists should be their authentic selves—and find their audience This conversation is a reminder that artists can do this without a gallery, that being your authentic self matters, and that building a community where artists help each other changes everything. Connect with Kristine: Website: https://www.kristineschomaker.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristineschomaker/ Connect with Me: Instagram: @thejustinealmarazYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudioWebsite: www.justinealmaraz.com Is it time for you to take your tattoo portfolio to an entire new level? Feel free to join my latest Tattoo Portfolio Workshop on July 26th, 10:00 AM Pacific Time, designed specifically to help you reach your dream of becoming a professional tattoo artist.  This is your first stop on the tattoo journey!