What Artists Truly Need in 2025 (It's Not More Content)

In this honest chat, Kat shares an unfiltered look at what artists like you and me truly need in 2025 and beyond. From navigating overwhelm and distraction to embracing deeper purpose and aligned visibility, this conversation is a reminder that you're not alone—and that your art, your voice, and your vision still matter. This episode offers grounded encouragement to help you reconnect with your mission, regulate your nervous system, and create from a place of clarity. If you've been feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure about your next step, this episode is for you. You'll hear Kat's personal take on what's working right now (and what's not), including why being seen, building intentional income streams, and honoring your energy are some of the most important things you can do as an artist in this season. This isn't a marketing episode or a how-to—it's a permission slip to be human and to keep going. This episode is sponsored by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Entries are now open for the 2025 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize! Now in its 8th year, this annual non-acquisitive international art prize is administered by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine and celebrates diversity and excellence in the representational visual arts—including all static mediums: traditional, digital, and photographic. From realism and hyperrealism to pop surrealism and lowbrow, this prize honors it all. With over $77,000 in cash and prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize, this is an incredible opportunity to gain funding and global exposure for your work. Finalists will also have a chance to exhibit in the 2025 Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition at Haven Gallery in New York, alongside 70 of the world's top contemporary artists. You don't need to submit a physical artwork—just upload an image of your favorite piece (even if it's already sold). This year's six award categories are: MPB Photography Award Digital Art Award The RAYMAR Painting Award Victoria Olt Gallery Drawing Award Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award Catherine K. Gyllerstrom Emerging Artist Award There's also a People's Choice Award, offering a second chance to win with an additional $1,000 prize and a bespoke promotion package with Beautiful Bizarre Magazine. The team looks at every single entry—and many are shared online and on social media before the deadline—making this a powerful way to get noticed. 🗓 Entries close July 17, 2025 👉 Learn more and enter at beautifulbizarreartprize.art Looking for support as you grow? Kat is now accepting new 1:1 and small group mentorship clients—ideal for creative entrepreneurs, artists, and art world professionals building their own path. Learn more and apply at katpopova.com/mentorship Want to be published and featured? Create! Magazine's latest Call for Art is now open—submit your work for a chance to be featured in print, online, and in upcoming exhibitions. Full details at createmagazine.co/call-for-art Explore Create U For tools and support to build a sustainable, aligned creative career, check out Create U—Kat's digital school for artists and creative entrepreneurs. Inside, you'll find micro-courses on selling your art, writing your bio, growing your audience, building income streams, and more. Kat also shares updates on her evolving coaching practice and her commitment to supporting creative leaders who are ready to build their own platforms and spaces in the art world. This is a raw, powerful episode that so many artists need to hear right now.