Your Art Matters

CREATIVITY, CONFIDENCE, STORYTELLING AND THE POWERFUL ROLE CONNECTION PLAYS IN HOW PEOPLE EXPERIENCE AND ENGAGE WITH ART This weekend, I spent a few days at Ceramic Art London and honestly, it was one of those experiences that stays with you long after you leave. For anyone who hasn't heard of it before, it's a huge ceramics show in London and such a brilliant event. I went with my friend Sharon, who exhibits there and creates the most beautiful figurative sculptures and fauns. There was something really powerful about being surrounded by artwork, conversations and people connecting so deeply with what they were seeing. It reminded me that creativity is never just about the finished piece - it's about the story behind it, the energy around it and the connections it creates along the way. And more than anything, it reminded me of the importance of simply showing up and being in the room. In this episode, I talk about creativity, confidence, storytelling and the powerful role connection plays in how people experience and engage with art. I also share some reflections from the weekend and why the stories behind your work matter more than you might think - there is a little task for you to do too.  

HOW TO GET SUPREME SELF CONFIDENCE IN MINUTES Confidence wasn't always something I felt. There was a period in my life where I felt really anxious, especially around people, and even small moments could feel overwhelming. But I learned something back then, a simple technique, that changed me and I've carried it with me ever since. In today's podcast episode, I'm sharing that exact technique I've used to get supreme self-confidence!  

Sign up for Start Selling Your Art here: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/ssya/

Be thankful for what you have, and you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never have enough. - Oprah Winfrey   Today I have recorded a super short episode and will do so for the next few weeks as a MINDSET MINUTES series. The aim is to give you a small action each week to help you make a change in your life for the better! Small mindset shifts over a few weeks can impact mental health, success, progress and more. In this episode, I share a super tip on reframing thoughts around lack of time, money, skill, space, and help - the list goes on.  

Have you ever felt like you're living a life on autopilot? Going through the motions day after day, but deep down, something feels off? Well, you're not alone. Many of us find ourselves drifting along the current of societal norms and expectations, but what if we could change that? What if we can consciously design a life that aligns with our values, passions, and purpose? In this podcast, we'll dive into the concept of living a life by design, not default. So, if you're ready to step out of the default mode and embrace a life that's intentional, purposeful, and truly your own, here is the replay. If you want to do this exercise with me, our BEST YEAR YET - MID YEAR REVIEW starts today and is available on a replay this week. You can click here to sign up: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/byy/ Together, we'll unlock the potential within ourselves and unlock a world of possibilities. Enjoy  

If only I had more time, it would make such a difference.   I would be able to keep on top of my house work, finish my book, spend more time with friends, exercise more - the list goes on!!!   We either need to cut back on what we add to the ‘to-do’ list, or we need to use our time wisely.   As I prepare for our Mid-Year Best Year Yet workshop in 26th June (the link is below if you haven’t signed up) it has been thinking about how I can carve out more time to complete all my 2023 goals.    In today’s episode, I share my top tips for carving out more time.   https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/byy/

We are fast approaching the midway point towards this year, halfway through the year, can you believe how fast the time is going? I want to talk today about how I'm starting to get ready for planning the rest of the year and how you can too. So as we approach the midpoint, I like to do a mid-year review. And in fact, I'm going to be doing a free workshop for you all where I'll be reviewing my year and I'll be using a worksheet to review the six months gone and what I wanna be doing going forwards and doing a big reflection. And if you want to join me, it's completely free. The link is below. And this time of year I really like to stop and reflect and just pause for a moment. I feel like sometimes we get swallowed up in life and we've maybe set goals in January. If you've set goals before, you might not have set goals. But for those who took part in Best year yet, which is a big event we do in January, in that we set three big goals for the year and get really intentional around creating our success on purpose and designing our own lives.  If you know anybody that would like to take part, please do let them know and have a wonderful, inspiring motivating week.  I'll be back next week. Take care.

After moving house recently, I realised that I had been living in my previous home with serious self-doubt, fear and wild stories that held me captive. In today's episode, I shed light on how easily we become trapped in the monotonous cycles of life, often failing to recognise the profound impact that an unsatisfying situation can have on our overall happiness. Enjoy 

As I film my last ever episode in the room I began in 7 years ago, I reflect on the journey.   When I first started filing and recording 7 years ago, I felt like an imposter, a fraud and incompetent.   I had friends film with me as I was terrified to do it alone.   I was afraid of people judging me and being mean. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing.   I was afraid to be myself in case I wasn’t professional enough or good enough in the eyes of others.   I now realise these feelings are so normal and absolutely necessary when we are in a stage of growth.   These feelings disappeared whilst I was in my comfort zone and now they are back as I am in the stage of breaking through to the next level.   In today’s episode I share my journey and the cycle of incompetency and why it’s necessary.   It’s also a goodbye to the room I have recorded over 1000 videos in.   Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

Capucine Jenkins is a trailblazing digital art curator who is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of NFTs and the blockchain.   Before she started working with NFTs, our guest honed her skills at several prestigious museums, including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.   She remains passionate about nurturing artists and innovating digital art spaces. I am so excited to have Capucine join me on today's podcast. We covered everything you need to know about NFT's: What are NFT's ? How do you Create a NFT? How can I sell and market an NFT? How can I keep myself safe when it comes to NFT's? What are NFT trends and what sells? How do I price an NFT? How do people buy an NFT? How do NFT's impact the environment? How do I deal with NFT hunters? You know, those annoying messages on social media. If you have been wondering any of the above, then this weeks episode if for you. Enjoy

Three years ago, Laura dreamed of becoming a full-time artist, and today she is living the dream! Laura sells her original works, hosts workshops, has been on TV, radio and in magazines - she wakes up most mornings pinching herself to make sure this is really happening. Based in Croatia and working in clay, Laura creates birds of happiness, bottles that think they are vases and volcanic flowers. In today’s episode,  we talk about Laura’s journey and how she has built a wondrous creative life.     If you want to learn more about Laura, you can click the links below:   Website: https://arcus.hr/en/arcus-art-studio-laura-rainbow/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artstudiolaurarainbow/

Overcoming self-doubt and reigniting passion for art. This is what we are talking about today with our special guest, Nish Shah. A self-taught artist who has been creating art from a young age, finding solace and comfort in the process. However, crippling self-doubt caused Nish to put his passion on hold for three decades, until the pandemic gave him the opportunity to reignite his love for art. It is truly a pleasure to speak with Nish about his journey of rediscovering his passion and going on to sell his incredible artwork. Despite having no formal art education or training, Nish is a natural-born artist who specializes in surrealistic and realistic pencil drawings, using graphite and color pencils with exceptional skill. His breathtaking portraits of people, animals, and elephants have captured worldwide attention. In today's session, we delve deep into Nish's experience of making art after a long hiatus and how he overcame his fear of putting his art out into the world. Whether you are an artist or someone who struggles with self-doubt, this podcast is sure to inspire you. Enjoy

Have you ever felt like you are just not getting anywhere?? Especially when it comes to selling?? In today's episode, it was a pleasure to speak with Dr Simone Paterson who spent many years feeling like she had lost her soul. Today Simone is a full time artist, having had solo shows, a feature in a dream gallery, community projects and feeling blessed to be alive. We delve into: • What has helped Simone along the way • What advice she has for others who want to start selling • Simone's practice of fusing creative technologies and crafts. If you want to learn more about Simone, click here: Website: https://www.simonepaterson.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonepatersonart/

Today's special guest is a multimedia artist inspired by people, places and community.    With a love of clay and oil paint Carole Ince celebrates the uniqueness of people and captures life as it unfolds.   Tuning in from Canada, I thought you will enjoy hearing some real talk.    Carole has solid collections of work, has started selling and has recently had a super successful solo show.  We chat about the journey to this point and what life is really like as an artist.   Some of the big takeaways from this conversation were:   The process takes time and consistent action  Confidence came from all the small steps in the early days, which maybe felt as if things weren’t going anywhere  The journey is a long one so having a community around you to support you when things go wrong (and right) is imperative  Honing in on why Carole made art, why it matters and growing belief in her work  Always learning - every day  Checking in and planning on a regular basis (making this fun)   Enjoy 

Have you ever felt a creative block?   Those moments when you feel like you want to make art, but you can’t get going??   Or, you are all fired up making and then boom, you lose interest and get bored.     Inspiration runs dry.   You panic that maybe you had a lucky streak and your art-making days are over?   I have had many of these moments over the years.   Another one, you are plodding along and making art regularly, but you have lost the spark, and you feel in a bit of a rut.   If any of this sounds familiar, then today’s episode is for you as I share how to kickstart your art.

There is so much talk everywhere about AI and using it to create art.⁠ Anyone can create poetry, music, art, books - the list goes on.⁠ What does this mean to us as artists? How will this impact us? How should we feel about all of this??⁠ In today’s episode, I talk about ways you can use AI, what this means for the art world and how we should feel about it.⁠ P.S. Don't forget you can join us for our next FREE event - Your Art Matters. This is our annual birthday party, and all online, so you can join from the comfort of your own home - We start a week today! ⁠ ⁠You can sign up for the event here: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/yam/

I sat at the table carving stone and felt a rush of excitement.  I haven’t felt this connected to my art-making in a long time.   So, it took me by surprise when my head jumped into thoughts like:   What if I love this too much and need to close down UAS What if I start selling this? OMG, can you imagine the shipping costs, and how would I package this??   These are the thoughts that trap the thousands of artists we have in our community on a daily basis, so this is what I want to talk about it today’s episode.   PS. Don't forget from 17th - 21st APRIL we are hosting our annual YOU ART MATTERS event and we are running a KickStart your Art challenge to help you get fired up and excited about your art.   We will have a week together, so you leave feeling inspired, motivated and confident.   Click here to join us:   https://uas.unitedartspace.org/yam/

I am moving house soon so the shed needed a clear out. 8 years of ‘stuff’ accumulated and it was interesting what I pulled out.   It was full of paint pots, deck chairs, sewing machine, old trainers - the list goes on.  I pulled all this ‘stuff’ out and then my heart stopped…   At the bottom of the huge pile of stuff was my 15 year old sculpture.   It had been sitting underneath all this stuff for more than 8 years!!!!!!   I looked at it tossed on the floor, wondering how it was still intact.  I literally stood there and felt like I was picking a piece of myself off the floor.   I held that sculpture and memories of making it came flooding back. I could literally see myself in this piece of work. My marks, my hands, my feelings, my pain.   At the time of making this piece, I didn’t really like it. However, I really enjoyed making it.   Looking at it again, after 8 years I saw this work in a whole new light. It was me I was looking at, or part of me.   I could see it so clearly.   It was also a stark realisation that feeling like I was picking myself off the floor was in a way a metaphor for how I am feeling in my life.  There is part of my I have definitely pushed to the side.   It is no coincidence that this sculpture is ‘speaking’ to me after all these years.   I share all in this episode that I filmed with ‘My Friend, Sharon’.   Enjoy.  

I remember sitting in a cafe with a group of UAS Hub members when Catherine and Lloyd turned to me and suggested I should start a podcast. At that moment, I felt a sense of dread as I thought to myself "Ewww, I can't possibly learn and do another thing." Despite feeling apprehensive, I had already been going live on social media every week for over five years. Their suggestion planted a seed, and I eventually decided to give podcasting a try. After all, I was already chatting every week anyway. Now, 100 episodes later - and with over 66,000 downloads! - the Your Art Matters podcast has become one of my passions. I absolutely love recording my thoughts and hearing your feedback; it feeds my soul. I can't wait to record the next 100 episodes and share the journey with you. Thank you for all your support.

“I love pain“ “Bring it on” “Pain sets me free” These are words of advice from the book ‘The Tools’ by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels.   In their book, they advise shouting these words every time you have the feeling of fear / pain. It might be right before you embark on something that makes you feel resistance or uncomfortable.   It may be when you have awful thoughts and paint a picture of negativity in your mind when you think of something that scares you, like having a show or selling for the first time.   The book went on to explain a super strategy for separating the feeling of pain from the thoughts we have in our mind and I have been using it this week with much success.   I share what the strategy is and how I have been using it in today’s episode.  

How can you choose what direction to go in when you have a million ideas??   I remember my years at art school and being told the power of focussing my attention in a deeper way - I found it so frustrating. But, after years of resistance I finally gave in to the art of focussing and it has helped me build momentum and I’ve really learned when to say yes and no. In today’s episode I share examples of how I choose my direction, both in art and life.  

Should you make art that sells?  Should you adapt your work so it sells?? Should you create landscapes in an abstract style as they sell for more?   In the past artists have come to me asking these questions but also telling me ‘I’ve been told my work is too commercial’ or ‘ my work isn’t commercial enough’.   In today's episode I will discuss what commercial art is, and whether you should make your work more commercial.  

Last week I was sorting the kitchen drawer out, you know the drawer that everything gets dumped into?   I found my old school reports and wow, they were hard to read.  They brought tears. Both painful tears and happy tears.   In this week’s episode I share personal insights into my past and how I went from despair to creating United ArtSpace.

I am a massive advocate for the arts and I am on a big mission to help people sell art and make a living doing what they love.   So, why am I not currently selling my own art?   This is what I cover in today’s episode, as I have worked in the creative industries for 20 years this year and during that time I have been a design assistant, full time artist, studio director, student of art and art history, founder of UAS and soon to be author ;)   In today’s episode I share my journey, the lessons along the way and why I am not selling my own art.  

I am no cook, but I have been making soup recently - a veggie soup - and the first effort was a disaster. I added so much salt, I drank about 3 litres of water after I ate it. I made it again and it was better. Then I made it again and it was even better, this time adding a bit of garnish too. As I was cooking the same soup over and over again, it got me thinking about how making and selling art is very much like cooking. In this episode I share: How modifying the making and selling process one small step at a time can be the answer to what is/not working How you can create more powerful art and find what you want to do A list of variables that affect selling How tweaking just one or two variables can be powerful when making and selling Enjoy

This is such a tough one to answer as there are so many factors that affect pricing and I have a whole course on this inside our UAS Hub membership. But, here are some pointers to get you started: How to price as a beginner How to structure your pricing so you don’t just have one price How to price so you create value and desire Join the Hub here https://uas.unitedartspace.org/hub/

I was asked to talk on BBC Radio Shropshire about UAS and the Best Year Yet we run every year. This is one of my goals, to be featured more and it’s a great way to start the year. It made me realise how much I love talking! I love sharing my mission and helping people grow in confidence, this is what I talk about in this episode - enjoy. If you want to join us and make 2023 your best year yet, click here: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/byy/

Happy New Year, friends.   I hope you had fun bringing in the new year.I have recorded this podcast episode just for you.  Sharing my reflections and positive thoughts for 2023. I talk about ways I manifested what I want How things that went wrong in my life served me years later Messages for you Enjoy. If you haven’t signed up for our Best Year Yet workshops yet, here is the link: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/byy/  We hope you join us and make 2023 your best year yet.

One of the best ways to move forward and achieve success is by reflecting back. Taking time to: - Consider what you want and don’t want. - Get clear on what you really want in 2023. - Learn from mistakes and from what went well. Most of all, paying attention to how far you have come. When you reflect on what’s happened you can do more of what works, do less of what doesn’t work, and aim for what you REALLY want. We will work through a Reflection worksheet, so if you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, you can sign up here (deadline: 19th Jan): >> https://uas.unitedartspace.org/byy This session was a live session, aired on 19th Jan.

I was chatting with our UAS Hub member, Amanda a few weeks ago and she talked about how much more efficiently she works when she has a deadline.   With a date in the diary for a looming show, productivity shoots through the roof.   Have you ever had an experience like this??  Where you felt a sudden surge of focus, motivation or productivity because of a little pressure or a deadline??   I have been talking with people a lot about this topic recently and it’s something I explore in today’s episode as there is a reason this happnens and the more we can tap into it, the more productive we can be.   HAVE A PRODUCTIVE AND EFFICIENT 2023 WITH OUR BEST YEAR YET WORKSHOPS   From the 5th-19th January, we are running a free workshop to help you plan what you want in 2023 and how to create deadlines, goals and make a plan that works.   This year we are putting a special emphasis on generating more money.   If you want to take part in our annual Best Year Yet workshop, here is the link to sign up:   >> SIGN UP FOR THE BEST YEAR YET WORKSHOP <<   I will send you prep work straight away so you can start today!!

Even those not driven by money wouldn’t say no to a little more, hey? Money doesn’t create happiness but it can relieve pressure and impact our lives and the lives of others. For years I was stuck in a negative money pattern and couldn’t seem to earn past a certain amount. Money was always a struggle.  In this episode I share 3 strategies that completely opened up my potential to earn and have changed my life.

Life swallows us up and we often lose sight of what we REALLY want.Has this happened to you recently?I have found myself exploring where I want to live and it’s making me realise how much I follow the crowd and do what everyone else is doing, as it’s easier.If I stop and get very honest with myself, living where I live now isn’t what I truly want - But what do I want???   I have no idea. Lol.   This is why I love this time of year.  As a chapter comes to a close I begin to ask myself what I want to ‘shelve’ from 2022 and what I want to ‘delve’ into next year.   This helps me get clearer on what it is I truly want. If you want to take part in our annual Best Year Yet workshops that start on 6th Jan, here is the link:   >> SIGN UP FOR THE BEST YEAR YET WORKSHOP <<   This event is free and I will send you prep work straight away so you can start the Delve and Shelve exercise with me.

It was more than 7 years ago I had an idea to create a platform for artists so they can grow confidence and learn how to make amazing artwork and sell it.A platform that supports, nurtures and has all the answers in one place.A community with people from all over the world who are cheering for each other and working towards the same goal, despite differing backgrounds and vision. That goal is to make our best art and carve out our place in the world.5 years ago I launched that platform and today it has grown into the vision I had 5 years ago.  We have built the most incredible platform and I am so so proud.In this week’s episode I share the lessons I have learnt along the way, lessons I know will resonate with you too! Enjoy YOU MATTER | ART MATTERS | YOUR ART MATTERS   If you would like to see a tour of The United ArtSpace Hub, click below: > TOUR OF THE HUB << If you would like to learn more and become a member and unlock the thousand’s $$$$ of resources click here: >> CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE <<

Have you ever found yourself uttering ' I can't do this, 'I can't cope with this', or 'I may as well give up'?? When we receive bad news or any kind of rejection, we can head into a negative thought pattern. The same can happen when things are not going the way we want them to, we begin to make decisions from a place of fear or desperation. I have found this happening to me this week, so in today's episode, I share an insight into my brain and how I have started to reframe things. Make sure you are on our email list to receive invitations to free online events, resources and podcast replays: >> CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP <<

All platforms can work and make people a living.   All platforms have pro's and cons'. YOU HAVE TO ENJOY USING IT When starting it's vital you enjoy using the platform. Make a shortlist of platforms you have come across and experiment with them. YOUR PEOPLE Are your people using this platform?? Or, what kind of people are?? For example. Ebay attract people who are looking for a bargain and buying what they can get for the cheapest. Once you have trialled a few, choose just one for 90 days and learn everything you can about that platform. Most platforms have free tutorials. Build momentum on one platform and learn by doing.   Once you focus on one, you learn what you like and don't like. You learn how to use the platform to your advantage. You learn how to become noticed.   Most people don't have success on a platform as they don't understand how to use it.   For example, with Etsy, once you start learning how to use it you quickly discover you can't rely on sales to come flooding in, you have to drive people to your Etsy store and put in some leg work - you pretty much have to do this on most platforms, which is why dedicating the time to one and REALLY learning it pays off. If you are enjoying these podcasts, it would be amazing if you could leave a review. For one we love hearing from our listeners and two, it helps get the podcast in front of more people who need it. Many thanks! Become a member of United ArtSpace and receive resources that help you use social media, build websites, sell your work and more: Click here to learn more and join the waitlist: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/hubwaitlist/

Have you ever considered changing the medium you use as it might sell for more money?When I was at art school I moved away from ink work as I got the impression from ‘everyone else’ that this wasn’t REAL art. If I wanted to sell, I needed to learn how to master oils.Now, I am not saying there is anything wrong with oils - what I am saying is there isn’t anything wrong with all the other kinds of materials you use either.It’s not about the material, it’s about how you develop skill with whatever material you choose. This skill translates into the value of your art, it’s what  makes you unique and stand out from everyone else using that material.How you create a desire for your work is what demands the high $$$ for your work and that is what I talk about in today’s 10 min episode. We help people develop skill and more desire for their work over in our UAS Members Hub - we have a Hub of resources to help artists at all ages and stages.  Mapped out in a road map, we tailor what you need for the stage you are. We will be opening enrollment soon, you can click here to learn more: https://members.unitedartspace.org

There is no way I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for the help of other people.Finding a mentor can unlock inspiration, connect you to people, support you, and guide you. In this episode I share: What a mentor is Why having a mentor is vital How to find a mentor The different types of mentor who can help you along your journey After this episode, consider:1) Is there someone who is doing what you want to do?? Put this person on your radar, follow them, maybe reach out to them.  2) Question how you can build a relationship with this person. 

You may be new to selling and wonder how long it takes to make a solid living from art. Or, you may have been trying to sell for years and you are wondering if this is normal and how long you should continue. This is the topic of today’s episode, and I cover: How long it took me to make a living  How you define what making a living means  Do you have to supplement your income with teaching? Why overnight success doesn’t last How to transition from one job to standing on your own two feet If you are a United ArtSpace Hub member, head to the lessons inside The Hub that help you map out a sales plan and work out what you need to sell and how to sell it.  Go into the Hub and search for the following lessons:MANAGING YOUR FINANCES SELLING YOUR ART WITH CONFIDENCEIf you are not a member and you want to learn more and join the waitlist, click here: https://members.unitedartspace.org

I was recently told if I help an artist reach a million in sales I have succeeded.  This got me thinking about how other people’s opinions of success and what we do can make us derail or shrivel up in silence as we feel inferior or like we don’t belong. Have you ever felt that?? You are with a group of people and you are not on the same page.  Maybe they view art differently to you? They perceive skill in a different way to you - it can make you question your own sanity, views and beliefs.Even worse, it can make you change who you are.And… the ultimate worse - stopping making art completely.This is what I am covering in today’s episode and I would love to know your thoughts. I mention an artist Head over to Instagram and leave a comment on any of our posts, we read them all :) EPISODE SHOW NOTES UNITED ARTSPACE INSTAGRAM  JOIN THE HUB WAITLIST

Have you found yourself in a situation where someone insults you or annoys you? Or, is it suggesting something that makes you want to retaliate??I have my hand up here!!! It might be a client who keeps asking for revision after revision, or a gallery who wants you to reduce the cost of your art.  In this episode, I share an amazing piece of advice when dealing with conflict and difficult people/situations. In fact, I have started using this with my children and friends! It’s a super powerful strategy for minimising conflict. For those who are members of United ArtSpace and access the Hub, we have lessons that expand on this: How to manage the client process is an amazing resource with step-by-step help with managing client expectations. If you’re in the Hub, search ‘client process’. If you are not a Hub member, click here to learn more and join the waitlist as we have incredible resources to help you along your journey. https://members.unitedartspace.org

We put a lot of work into making our art, to then have someone else sell it and give them 50% of the money when they didn’t make it can feel crap.There is a huge potential to make and sell your own art in today’s world, you don’t need anyone to sell for you. But, there is also a great opportunity to collaborate with others who have access to your buyers.  People in the art world and not in the artworld. If you find the right people and they can sell your work, the 50% is worth sharing and in this episode I want to talk about why. Before you go off and give any % to others for selling your work, always make sure that the % you receive is still worth your time and effort! This has to be mutually beneficial to both of you. Did you know you can become a member of United ArtSpace and receive access to our Hub that contains incredible resources to help you make art you love and turn what you love into a living. You can join the wait list here: https://members.unitedartspace.org/

I’ve finished a weekend of hiking a mountain for 35 hours. In this episode I want to share everything I have learned and how much of what I learned relates to everyday life. People said many times that I was brave to make this event so public, what if I didn’t complete it and I would have to face everyone and say I failed? Here’s the thing, this event meant a lot to me. I had no doubt I could do it because of my mindset and training….but, I also did a lot of work on getting ready for disappointment. This is something we have to experience in life.  We can’t avoid it.  I would have been upset if I hadn't completed it, but I had no issue in telling everyone I ‘FAILED’ as to me failure isn’t a bad thing.  I would have done everything I could and not achieving things in life is O.K.   This even meant a lot, in the grand scheme of things I was only climbing a mountain.  I kept telling myself this a lot, I am just climbing a mountain. Not to belittle what we are doing, as what we do means a lot to us but in the grand scheme of life all we are doing is:   Having an exhibition  Selling a piece of art in exchange for money Making art Climbing a mountain The next time you get overwhelmed by a task you are completing, tell yourself ‘ I am only doing XYZ’ - see if it works. Grab a cuppa and enjoy this episode where I share all my lessons from the mountain.

I want to shout out to all the lovely artists out there because you are amazing! Being an artist is a mighty task. People will often say, ‘oh it must be lovely being an artist, making art all day long’. If it were just this, then wouldn’t life be grand? But no, artists can’t just sit making art all day long, they have to wear the hat of many roles to make art their living. Many artists are doing all of this whilst juggling other jobs so that they can fulfil their dream. Artists do so much behind the scenes, and I want to give you all a big high five because being an artist is a huge challenge but one of the most rewarding. When you’re an artist, you don’t have a manager reminding you how well you’re doing. So, we’re here to tell you that you are doing great.  If you know an artist who needs reminding how well they’re doing, please share this with them so we can give them a virtual high five.  They can also follow us over on our >> Instragram >>

In this episode I talk about how we need to have patience and trust the journey that we're on. Sometimes it's hard, and we feel like we can't do it any longer, but it's these challenging times that make us value what we have when we reach our goals and dreams. You can do it, and you will do it - believe in yourself! P.S. This is an old episode from our archive that hasn't been released on the podcast before. 

I know how frustrating it is when you want to make art or pursue your dream but things get in the way.  It might be kids, family, pressure from friends, or a job that sucks the life out of you. You want to do something you love but you just don’t have time. In this episode, I share some of my tips for carving out more time that I use daily in hope they can help you.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this over on our Instagram!

Only a few days until the workshops begin and we get to spend 2 amazing weeks together as we explore your artwork and how you can get it out into the world. This is a super time to stop, pause and reflect on what you do. What kind of artist you are, what your work is saying, who will be interested and where you can put it. You are going to learn the foundations of selling, and hear stories from people who have used this framework time and time again. We are going to cover all of this in these workshops and so much more! If you haven’t signed up for the workshops yet, click here to learn more. For those who are seeing this after the event has finished, we run this once a year so make sure you join the waitlist. https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mayl

Over the years I've had artwork sent to me from people desperate to know if their work will sell. I get it, we don’t want to pour our heart and soul into creating art and pursue selling it to lead to failure and disappointment. But, there is not one person on the planet who understands the buying habits of the billions of people in the world. People have opinions, based on what they know and experience. You can’t base your future on the opinions of a few people. Take Ashley Longshore who was repeatedly told she would never sell for more than 15 years. She now sells her work for tens of thousands to the most luxurious places in the world. In this episode, I discuss this topic in more detail. I also talk about our super Make Art your Living workshops that start soon, click here to learn more: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mayl

How do you write a statement and bio? Do you need a bio or statement ?? What's the difference between a statement and a bio? Your work won’t always speak for itself, so statements and bios can really help you connect with your audience and help people understand what you do. This episode is jam-packed with top tips so you will know where to start when it comes to writing about yourself and your work. Grab a pen and paper, and make some notes and get writing! You may also be interested in our next free workshop, all about making a living from your art.  Running from 1st September until 16th September 2022. Delivered over 2 weeks via video and worksheets on a private webpage.   You will learn a proven framework that will help you get your work in front of the right people. You just need one finished artwork to take part. You will learn: The biggest mistake I see artists make when it comes to selling their art. How to improve your confidence and knowledge so you can get your art into the world, and make a living doing what you love. How you can find people who will buy your art so you can sell more. These workshops have been running for 6 years and have been the catalyst for so many now making a living from their art. I will be sharing their stories with you. To sign up and join thousands of other artists, click here! 

Have you ever experienced this?? Someone asks you what you do and when you say ‘Artist’, they ask if you can create art for the local society or other worthy cause - free of charge of course!!! Or, someone likes your art and you give them the price and they offer you half of what you say?? In this episode, I talk about why people devalue art and what you can do about it. This conversation came from a post we shared that said - “yes, I am an artist and I have bills to pay just like you and everyone else, so no I won't work for free”. Giles asked why this happens and I thought it was a great question. In this episode I talk about the main reasons and cover the following: The top 3 reasons why people devalue art What you can do to add more value Learn how to say no and what to say no to How it’s not just your time and materials that add value to what you create Why people negotiate you down on price and how to handle this I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic, do you have a story to share on this topic?? We would love to hear, let us know on our Facebook or Instagram. P.S. Every year I run an incredible FREE workshop that teaches people how to get their art into the world and sell it.  I have been teaching this framework for more than 6 years now and it works! We start on the 1st September and it lasts for 2 weeks. All you need is one artwork to take part, click here to learn more: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mayl/

You have poured your heart and soul into your website and now it is sitting there and you are not sure what to do next. Or, maybe you are not sure if you even need a website. A website is a great asset and I am excited to share some tips with you so you can get more eyeballs on your website.I share:  The difference between social media and your website How to invite people to view your website using email and social media What SEO is and how to improve how you are found on Google A nifty tip that helps your site speed and puts you in the good books with Google. I can’t wait to see your website ‘out there’. We are fast approaching the free Make Art your Living workshop that starts on the 1st September. You can learn more about this amazing 2 week event here: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mayl/  We will help you begin to find your place in the art world, no matter what age or stage you are.