Creative Money ATX

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Creative Money ATX, I sit down with Natalie Earhart and Zach Zulch, the co-founders of Almost Real Things (ART) — a for-profit arts organization based in Austin that supports local creatives through a mix of events, exhibitions, and their signature magazine. Natalie also serves as Editor-in-Chief and a contributing writer, while Zach brings a complementary skill set that helps drive the organization’s vision.We start with Natalie’s and Zach’s personal journeys — how their relationships with art began, how they describe what they do, and the story of how Almost Real Things was born. They share the early inspirations, the evolution of the magazine, and what it’s like running a creative business day-to-day.We also get into the financial side of things: how ART functions as a for-profit, what revenue streams they’ve developed, and what experiments haven’t worked out. Natalie and Zach open up about the realities of sustaining an arts business in Austin — from barriers local artists face to their own strategic goals for 2025.Studio 2324 Elevate Grant Nexus GrantTrail Conservancy Touch The Art Jason Webb watercolor artist Ellen Nelson Hanger Art Studio Prospect New OrleansProspect 6 Joey Cruz 24 Diner Magnolia CafeSaps Texas Thrift  Armadillo ChristmasWhere to find Almost Real Things https://almostrealthings.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostrealthings/Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Creative Money ATX, we talk with Austin-based figure painter Marcella Colavecchio. Marcella shares how her first job out of college—working at a bank—shaped her thoughtful financial mindset. She also reflects on her experience growing up with Italian immigrant parents and the journey that led her to Austin. Tune in for a compelling conversation about art, money, and finding your place in a creative city.This episode with Marcella was recorded in the summer of 2024 and some of the events might have already passed, but please check out the galleries mentioned. Highland Collective Good Dad Get your shit together online Dazed and Confucius Pennylane and David Jenny Saville british based figurative painter Robin Frenchesca Williams  Little Deli 1301 Gallery Audio Summer Mothership Studios Anya Tish Gallery Houston Commerce Gallery Lockheart Where to find Marcella https://marcellacolavecchio.com/Instagram @marcellaispaintingSupport the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Creative Money ATX, I sit down with abstract painter Ashley Marie Richiez. Ashley shares insights into the financial realities of her painting practice, including the costs of her studio and the challenges of shipping large-scale art pieces. Whether you're an artist navigating similar logistics or an admirer curious about the behind-the-scenes of an art career, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.The Artist Way - Book The Cathedral - location American Frame Agave Print  Print Space - Drop Shipping Printing $2,000 Shipping the art $20,000 worth of art Popular canvas sizes 30 in X 40 36 X 48 Year of art$49,000 before expenses $20,000 profit Studio rent $500 a month Tools QuickbooksTurbo Tax Square Space Stripe Paypal Square for an invoice ZelleEsco Bros Transportation  - shipping art Sugarlift - Gallery Megan Parker - @movingaltarsMaja dlugolecka - @maijkahFabrik - vegan restaurant Where to Find Ashley Marie https://ashleymarierichiez.com/ Instagram @ashleymarierichiezSupport the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I sit down with Coka Treviño to explore the work of Big Medium, a cornerstone organization in Austin's creative community. We delve into the challenges they faced in 2024, including a fire in their new building, the loss of significant grant funding from the city, and a major change in leadership. Despite these hurdles, Big Medium continues to empower local artists through, events like the EAST and WEST studio tours. Coka shares how the organization is adapting and how artists can still benefit from its support. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the ups and downs of Austin’s art scene!Texas Biennial art show - this year in Huston 86 artists East Austin Studio Tours The history of redlining in Austin Tito's Prize Losing a lot of support like from Austin city grants Harry Ransom Center Find Coca and Big Medium Bigmedium.org theprojecto.org Instagram bigmediumaustinInstagram theprojectoatxSupport the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I sit down with Thomas Cook to discuss the inspiring connection between hiking, nature, and art. Thomas shares how his artistic journey began at a high school dedicated to the arts, which provided him with a strong foundation for college and his current art practice today. Tune in to hear how Thomas’s love for the outdoors influences his creativity and how his experiences can inspire your own artistic pursuits.Savannah College of Art and Design Appalachian Trail Vermont Long Trail Wild Basin Reserve by St. Edwards ResidencyMost expensive piece 2X6 $2,000 Overheard - rent at Bolm Studio Jerry’s 2023 $8,000Central Machine Works 26 pieces 30X30in East Austin Studio Tours Martha Wells - book Love Supreme Pizza Silver Metal Annalise Gratovich  Print work Via Boley Painter Christopher Paul Dean Artist  Find Thomas Cook Instagram @Thomascook_art Cara - Thomascookart https://thomascookart.comSupport the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I talk to Ann Flemings an abstract painter about how she started in fine art and stayed there. We talk about the studio space Austin has to offer, and what it takes to be an artist, and parent. Come take a listen!References Canopy Ann’s Room 215 Building 1 Neill-Cochran House Museum | Open reception Jan. 25th showing by Ann Flemings Laguna Gloria 3X5 canvas in the back of her car Bolm Studios at the time was $100 month for rent North Cross Mall Austin Visual Arts AssociationCanopy, rent at the time was $800 month Highland CollectiveMost expensive piece she has sold is about $5,000 Overhead $20,000 a year Kristy Battani’s podcast Jerry Saltz art critic Affordable Healthcare Act Artwork Archive Alex Boeschenstein - photographerKevin Ivester, Ivester Gallery Austin Creative Reuse CenterCanvas Place for framing Brian RutenbergAsti Restaurant on Duval Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailLizelle Villapando owns a popular shop on South Congress where tourists and locals can find prints, originals, tees, and more. We talk about how she got started and how they survived covid. Small Business AdviseBe conscious of burnout. Treat yourself like one of your employees. You wouldn't ask them to work seven days a week, so you shouldn't either. Don't cut corners. Make sure you pay taxes right and hire a CPA. Work smarter not harder. Try to think a little more with math and less with feelings.How to get into Paper Work Reach out for some time to pitch your art Typically the shop will want to stock 20+ prints at first 12X16 prints sell wellFor the first quarter the artist gets 80% of sales If your print's do well after the first quarter it's a 50/50 split on sales  References Overhead, rent, followed by payroll which is close to 30% They received help from their landlord and an SBA grant during covid South by Southwest Regretsy Kerbey Lane Magnolia CafeAustin Pasta Uncommon Objects South Congress Books on Kerbey Lane Frans Hey Cupcake Mighty Cone Castle Hill Shady Grove Spread and Co. Boldin Creek CafeSap's Thai FreshHill County Weavers  Find Paper Work Instagram @Paper_Work_ATX  Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I talk to Jenn from Maridad Studio about her very sexy watercolor paintings. Jenn paints personified foods and drinks in a unique and attractive way. She is a full time artists with a background in fine arts and has a lot to share on how she makes a living here in Austin.References Sass N Strut 2324 StudioAlmost Real ThingsPhilosophize This - Podcast   Basil Moon on Instagram PHEEBEE - Austin artist Marcella Colavecchio - Austin artist  Meow Wolf Portland KinkFestHighland Collective   Find Maridad StudioInstagram @maridad.studio https://www.maridad.studio/Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailSurprise! Bonus content! This episode is a special addition that I recorded last year at Good Dad Studio during EAST. I met up with Rachel LaRue Allen who does really lovely watercolor landscapes on wood canvas. We look at the art, talk to artists in their studio, and have a good time. I should point out that Good Dad Studio was brand new and I kept calling it Good Daddy Studio. So, enjoy that happy accident. This episode is a one time example of what you will have access to as a Patreon member. I talk to artists while they work and we have a casual conversation about whatever comes up. The next Studio Time will be with a Plain Air painter. We talked about the outdoor painting practice while in the middle of a field off Lake Travis. Find Rachel Instagram @rachellaruecreative  https://www.rachellarueallen.com/Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I talk to painter and engineer, Mike Clark in his studio at Good Dad Studio. We discuss the benefits of having a stable job, and what it means to be an artist first. Mike's art explores the confines of a corporate job and how he finds freedom in his art. ReferencesSquare inch way of pricing his art Civil engineer Inspired minds art center in Buda11x14 and 9x12 prints sells well Prints charge $20 - $30 Best year $5,000180 ~ square feet $520 with a studio mate $6 a square foot Picked up art after kids were out of the house Good Dad studio every second Saturday Ala Prema Richard Smith book about oil painting Raul Campos Mexican artist Marcella Colavecchio Cyprus Grill  Find Mike ClarkInstagram @Clarksart https://www.clarksartstudio.com/about  Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I talk to Ursula, an art collected here in Austin. She tells me about the art she chose for her house and her personal connection she has made to it. We talk about the value of art and why you should support artists. References Georgia O'keeffe MuseumWally Workman Gallery  Mark Rathco - artist West Chelsea Gallery Lisa Russell Gallery  Good Luck Have Fun Gallery Chicos - Restaurant La Choza - Restaurant Cowgirl - Restaurant Helmut Barnett, AustinGary Welton, Till Augustin, Germany sculpture Hanne Voelkl, Germany Karen LastreHouston (Rothko painting)De Von, park city James DeanLibby - Free Library app Find me, Bri Landry Instagram creative_moneyatxIf you liked the show please rate and review. Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailDescription of the episode and or artist I am talking to 𝓝𝓮𝓮𝓷𝓪 𝓑𝓾𝔁𝓪𝓷𝓲 about her very vibrant paintings in her gallery at the Canopy. We talk about her making the jump to be a full time artist and how her past job in jewelry inspires her work today. Neena’s paintings are very big and bright and you should go look her up right now.Find the artist https://neenabuxani.com/InstagramReferences The Canopy - art gallery Quickbooks - tax help Nike Air Force One - shoes Posca markers - leather paint Angelus leather paint  Round Rock Art - gallery Big Medium The Doughterty art centerLesion in Chemistry - book Patrick Puckett - local artist Jennifer Balkan - local artist Grimaldi's pizza ATX Casina - Restaurant Wu Chou - Restaurant Jay Long Studio - September ATX Galls - art colective  Find me, Bri Landry Instagram creative_moneyatxIf you liked the show please rate and review. Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I interview Tim McCool. He is most recently a pencil artist and he runs the gallery Good Luck Have Fun with his wife Kira. We talk about MFAs, art residencies, and how living a car-free lifestyle inspires his art. Find the artist https://timmccool.com/Tim McCool InstagramGood Luck Have Fun GalleryThe Contemporary - art classes   References Continuing education program at RISD ICOS - gallery and art collective  Joyce Ganlen paper artist Prisma colored pencils Fibra Castell colored pencils Legion paperStrathmore mixed media paperDaniel Johnson, how are you?Austin artist accountantsBig mediumRoom 68SMFA The Contemporary Austin - art classes Procreate - digital painting appRocket Money - app Concept animals - Instagram account Per Adolfsen - pencil artistBouldin Creek Café24 DinerVeracruz tacosEdward Monk - artistMegan Hildebrand - artist Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailLarry Akers, he has been living in Austin for close to 50 years. He makes kinetic sculptures that play with the Morey effect. You might have seen his work at the Thinkery, the Austin Children’s Museum. He is a retired computer scientist and an example that you can start your art at any age. Larry has been making art for the past 12 years and recommends art to other STEM retirees. Find the artist https://www.eyeplaystudio.net/index.htmlInstagram: @larryakersart Lincoln Gallery in October 2023East Austin Studio Tours at his house 04 Studio Tour Carver Branch Library References Carlos Cruz Diez - artist Jesus Rafial Soto - artist Bridget Reily - artist SVG veteran language Doughterty art center Thinkery Kids Museum   Creative Art Society Austin Art in public places programTempo Program Austin  People’s Gallery at Austin city hall Kerbey Lane  - Restaurant Jill Robinson - Austin artist Entangled Life - book Find me, Bri Landry Instagram creative_moneyatxIf you liked the show please rate and review. Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I talk to Molly Knobloch about her painting, and goals. In October she has a show at  Pastiche House where she will be painting art inspired by a musician who she’s worked with before. November means it’s E.A.S.T in Austin and Molly along with a few other artists will be showing their work at Hey Now Interiors. Molly also plans to start applying to grad school soon to get her MFA. Molly is an artist with a plan and you can hear all about it on this episode of Creative Money ATX. Find the artist https://mollyknobloch.com/Instagram @mollyknoblochReferences Contra Common in Bee Caves - Artist collective  Hey Now Interiors - Interior design company EAST East Austin Studio Tour Amanda Witucki - Paper artist Sarah Nilson - Painter  Austin Bouldering Project - Gym Good Luck Have Fun - Gallery The Cathedral - Gallery / Event Space  ATX Gals - Art Collective Creative Action - After school art program Artwork archive Pastiche House - Show in October Sari Shryack - Artist Loro - Restaurant Meow Wolf - Interactive art instructions Via Boley - Artist Nadia Waheed - Artist Find me, Bri Landry Instagram creative_moneyatxIf you liked the show please rate and review. Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailDescription of the episode and artist Dana Younger is a local sculptor in Austin, Texas. He has been a part of the Austin art scene for close to thirty years. He is a co-founder of the Blue Genie Art Bazaar and until recently lead the team that makes exhibitions for Texas Parks and Wildlife. We talk about what it takes to make one of his sculptures, how Austin has changed, and the benefits of finding the balance of art and work.Find the artist Instagram danayounger_sculptorhttps://danayounger.com/References Texas Parks and Wildlife  Westheimer Street Festival in HoutonMike O’Brien relief panels at the Bob Bullock Blue Genie Art Bazaar Kevin Collins - Artist Rory Skagen - Artist The Canopy  Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market PolyCam - appStructured light scanner from iScan Aspire - tool pathing program Big Magic by Elizabeth GilbertChuck Close - artist Davis Gallary Little City Coffee San Angelo Musicam of Art event July 20th The Nave Museum Victoria TX Museum of the Southwest in Midland 2024 show Phenom L by Peopoly - 3D printer Anycubic Photon Mono x - 3D printer Gist - e-commerce app Atelier Dojo - Art school David Ohlerking - Artist Barry X Ball - Artist The Crossing by Cormack McCarthy American Vision by Robert Hughes  Thai Fresh - Restaurant  Gati ice cream Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailMalina Cipleu is a glass artist with a gallery at The Canopy in East Austin. Originally, she practiced psychology in Romania. Once she was in the States with her husband she turned her focus to art. Malina took art classes with her kids and started teaching. Eventually, she found glass and fell in love with the malleable medium. Today, she works in fused glass and makes bowls, landscapes, and wall installations. In this episode, Malina shares how glass fusing works, how she works with commissions, and how you can get into galleries. Take a listen! Find Malina CipleuInstagram malinacipleuMalina's Website References Helio Fused Glass Studio Apple Numbers - App for money management Georgetown Art Center August 2024Procreate - Design software  Woodlands Waterway Art Show Studio 04 - Studio Tour EAST and WEST Austin Studio Tour Kristy Battani - Austin Artist Open Canapy first Saturday of the month Hand salve Barbara Kingsolver - Author  Demon Copperhead - Book Poisonwood Bible - BookThe Lacuna - Book Judy Tuwaletstiwa - Artist Judy’s book Glass Sa Ten - Japanese Restaurant Green Chef - Meal PrepMoney Talk 40% - 50% commission to the gallery Find me, Bri Landry Instagram creative_moneyatxIf you liked the show, please rate and review. Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailI talk to Natalie and Matt Southworth. They are both artists and married. I talk to them about art, school, and money. Find the artists Instagram  msouthstudio - MattInstagram sworthit.studio - Natalie References https://linktr.ee/msouthstudio - website Wolf Gallery in Lakeway July 14th (the site has the old date, but it’s on the 14th of July) Maine College of Art in Portland Main Procreate - Digital Art app Canopy Studio Healthcare.gov The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Struggle for Significance by John H. B.Happy-Go-Lucky David Sedaris Ann Hamelton - Artist Ramen Tatsu-ya - Restraunt Dear Diary Coffeehouse Torchy’s - Tacos  Veracruz - Tacos  Goodluck have fun Gallery Find me, Bri Landry Instagram creative_moneyatxIf you liked the show please rate and review.Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailI talk to Sarah Nilson about what it's like to say goodbye to your day job and what healthcare can be like for an artist. Find the artist Sarah Nilson @sarahnilsonartFrog @justfrogetaboutitReferencesRick Rubin - producer The Creative Act by Rick RubinMarc Rebillet - live DJShopify - ecom website builder Eric at Red Top Printing in Lakeway Rolo printer Cancùn Dental SpecialistsTexas Healthy Women  Legal Zoom for LLC Quitely Hostile by Samantha IsbyDimassi’s - Restaurant Boldin Creek - Restaurant Casa De Luz - Restaurant Fresa’s - Restaurant Kitty Cohen’s - BarWhite Horse - Saloon Money:16x20+0.33333 = Price of art, aka size of art plus 30%2022 was a bartender and an artist made $49,500 in a year By May of 2023 with only art Sarah has made $38,564Monthly goal of $4,000 a month to live in Austin Without her car payment of $793, her monthly expense went down to $3,208 a month Find me, Bri LanSupport the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailI interviewed Saira Holland about art markets, how to apply, and the importance of a budget.  Find the artist @sairahollandSaira Hollands website  ReferencesThe Museum of Fine Arts Houston Leslie - Austin legend You need a budget - AppMain street art fair Blue Genie Art Bazar - Local art vendor Almost Real Things - Helps creatives get started  Leonora Carrington - Artist Mike Willcox - Tero cards Oye Chico - Austin restaurant Money Two hundred dollars a square foot Not profitable the first year. Everything went back into the business. Last year Saira made $42,000 profit was $24,000 Find me, Bri Landry Instagram creative_moneyatxIf you liked the show please rate and review. Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailAmanda Witucki joins me to talk about her paper art. We talk about how her career in wedding planning led her to paper as her chosen craft.  Find the artist Amanda and The Paper CommitteeInstagram  @thepapercommittee Instagram @the.kitchen.committeeReferencesKaren Hawkins - Paper artist  Zilker Brewing - Market show coming up 17th of July ATX GALS at the Cathedral - Art Collective San Diego Museum of Art Sarah Grossman - San Diego Museum of Art Art Alive - The event at SDMAJohn Fluevog - Shoe designer Fluevog Grant - Artist grant Innovate Grant - Artist grant Artist archive - Look for grants and opportunities Austin Tempo Project - Big artist grant Future Front - Small artist grants Smartist - BookRuss Rubin - Artist Whitney Batres - Artist Bar Peached - Restaurant Lin Asian Bar - Restaurant Canje - Restaurant  Find me, Bri Landry Instagram creative_moneyatxIf you liked the show please rate and review.Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review. 

Send us Fan MailIn this pilot episode my brother, Andrew, interviews me about my vision for this podcast. I want to support local Austin artists and learn how they can make a living in this constantly growing city. Support the showFind me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatxhttps://www.creativemoneyatx.com/If you liked the show please share, rate, and review.