Art Life Plan Podcast

What happens to your art if no one ever sees it? In this episode, I’m talking about the quiet work... the things you make that live in your sketchbooks, your hard drives, or the corner of your studio. We’re digging into whether creativity needs an audience or if the act of making is enough on its own. I’ll share a bit about how I think through this in my own practice and offer some ideas for how y...

What happens when you really show up to your art practice...not just physically, but mentally? In this episode, we talk about how being present in your studio can shift everything. From small rituals to focused attention, this isn’t about productivity... it’s about connection. Whether you’re feeling scattered or just need a reset, this is a reminder that showing up with presence can change how you...

In this episode of  Art Life Plan , we explore how half-formed, vague, or messy ideas can actually lead to powerful creative breakthroughs. Whether you're staring at a sketch you don’t know what to do with or sitting on a sentence that’s been living in your head for months, this is for you. I talk about how I save fragments, how they show up later in my work, and how you can start using your o...

The Art of Starting Ugly  explores why messy beginnings are not only normal but necessary in creative work. If you've ever frozen at the start of a project because it didn’t feel “good enough,” this episode is for you. I talk about the value of imperfect first drafts, how to move past the pressure to be polished, and ways to build momentum when you feel stuck. Whether you're a seasoned art...

Hosted by artist and educator Cookie Redding, this episode of  Art Life Plan  explores how making art can be a steady act of resistance in a world that often feels overwhelming. Cookie shares real talk about staying creative during heavy times, building a sustainable art practice, and why showing up to your work still matters. Whether you're new to art or deep in your studio life, this convers...

Invisible Success: Celebrating the Wins No One Sees In this episode of  Art Life Plan , artist and educator  Cookie Redding  talks about the creative victories that often go unnoticed...the internal shifts, quiet decisions, and personal growth that fuel a lasting art practice. If you’ve ever felt like your progress doesn’t “count” unless it’s public, this one’s for you. Tune in for a real conversa...

Letting Go of Outcomes: How Non-Attachment Can Free Your Creative Flow Hosted by Cookie Redding, artist, professor, and creator of Art Life Plan, this episode explores how releasing attachment to results can actually unlock more creative momentum. Cookie shares personal studio experiences and actionable ways to reconnect with your art by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. Whether you...

Ever feel like your creative time keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list? In this episode, we talk about how to organize your calendar so studio time isn’t just a nice idea...t’s something that actually happens. No rigid systems or hustle talk here...just real strategies that work for real artists with real lives. Whether you’re juggling a full-time job or trying to focus in an open...

I’m resting this week while I feel a bit under the weather (plus it's finals week!) but I didn’t want to leave the space empty. This short episode offers one gentle creative prompt to carry with you. No pressure, no goals—just something small for yourself. Back next week with a full episode. Thanks, as always, for being here.

Starting something new can be the hardest part. In this episode, I’m talking about that familiar hesitation in front of a blank canvas and how you can shift it into a mindful, grounded ritual instead of letting it spiral into avoidance. Whether you're just getting back into your art practice or starting your hundredth piece, this is a conversation about slowing down, noticing your resistance,...

A conversation about making art that actually feels like  you.  This episode explores how your core values can shape what you create, how you work, and how you share it with the world.

Ever wonder if your art is more about your own story or the world around you? In this episode, we talk about the difference between making personal work and making work that looks outward—how it affects your process, how people connect with it, and why it’s okay to land somewhere in between.

Doing the same thing over and over in your art doesn’t mean you’re stuck—it means you’re digging deeper. Repetition helps you refine your skills, see new details, and uncover ideas you might have missed the first time. This episode explores how showing up to the same practice again and again can lead to real creative breakthroughs.

Ever had a moment where you just  knew  what to do next in your art? That’s your creative intuition at work. In this episode, we’re diving into how to recognize that feeling, trust it, and strengthen it over time. We’ll talk about how experience, practice, and gut instincts shape your creative process—without overthinking it. If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself while making art, this one’s for...

Ever feel disconnected from your creative work? In this episode, we explore what happens when artists lose touch with their creative identity and how to find your way back. Whether you're facing burnout, self-doubt, or just a creative lull, this conversation will help you reconnect with your artistic self in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Tune in for real talk on navigating the ups...

Every artist faces self-doubt, but what if your inner critic isn’t just holding you back—it’s trying to tell you something important? In this episode, we explore how to interpret self-criticism in a way that fuels creative growth instead of stopping it. Whether you’re struggling with perfectionism, external feedback, or the pressure to produce, this conversation will help you shift your mindset an...

Think creative freedom means having unlimited choices? Think again. In this episode, we dive into how constraints—whether it’s limited time, materials, or self-imposed rules—can actually help you make better, more innovative art. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many options or stuck staring at a blank canvas, this is for you. Learn how setting boundaries can sharpen your focus, boost proble...

Life doesn’t stop for your creative practice, and making art when everything feels overwhelming can be tough. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to keep creating even when life throws unexpected challenges your way. Whether you're juggling responsibilities, dealing with stress, or just struggling to find time, this conversation will help you stay connected to your creativity without pressur...

What advice would your future creative self give you? In this episode, we explore the wisdom you might already have within you if you imagine yourself 10 years down the road. From staying motivated and trusting your instincts to navigating the business side of art and embracing rest without guilt, this conversation will help you connect with your creative process in a more authentic way. Join us a...

Ever feel like you’re forcing your creativity, but nothing’s clicking? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about the power of pausing—why stepping away from your work can actually help you come back stronger. We’ll dive into how to recognize when you need a break, ways to pause without feeling guilty, and how rest can actually fuel new ideas. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed,...

The new year started with big energy, but where are you now? This episode is a real talk check-in on your creative practice—what’s working, what’s not, and how to adjust without guilt. Whether you're on a roll or feeling stuck, February is the perfect time to reassess, refocus, and keep moving forward. No pressure, just honest reflection on your art and the business side of things. 

Talent gets a lot of attention in the art world, but is it really what makes a creative life successful? In this episode, Cookie Redding talks about why consistency matters more than raw talent. It’s all about showing up—especially on the days when you’re not feeling inspired. We’ll explore how staying consistent can build momentum, improve your skills, and help you move past self-doubt. Whether y...

Discover how to align your creative practice with nature’s rhythms in this episode. This episode explores how the changing seasons can inspire, recharge, and guide your artistic process, offering insights to help you embrace the natural ebb and flow of creativity. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about finding balance, sustainability, and purpose in your creative life.

Sometimes it's good to embrace the beginner mindset as an artist. In this episode of Art Life Plan with artist and educator Cookie Redding, learn how to stay curious, overcome creative fear, and find joy in the process of learning new skills, no matter your experience level.

Feeling stuck in your creative practice? Discover actionable ways to break unproductive habits, refresh your routine, and reignite your passion for art. Learn how small adjustments can lead to big breakthroughs.