Art You Crazy?

We hate to break it to ya, but not everyone is gonna love your work. (Sorrynotsorry!) Facing rejection and criticism is part of the creative path we all must walk on the way to success. But how we deal with nay-sayers is completely within our control, and can actually help us improve and level-up faster! Find out how to both ask for—and give!—feedback that fosters your creative growth in the jam-p...

If you’ve ever felt like you were failing as a creative because your work wasn’t “good enough” yet, you’re not alone. In a world that puts celebrities on pedestals and only shows love for “the best,” it’s easy for budding creatives to feel like they have nothing to be proud of–yet. But did you know there’s research that proves that celebrating all your little wins along the way to creative success...

We’ve all been there: a spark of a new idea excites us, but that excitement fades once the actual work of CREATING it kicks in. But what if there were a magic potion that could bring that zest for creation back? In this episode of Art You Crazy, we chat with special guest, David Blume, a writer-director on the rise, who shares his secret hack for staying motivated to complete projects when the ent...

If you consider yourself a polished performer but secretly dread making “mistakes”… If you feel paralyzed to start writing until the conditions are “just right” (or a midnight deadline forces you to start at 11:00pm) … Or if you can never finish a painting because you obsess over details… Then you might be doing battle with the inner beast known as— PERFECTIONISM! What’s worse is you might not eve...

Self-care can often feel either like a luxury that we can’t afford to indulge in—or like a guilty pleasure we should be ashamed to make time for. But self-care is actually critical to maintaining your productivity AND creativity! In this episode, Art You Crazy is sharing 5 easy self-care practices that won’t break the bank or require you to take vacation time. Just press play, relax, and say “ahhh...

Art You Crazy sits down with commercial VFX Supervisor, Rune Månsson, who’s on a mission to combat toxic competition within the VFX industry. With over 25 years in the VFX field, Rune shares his valuable experiences—and some generational wisdom from his Danish grandfather—on how to flip competition with others into something far more supportive and rewarding. Whether you work in VFX or not, Rune’s...

The creative process itself might be messy, but that doesn’t mean your workspace has to be a pigsty too. A tidy and organized work area both reduces internal anxiety AND helps to amplify your creativity, helping you be more productive. Win-win! In this episode, Art You Crazy’s own “Classification Queen,” Tessie Herrasti, walks you through a step-by-step process for bringing order, ease, and even c...

It’s true that successful people in any field MAKE time for their work. But as creatives, we sometimes find ourselves over-committed to a 9-to-5, not to mention juggling everyday pressures of life, love, family and finances. In this episode, Art You Crazy talks all things “time” and shares 6 surprising and simple ways you can take back more of your time, TODAY! TOPICS: 00:00 - Introduction 02:10 -...

Have you ever felt like it’s much harder to make new friends and keep them the older you get?  Between work and family obligations–and the time dedicated to pursuing your creativity or art–life can suddenly start to feel a bit less joyful or expansive with fewer friends around.  In the Season 2 finale episode of Art You Crazy?, Tessie and Erin get vulnerable about how we might inadvertently be hur...

As self-made artists, it’s necessary to have a strong, determined work-ethic.  But when all you do is work, work, work, you don’t just risk burning yourself out–you risk burning your creativity out, too.  If you’re feeling like your art has become boring, stale, or monotonous lately, you’re not alone!  In this episode of Art You Crazy?, Tessie and Erin discuss how vacationing in a foreign place ca...

Can artists be truly creatively free while collaborating with others?  Or is “collaboration” just a nicer word for “compromise”?  When is creative control justified, and when is it just your ego talking? As we approach Independence Day in the United States, Tessie and Erin explore the concept of freedom in creative practice in our latest episode of Art You Crazy?     ------------------------------...

In a twist on our usual theme, Tessie and Erin speak with former actress-turned-psychotherapist, Andi Cabello .  With generosity and impressive insight, Andi shares her journey of discovering her true calling by tuning back in to what creativity originally meant for her: connecting with people through sharing stories.  Hear about her process of hard realizations and self acceptance, the time to tr...

It’s sad but true: not every creative project we take on is destined for great things.  But how we move past the grief of letting it go–or even if we are ABLE to let it go–can determine much about how quickly and resiliently we rebound with new work.  In this full-length installment of Art You Crazy?, Tessie and Erin examine the important role that creative “death” has in the cycle of artistic pro...

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up around here! Watch Erin and Tessie taste Headstone Hot Sauce ’s most requested flavors, Arbol and Habañero … and live to tell the tale!   Tessie, as a self-proclaimed chili connoisseur, has danced with the devilishly hot flames of the underworld and emerged with a taste for the extreme. But beware, her spice tolerance might be your next culinary challeng...

Let’s face it: as a creative, you’re not always sure where your next paying gig will come from.  (In fact, it’s probably the #1 reason most well-meaning people call creatives “crazy” for pursuing their art!)  In this episode of AYC, Tessie and Erin talk freely about the mental, emotional, and financial stresses that come with the creative territory–as well as share some tips for weathering the ups...

Art You Crazy? sits down with Kyra Peralte, founder of The Traveling Diary , a community of women+ who share their personal experiences with each other by mailing an old-school notebook from person to person and handwriting their diary entries.  What started as a small collection of strangers has now grown to over 2,000 participants from more than 30 countries across the globe, with over 50 journa...

Everyone wants a partner that supports what they love and do. But it's even more crucial for creatives, who can often face an onslaught of misunderstanding and judgment from society, friends and even family. In this episode of Art You Crazy?, Erin and Tessie break down the pros and cons of 3 different categories of romantic partners they've had... and reveal their favorite for living a supportive,...

In the pursuit of a creative life, the biggest blocker that will ever stand in the way of your success is yourself (ack!) Tessie and Erin are back to share three big ways we sabotage our own progress...and what to do about it instead! Stay tuned, because in true Art You Crazy? style, we're kicking off Season 2 with some musical stylings, a misbehaving cat, and hard truths shared with laughs. -----...

We're pulling out the gems in another archival episode of Art You Crazy! Tessie and Erin share their own vulnerabilities around networking, and surprise!--they're rooted in our childhood insecurities. Sound familiar? Tune in to learn our secrets to gaining self-confidence in any room you find yourself in. --------------------------------------------------------- CAN'T GET ENOUGH? Here are a few ea...

Join Tessie and Erin in a frank and meaningful conversation around finding the courage to live a joy-filled life with our special guest, Jillian Schecher . Snot bubbles, wizard hats, and radiator farts will be in ample supply, so don't miss our latest installment of Art You Crazy! Jillian Schecher is a multi-passionate Joy + Mindfulness Coach, the author of  The Daily Joy Journal , and creator and...

Back from the Vault! In this incredible episode, Tessie shares a bit of her experience learning about the Akashic Records through her work with a healer. We get a brief breakdown on the 5 Wounds that affect us universally, and start to unpack how subconscious traumas can keep us from realizing our best and brightest goals in life. Whether you are a believer, a skeptic, or just curious, there's som...

Back from the Vault--You asked, we answered! This week's episode topic comes straight from our inbox from a listener just like you! Tessie and Erin answer friend, fellow actor, and podcast follower Shawn Sebastian Naar's question: "Which actors, films, tv shows, and stage plays best describe your personal tastes, influences, or essences as performers?" Find out in this episode! Plus, shoutout to a...

Tessie experiences her first Broadway-like intensive workshop of the production, "Barba." Go see Barba this weekend! Tickets available ⁠here⁠ . All ticket proceeds help the organization to continue to offer education to artists for free. Discover more about ⁠REV LATINA⁠ --------------------------------------------------------- CAN'T GET ENOUGH? Here are a few easy ways to stay in touch: FOLLOW US...

Time keeps on tickin' tickin' tickin' ... and finds Erin and Tessie contemplating a myriad of ways in which our personal experience of Time can be affected by our wounds, our fears, and our goals. Whether you think there's "not enough time," or you're "wasting time," one thing is certain: it's our only finite resource. So thanks in advance for spending some of your precious time tuning in to Art Y...

Many people think that having children is the end of a creative life, but actor, writer and producer Marine Assaiante is living proof that mothers can still follow their artistic pursuits with gusto! Join Tessie and Erin's conversation with this amazing mom and creator as she shares her experience with turning motherhood and pregnancy itself into a creative project that is inspiring women and crea...