Clean Break with Matt Gondek

Clean Break's Matt Gondek speaks with artists Mr. B Baby and Dreyfus, recorded live at the Secret Walls compound in collaboration with POSCA. Mr. B Baby is best known for her Mexican Maria rag doll and "Chucho" characters, which come to life through fine art, murals, and toys. Dreyfus's work has a strong message of positive mental health through her "Alter-Egos" depicting people experiencing joy....

Dulk is a Spanish born artist best known for his vibrant paintings that blend nature and fantasy. In this episode of Clean Break, Matt Gondek, street artist Dulk, and Sara, his wife and manager, traverse Dulk's artistic journey. From Dulk's early days drawing as a child, a brief stint in economics, to studying illustration, they explore the pathway to his recognition as a successful artist. The tr...

We discuss the art of communicating with collectors. We emphasize the need for transparency when discussing prices, and encourage artists to stand firm on their pricing decisions while avoiding excessive haggling. The importance of respectful follow-ups, respecting collectors' privacy, and keeping thorough records of interactions for reference and organization is also underscored. We suggest trans...

In this episode of Clean Break, Matt and Patrick dive into the world of printmaking, discussing everything from traditional to modern practices. They share a wealth of knowledge on effectively selling and packaging prints, with a particular focus on the medium's importance and the strategic use of color. They navigate the intricacies of print-on-demand services, unearthing the benefits of low upfr...

In this episode of Clean Break, Matt sits down with Robert Burden, renowned for his large-scale oil paintings of childhood action figures set against ornate backdrops. Burden, whose meticulous works often require 3,000 hours each to complete, recently had his first museum exhibition in Oceanside, California, showcasing 33 pieces from his 17-year career. Burden discusses his journey and artistic pr...

In this episode, Matt and Patrick share valuable tips for finding your first mural wall. They suggest starting small by painting interior walls to gain experience, and emphasize the benefits of offering free assistance to experienced mural artists and volunteering to learn techniques. Building networks and obtaining referrals are crucial for connecting with wall or business owners. The hosts stres...

In this episode of  Clean Break (powered by Always Art ), Matt and Brett reconnect after 5 years, discussing Brett's transformative artist's journey. Overcoming a tumultuous past involving drugs, theft, violence, and jail, Brett discovered his artistic passion during his time behind bars. Encouraged by a guard while in jail, he joined a prison art program and later entered a rehabilitation program...

In an exciting conversation with Juno and Spencer, the dynamic duo behind Mon Dieu Contemporary, a vibrant new gallery in the heart of Los Angeles, we delve into a multitude of subjects. From unveiling their process of discovering artists to represent, to shedding light on the paths artists can take to get noticed by galleries, we explore the inner workings of this innovative art space. We also di...

We discuss selling your artwork directly, without the help of a gallery or dealer. We cover various strategies such as organizing group shows, participating in art fairs, licensing, and more to help you generate income from your artwork. Gondek is joined by Patrick of AlwaysArt, our podcast partner.  Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.com for free resources, tips, and guides to grow your artistic care...

We chat with King Saladeen from West Phiadelphia.  We discuss his motivation, career, and creative process.  We also explore his characters, his contemporary work, and his passions. He came into art on his own with no formal training.  We also discuss his mentor that inspired his signature bear and how is career has evolved to brand collaborations.  This is a great conversation that covers a lot o...

Are you tired of accepting every job offer or opportunity that comes your way, only to find out it's not the right fit? It's time to start learning the power of saying "no." We'll explore the art of declining unsuitable jobs and opportunities and why it's just as important as finding the right ones. Tune in to discover how saying "no" can lead you to success and unlock opportunities you never thou...

Kaplan is a Native American artist who lives and works in Kauai Hawaii. He created a working studio and artist residency on Kauai called KRNT Studios whose goal is to help both Hawaiin artists show their work, and offer a space for national artists. We also discuss his work and involvement with World Wide Walls mural festival, which was originally called Pow! Wow! Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.co...

Shantell's unique combination of art + storytelling has earned her international recognition, with her work being shown in museums, galleries, and public spaces across the world.  Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.com for free resources, tips, and guides to grow your artistic career

We answer listener's questions, and Kim shares how she planned her exhibtion Venus's Garden. Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.com for free resources, tips, and guides to grow your artistic career

What questions should you ask a gallery before working with them? We go over the big ones - and provide a free checklist when you're having the conversation. Gondek is joined by Patrick of AlwaysArt, our podcast partner.  Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.com for free resources, tips, and guides to grow your artistic career

Should you work with a gallery? We talk about what galleries SHOULD be doing for an artist (and vice versa) Gondek is joined by Patrick of AlwaysArt, our podcast partner.  Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.com for free resources, tips, and guides to grow your artistic career

Ron English's impact on the art world cannot be overstated. His unique style and bold messages have inspired countless artists and have made him an icon in the world of street art and beyond.  Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.com for free resources, tips, and guides to grow your artistic career

Where do you make your art? We discuss pros and cons of working from home versus a studio space. Gondek is joined by Patrick of AlwaysArt, our podcast partner.  Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.com for free resources, tips, and guides to grow your artistic career

Brent and Mikael are both back on the podcast to discuss morning routines and daily habits to improve physical and mental well-being while pursuing their art careers.

A webstore is a vital source of passive income. We discuss getting started without investing money on inventory.  Gondek is joined by Patrick of AlwaysArt, our podcast partner.  Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.com for free resources, tips, and guides to grow your artistic career

VEVE sells digital collectibles and collaborates with some of the biggest entertainments brands like Marvel, Disney, and DC. We speak with the New Zealand based founder, David Yu, about the company's explosive growth and the steep learning curve that comes with starting a business of this magnitude.  With over 290,000 Active users on their app, and over half a million NFT's sold - VEVE is the larg...

Grow your brand, get more collectors, and get people interested in what you're doing. Social Media is a cost effective way to reach a wide audience that wants to learn about you and the art you create.  Gondek is joined by Patrick of AlwaysArt, our podcast partner.  Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.com for free resources, tips, and guides to grow your artistic career

The Andy Warhol Musuem in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania boasts over 900 paintings, 100 sculptures, 4,000 photographs and more from Andy's storied life and career. We speak with the director of the Warhol, Patrick Moore, about Andy's life as well as the museum. We also speak with Anneliese Martinez, the senior director of the "Pop District" - a development plan that's transforming the museum's surroundin...

Financial planning is critical to launching your art career and having stability. With adequate financial planning, you can have more control over your art business, set professional and personal goals, and ensure a long-lasting career. Gondek is joined by Patrick of AlwaysArt, our podcast partner.  Please visit CleanBreakPodcast.com for free resources, tips, and guides to grow your artistic caree...

By creating intuitive, repeated shapes, Lefty Out There (aka Franco Campanella) achieves the rare feat of working in contradictions. His work is both bold and intricate. Organic but uniform. A simple mark makes up a considerably more complex whole. We discuss his art practice, entering the gallery world, management, and advice for aspiring artists.