Level Up Artists

On this episode we interview Durham, NC based sculptural artist Eliza Redmann. We talk about her experience as a person with a brain injury and her artwork, pivoting from architecture into full time artist, leveraging art licensing agreements, taking control of your own success and the power of outsourcing work in your business. Stay Connected with Eliza: Website: www. FoldedPoetry.com Instagram:...

Today we have a bit of a “gut punch” episode as we focus on the career minded artist mindset shift of making collectors, not just digital content. How you define success as an artist is different for everyone, however, if sales are your focus – today’s episode is for you! Making scalable and tangible progress in your business is not always done by what others see, rather it is often based on what...

What are the core unifiers that make your artwork uniquely yours? That is what we cover in today’s episode! Whether it's visual elements, conceptual threads, crafting a marketing narrative, or venturing into new mediums, these are the aspects that tie your diverse creations into a harmonious whole. Episode Blog Link: https://www.levelupartists.com/lua-podcast/146 Sign up for our studio newslet...

There are many hidden costs when running your own business, but what do you truly need to prioritize? In this episode we talk about the hidden financial costs of your art business, evaluating which are non-negotiables, and understanding the long term investment that those costs are building towards in your art business. Episode Blog Link: https://www.levelupartists.com/lua-podcast/145 Sign up for...

The new year is the perfect time to set goals for your art business. But where do you begin? On today’s episode, we will be sharing some of the most important areas we look at every year in order to see what went well, what needs adjusting, clarify intentions, and define the steps needed to reach your goals. Whether you are just beginning the journey or an experienced career minded artist, this ep...

We are excited to announce the launch of four Level Up Artists Course Modules at LevelUpArtists.com! After talking a lot about how we can better share forward the advice and business lessons we have learned with other artists like you, we decided to evolve our business membership into evergreen course modules that are designed to meet your specific needs based on where you are in your creative jou...

It’s a new year, but what should your goals be for 2024? In this episode we share our 2024 goals in regard to marketing, exposure, our art making practices, income stream shifts, personal goals, as well as our overall “word” for the new year! Whether you are a creative reevaluating your goals, or you are not sure where to start, this episode will definitely spark new ideas as you are setting your...

Feeling FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) in the art world is inevitable and all artists face it at one point or another. In this episode we are going to unpack this feeling by talking about the comparison trap and why it's crucial to focus on your unique journey. We discuss the illusion of success, the pressure to constantly produce, and the deceptive allure of comparing your journey to others. Epis...

The holidays are different for everyone – they can be joyous or they can be difficult. We want to strike a balance between the art making, and the art business, while also balancing family gatherings, art markets, holidays sales, special events, and the list goes on. You may feel overwhelmed with so many commitments, but hopefully today’s conversation can help shift your mindset to feel more relax...

Art workshops can be a GREAT way for artists to learn something new, get out of their own head, and switch up their creative routine! But with all of the workshops and online classes that are out there these days….which one should you do first? In today’s episode we talk about the different types of workshops, how to identify your goal, and the factors to consider when making your decision. Episod...

For many creatives, our relationship with our art making practice can change over time. In today’s episode we talk about maintaining art as a hobby, the shift that occurs when you turn your art into a business, and the therapeutic potential art can have in your life! We discuss what each of these art making practices look like and tips for when your focus changes from one category to another. Epis...

On this episode we share our experiences with murals, how we got started and what we've learned so far. We discuss upsides and potential hurdles, tips and tricks we've learned from our own projects, and share forward advice we learned from seasoned muralists. If you have an existing art practice and are considering adding murals to the mix, this episode is for you! Episode Blog Link: https...

On this episode we interview emerging artist, Jalen Jackson. We talk about his experience as Artspace’s first HBCU Artist in Residence, the rewarding frustrations of figurative painting, unpacking questions through your artwork, the importance of networking, and the journey of building a creative career as a full time artist with a full time day job as a delivery driver. Stay Connected with Jalen:...

What do you do during the “slow” moments of your art business or creative practice? That is what we discussed in today’s episode! We talk about how to embrace the rest, shift your mindset, revisit your goals, and take action on the right things to create future opportunities. So if you're looking to navigate the ups and downs of your creative and entrepreneurial journey while staying focused o...

It’s time for a catch up! In this episode we discuss what we are both working on as well as wins and struggles in our current studio practice. We cover a handful of topics ranging from upcoming events at Artspace, painting murals, taking intentional time for rest, and the importance of reassessing priorities as we enter into the busy holiday season ahead! Episode Blog Link: https://www.leveluparti...

Staring at a blank canvas can be an intimidating feeling for many artists. In today’s episode we are going to dive deeper into that feeling, where it comes from and how creatives can proactively combat it! From building creative routines, to quieting your inner critic, you are not alone when it comes to moments of fear in the creative process. Episode Blog Link: https://www.levelupartists.com/lua-...

From an all or nothing mindset to fortune-telling yourself out of opportunities, cognitive distortions are a natural and inevitable part of a creative career. In today’s episode we discuss ways in which they can impact our art practice and discuss coping mechanisms that will help combat these thoughts. Afterall, building creative resilience is key to a sustainable life-long career! Mentioned in th...

On this episode we interview painter and muralist Autumn Cobeland. We talk about finding nature as a source of inspiration, utilizing technology to enhance your creative process, expanding your art business with prints, and how to use the work you make to influence the opportunities that you pursue. Stay Connected With Autumn: Website: https://www.autumncobelandpaintings.com Instagram: https://www...

Rejection is a normal part of being an artist and not always fun to deal with. From the emotional impact of the experience to experiencing imposter syndrome, these moments can feel debilitating. But on today’s episode, we discuss how to navigate rejection and reframe it as a catalyst to growth! Episode Blog Link: https://www.levelupartists.com/lua-podcast/130 Sign up for our studio newsletters at:...

On this episode we interview watercolor artist and art educator Jim Kuhlman. We talk about the difference between what art is and what it is about, the importance of crystallizing your vocabulary as an artist, the power of working alongside other artists, and how to build trust in an art critique group. So whether you are an emerging artist who is struggling to find your voice or an art educator l...

It’s time for a catch up! In this episode we discuss what we are both working on as well as wins and struggles in our current studio practice. We cover a handful of topics ranging from painting murals, delegating art admin tasks, and the importance of keeping a sustainable work-life balance to avoid burnout as we enter into the busy holiday season ahead! Episode Blog Link: https://www.levelupartis...

In today's episode, we want to delve into an important aspect of the creative process: What comes first, the idea or the material? Understanding your answer to this question as an artist can provide valuable insights into both yourself and the work you create. This understanding is an invaluable tool for any artist. Whether it's identifying your natural creative workflow or using your proc...

Are you a creative person looking to leverage your skills in a new industry? This episode is for you! Creative people are desired in all industries, and in today’s episode we brainstorm those job options for you! From corporate America to entrepreneurship, and art administration to tech industry, there are a few obvious career paths that may come to mind but many others that you may have never tho...

On this episode we interview photographer turned watercolor painter, Ryan Fox. We talk about transitioning careers from commercial photography to watercolor painting, utilizing prints and online downloads as an income stream, the learning curve of teaching, and the importance of making opportunities happen for yourself. Stay Connected With Ryan: Website: https://www.rfoxphoto.com Facebook: https:/...

Is your art too cheap? Too overpriced? Fairly valued? Let’s find out! In today’s episode we talk about the various ways in which people perceive value in art, the perception value paradox, and how to strategically balance accessibility and value. As an artist you are in control of the pieces you make and the prices you set so understanding the strategy of pricing your work will allow you to stand...