Level Up Artists

On this episode we interview glass artist Jason Blyskal. We discuss the process of pulling creative inspiration from other mediums and artists throughout history, how to get out of a creative rut, the use of visual art as a vessel for storytelling, and finding enjoyment in your creative process.   Stay connected with Jason: Instagram: @night.owl.creations https://www.goldenbeltarts.com/artist...

On this episode we interview Pepe Caudillo, a Raleigh based Mexican artist and the Director of the Brentwood chapter of the Boys and Girls Club. We talk about how you can use art as a communication tool with kids, the importance of having bi-lingual instructors, finding clarity in what you want to do in your community, and how to get involved in local art organizations.   Stay Connected With...

On this episode we interview Selma, NC based Art & Product Marketer, Heather Bunker. We talk about how to create a strong brand for your creative business, building a business with scalability in mind, and how artists can present themselves in a stand out way to customers and collectors. Connected With Heather: www.heatherbunker.com Instagram/TikTok: @heatherbunkerbrandingco   LinkedIn: h...

On this episode we interview Janis Treiber, the Director of Visitor and Retail Experience at the North Carolina Museum of Art. We talk about her role at the NC Museum of Art, the importance of staying connected to your local community, and what stands out to creative professionals who are looking for local creative voices.   Stay Connected with Janis and the NC Museum of Art: Website:  h...

On this episode we interview Amber Echevarria, a Raleigh based artist and co-founder of Munjo Munjo. We talk about her journey of creating a retail space, balancing your creative process while running a business, and how to use your network to seek out new opportunities.   Stay Connected With Amber: Website: https://www.munjomunjo.com/   Facebook: facebook.com/itsmunjo Instagram:@helloam...

You are at the core of your creative process but how are you reflected in your art? In today’s episode we talk about connecting with your creative voice, the questions you need to ask yourself, and  how to answer the common question, “how long did that piece take you to make?”   Sign up for our studio newsletters at:    https://www. AmeighArt.com    https://www. Jacly...

On this episode we interview Durham, NC based art collector Mavis Gragg. We talk about building an art collection as a financial investment, the power of building a connection with your collectors through stories, and how to stand out to collectors by having confidence, initiative, and persistence.   Sign up for our studio newsletters at:    https://www. AmeighArt.com    h...

Artist contracts can be intimidating but as a creative business owner they are necessary. In today’s episode we talk about the 4 most common contracts for artists. We discuss the differences between them, why they are necessary, and how you can shift your mindset to not only embrace contracts in your business but also use them as an education tool.   Sign up for our studio newsletters at: &nb...

There is a fine line between “shiny object syndrome” and creative expansion. So how do you know the difference? On today’s episode we talk about how to identify the difference between distractions and purposeful creative growth, the forms in which they can take, and when to share your new style shift with others. Sign up for our studio newsletters at:    https://www. AmeighArt.com https:...

Everyone can be an art collector! But how do you start? In today’s episode we talk about how to start (or expand) your personal art collection, where to look for work, the limiting factors that may be holding you back from starting your journey as a collector, and a key resource that you will want as your collection begins to grow!   Sign up for our studio newsletters at:    https:/...

Marking pieces as “on sale” is a strategy that many business owners use with their product but as artists this can be a slippery slope. In today’s episode we cover the reasons why an artist may want to discount their work, the potential negative effects that you need to consider for your business, and some alternative solutions to discounting your original artwork.    Sign up for our stu...

On today’s episode we discuss investments that you can make yourself that will help reignite your creative practice. Whether you have extra money, time, or simply mental space, there are always ways in which you can level up your life and fuel your creative practice!   Sign up for our studio newsletters at:    https://www. AmeighArt.com    https://www. JaclynSanders.com &n...

On this episode we interview Carlyn Wright-Eakes, Durham Art Guild’s Interim Art Director! As an artist herself, in this episode we talk about how her admin work influences the creative work she makes, channeling the power of community, and upcoming Durham Art Guild opportunities for artists.   Stay Connected with Carlyn Wright-Eakes: Website: www.carlynwrigheakes.com Facebook: Carlyn Wright-...

You will not always feel motivated and inspired during your creative process. Sometimes the creative block produces “muck”. In today’s episode we talk about the difference between burnout and muck, the process of pushing through it, and why every painting can’t do all things.   Sign up for our studio newsletters at:    https://www. AmeighArt.com    https://www. JaclynSande...

On this episode we interview Natalie Daise, a visionary artist and creative catalyst whose art arises from the tradition of storytelling. We discuss the dangers of staring at a closed door, the importance of being fully present and genuine in your creative work and the power of storytelling when marketing your artwork.   Stay connected with Natalie Daise: Website: https://www. NatalieDaiseArt...

Whether you’re moving to a new city or exploring your own, on today’s episode we talk about the advantages and strategy behind researching art opportunities, spaces, and events in your area. This action-oriented episode is great for artists who want to get more connected with their local art community, who may be intimidated or overwhelmed with jumping in, and for artists who may not know where to...

On today’s episode we talk to Peter Marin, a Raleigh based artist, educator and art services professional. We talk about his early childhood creative influences that affect the work he makes today, how artists know when their artwork is complete, how to move from one painting to the next, and how teaching has allowed him to strengthen his personal creative practice.   Stay connected with Pete...

The creative process is yours. But how much of that process do you share with the world? On today’s episode we talk about the many elements of your process that community members and future collectors may find interesting as well as strategies to heighten the experience and build a relationship with your audience.   Sign up for our studio newsletters at:    https://www. AmeighArt.co...

On this episode we interview public artist David Wilson where we talk about getting started in the public art world, elements that can make your proposal stand out, and how David’s creative process changes as he applies it to different mediums and spaces.   Connect with David Wilson: https://www.davidwilsonpublicart.com   Sign up for our studio newsletters at:    https://www. A...

The creative journey can take on many forms as you grow into the artist you are meant to become. In today’s episode we interview Susie Silver, a North Carolina abstract liquid media artist who wears several hats as she connects and uplifts the community around her. We talk about how the reality of juggling several priorities can influence your creative energy, the importance of diversity, equity,...

On today’s episode we get a behind the scenes view of Jackie’s art studio as she is building her newest series of artwork. We discuss the many hats you need to wear as an entrepreneur, the importance of strategically utilizing your routine to improve your creative output, and how the holistic view of an artist's life can affect the quality of one’s work.   Sign up for our studio newsletters a...

On this episode we interview Carly Jones, the President and CEO of Artspace! We talk about her intentional transition from performer to non-profit leader, how she balances these two fulfilling identities, and the vision she has for Artspace as a creative pillar in downtown Raleigh moving forward. We also discuss FRESH, Artspace’s biennial fundraising exhibition and celebration of NC artists! &nbsp...

Pull up a chair and join us in a casual conversation in Adriana’s studio! Today we talk about her recent studio move, how a change in studio space will affect your creative work flow, and we discuss the process of starting a new painting series!   Sign up for our studio newsletters at:    https://www. AmeighArt.com https://www. JaclynSanders.com https://www.levelupartists.com Connec...

We’ve all been there. Whether you are in the middle of the creative process, or feeling stuck at the end, you will come to the moment where you stop and ask yourself, “Is this painting done?” In today’s episode we share 10 elements to look for in your painting to help you answer this question and confidently say, “Done!”   Sign up for our studio newsletters at:    https://www. Ameig...

From physical preparations to mindset shifts, in today’s episode we talk about the several factors you need to consider when thinking about scaling up or scaling down your artwork. From tools and storage, to marketing and exhibition applications, this episode will save artists time when experimenting or for any artist who is looking to make drastic changes in their creative process.   Sign up...