Your Art Matters

I remember looking at my painting and wondering what was wrong with my creation. It didn't seem right, but I couldn't determine why.   It was like when I had found an inspirational image and tried to replicate what I saw but failed miserably.   I've taken courses in drawing, acrylic, life drawing, watercolour, textiles, collage, ceramics - the list goes on. The one thing I have learned over time i...

A wonderful talk with artists as we delve into the success they have experienced since working with us. We discuss hoe they use the Best Year Yet process and how their journeys have evolved over the years from taking action. Lisa shared how she was shaking like a leaf when it came to sharing her only drawing with us - this was 3 years ago.  Today, Lisa sold work and sat in her studio on the call....

A wonderful live podcast episode where we bring in artists who share how they plan their year ahead. We talk about having goals, not having goal, having a calendar, not having a calendar and all the different ways you can adapt our best Year Yet training to design your life in your own way. A super session if you are keen to do more of what you love in 2024.  

I know this title may make some people feel uncomfortable - those who give give give and never put themselves first, for example. However, when we break this down - it's simply connecting with what truly matters in life and focusing on this. You can do more of what makes you happy. It's not about greed or hurting people along the way so we can satisfy our needs only.   When you feel content, fulfi...

Let's reflect on 2023 together.   One of the best ways to move forward and achieve success is by reflecting and today's podcast was recorded live.   We took time to:   Consider what you want and don't want.   Get clear on what you really want in 2024. Learn from mistakes and from what went well.   Most of all, paying attention to how far you have come.   When you reflect on what's happened, you ca...

Last year I bought a house, which was a big deal for me.  As a single parent, who used to be in masses of debt and unemployed for years - to get to this point today in my life is mind blowing. For years I struggled and found life difficult. Art was my saviour. Art has taught me so much and that is why I am so passionate about helping others understand why art matters. This year I am going to be ta...

In this final Vlogast of 2023, I want to wish you a very healthy and 'happy' end to the year. I know it's not an easy time for some people.  I was reflecting on how I want everyone to be happy.  I want my members, followers, children, friends, family - all to be happy. I strive to make people happy and fulfilled, but this isn't always possible.  It's not realistic. In this episode, I talk about th...

I always say you are one person away from an opportunity. Suvi is a UAS HUb member and last week, she shared her surprise as she was invited to exhibit next year, and it came from a simple act with no expectations. Suvi had created some lovely cards featuring her artwork and decided to give them to local shop owners as a seasonal greeting. One of the shop owners contacted Suvi and asked if they co...

When you begin to take control of your life to feel more fulfilled and happy, you often realise it's not about the house, the amount you earn or the studio you have.  These goals are great, but true fulfilment comes from inside.   I know this can sound a little wishy washy, but this has been the biggest lesson towards me finding tons of contentment and happiness in my life.   No matter how many go...

Your art won't sell You should paint flowers, you will make more money  You are not good enough  People aren't buying art right now    Have you ever taken a different direction because of the view of a few??   By this, I mean a couple of people out of the billions of people in the world gave their view, which diminished your dream—diminishing your confidence? Or did they influence a change of dire...

If you could live on your own terms with no money, worries, or responsibilities- how would you be REALLY living?? It amazes me how many people live a life they think they should live.  Myself included.  I fall into the trap year after year of making decisions based on what is expected or what I think others will like. I intentionally reframe this thinking and check in with what I REALLY desire. Th...

I went to an event recently called 'Chill and Prosper' by Denise Duffield Thomas.  Denise has a book out with the same name.   We spent 2 whole days talking about money.   I cried, laughed, felt confused, and gained clarity - it was an incredible 2 days of focusing on my money mindset, and I am excited to share my insights with you.   In today's episode, I share what I took from the event, includi...

How do you know when it's time to give up on a dream/goal or mission??? The feeling of giving up can arise from many situations, such as: Working on the same project for a long time   At a crossroads and not sure which way to turn,    A dream you have been following for a while. You don't seem to be getting anywhere. Many times in my life, I have wondered whether I should give up or keep going. Th...

There have been many times in my life that I fake how I feel and think to push myself to the next level.   If I didn't do this, I don't think I would be sat here writing to you today.   In our 7 Keys program we have been exploring mindset a lot, and people are starting to push out of their comfort zones.   This is what I share in today's episode  

Have you ever had moments when you feel like everything is going wrong? Everything you touch seems to turn into a disaster??   I had been experiencing this lately, so many things going wrong that I started to spiral and feel I couldn't take much more.   I went to see my friend, Sharon in floods of tears.     In today's episode I share a huge epiphany that came on my flight to Nashville.   I was re...

I have been feeling burnt out recently - do you know the feeling??  When it feels like your head is in hundreds of different places, everything is coming at you at once.  It feels like you can't catch your breath. I share in today's episode how I have been feeling this way and how I am overcoming it. Enjoy  

" Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not.  Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for" - Epicurus   But, what if we have big dreams?? Is it wrong to focus on them???   Striking the balance between keeping your feet on the ground and aiming for the stars is what I talk about in today's episode.   We can often get caught up in what we don't have an...

If I asked you to carve out 60 seconds this week, what would you do in that time?? How would you spend it?? We often allocate an hour or a day on tasks, but what if you allocate just one minute? What could you achieve within one minute? How would you choose to utilise that precious 60 seconds? Maybe this is the time for you to allocate 60 seconds a day to something you've been putting off? That 60...

For some artists, sharing everything about their artistic journey feels natural. They lay bare their motivations, inspirations, and the intricate details of their creative process.  Others prefer to reveal only a small fragment of their "why," leaving much to the imagination. Then there are those who choose to share very little, allowing their audience to interpret their work entirely on their ter...

Join Michelle and award-winning artist Ronelle Reid as they talk about how Ronelle transitioned from being made redundant from her work to becoming a full-time artist. Ronelle also shares her tips on getting grants, how to network and find your WHO, plus some golden information on what artist residencies are. This was a live recording, so in some parts, we mention dates that have passed, and it is...

Collage and book artist Jenny Stevenson joins us to share her experience working through our 7 Keys framework.  She shares how she: Developed her voice Dreamt of a solo show and made it happen Sold her marketing material and sold out in one day   We had a great discussion about Jenny's journey over the years and how she now has lots of opportunities coming her way.   Learn more about Jenny: Instag...

JOIN MICHELLE FOR A LIVE PODCAST RECORDING! This week, Michelle recorded a bumper live podcast episode to kick off the Make Art Your Living Workshops that start on Thursday, 7th September. In this episode, Michelle explores the meaning of Making Art Your Living, says hello to people joining live in the chat, shares their comments and takes a few questions (about 34 minutes in). If you haven't sign...

Isn't it frustrating when you post to Instagram and only a few people see your post?   My friend, Jay Kingman from Aniko Branding, did an experiment recently and posted to Instagram, and only 5 people out of 3500 people saw his post!!  He posted the same post to Linkedin and over 1000 people saw it. So, how do you stand out in today's world? I talk about this in today's episode, and I have set you...

As I have been delving into my creativity recently it has left me feeling vulnerable.   I am delving into a new way of making art and am very conscious of my lack of 'skill' and where I want to be.   I am also writing my heart out as my book's words finally flow.   This burst of creative energy has had me feeling all the feels.   Not directly about the work I am creating, but hiding in other ways....