The Artist Next Level Podcast with Sergio Gomez

What happens when you spend decades putting your art dreams on hold? In this episode of The Artist Next Level, I sit down with artist Rene Griffith to talk about her journey from growing up believing that art was something she couldn't pursue, to eventually moving across the country and building the art career she always knew was inside her. Rene shares how travel continues to influence her abstract work, why she thinks abstract art can be experienced much like music, and how she approaches marketing as a way of connecting people with her art rather than simply trying to sell it. We also talk about something every artist needs to hear: you don't have unlimited time and energy. Renee shares why setting clear goals, taking action, and learning to say no to opportunities that don't move your career forward can make all the difference. If you've ever thought you're too old, too late, not good enough with technology, or simply don't know where to start, Renee's story is a powerful reminder that you can still pursue the artist you were meant to become. Rene Griffith's Contact Information Website: https://www.renegriffithart.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rene.griffith/

If Instagram feels overwhelming, confusing, or like a full-time job you never signed up for… this conversation is for you. In this live Q&A for artists 50+, we talked about what actually matters when it comes to using Instagram to grow your audience and promote your art. We covered: • The 3 posts every artist should consider pinning • Reels vs. posts—and what each one is really good for • Why carousel posts are worth testing • When boosting a post makes sense (and when it doesn't) • How often you really need to post • Sharing sold artwork without making your feed feel like a sales catalog • Cross-promoting between multiple accounts • Why comment pods can hurt more than they help • How to connect your Reels and create a content series • And how to build a posting rhythm you can actually sustain The goal isn't to spend more time on Instagram. It's to use the time you already have more strategically. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation and start making Instagram work FOR your art—not the other way around. Get the course Instagram Made Simple for Artists 50+ at: https://www.theartistnextlevel.com/insta50

Let's talk about the topic most artists would rather avoid: MONEY. You can be an incredible artist and still struggle financially if you don't understand the business side of your career. In this week's episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast , I'm joined by Amber Reusch , CPA, entrepreneur, working artist, and founder of Dots & Digits Accounting. We dive into some of the biggest financial mistakes Amber sees artists making today. But here's the big takeaway: Understanding your numbers isn't about restriction. It's about freedom. When you know what your art business actually costs, what you're earning, where your money is going, and what you need to charge, you can make better decisions—and build a career that actually supports the life you want. 🎧 Listen to the new episode of Artist Next Level and let's stop being afraid of the money side of being an artist. Your art deserves a sustainable business behind it. Episode Links: Instagram, TikTok: @dotsanddigitsaccounting Website: https://www.dotsanddigitsaccounting.com Creative Growth Summit: https://creative-growth-summit.peachs.co/a/sergio-gomez

What happens when you give yourself permission to reinvent your life after 40? In this inspiring conversation, Sergio Gomez sits down with photographer and artist Penny Fraser , creator of the Forty Over Forty Project , a five-year cultural legacy project documenting the stories of more than 150 women over the age of 40. Penny shares how leaving a career in law and reconnecting with her creative side led her to a project that became much bigger than photography. Through intimate interviews, conceptual portraits, magazines, exhibitions, and community events, she is creating a living archive of women's stories—celebrating their resilience, transformation, accomplishments, and dreams. Together, Sergio and Penny talk about reinvention, confidence, storytelling, resilience, community, and legacy —and what artists can learn from creating opportunities not only for themselves, but for others. Penny also shares the lessons she has learned from listening to hundreds of women, the challenges of building a meaningful creative project from the ground up, and what happens when an artist stops waiting for opportunities and becomes an opportunity maker . If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start something new, this conversation is a powerful reminder: your next chapter may be the beginning of your most meaningful work. Visit 40 Over 40 online: https://www.pennyfraserphotography.com Instagram: @PennyFraserPhotography Hosted by Sergio Gomez | Artist Next Level Podcast

In this episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast, Sergio Gomez introduces his simple yet powerful Three-Step Art Marketing Framework—a practical system artists can use to organize their social media marketing, create meaningful content, and attract the right audience. Sergio breaks down the three essential stages of the framework: building awareness, building trust, and making the offer. He explains how artists can use these principles to structure their weekly content, strengthen connections with collectors and followers, and market their work with greater confidence and consistency. Whether you're overwhelmed by social media or simply looking for a clearer marketing strategy, this episode provides an easy-to-remember roadmap that can simplify your marketing efforts and help you turn attention into engagement—and engagement into sales.

What if creating a marketing plan for your next exhibition, open studio, or collection launch could take minutes instead of days? In this episode, I introduce a brand-new free tool designed specifically for artists: The Ultimate Marketing Calendar AI Prompt Generator. This tool walks you through a few simple questions about your upcoming event, exhibition, or artwork release. Then it automatically builds a powerful AI prompt based on my proven marketing framework, complete with the same strategies and planning methods I use with artists every day. Simply copy the generated prompt into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or your favorite AI platform, and instantly receive a customized marketing calendar tailored to your goals, audience, and artistic voice. No generic templates. No robotic content. Just a personalized marketing plan designed around your work. Best of all, it's completely free with no strings attached. In this episode, I'll show you exactly how the tool works, why it produces better results than standard AI prompts, and how you can start using it today to create your most effective marketing campaign yet. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by marketing or unsure what to post, when to promote, or how to build momentum around your next event, this episode is for you. Get access HERE: https://www.theartistnextlevel.com/aitool

Margaret Johnson had been carrying a vision for 25 years — large-scale botanical paintings that brought together her childhood love of nature, her training at the Denver Botanic Gardens, and her roots as an expressive, intuitive painter. This episode is the story of how that vision finally came to life in Emergence , her solo exhibition at the Cannon Center Art Gallery in Boulder, Colorado, curated through the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. We talk about what it really takes to say yes to the biggest show of your career — including how Margaret worked through her inner critic, built a month-by-month studio schedule, and used a strategic marketing plan that included personal invitations to key contacts in the art world. One of those personal invitations led directly to a new opportunity to place her work. That story alone is worth the listen. We also go deep on what it means to work with a curator who helps you see the threads in your own work across 25 years, the unexpected connection to Georgia O'Keeffe that began at a childhood dinner party, and what the studio feels like after everything goes on the wall. If you have an exhibition coming up — or you're dreaming about one — this conversation will give you both the practical roadmap and the emotional permission to go for it.

Episode 400. It's hard to believe, but here we are. This milestone episode was recorded live aboard the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady during the Cruise for Creatives 2026 — and it is one of the most meaningful episodes I have ever made. Instead of a solo reflection or a single interview, I went around the ship and asked the artists who joined us one simple but powerful question: What is the power of art to you? Each artist answered independently. No group circle, no shared answers in advance. And what came back was a beautiful tapestry of perspectives from painters, photographers, a physician, a psychologist, a children's book author, a wellness coach, and artists from Florida, Canada, the Bahamas, Illinois, and Massachusetts. In this episode you will hear from Barbara Gerdemann, Shirley Williams, Francine Sweet, Dr. Kevin Bethel, Keith Davidson, Mary Davidson, Richard Hershberger, and Dr. Yanina Gomez — each sharing what the power of art means to them personally. I also share two stories from my own life that shaped how I understand this question: the stick figure drawings I made in a church in Mexico City as a little boy, and the moment early in my career when a young woman stood in front of one of my paintings and quietly began to cry — because it reminded her of the last time she saw her father. That moment changed me as an artist. It may change how you see your work too. I also share exciting news about the Cruise for Creatives 2027 — now reimagined as a full Residency Experience at Sea running March 13–21, 2027. If you have ever wanted to step away from the studio, clear your head, and discover your next big thing surrounded by a community of serious artists, this is for you. Learn more and book your cabin at cruiseforCreatives.com . Thank you for being here for 400 episodes. If this podcast has meant something to you, the greatest gift you can give me is a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more artists find this show. See you at the next level.

Are you working hard on your art but still feel invisible? In today's crowded and fast-changing art world, getting noticed isn't just about making great work. With AI, social media noise, and endless opportunities (and scams), many artists feel overwhelmed and unsure where to focus. In this episode, I share a simple 3-step plan to increase your visibility as an artist in 2026 —without the overwhelm. You'll learn how to: • Clarify your message so people actually connect with your work • Choose the right visibility pathway instead of chasing everything • Build a clear opportunity blueprint to move your art career forward Because the truth is—waiting to be discovered is no longer a strategy. If you want your work to be seen by the right people and create real opportunities, this episode will help you get focused and take action.

Are you an artist over 40 who feels exhausted by Instagram? You are not alone. There is a myth that to succeed on social media in 2026, you need to be 20 years old, point at floating text, and dance to trending audio. That is not true. And frankly, it's not dignified for a serious artist with a studio practice. In this video, I'm breaking down the "No-Nonsense" Instagram strategy specifically for mature artists. We are moving away from the "Influencer" mindset (chasing likes and virality) and moving toward the "Connector" mindset (building relationships and sales). You don't need a million followers. You need the right followers. 🔥 NEW COURSE: Instagram for Artists Over 50 If you are tired of guessing where to click or feeling overwhelmed by the technology, I have created a step-by-step roadmap just for you. No jargon. No stress. Just a clear path to visibility. 👉 Join the Instagram Made Simple for Artists Course Here: https://www.theartistnextlevel.com/insta50

The 2025 Artsy.net Buyer Trends Report is out, and the data reveals a massive shift in what art collectors are actually buying right now. In this video, I break down the key trends you need to know and explain exactly how to prepare your art business strategy for success in 2026. As an artist and gallery owner for over 20 years, I've seen market shifts come and go, but the current move toward specific formats and aesthetics represents a huge opportunity for independent artists who are paying attention. We'll cover the rise of 'Mini Art,' the new color palette collectors love, and why domestic themes are selling fast. In this video, you will learn: 🎨 What art collectors are searching for right now (and paying for!) 📈 How to translate art market data into actionable steps for your studio practice 🖼️ Why the "Small Works" trend might be your biggest opportunity for Q1 2026 sales 💼 My professional take on how these trends impact marketing for artists 📝 Adjustments you should make to your 2026 art business plan immediately If you want to sell more art and build a sustainable career, understanding these buyer behaviors is critical. Stop guessing what collectors want and start using the data to your advantage!

Is it too late to be an artist? If you are considering starting an art career at 50, 60, or beyond, the answer is a resounding NO—but you can't follow the same rules as a 20-year-old. In this podcast, I break down the specific roadmap for the midlife artist who wants to turn a passion into a professional, income-generating business without wasting time. Starting a second career as an artist comes with unique advantages, but also specific challenges regarding time management and marketing. We will move past the fear of "being too late" and focus on actionable art business tips that leverage your life experience. In this podcast, we cover: 🎨 The 3 specific paths for building an art career later in life 🎨 How to perform a "Time Audit" to find studio time amidst adult responsibilities 🎨 The "90-Day Rule" to build a portfolio that actually helps you sell art 🎨 Much more It is never too late to build the creative life you want. Let's get to work! 🚀 READY TO LEVEL UP? Join the Art NXT Level Coaching Program: https://www.theartistnextlevel.com/

In this episode with Victoria Fry, CEO and founder of Visionary Art Collective, we talk about how to maintain a sustainable and focused art practice throughout the year. We cover the following topics: How morning routines and grounding practices create a buffer against overwhelm, and why they need to be personal, flexible, and enjoyable Navigating distraction, digital fatigue, and the constant pull away from creative work in a screen-driven culture The power of intentional boundaries, including Sergio's "add and subtract" rule for protecting time and energy Reframing success through self-reflection, accountability, and aligning daily choices with the highest version of yourself Learn more about Victoria Fry at: https://www.visionaryartcollective.com

The 2025 Artsy.net Buyer Trends Report is out, and the data reveals a massive shift in what art collectors are actually buying right now. In this video, I break down the key trends you need to know and explain exactly how to prepare your art business strategy for success in 2026. As an artist and gallery owner for over 20 years, I've seen market shifts come and go, but the current move toward specific formats and aesthetics represents a huge opportunity for independent artists who are paying attention. We'll cover the rise of 'Mini Art,' the new color palette collectors love, and why domestic themes are selling fast. In this video, you will learn: What art collectors are searching for right now (and paying for!) How to translate art market data into actionable steps for your studio practice Why the "Small Works" trend might be your biggest opportunity for Q1 2026 sales My professional take on how these trends impact marketing for artists Adjustments you should make to your 2026 art business plan immediately 👉 Join the Art NXT Level Coaching Program: https://www.theartistnextlevel.com/

Is your art career based on a plan or just hope? Most artists struggle financially because they treat their business like a lottery ticket—hoping to get "discovered" rather than building a predictable system. In this video, I'm cutting through the noise and giving you the exact 1-Page Art Business Plan I use with my coaching clients. This isn't a 50-page boring document you'll never read. This is a simple, actionable roadmap to help you predict your income, diversify your revenue streams, and focus on what actually moves the needle in 2026. Stop guessing and start building a sustainable career today. JOIN THE ART NXT LEVEL PROGRAM: https://www.theartistnextlevel.com/

Are you an artist who wants to increase your revenue without creating more artwork? In today's video, I break down smart, practical, and sustainable ways to grow your income without adding more hours in the studio. You'll discover how to: 🎨 Expand your income streams strategically 📈 Raise your prices with confidence 🛍️ Introduce profitable merch and product lines 💼 Build recurring revenue sources 🔁 Set an annual revenue plan that supports consistent growth Most artists rely only on selling originals—and that limits your potential. If you want to thrive, not just survive, you must think like a business and review your income strategy every year. If you don't plan it, it won't happen. Whether you're a mid-career artist, emerging artist, or ready to scale your business, this episode gives you actionable insights you can start using today. 👉 If this video helps you, don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with other artists who need this message. 🚀 Join our online coaching program and community the Artist Next Level today: https://www.theartistnextlevel.com

In this inspiring episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast , Sergio Gomez sits down with artist Linda Anderson to explore her artistic journey—from her early days growing up among the mountains of Utah to becoming a painter deeply connected to the woodland landscapes surrounding her Virginia home. Linda shares how nature, culture, motherhood, and personal evolution have shaped her creative voice, including her unique dimensional landscape technique that merges painting, printmaking, and sculptural form. We also dive into the powerful story of raising two daughters who became artists themselves, and Linda's participation in the landmark exhibition Women Artists of the DMV: Daughter of the Stars . If you love stories of artistic growth, nature-inspired work, and the interconnection between family and creativity, this episode will fill your cup. Visit Linda on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/artistlindalanderson/

In this inspiring episode of The Artist Next Level Podcast , Sergio Gomez sits down with Barbara Gerdman and Elizabeth Goodwill , co-founders of Creative Liberties in Sarasota, Florida — a thriving artist-led organization providing studio spaces, exhibitions, and support services for local artists. Barbara and Elizabeth share how their vision for Creative Liberties grew out of their shared passion for community and collaboration. What began as an idea between two artists has become a creative hub serving over 40 artists through studio spaces, residencies, and emerging artist opportunities. You'll hear how they built their incubator-style model for artistic growth, the importance of collaboration over competition, and their mission to empower artists to see themselves as both creators and entrepreneurs. Barbara also shares insights into her own mixed media art practice , which fuses collage, music, and interactive storytelling. Together, they discuss how Creative Liberties continues to evolve and their upcoming Artist Wellness and Business Event in March 2026 , co-hosted with Sergio and Dr. Yanina Gomez. 🎨 Topics covered: How Creative Liberties started and what makes it unique Supporting emerging artists through residencies and exhibitions Building a strong, collaborative artist community The connection between creativity, wellness, and business Barbara's interactive art process and evolution 📍 Learn more about Creative Liberties at http://www. creativeliberties.net 📸 Follow them on Instagram: @creativelibertiesart Barbara on Instagram: @bgerdemanart Elizabeth on Instagram: @clever_bookmouse 🎙 Hosted by Sergio Gomez 📌 Visit www.theartistnextlevel.com for more resources, coaching, and community for artists.

What makes a piece of art truly collectible? In this episode of The Artist Next Level Podcast , host Sergio Gomez sits down with NYC-based art advisor Pato Paez to explore the elusive "it" factor that separates good art from unforgettable art. From visual impact to emotional resonance, this powerful conversation dives into the hidden dynamics collectors are really looking for—and why your story matters just as much as your brushstrokes. Whether you're an emerging artist or already building your collector base, this episode will help you gain clarity, refine your message, and make deeper, lasting connections with your audience. 🎯 Ready to grow as a professional artist? Join our thriving community at 👉 www.theartistnextlevel.com

In this honest and eye-opening episode, Sergio Gomez dives into a topic every artist needs to hear: the difference between simply having a website... and having a great one. These days, most artists have a website—but that doesn't mean it's working in their favor. A truly great artist website does more than just display your work—it builds trust, elevates your brand, and opens doors to real opportunities like sales, exhibitions, and collaborations. If your website feels more like a placeholder than a powerful tool, this episode is for you. Tune in as Sergio shares insights, common mistakes to avoid, and what it really takes to make your online presence stand out in today's competitive art world. 🎨 Your website is your digital studio. Is it sending the right message? 👉 Ready to take your art career to the next level? Join our free Artist NXT Level community at www.theartistnextlevel.com