Artist Academy

“Your worst client will teach you more about your business than your best one ever will. They’ll show you every gap in your process, every weakness in your communication, every boundary you didn’t set.” In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I’m sharing some of the worst customer experiences I’ve had throughout my mural career and the business lessons those experiences taught me. From an unpaid project that ended up in court to mistakes I discovered in my own contracts, these stories weren’t always easy to go through, but they showed me exactly where my business needed to improve. I’ll talk about the importance of clear communication, detailed sketches, contracts, deposits, getting approval for changes, and setting boundaries before problems happen. Because difficult customers don’t always mean you have a bad customer. Sometimes, they reveal where your systems, communication, or boundaries need to be stronger. If you’re a mural artist or creative business owner, this episode will help you recognize potential problems before they become expensive ones. My goal is to give you practical lessons you can apply to your own business without having to learn them the hard way.

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I’m talking about selling original canvas art and how I unexpectedly sold about $7,000 worth in just three weeks. I’ve made more than a million dollars with murals, but only around $50,000 from original canvas work in the last 13 years. So these recent sales really surprised me, especially because some of the paintings had been sitting around for many years. I’m sharing my pricing strategy to sell, and the different ways these paintings finally found buyers. I talk about getting out of my own head when someone actually wants to buy, and how my art connects with those right buyers in a way I never thought it would. But more than anything, this episode is a reminder to play the long game. Just because something doesn’t sell today doesn’t mean it won’t sell years from now. Keep painting and keep putting your work out there because you never know when the right person is going to find your art.

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I’m joined by Daniel Scott , a coach for creatives who works with artists on creating a life that supports both their creativity and their financial goals. Daniel comes from an interesting background as a musician and former lawyer, having spent 12 years advising ultra-high-net-worth clients before shifting his focus to helping creatives build lives around their purpose. We ended up going down a pretty interesting rabbit hole about what we actually mean when we say we want to be “successful.” Is it making more money? Having more freedom? Being able to spend your time doing what you want? And how much of what we’re chasing is actually something we want versus something we’ve been taught to want? We also talk about the very practical side of making a living as an artist—how much money is actually enough, what to do with the money when you have a good year, and how to set up your business so you’re not constantly working just to keep up. There’s definitely some back and forth in this one, but I think that’s what makes the conversation interesting. If you’re trying to figure out how to make your art work financially without letting the business side take over your life, give this episode a listen.

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I’m joined by oil painter Chris Abigt . I met Chris at an art show in Springfield and was immediately drawn to her work. I ended up buying one of her prints and knew I wanted to have her on the podcast. Chris has turned art shows into a full-time business. She and her husband travel around the Midwest and do up to 18 shows a year. But there is a lot more to making art shows work than putting your paintings in a booth and hoping they sell. We talk about how she decides which shows are worth applying for and how far in advance she plans. We get into what makes a show successful for her and how she factors in expenses like booth fees, hotels and travel. We also talk about what happens between shows. Keeping up with inventory and reproductions during a busy season takes a lot of planning. Chris also explains how she and her husband divide up the work and make the business work as a team. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build an art business around art shows, this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at everything that happens before, during and after the booth.

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I’m joined by Derrik Diza to dive into hiring, team building, and growing an art business beyond just yourself. Derrik was previously on the podcast to talk about outreach. Since then, he has built a much bigger operation with employees, artists, a mentorship program, and systems that allow him to take on more work without doing everything himself. With hiring as the focus of this month’s content, I wanted to hear what Derrik has learned from building his own team. He shares how to know when it’s time to hire, what tasks to hand off first, and why having a system in place makes all the difference. He also explains why he believes culture matters more than skills when choosing the right people. Derrik has also spent a lot of time figuring out what works in his marketing. He shares his approach to cold email and niche marketing along with some great advice on making your outreach sound more human. We get into how testing and consistency can help you find what works and eventually turn that process into something someone else can manage. The bigger lesson here is that growth doesn’t mean you have to work more hours or do more yourself. It means finding ways to build systems and bring the right people in so your business can grow beyond what you can do alone.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I'm sharing why hiring a virtual assistant for around $150/month can completely change the way you run your art business. I'll walk you through what I delegate, when it's time to hire, and why your most valuable hours should be spent creating and promoting. Over the last couple of months, I've made over $100,000 while investing about $20,000 into hiring help. That decision has helped me avoid burnout and keep my workweek to 35 hours or less while still making a GREAT profit. Take a look at my complete hiring framework and behind-the-scenes videos showing exactly how my virtual assistant helps keep my business running inside the Artist Academy Membership. Join for your 5-day free trial today! CLICK HERE!

In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , we're talking about why hiring an artist helper sooner than you think could be one of the best decisions you make for your business. I'll walk you through the five levels of artist helpers, what I typically pay, and how to know which type of help is right for your business. I'll also share why you don't have to wait until you're overwhelmed to start hiring and how the right support can free you up to focus on growing your business. If you'd like to learn more about hiring, join us inside the Artist Academy Membership. For just $37 a month, you'll get access to my subcontractor agreement, hiring questions, tax and payment systems, behind-the-scenes videos with my team, and step-by-step training on how my virtual assistant helps keep my business running smoothly. Start your free five-day trial at artistacademy.com . Whether you're ready to hire today or just thinking ahead, I hope this episode gives you the confidence to take that next step when the time comes.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I'm chatting with Kelli Panique , host of Picture Book Summit , an online conference created for aspiring and published children's book writers and illustrators. If you've ever dreamed of creating a children's book, whether you're writing, illustrating, or hoping to do both, this episode is for you. Since I'm currently working on my own picture book, I took this opportunity to ask all the beginner questions. Kelli shares what to expect at Picture Book Summit, how the children's publishing industry works, what agents and editors are looking for, and why storytelling matters just as much as the illustrations. We also talk about finding illustrators, traditional publishing versus self-publishing, creating stories that kids genuinely connect with, and simple ways to improve your storytelling from the very beginning. Whether you're a muralist looking for a new creative challenge or someone who's had a children's book idea sitting in a notebook for years, you'll walk away with a better understanding of what it takes to bring that story to life. Picture Book Summit website: www.picturebooksummit.com Picture Book Summit IG: @picture_book_summit

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I sit down with artist Mary Harris , for a fascinating conversation about the fine art world. While we usually spend a lot of time talking about murals, this episode takes a different direction as Mary shares what it really takes to build a career as an exhibiting fine artist. Mary is a Los Angeles-based artist who has worked with brands like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Hyatt, Cinemark, Pressed Juicery, and more. She has built a career that blends commercial projects with gallery exhibitions, collectors, residencies, and the international fine art market. We discuss what it takes to break into the fine art world and how artists can position themselves for gallery representation. Mary explains why building a cohesive body of work matters and how genuine relationships with other artists often lead to the biggest opportunities. She also shares practical advice on pricing artwork, finding grants and residencies, choosing professional materials, and creating a career that balances commercial work with personal creative projects. If you've ever wondered what life looks like beyond commissions and murals—or if you've dreamed about seeing your work in galleries and museums—this conversation will help you better understand that path.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I'm sitting down with Australian muralist Binx , whose career took an unexpected turn after a devastating flood destroyed her studio and years of artwork. Instead of giving up, she rebuilt her business through murals and is now taking on some of the biggest projects of her career. We talk about what's helped her grow her business, from building relationships through word-of-mouth to consistently documenting every project so future clients can follow along. Binx also shares what she's learned from managing large-scale murals, staying organized on the road, and taking on opportunities that once felt out of reach. If you're building an art business or love hearing how other artists have carved their own path, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation. Binx shares so many honest lessons about growing a creative business, and I have a feeling you'll walk away inspired to keep building yours.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I'm sitting down with sculptor Stephen Feilbach , whose larger-than-life creations have become destinations for families, travelers, and communities. If you've ever stopped to take a photo with a giant sculpture, you've probably experienced exactly what he's hoping to create. I went into this conversation thinking sculpture was just another art medium. I quickly learned there's so much more behind it. We talk about the process of turning an idea into a sculpture that's built to last, why the materials matter, and what it really costs to create artwork that can live outdoors for decades. We also talk about pricing custom work, finding the right clients, and why artists need to keep learning long after they've mastered their craft. There's a lot that muralists and other creatives can relate to, even if you've never picked up a sculpting tool. If you're building an art business or simply love hearing how other artists think, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation. It gave me a whole new appreciation for public sculpture, and I have a feeling it'll do the same for you.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I'm chatting with Clarissa from San Diego Party Banner about how she built a profitable side business creating custom hand-painted party banners. What started as a birthday decoration for her son quickly grew into a business that's generated hundreds of banner orders, digital products, and a growing online community. She shares how she designs every banner in Canva, paints them efficiently, and balances it all while working a full-time job. We also get into pricing, supplies, shipping, customer communication, and the simple systems that help her save time. If you've been looking for another way to make money with your art or you're curious about adding a creative side hustle, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how Clarissa built this business. Let me know what you think of this episode with Clarissa from San Diego Party Banner!

It's easy to look at successful artists and assume they have something you don't—more talent, more connections, more money, or more opportunities. But what if your greatest advantage is something you already possess? In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , we'll talk about how to identify the strengths and experiences that make you uniquely valuable. Maybe it's your ability to connect with people. Maybe it's your business background. It could be your willingness to take risks, your work ethic, or the challenges you've overcome. Every artist has advantages they can use to create opportunities. I'll also discuss why many competitive advantages can be learned. You'll discover how to develop skills that complement your natural strengths and how combining those strengths can help you stand out in a way that's difficult to replicate. If you've ever felt like you're falling behind, this episode might help you recognize that your greatest advantage has been with you all along.

Are you building the art career you actually want, or the one that simply feels safest? In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I'm diving into a mindset shift that's been on my mind lately: the idea that many artists unknowingly limit their income by limiting the types of opportunities they're willing to pursue. Using examples from both the art world and beyond, I'll explore the difference between low-ticket, high-volume work and higher-value services that require more skill, confidence, and commitment. We'll talk about pricing, fear of failure, imposter syndrome, and why learning the hard thing is often what leads to the biggest rewards. If you're ready to think bigger about what's possible for your art business, this conversation might be exactly the push you need.

In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast , I'm sharing a reminder that I think every artist needs to hear from time to time: just because things are slow doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. A year ago I found myself staring at an almost empty schedule. There were opportunities floating around, but nothing seemed to be sticking. I found myself questioning whether I was being too selective and if I needed to change course. Fast forward to today, and I'm in one of the busiest seasons of my career, juggling multiple large-scale mural projects and booking months ahead. The funny thing is, there wasn't a magic marketing strategy, a viral post, or a big breakthrough moment that changed everything. In this episode, I'm talking about what I've learned from experiencing both the slow seasons and the busy ones. I share why I believe so much of success comes from compounded effort, how becoming more selective with projects has shaped my business, and why I'm focusing on reinvesting in my work while the momentum is here. If you've been showing up consistently and wondering if your efforts are making a difference, I hope this episode encourages you to keep going.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast , I’m chatting with artist and former tech entrepreneur Shirley Yang Crutchfield about her journey from startup founder to luxury portrait artist. After stepping away from a successful career and becoming a mother, Shirley found herself facing an identity crisis that ultimately led her back to art. Through years of experimentation, she discovered a unique niche creating highly detailed portraits of accomplished women using traditional 24-karat gold water gilding techniques. We talk about finding your niche, building a personal brand, creating meaningful client experiences, and balancing ambition with fulfillment. Shirley shares how she transformed a centuries-old gilding process into a modern celebration of women who have overcome challenges and built remarkable lives. We also discuss pricing, marketing, collaborations, social media, PR, and the importance of creating work that feels authentic to who you are. If you're trying to figure out what you want to be known for as an artist, or you're navigating a major life or career transition, this episode is for you.

This week’s May Mural Month replay episode on the Artist Academy Podcast features the social media-famous international muralist, Kiptoe . I knew this guy had a ton of Instagram followers (278k), even more fans on YouTube (832k), and plenty of experience under his belt. But what I didn’t know about Kiptoe was that his hustle game is next-level—and that he started traveling the world independently in his 20s, building his brand from the ground up. He’s a great example of an artist who took the time to get really good at his craft, then pitched himself (and still continues to pitch today) to clients to land the mural jobs he wants. This dude needs no further introduction—and I know you’re going to feel seriously inspired by this week’s replay episode with Kiptoe.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast , I’m chatting with international muralist Nina Valkhoff for another May Mural Month episode! Nina shares how she went from painting custom client work in the Netherlands to creating large scale wildlife murals across 16 countries worldwide. Over the years, she slowly transitioned away from painting whatever clients requested and began fully embracing her own colorful, nature inspired style. We talk about mural festivals, traveling internationally for projects, finding creative confidence, and the importance of patience when building a long term mural career. Nina also opens up about burnout, learning to take breaks between projects, and why protecting your creativity matters just as much as improving your skills. We also get into mural photography, documenting your work professionally, favorite paint materials, and how social media has naturally helped attract mural opportunities throughout her career. If you’re interested in mural festivals, creative growth, and the realities of painting murals professionally, this episode is for you!

This week’s replay episode of the Artist Academy Podcast is an interview with the international street artist Peachzz (aka Megan Russell). You’ll hear Megan tell her story of how she got started with murals (using spray paint) with a theme of birds and wildlife. Her style evolved into also painting the human form, and fast forward to today with one that blends into both human and nature. Megan got her start by applying to mural/street art festivals and shares with us her tips on how to put your best foot forward when sending in an application. She has a template that she uses and, in this interview, goes over it page by page to give you a better idea of what kind of effort is needed to land these high-competition jobs. Megan inspires me to create more of what I want to create, as opposed to just leaning into commissioned work, and apply for bigger opportunities. I think every artist will get something from this interview, no matter if you’re a muralist or not. Let me know what you think of this week’s replay episode with Peachzz (Megan Russell).

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast , I’m chatting with Australian muralist Cat Dean for another May Mural Month episode! Cat shares her journey from selling drawings at markets to building a full time mural career while raising two daughters along the way. Today she paints murals for schools, businesses, hospitals, and government spaces across Australia. We talk about developing a signature style, pricing mural projects, balancing motherhood with business ownership, navigating burnout, and learning how to confidently take on bigger opportunities before feeling fully ready. Cat also shares how her detailed optical illusion murals helped set her apart as an artist. Plus, we dive into the differences between muraling in Australia and the U.S., from paint brands and materials to marketing and client communication. If you’re looking for encouragement to grow your mural business, trust yourself more, and keep learning as you go, this episode is for you.