Artist Academy

To kick off May Mural Month, I wanted to step outside of my usual circle and have conversations with muralists in different parts of the world. In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m talking with Toronto-based artist Tetyana Bibik.We get into the realities of running a mural business in Canada, from pricing differences and currency gaps to a high cost of living and seasonal limitations due to winter. She also shares how she stays booked through email outreach, networking, and trade shows, and how becoming a parent has shifted the way she approaches time, pricing, and balance.Let me know what you think of this week's episode with Tetyana Bibik.

Join MURAL MONEY BOOTCAMP starting May 1st! In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I break down what actually wins a mural job when you’re not the only artist being considered.Because it’s rarely about price.It’s about how you show up, how clearly you position yourself, and how easy you make it for the client to say yes.I walk through real situations where I was up against other artists and what made the difference. This includes getting in front of the client, presenting ideas on the spot, and putting in extra effort where it counts.If you’ve ever felt stuck competing with other artists or unsure how to stand out in an RFP or bid situation, this episode will shift how you approach it.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I sit down with photographer and business coach Scott Proposki to talk about what really drives success as a creative. Scott has worked with brands like National Geographic and the White House, but this conversation focuses on what made that possible behind the scenes. We get into why talent alone isn’t enough, how most artists hold themselves back without realizing it, and what actually helps you get consistent work. From outreach to positioning to thinking differently, this is a practical breakdown of what works. If you’re trying to grow but feel stuck or inconsistent, this episode will give you a clearer direction on what to focus on next.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m talking with Colorado-based artist Samuel Popovich. He has built an incredible business around his hilarious, character-filled frog paintings and is sharing exactly how he did it. We talk about how he developed his unique style, how he taught himself to paint through YouTube and experimentation, and how he turned a playful idea into artwork people genuinely collect. We also get into the business side of it all, from selling prints and originals to using Instagram, ManyChat, and email marketing to create successful print drops. If you’ve ever wanted to build a stronger art business or sell more prints, this episode will leave you inspired and full of ideas.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m diving into a topic artists keep asking about lately—AI. I decided to put three of the most talked-about platforms—ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and MidJourney—to the test and see how they actually perform when used inside a real mural workflow. In this episode, I’m sharing how I use AI in my own mural business to create faster mockups, refine concepts, generate references, and save time without letting it replace my creativity. If you’ve been curious about using AI as an artist, this is my honest breakdown of what each platform does best, where each one falls short, and how to use them in a way that still feels ethical and true to your work.www.artistacademy.com  

This week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m giving you the honest talk I wish someone had given me earlier. We’re covering the habits that quietly hold artists back—like hiding behind tools, blaming the algorithm, or constantly switching directions before giving anything a real shot.I break down why obsessing over your weak spots can keep you from becoming known for your strengths, why marketing isn’t optional if you want paid opportunities, and why someone less talented might be earning more simply because they show up consistently. We’ll also talk about the discomfort of being seen online, the discipline it takes to stick with something long enough to see real progress, and how investing in quality—whether that’s materials, education, or mentorship—can fast-track your growth.This episode might sting a little, but if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building traction, it’s exactly what you need.

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sharing one of the biggest shifts that’s changed the way I run my creative business: batching.From sketching and painting to marketing, admin, and even studio cleanups, batching has helped me stay consistent, protect my energy, and actually get the things done that artists tend to put off. I’m breaking down what I batch weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly, with real examples of how grouping similar tasks together saves time, mental energy, and decision fatigue.We’ll talk about why constantly jumping between different headspaces doesn’t work, how to batch creative work without killing your creative flow, and how batching content, promotions, and business tasks can make your life feel lighter instead of more overwhelming.This episode will help you simplify your process, stay focused, and finally clear some space on your to-do list.

In this episode of the Artist Academy podcast, I have a conversation with artist and educator Josie Lewis about what it really takes to build a sustainable art career over the long term.We talk about balancing large-scale commissions, selling work online, and teaching—while navigating fear, failure, focus, and constant decision-making. Josie shares why there’s no magic formula for success, how action creates clarity, and why learning to be okay with getting it wrong is part of staying in the game as an artist.This episode also explores social media as a tool, intentional pricing, adapting when styles or trends shift, and trusting what Josie calls the “living path”—taking the next step before everything feels certain.At its core, this conversation is about resilience, hope, and making art in a world that often feels heavy, while still building something sustainable and real.

In this episode of the Artist Academy podcast, I sit down with Lennon Bone, founder of Stop the Starving Artist, to talk about why connecting with people matters more than perfect content or clever marketing.We explore how storytelling, values, and real human experience help audiences connect with art, why fear of judgment keeps artists stuck, and how reframing marketing as an exchange—rather than manipulation—can change everything. If you’ve ever struggled with sharing your story or felt uncomfortable selling your work, this conversation will help you approach both with more clarity and confidence.

Join Mural Money Bootcamp Let’s start the new year with a goal… what’s yours? In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m talking about setting big, exciting goals for the year ahead—and more importantly, how to break them down so they actually feel doable instead of overwhelming.I share how I think about long-term income goals for artists, why I like working in phases, and what really moves the needle when it comes to hitting big numbers. Let’s Talk Goals as a Muralist…Instead of one massive, intimidating number, I like to think in stages: $20K – Year 1 $50K – Year 2 $100K – Year 3 Take your big, almost-out-of-reach yearly goal and divide it into three for the first 100 days. Money goals are fun… but action goals get results. My Action Goals for the First 100 Days Create something every single day Share my creations, life, and process 4x per week Publish 1 podcast episode per week Apply to 4 art calls Pitch 4 mural ideas to walls or businesses How Do I Keep Myself Motivated? Motivating audio in my ears Challenges to keep me moving And most importantly… a plan Clarity creates momentum. We begin the 31-Day Challenge on January 1st!

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m chatting with Odette Guastavino, a Netherlands-based muralist and painter whose whimsical, magical artwork stopped me mid-scroll on Instagram. What started as admiration for her art quickly turned into a conversation about style, storytelling, and building a sustainable art career—especially after I realized she had recently joined the Artist Academy.Odette shares her journey from studying architecture to building a mural career through Facebook groups, word of mouth, and social media, and how she’s now intentionally shifting her focus toward canvas work, prints, and more flexible income streams. We talk about transitioning from client-led mural commissions to creating original, imaginative paintings that sell—often before they even make it to her website—and what helped her recent work go viral. We also explore why whimsical and nostalgic art resonates with adults just as much as kids, and how she presents her artwork in context to help buyers visualize it in their homes.Toward the end of the episode, Odette shares one of her most powerful tools yet: how she’s using AI to mock up artwork in real interiors, speed up her workflow, and ultimately sell more paintings—without compromising her artistic integrity.

If I had to start completely over with zero mural experience, zero clients, and zero momentum in 2026… what exactly would I do to rebuild my mural business back up to $50,000 in the first year?In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I break down the exact steps I’d take—numbers included—to go from day-one beginner to a fully booked muralist with steady income and growing confidence. Whether you’re brand new to murals or looking to reboot your art business, this is the roadmap I wish I had when I started. Let’s talk numbers first. To make $50,000/year, here’s what it actually looks like: $136/day if you worked all 365 days OR $200/day working 5 days a week Which equals $1,000/week — or just two $500 jobs per week Two small $500 projects each week is incredibly doable when you know where to look and how to market yourself. STEP 1: Start With $500 Jobs Your first goal is simple: book consistent $500 projects. These usually include: Kids’ rooms Bathrooms Interior accent walls Small logos for businesses Window art Simple custom pieces Anything custom you can complete in about two days Why start here?Experienced muralists rarely want $500 jobs.These beginner-friendly projects help you build a portfolio, gain confidence, and learn to work efficiently. STEP 2: Raise Your Prices as Soon as You’re Booked Out Once you have one month of $500 jobs lined up, you’re done taking $500 jobs.At that point, $500 naturally becomes: $700… then $850… then $1,000… You don’t need a new year, a new portfolio, or a special reason. You can raise your prices mid-year, mid-month, or even mid-week. Your schedule will tell you when it’s time. How do you actually GET these jobs? NOW Marketing (focus on this first): Social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn depending on your area) Posting in local Facebook groups Sending DMs to local businesses Reaching out to interior designers Public art calls Thumbtack Pro (the fastest way to get ready-to-buy clients) LATER Marketing (you don’t need this yet): Website & SEO Referrals Separate art accounts Fancy branding Business cards These things matter later—but beginners often hide behind them and slow themselves down. Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s how to simplify it. NOW Strategy: Build a portfolio Say “yes” to most things Try out different styles Work with a variety of people Practice, gain speed, build confidence Network everywhere LATER Strategy: Niche down into your signature style Choose your ideal customer Create a targeted marketing plan Specialize and scale STEP 3: Shadow an Experienced Muralist Shadowing—even for a single day—is one of the fastest ways to shorten your learning curve. You’ll learn: The tools and supplies they actually use How to scale artwork onto a wall Which brushes and rollers make the job easier How to paint efficiently How to handle real client interactions What a full mural workday actually looks like One day of shadowing can save you months of trial and error. Want Me to Mentor You Through This? My new coaching program begins January 1, designed specifically for artists who want to start or grow their mural business with clarity, confidence, and accountability. DM me to be notified with more info.

This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m rewinding to one of my favorite interviews with window painting legend Scot Campbell—a man who’s painted over 70,000 windows in his 44-year career. Scot breaks down exactly how to get started in window painting: from pricing your first jobs and handing out flyers to painting bold, eye-catching designs fast. We chat about how this fun, low-pressure art form can boost your income during the holidays and even open doors to bigger mural projects. Scot shares genius tips—like using paint rollers to save time and painting big, simple shapes that grab attention. His creative approach (and hilarious stories of painting in costume!) will leave you inspired to get out there and pitch your first window gig.