Creative Thursday with Marisa

What if starting to sell your art (again… or for the first time) could be simpler than you're making it?

After 21 years of building a successful art business, I'm sharing the foundational starting point I would choose if I were beginning today—without trying to do everything at once, without performing online, and without burning out.

If you've been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or stuck in "I don't know what to focus on first," this episode will help you cut through the noise and choose a direction you can actually follow.

  Duration: 00:39:05

What if you could go from doubting you're a "real artist" to actually getting excited about your weekly newsletter?

In this inspiring Artist Success Stories episode, I'm sharing conversations with three incredible artists - Rochelle, Jessica, and Linda - who've transformed their creative practices and businesses over the past year. These aren't overnight success stories - they're real examples of what consistency and community can create.

Meet the artists and discover:

What if selling your art online could work for YOU?

After 21 years of building a successful art business online, I'm sharing the 5 key insights I wish I'd known from day one. If you're wondering whether it's really possible to sell your art online, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you'll discover:

What if I told you that planning could actually be your creativity's best friend instead of its enemy?

In today's episode, I'm getting real about how my relationship with planning completely transformed - especially as a new mom navigating the biggest identity shift of my life. If you've ever resisted planning because it feels restrictive or anti-creative, this episode is for you.

I used to be that free-spirited creative who thought planning would kill my spontaneity and rob me of those magical moments of inspiration. I believed that "Artists" worked purely from flow, not structure...

What if times of economic uncertainty could actually be opportunities for your art business to grow?

In today's episode, I share my 21 years of experience surviving (and thriving) through recessions, pandemics, and everything in between as a professional artist. If you've been wondering, "Is anyone still buying art right now?" - this episode is especially for you.

The answer is YES - people absolutely buy art in all economies! In fact, during challenging times, people crave the inspiration, joy, and perspective that only art can provide.

In this episode, I share:

Welcome to another edition of Artist Success Stories.

In this episode I'm joined by 4 of our Alumni; Molly Ovenden, Anita Driessen, Cindy Scheule, and Jen Duregger sharing

Doors to Artful Selling 2025 are...

No goal setting necessary.

12 months from now how would you like to feel about your time spent in 2025?

What matters most to you that you want to prioritize and focus on?

My first podcast back after welcoming home Baby Shay!

Four weeks in as a parent with a newborn, and already so much new insight on time management, and even more passion for the power of planning that I can't wait to share.

In this episode I step you throu...

Do you relate? One of the biggest challenges Creatives have is having the TIME to make their Art.

So if we say we want to find the time, and making Art is incredibly important to us then why does it feel so hard to fit it in, to sit down, get out our Art supplies, and start creating? - not just once but regularly.

In this episode, I'm exploring the answer to this question, and talking about what's kept me from making Art along with what I've discovered to help me pr...

Big changes underway!

Tune into this episode to get all of the latest happening behind the scenes of Creative Thursday.

A "Direct Pep Talk", this is a transparent share on

This is als...

Want the secret to my success as a Professional Artist?

Yes! Great, because this is the episode that breaks down the strategy that grew my business from 1 card sale during an entire holiday season to a 6 figure business with multiple revenue streams.

Simple, not easy or more Artists would find the success they're wanting.

In this episode I share

Welcome to another edition of Artist Success Stories!

In this episode I'm joined by three of our Artful Selling Alumni; Lisa Kurt, Jessica Tepora, and Dionna Vereen sharing how

You know the feeling you get when a dream that's been in the works for a while becomes a reality?

That's the unbridled enthusiasm you're hearing in my voice for this episode.

I'm thrilled to announce that the first official Shiny Squirrel Summit for Visual Artists looking to create multiple revenue streams is happening, and kicking off this Sunday, April 28 @ 1 pm PDT!

And you're invited to this free event. Just head over to https://shinysquirrelsummit.com/ to get your free ticket.

This vision insp...

What qualities do Creatives have in common that make adding a membership model to their business a perfect fit?

We'll tell you! In today's episode I'm joined by my friend and Mentor of 5 years and Membership Expert Stu McLaren to talk about the wild success Artists are seeing in the membership space.

And by success we mean, growing 7 figure memberships in just a few years, while inspiring art and creativity, and creative business skills for thousands of people across the globe.

It's inspiring, to say the least, to...

If I could go back and mentor my younger business self, the one who said yes to her dream of becoming a Professional Artist, the lessons learned that I share in this episode is what I would say.

Today, March 7 marks a celebration of not only 17 years of making a consistent living with my Creative Business but this February 2024 I celebrated 20 years since the very first Creativethursday.com site went live, featuring my Art work.

Back then I was so busy trying to make it all a go, that I didn't ev...

Get excited! welcome to another favorite edition of Artist Success Stories.

In this episode I'm joined by three of our Alumni; Heather Harrington, Joanna Smith, and Marissa Parsons sharing

Spontaneous creation or being prepared ahead of time with your content? which do you prefer?

Continuing on with our series, part 3, of answering your Time Management questions; I'm opening this episode with a few more social media creation tips, specifically for video, while also sharing more tools to help you get and stay organized with your assets, marketing plan and project management.

Be honest: how's your 2024 Social Media plan looking?

Are you feeling ready with a big picture strategy in place, or are you reading this thinking, Marisa what are you talking about "ready", I barely know what to post tomorrow let alone the rest of 2024

Would you like to feel more prepared when it comes to your marketing?

What if this is the year you could change the hamster wheel approach of: overwhelm + procrastinate = now I feel behind so why bother with any sort of plan at all ~

First ~ thank you for your kind messages about our recent loss.

Holiday time, depending upon how you like to approach this season, can be filled with long to-do lists, countless visits, parties, and celebrations, or if you're like me, a perfect time for a peaceful reset.

Very intentional about how we choose to spend Christmas, Sean and I often opt for a quiet celebration which leads to a perfect opening to dream, plan, and prepare for what's next.

Over the past few years of a rapidly growing bus...

What does your ideal work day look like?

A question I'm often is what does my the structure of my day looks like and how do I schedule it to support my goals.

Do you know your energy levels throughout the days of a week, at particular times of day?

When it comes to planning your ideal schedule where does your productivity excel?

All important questions to help you be efficient with your time and effective with your focus. But not more important than...

Did you hear the news? Not only am I now a happily married Mrs!

During my time away from the podcast I had an epiphany, a realization about what's been missing, what can no longer take a back seat, and the dreams I'm fulfilling in 2024.

I've got a lot to fill you in on and I'm starting by sharing the story of the Cranky Bunny, and the inspiration behind a brand new idea and Artist community I just opened that I've been thinking about since 2006.

I'm also exc...

Welcome to another installment of Artist Success Stories.

This episode highlights 2 of our Expansive Artist Members sharing stories about how they came to follow their passion and experience breakthroughs with their Art + Creative Businesses.

Artists; Molly Ovenden, Leah Selk join me for this episode where we talk about:

What do you do when you feel resistance to the very thing you say you want, like growing your Art business.

Specifically, what keeps you from putting your work out in the world for sale?

Is it:

And what does it mean if your work doesn't sell?

Welcome to another session of Creative Business Coaching over coffee where Artist Una...

Hi! It's me Marisa, your Creative Biz Bestie sharing the scoop on

I break down the possibilities for learning in my multi-layer cake approach to education, along with

I also talk ab...

Did you get a chance to listen to episodes 317 (part 1) and 318 (part 2)

WARNING: Don't listen to part 3 until you've listened to parts 1 and 2 in order.

I kid, and yet I don't.

I'm guessing you're a freedom seeker like me and you like to do things your way, and I get that.

I can't make you listen to these episodes in order. You are free to listen to them, however, whenever you like. But if you really want to get the most from tuning into this ser...

Spoiler Alert: Don't skip ahead! Did you get a chance to listen to episode 317 (part 1)

So you've been doing "all the things" to sell your work and you're still not having the success you want?

You're trying to make changes in your "Mindset" but the changes aren't sticking? WHY?

If you haven't listened yet, to get the most of this series talking about how to find more success at selling your work, be sure to go back and journal your answers to the prompts I share in part 1.

...

So you've been doing "all the things" to sell your work and you're still not having the success you want?

While we have access to a lot of education around the practical steps to selling your Art + Creations, there aren't enough conversations around this very important piece to selling your work ~ your ENERGY.

Let's change that conversation starting now with this episode, part 1 of a 3-part series.

We talk about confidence but your overall energy is much more than that.

While you can muscle your way...

The latest in trendy buzzwords or concepts that actually play well together? And if so how can Money Mindset + Manifestation help you reach your goals + dreams?

A topic I've wanted to explore more in-depth on this podcast for some time...It took a minute to meet + invite and get to know the guest I trust to take this conversation further ~ one who not only walks the walk but offers one of the clearest explanations of Mindset + Manifestation, along with practical tips and recommendations on how you can choose to practice both (with an approach that w...

What do you do when your creative spirit is missing?

We don't often talk about this as Artists ~ but the thing about turning your passion into your business, is that lines can get blurred and you need to find ways of staying connected to your passion to have long lasting success in your career.

And when seasons of life can feel like too much all at once, making Art might feel like the last thing you want to do ~ yet without your Art there is no business...

As...

Welcome to another installment of Artist Success Stories.

This episode highlights 3 of our Expansive Artist Members sharing stories about how they came to follow their passion and experience breakthroughs with their Art + Creative Businesses.

Artists; Erwin Ong, Una Marz, and Tracey Murrell join me for this episode where we talk about:

Are you making progress at a pace you're pleased with?

Or does it feel like everyone's journey to success is going a whole lot faster than yours?

In this episode, we're talking about time and timing

Join us for the Sell A Pie...

Have you ever wondered if you're not really ready for your dream? Or what if your dream actually isn't right for you?

Of is it that self-doubt and fear have momentarily gotten the best of you...

With all this talk of Impostor Syndrome, I thought it was time for a deeper dive into what this phenomenon is all bout ~ especially because when using this term as it applies to Artists + Creatives there's a lot of grey area.

In today's episode, I talk about

Works every time!

In all my years of Art making, sharing, and selling there's always 1 step I take that helps me in every area of my creative practice.

In today's episode, I share with you my go-to tip to help you:

Enjoy + happy creating!

Visit the new paintings at creativethursday.com and for an invitation to a preview and pre-sale of new work...

Dedicated to all the Mama's out there - in honor of Mother's Day and celebration of my Mama's 84th birthday today.

A deeply personal podcast episode for you.

For years I've wanted to invite my mom, Erika to share her story here on the podcast, and today (on her birthday) it's finally happening!

A conversation with a Mother and Daughter, a personal story of a dynamic, passionate, independent Woman whose life began during WWII in Germany and ultimately brought her to the United States with via Italy and...

Ready to dream + explore more possibilities of how to profit from your Creative Gifts!

Welcome to part 2 of last week's episode no. 308 (you can listen to part 1 right here) where I walk you through 8 more ideas for generating revenue with your Art.

Everything I'm listing in this episode and the one last week are all proven ways I've generated revenue in Creative Thursday over the past 16 years.

It's a well-known fact that for a business owner to have peace of mind, you want to have multiple revenue str...

Continuing the topic of generating multiple revenue streams in your business, in this episode I'm sharing part 1 of 2 episodes with a list of 15 proven ways to profit from your Art.

Everything I'm listing in this episode and the one coming next week are all proven ways I've generated revenue in Creative Thursday over the past 16 years.

It's a well-known fact that for a business owner to have peace of mind, you want to have multiple revenue streams, some more passive than active, and what I'm emphasizing today is to have recurring re...

Want peace of mind as an Artist, Solo-preneur Creative Business owner?

I'll never forget what one of my early Mentors said to me "You want to sleep at night as an entrepreneur? You're going to want many eggs in your basket"

And she was right. By eggs, she was referring to multiple revenue streams. The part that I would add today is to make as many revenue streams as you can recurring revenue.

Artists in particular have to be very careful about conserving their energy, especially when the...

Do you ever wish interviewers would go into detail about the exact steps to that tipping point moment that transforms someone, (especially a fellow Creative) from struggling to success?

As an interviewer, I'm working on it...

When I bring guests on the podcast, I promise to dive deeper into those specific stories because those can be some of the best moments on the journey and very often the ones we can relate to the most.

Like the stories shared today in another installment of Artist Success Stories.

Did you hear about what happened to Etsy sellers last week?

After 16 years of selling Art online, getting an early start also selling on Etsy, there's one non-negotiable that I emphasize to ALL of the Artists I have the opportunity to work with, and I'm sharing it with you in today's episode.

The recent Etsy events reminded me just how important this one tip is an inspired 2 more I'm sharing especially if I were getting started selling my Art online today.

In this episode I talk about:

In celebration of my 16th year as a Professional Artist this week, also what I refer to as my Dream come True Anniversary, I'm sharing 16 lessons I've learned along the way.

Get comfy and grab your favorite beverage as I dive into what I'm glad I knew, and wish I would've known.

In today's episode, I talk in detail about what will set you up for success from

Not just talking about your studio space today, or perhaps? a kitchen table studio like where I first started my Art business, but in today's episode I share a story about how I figured out what cultivated my most inspired creative times.

It wasn't obvious to me until recently ~ first when I founded The Expansive Artists, with an intention to cultivate and support an inspired creative community of fellow Artists growing businesses along with hosting in person creative events, like retreats and workshops ~

Here's the thing: the environment and community you ch...

Are you someone who writes down your goals for the year or do you question if this ritual actually gets you the results you want?

How about writing down your "word for the year"?

Do these practices really make a difference or are they just busy work to remind us what we didn't accomplish since last year?

Do they only make sense at the beginning of a new year or can they still make a difference in any month you choose?

I'll be honest, I was...

Should this podcast stay or should it go?

Inspired by a variety of conversations with creatives I had at the start of this new year, the response to a spontaneous instagram post I created that is now my most liked post of ALL TIME, celebrating the 300th CT episode, all coinciding with a BIG birthday in just 2 days - I'm assessing next steps personally, professionally and specifically with this Creative Thursday podcast.

Let's just say the lens through which I'm choosing to Mentor and Coach is shifting and I'm sharing with yo...

How do you go from owning that you're ready to be an Artist to having your career as an Artist support you in owning a house in France?

Yes it's possible! But first...when setting out to accomplish your dreams

Ask yourself if you're taking advice from people who are living what you want to live?

Or listening to people who tell you, you can't accomplish your dreams versus the ones who tell you, you can?

We're celebrating 300 episodes today and since the orig...

Do you have a special ritual or practice to close out the past year, to welcome in the new year, besides clinking glasses filled with your favorite sparkling beverage at the strike of midnight.

In years past, right after my new year's toast, maybe I picked a word for the year, but I usually raced from one year right into the next, never pausing to reflect and assess, and thoughtfully bring what I learned and appreciated into my dreams and plans for the next 12 months and beyond.

In this episode I wa...

The tradition continues for the 3rd year in a row!

I'm back with my 2022 year in review.

At the close of each year, I share a behind-the-scenes studio wrap-up of what worked and what didn't when it came to my art practice and my creative business.

How did my work impact my personal life and this year especially how did my personal life impact my business?

One of the most challenging years filled with a new level of growing pains plus the emotional and physical pai...

What's your go-to when you're just not feeling inspired?

How do you get back into that Creative flow?

In today's episode, I share a story about a recent experience that I almost talked myself out of multiple times, which ended up being a game changer for me on so many levels, from learning new skills to, to future business opportunities to energizing my Creativity flow even more!

Because, as you may know, I've been painting up a storm this month and have never been so excited to mak...

Is prioritizing creativity on your list again for 2023? or is it just me 😉 (actually this year was pretty decent for me because I used the tip I'm sharing with you here more than I thought I'd have time for)

How'd it go this year for you? Did you feel like you made time for Art making the way you wanted to?

If you're feeling like it's challenging to summon that creative muse, this is my best tip for kickstarting creativity.

Works like a charm for me every time.<...

My planning practice, or rather my planning obsession, has reached a new level and I've got a brand new tip to share with you in this episode.

Inspired by another new love for project management - something that before my business started to grow to include a team that I had no idea "was a thing" - this planning tip is good for both using pen (preferably markers!) + paper and digital.

I'm also celebrating the release of the brand new 2nd edition limited edition 2023 creative planner, which is date free so yo...

Are you feeling frustrated that you aren't getting any traction in marketing and consistently selling your work?

This might be why... Not all marketing trends are the best strategy, especially for Artists starting out.

With a new "Art expert" popping into my social media feed every other day, there's more noise than ever out there with a million and one recommendations and marketing strategies to try, one of which is the trend that encourages selling work in Collections.

In today's podcast episode I'm breaking down why I dis...

In almost 300 episodes I haven't shared EXACTLY how I started my Art business, how is that possible?

The truth is that business owners can get so distracted by shiny squirrel syndrome (listen to this previous podcast episode no.) and all the latest marketing strategies, that we can miss the most obvious one that's right in front of us, and forgetting to stay focused on what works (easily!) and double down on doing more of that.

Exhibit A - me, Marisa right here mentoring you and forgetting to emphasize what was the mo...

Sharing inspiration from your fellow Creatives with Artist Success Stories with you in today's episode with 4 guest Artists and Expansive Artist members.

My favorite kind of conversations to have ~ as we do! we touch upon a lot of topics on this journey of an Artist:

Who decides when you're ready?

Is it you?

Is it an Art teacher or Gallery owner?

Is it your family, your partner?

Is it the inner critic living in your mind? (You know that one that's not always the most supportive...)

One of the most common objections I hear from Artists starting out is that they don't feel "ready" to sell their work.

While it's an important question to ask ~depending upon the answer, it can also be one more very logical "excuse" (I...

Have you ever wondered how Art gets chosen for TV + film?

As an Artist whose work is featured in the 2nd highest grossing feature film of all time, The Avengers Endgame, I'm going to break it all down for you in this episode.

It's not just because I live in Los Angeles that my Art has found its way onto countless walls in both film and tv over the years (although it does help!)

There are a variety of ways you can get your Art seen in the...

Are you frustrated with all the changes?

Do you find the resistance creeping in along with a wish to just keep things the same for a while, already!

I see Artists coping with similar struggles over and over, and it doesn't help that there are also a lot of shifts happening all at once in the creative and online industries.

If we want to keep following through on our plan, it's time for a different approach again.

I've recognized an important shift you can...

Does posting to Social Media feel like a waste of time?

Like it's getting harder and harder to be seen, let alone know if you're reaching your Ideal Collectors?

There may be an important step you're missing, and an opportunity you haven't even considered, especially if you're just starting your business as an Emerging Artist.

However, I've found that a lot of well-established Artists are also missing this incredible opportunity to get their work seen by the right people.

In today's episode, my gues...

When you think of a Thriving Artist, what qualities do you think they embody?

In today's episode, I'm joined by 3 Artists, Marie Delage Carlson, Heather Harrington, and Yvonne Sellick.

Alumni from our first sessions of Artful Selling joined me to share with me not only the qualities that they believe separate the Struggling from the Thriving Artist but also what has made the difference for them as they continue to gain more momentum and Art sales in their Creative businesses!

Do you worry about coming across as too Salesy when you're putting your Artwork out for sale?

Do you think you're bothering or boring people with your marketing?

Today I bring you a special Sunday episode of the podcast, part 2 of Creative Business Coaching over Coffee and we're talking all about marketing + selling.

I'm answering your questions:

And digging a little deeper into mon...

Episode Title: 285 Let's talk about the Slow Build when it comes to growing your Art Business

How does feeling more calm with less overwhelm sound when it comes to growing your Art business?

Yes? tune in!

Today's episode is another special edition of Creative Business Coaching over Coffee where I go LIVE on Instagram and share business guidance.

On this call, we covered such a variety of topics I decided to split this one into two parts, with this being PART 1.

Hello Creative Friend, I've got you!

While I don't regret it, I do look back and recognize the sometimes subtle, singular decisions I could've made that would've been a game changer in growing my Art business.

In today's episode, I'm sharing with you the 1 thing - if I could only pick 1 - that I'd do differently.

There's no need to repeat the Artist struggles and yet I see Creatives ignore this recommendation again and again.

So this is it! my invitation to act on t...

You don't want to skip this part!

It can be easy to get too carried away with more advanced steps to building your Art business that you completely forget to be thoughtful in the order and care you take those early steps.

When you rush, and try to figure it out by yourself you just cost yourself more frustration and time in the long run.

Save yourself that agitation now and ask an experienced Mentor you trust for guidance.

Just like one of our...

No one wants it to take an overnight hospital stay to be the wake-up call for you to learn an important lesson.

But so be it.

This is my personal story that doesn't veer far from my professional life.

For too long I let fear and anxiety influence the way I chose to grow my Creative Business, and this is where it's time to make a new choice.

The person who went into the hospital is not the same person who came out, and how I w...

Are you in it for the long game or the quick sale?

Or? are you wanting to offer an affordable option to your loyal Collectors?

Maybe you're prolific and running out of room to create new work?

Perhaps, you're getting ready for a studio move?

What if you want to celebrate an important anniversary with your Collectors!

All reasons that you might consider having a special sale around your original work and yet do you really want to discount your...

Stunned that we're still having this conversation and throwing cautionary tales out to people who may just be getting up the courage to pursue their passion as a business, I open this episode with a response to a conversation I heard with 2 well-respected Women leaders, just moments before I went LIVE for Creative Business Coaching over Coffee last week

And then one of our founding Expansive Artists members, Quilting Artist + Teacher Laura came on to get coaching help with her recent "failures".

She bravely, and vulnerably shared what happened in her re...

Turns out that when asked if social media feels both frustrating, and confusing as to who's actually following you? that answer was a resounding 100% on a recent poll I posted.

Which means, we've got some work to do!

Precisely why I'm back with another edition of Creative Business Coaching over Coffee where I get to have a conversation with EA member and Artist Jeanette Bergstrom answering her Social Media questions.

And I open this call by answering this question from Katherine about how to reach more followers, by...

Oh and! which platform do you choose?

Do you choose just 1 or more?

How do you know which one is the right one?

Before you set sail in the wide-open ocean of social media, and possibly waste a whole bunch of time posting aimlessly to ALL the platforms at the same time, you're going to want to answer some important questions about your business vision + goals.

In today's podcast episode I walk you through suggestions for you to know what will work best for your wor...

What if you could save a TON of time, and get that next breakthrough?

Do you have a Coach?

Today on the podcast, I'm bringing you a Creative Biz Coaching over a Coffee conversation I had on Instagram with one of our Expansive Artists members, Artist + Illustrator Jo Blake.

From practical tips to inspired tangents about living this Creative Business life, we covered a lot of ground in our chat together, from

What do you do if your financial goals are not being met by your dream (yet)?

How long do you give it before you give up?

If this is the question you're asking, then this is precisely the moment you'll learn just how much you want your dream.

And how much you're ready to be self-reliant

And spoiler alert, as I recount my financial story of how I finally started to make a consistent living, it took me several years, and as I continue to gro...

How do you know that you're not ready for something you've never done before? ~ James Wedmore

Today I invite you into the world and mind of James Wedmore~ and the opportunity to get off the fence once and for all and say YES to following your passions in this life. 

This one's for you!

A special Sunday edition of the  podcast.

Want to never be laid off, fired and still have a regular paycheck?

Recurring revenue is your answer, and one of the ways you can add that into your business is through creating digital products from online teaching to creating your own membership.

An excerpt from one of our Expansive Artist calls featuring my mentor and business coach Stu McLaren and a roundtable of our EA members, Artists sharing ideas, inspiration and a behind the scenes of how they added a...

Do you think you may have found your voice but you're just too close to the work to see it?

Or is it because you're emerging that you automatically assume you don't have a voice yet?

Could it be that your work needs a more consistent practice to fully develop into a unique + elevated offering?

Spoiler Alert: you might already have the answer on how to find your voice, but you're looking outside for reassurance and validation.

That's all fine and good as long as you also know how to trust...

Do you feel conflicted about your dreams?

Do you find yourself second guessing your path, wondering if you're headed in the right direction?

Does the uncertainty of how it will all come together often affect your day to day progress?

When you're not feeling clear, there's a reason.

Tune in to learn what we uncovered with Hawaii based Artist Jesse Tepora around why she may be feeling a lack of clarity around her dreams.

Today's episode brings you our first Creative Business Coaching over Coffee session.

Thank...

How do you know what to focus on when?

But what if I'm a creative free spirit and I don't like to be boxed into one style, theme, medium or project?

A little something I learned the hard way ~ (but you can learn it now!) unfortunately for us Free Spirits the "I don't want to be BOXED IN" approach is a no go strategy when it comes to having a thriving career as an Artist.

In today's episode I share how I choose my creative focus, and then prioritize the steps to make...

Truth time. When it comes to selling your Art work, are you a hobbyist or a PRO?

Time and time again I see Artists with all levels of experience, struggle to build a successful business because they're focusing on the wrong priorities.

Your attitude informs how you approach building your business, and it can make all the difference in how profitable you are for the long game. 

So today, let's talk about the 2 biggest business assets that most Artists overlook, why, and how to stop overlooking them ASAP!

Join me for C...

What's my love of cooking a good meal + sourcing the majority of my food locally have to do with running my business?

After spending 3 days in a Mastermind surrounded by some amazing business owners - the kind who are "crushing it" daily, growing to 6, even 7 figures within one calendar year ~ the concept of the slow food movement popped into my mind.

As they vulnerably shared their experiences of what that kind of growth really meant for them, I came away from that gathering with a whole new insight and understanding around what I want for...

If overwhelm is being busy without priority, then confusion is not knowing what your priorities are.

Working backwards, that means that without clarity your days are driven by a state of confusion and overwhelm which is also what I call living on a hamster wheel.

The overwhelm never ends.

Since it doesn't look like the complexities of living a creative life + growing an online business are going to let up any time soon, or ever ~ it's up to us!

You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday

creativethursday.com Duration: 00:24:02

Why me? or Why not me?   Be honest, when you're thinking about your dreams, which question pops into your mind first?     Then ask yourself what example are you setting for your kids, for generations to come? Do you want them thinking the world is filled with possibilities or to not bother trying because what if it doesn't work out the way they thought?       When we give ourselves permission, the ripple effect is powerful because it gives someone else permission too.     In today's episode Marie shares her journey of embracing her artist from motherhood, building a business as an herbalist to fully lea...

Have you ever thought you were clear on your "priorities" only to realize that something else always comes first?

And is what comes first, something you want or something for someone else?

This year I was introduced to one concept that was a huge wake-up call for me in terms of getting to the bottom of what matters most to me - not anyone else.

Continuing on in our first of the year mini planning series, in today's episode I'm introducing you to a simple exercise to help you understand why you may...

Who says we have to decline as we get older?

Let's talk about what it really means to age gracefully in a very special conversation + bonus episode at the start of this new year!

We can't talk about dreaming, planning, reflecting + resetting, all the new year things while neglecting a conversation about the very thing that makes everything possible in life, our health + wellbeing.

In today's episode I'm not just excited, but SUPER EXCITED to bring you a conversation with my partner going on 18 years, my bestie, my love, my fiance Sean Hogan. You...

If you haven't noticed? Accomplishing your BIG + small goals has as much to do with taking action on practical steps as it does with that miraculous, complex organ between your ears. Yup, your brain ~ and your mindset.   One of the best ways I've found to begin getting your mind on board with your dreams, is to give it some structure so it feels safe, a framework if you will.    In today's episode I step you through how I break down the big picture view of what I want to accomplish and how that feeds into what I'm envisioning for my lif...

How do you create a life you love?   Committed to being an example for her children, and finally living her dream as an Artist, Yvonne has figured out what works when it comes to building her Art business.   Honored to have her as a member of our Expansive Artists and Artful Selling communities, it's been so exciting to see her progress over this past year.

In today's episode she shares the moment she decided to pursue her love of Art again, how she found the courage to begin sharing more than just her work and how her confidence as an...

It's become tradition!

A couple of years ago I started sharing a behind the scenes studio wrap up of what worked and what didn't when it came to my art practice and my creative business.

And how did it impact my personal life?

One of my best years in business thus far, a lot of progress made, and definitely more room for improvement in one area I was struggling with last year.

The question is which one will I choose to interpret my overall year?

You can f...

Remember the episodes when I shared some of my BIG business mistakes? (episodes 122 and 208)

What I'm sharing with you today is what I wish someone had explained to me a whole lot sooner ~ than the time it took for me to learn the hard way.

I'm often asked when it's time to invest in yourself, specifically your business education?

In today's episode I break it all down for you, from how much I invest in my education, to what to expect in guidance, cost and results from memberships, courses, masterminds, group to 1:1 coaching.<...

Is there really such thing as self-sabotage?

Why would we ever consider keeping ourselves away from what we say we want?

Doing ALL the things for many years, and still not progressing in the way I envisioned, lead me to start a deep dive on learning more about the brain from science to psychology.

Oh the discoveries, wow! mind-blowing, pun intended.

Coming to understand the science behind our automatic behaviors and the choices we make is life changing and I hope this quick overview brings you some insight + understanding that you...

Guess what! The first official Small Studio Sunday is this WEEKEND!

First and foremost! Happy Thanksgiving to my US friends celebrating today. 

Filled with extra gratitude for you, our listener. Endless thank you's for taking time to join me here on this and every Creative Thursday.

Get excited because Small Studio Sunday, a little idea I had driving home from Thanksgiving holiday in 2018 is now an online art event + pop-up gallery featuring 60+ Artists. It kicks-off this Saturday for our special Preview Party invitees. Are you on the list?

Sign-up here to g...

Did it really start with a wedding invitation?

Cozy up, get comfy, grab a little cup of eggnog (too soon?) tea? wine? Today I have story to share with you.

Looking back, I see it so clearly now, I think this story may have been the moment Creative Thursday actually began.

It was definitely the moment I started to follow my creative calling and discover my voice as an Artist.

Can the bustle of the holidays really be a good time to connect with your creativity, especially if it's been dormant...

Does that monster creep up on you too?

O.V.E.R.W.H.E.L.M

How do you handle it? 

On a coaching call, one of my business mentors shared a perspective on overwhelm that stopped me in my tracks. 

And this subtle shift, or rather WAKE UP CALL, around how to deal with overwhelm, has been a game changer in how I move through my days.

Not that the sneakly little Overwhelm monster doesn't try to creep back into my routine, but now I know how ta...

Think about the last time you prioritized you and something you most love to do.   Like art and creativity perhaps? especially if your business is your Art.   This past weekend, instead of prioritizing catching up on administrative projects in my creative business, I decided to dedicate it to my creativity.   Something clicked for me and I realized what I can no longer give up.   Ask yourself if what you're focusing on is actually what you want to prioritize in your life? and if so are you following through on that with your daily actions,  or are you just giving lip service...

Or rather, do you plan?

And if not, why not?

And if yes! tell me. Paper or Digital?

And if paper what are your non-negotiables when it comes to your favorite planners.

Do you habit track?

Do you do 90 day plans, yearly, monthly? or are you lucky if you just manage to chicken scratch a to do list?

Are you a bullet journaler?

Lined or Plain paper?

Maybe you heard, I'm cooking up a (creative) plan(ner)...and I'd love to hear from...

This week kicked off a new season of reinvention, and peeling back a few layers of the onion that is me.   When I reintroduced myself over on social media, I also said that I'd be shaking + mixing + spicing things up around as we head into the holiday season, which will include bespoke cocktails, new food recipes and ART….plus a creative planner coming soon…    And for you! my podcast listener, some fun + inspiring guests are on the books as well.     Which lead's me to today's new episode which I'm calling a monster (because you know Halloween is coming) mash-up of several topics...

Do you have a love hate/relationship with social media?

Do you want to create art you feel connected to and sell it to Collectors who LOVE what you create without feeling forced to bend to an algorithm?

Yes! Fabulous! in a time when the demands of effectively using social media are changing (once again), it's time to revisit how you want to approach using this tool.

Let's start at the beginning. There are a whole lot of mistakes I see Artists unintentionally making, simply because they don't know what they don't know.

Nope, not talking about your day job in this episode.

We're talking about the days when your dream "job" working for yourself, isn't working out the way you hoped.

What's your go to?

How do you handle those days when you just aren't sure if this making a living as an artist is really right for you?

In this episode, I share with you one of my go to's when those challenging moments come up.

Join me for the special live workshop (+ replay recording if you can't join us...

This process is my new go to when it comes to having a clear daily focus that leads to taking action on the important steps that actually move the needle forward, I'm sharing some practical steps for crafting your 90 day plan.

I'm also pulling back the curtain to talk about some of the challenges I don't always speak about publicly. I explore why the well intended oversharing on social media is beginning to have a negative impact and how this is influencing my desired outcome for this quarter.

And last but not least an announcement...

Coming to you with a special Sunday edition of the podcast.

In 2000, I started to ask myself the question, if I truly believed I could follow my dreams and become anything I want to be in this world, would this path I'm currently on, be the one I'd choose? It was answering that question that ultimately lead me to finally acknowledging that I always wanted to become an Artist.

When I was easing my way into the belief that I could be an Artist, I found great comfort in listening to any and all stories fro...

Oh do I feel ya...but It's time to get real about some truths you need to know as an Artist who wants to a grow a business and successfully sell work online.

In today's episode I share with you a BIG mistake I made about 6 years back, adopting a certain attitude shall we say...when it comes to working with the inevitable changes of the internet and specifically social media.

As someone who once complained about the time it took to keep a regular blog posting several times a week, my how we've grown!

If you care about about INTEGRITY, the value of creative work, and rights for Artists, this should make you angry.

I have a documentary to recommend, along with a personal story about a collaboration that almost went very wrong.

If any of what I share is a shock to you, then we as Artists haven't been truthful about our experiences.

One of the reasons Artists continue to find themselves in these kind of predicaments is because we're not talking honestly, and making educated business decisions, especially when it comes to collaborating.

...

Are you afraid of making a "wrong" decision when it comes to building your online shop?

One of the questions I get asked the most by the Artists I mentor is "what website, e-commerce platform do I choose for my online shop?" followed by "how do I know for sure, that it's the right one for me?"

So often our fear of making the wrong decision keeps us from making any decision at all, which in turn keeps us in a holding pattern ~ what I refer to as paused versus progressing.

In this...

In November 2018 I had an idea around how to support + celebrate independent Artists more... and this Sunday, August 29 it's game on!

First things first! You're invited! Join us for our FIRST (what we hope to be the first of many) virtual art event + pop-up gallery; Small Studio Sunday.

It's free to attend, just be sure to register here for your invite so you'll be first to view the pop-up gallery as soon as it goes live on Sunday, August 29, along with the link to join us for our privately hosted LIVE events lead by our...

Repeat after me: "I am an artist."

In today's episode we continue the conversation kicked off last week about what having your own art business will make possible for you, and today I answer a question inspired one of our Expansive Artist members, Michelle about "How to find Your Artistic Voice?"

How do you find your signature style as an Artist, especially when you're just starting out. In this episode I share three approaches for helping you cultivate the artist within yourself.

Let's explore the answers to these questions:

How does...

What did I hope having my own Art business would make possible for me?

I was recently reminded of the power in answering 1 simple question.

As I continue to explore new directions with my painting, I've been re-connected to that feeling of beginning, anticipation and enthusiasm for what's next with trepidation over all the uncertainty. 

I had NO idea, if I could actually create this career as an Artist, but I knew I had to try.

On today's podcast episode I share with you, what the beginning was like for me, w...

Do you sometimes wonder if you're sabotaging yourself? getting in your own way of success?

Has anyone ever called you emotional? Have you felt especially tender when exposed to certain experiences in your life. And have you ever wondered if it's just you, or are Artists really more sensitive than other people? 

If you aren't yet familiar with the work of Dr. Don Wood, you're in for a treat today, so many answers to questions that you may have been wondering about for a lifetime. 

This is an episode you'll want to save an...