Using highly reflective spheres as his primary medium, Miami-based artist Shawn Kolodny creates large-scale sculptures and installations that exist somewhere in the realm between art and science. As a former entrepreneur and industrial designer turned artist, Kolodny has a unique perspective on how he practices art and makes a living from it. He also has an MBA under his belt, which lends him the kind of confidence and empowerment that artists without a formal business education can sometimes struggle with. In response to this, Kolodny created the Ballsy Podcast, where he speaks to artists about the real numbers, growth hacks, and tools behind how they turned their art practice into a profitable business. Tuning in today, you’ll learn more about Kolodny’s fun and thought-provoking work and his non-linear path into the art world. We discuss the difference between a job, a career, and a calling, how artists can get out of their own way by failing forward, and the inherent value of constraints, and Kolodny elaborates on his belief that we need to take more “weird risks.” You’ll also find out why he views every artist as an entrepreneur and how you can be ballsy enough to make your art your career, plus so much more! For a conversation that is equal parts inspiring and practical, don’t miss today’s episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Kolodny’s unique journey into the arts and how he learned to “problem-solve with purpose.”
• Distinguishing between a job, a career, and a calling.
• The importance of failing forward and learning from your mistakes.
• Insight into Kolodny’s 80% rule and why he suggests “shipping it” before you’re ready.
• How artists can benefit from introducing more constraints to their work.
• The essential role of the sphere in Kolodny’s work.
• A look at the evolving iterations of his art practice over the years.
• The story of how Kolodny became known for his “balls.”
• A technical overview of his creative process and materials.
• How getting an MBA taught Kolodny to see every artist as a small business.
• The power of reinventing yourself while still making money from what you’re known for.
• Why branding, audience, and multiples are inherent parts of your business as an artist.
• Dispelling the myth of “overnight success” and promoting the value of the hard slog.
• Tips for structuring your workflow and scheduling your responsibilities.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/kolodny