Your Art Matters: Recent Episodes

Michelle Lloyd

Hello! I am Michelle Lloyd founder of United ArtSpace, and I'm bringing you the Your Art Matters Podcast.

I believe there is a place for everyone in the art world, and it is possible at any stage and any age to bring your creative passions alive.

Every week, I will bring you a dose of inspiration, with thought-provoking and motivational conversation, so you can make art you love and turn what you love into a living.

So together, let's get motivated, inspired and make art!

Should you quit your art? Your project? Your social media?

In today's episode I'm digging into one of the most common questions I hear, and one I ask myself more than you might think. I share how I know when something genuinely needs to be let go, when I just need to do things differently, and when the real reason I want to quit is simply that I'm scared.

Have you been asking yourself whether to walk away from something lately?

Maybe you are tired of selling? Social media? Life feeling so full?

If so, then this episode is for you.

HOW TO MOVE CLOSER TO WHAT YOU WANT FASTER

Recently I told my friend Sharon I wished I was in flow more. And what she said back to me was so simple and so obvious that I couldn't believe I hadn't seen it myself.

In today's episode I'm talking about flow, abundance and what actually happens when we focus on the lack of something rather than where it already exists in our lives right now.

Is there something you've been waiting to arrive at before you feel okay? This one might help.

What platform should you put your art on right now?

The truth is, we're living in a world that is noisier and more crowded online than it's ever been. And so the question of where to actually put yourself and your art has never felt more important or more confusing.

In today's episode I'm walking through exactly how I approach choosing a platform, the question I always ask before anything else, why sharing your work is no longer enough on its own, and the advice I'd give myself if I was starting from scratch today.

If you're just getting started or you've been at this a while, this one is worth a listen! LEAVE A COMMENT HERE: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbVib71Ajo8/

Are you sitting on a teaching idea you haven't quite acted on yet?

A year ago, Nicole was on a call with me wondering how to get her teaching off the ground. This week we got back together and I couldn't keep up with everything she had booked in.

Vanessa's story is a different one - an artist who spent twenty five years teaching, burnt out completely, found her way back to her own practice, and is now creating something she actually loves.

In today's episode, I chatted with Nicole and Vanessa, two artists from our community who've been on their own journey with teaching their art. They share what it actually looked like to get started, what they'd do differently, and the advice that's stuck with them. If you've been thinking about sharing your skills but aren't sure where to begin, this one will give you the push you need.

SIGN UP FOR TEACH YOUR ART TODAY

Go from Idea to Income with our Teach Your Art bundle. There are lots of bonuses like what platform to use, how to film, how to create worksheets, how to sell, how to plan a lesson, how to make a healthy profit, legal advice and more!

SIGN UP HERE: https://unitedartspace.myflodesk.com/tyacourse

ARTIST PROFILES:

Nicole Gammie Website: https://www.nicolegammiedesigns.com.au/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnHJ62lxrAInZEh7SwyWTjyvCcBv-iDJvweuFj5JRM7ZLIdfiAEnT5agjvurM_aem_B1Q9TDaL81qY1gxxxdyKLA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickygammie/ Vanessa Narbey Website: https://www.vanessanarbey.com/?utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnymu_BuR48fWg6jEv-HPoLYzdLUUWsut48a_P3rTx376ya9uZZAZkPWvPxLc_aem_NlInNbTrnscbexlmMVF2bQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vnarbeyart/

What do you do when you genuinely don't know what you want anymore?

That's the question I've been sitting with for the last year. In today's episode, I walk through the exact process I used to move through that uncertainty, including why I had to focus on joy before I could find any clarity at all.

I share what it looked like to hit a wall after ten years of running things the same way, the daily practice that helped shift my energy when everything felt heavy, and how saying things out loud before they made any sense led me to opportunities I never expected.

This isn't a five step formula. It's an honest look at what it actually takes to move through limbo, and come out the other side with a clearer sense of where you're going.

LET'S HAVE A CHAT

If you're in that confused, in between place right now, I'd love to know: what step are you stuck on? What do you do? Drop it in the comments or in our post below, I read every one.

DROP A COMMENT ON OUR POST HERE

YOU DON'T NEED TO BE AN EXPERT TO HELP PEOPLE. HERE'S WHY.

I've recorded close to three thousand talks over the last ten years.

And I still don't think of myself as a teacher.

In today's episode, I'm talking about why, and how shifting from "teaching" to "creating experiences" has completely changed the way I build everything, from courses to community to the new project I'm starting this year.

Join me on 13th July for a free masterclass where I break down the steps: from idea to income when it comes to teaching art and building experiences.

You don't need any experience.

We have resources to get your started today!

Click the link to sign up: https://unitedartspace.myflodesk.com/tya

SITTING IN THE UNCOMFORTABLE MIXED WITH 'WHAT IS THE NAUGHTIEST THING YOU DID AS A CHILD?

The last year has been turbulent. That's probably the most honest word for it. I've been running United ArtSpace for ten years, and for six of those years I had a repeatable system that just worked. Launches, events, rinse and repeat.

But something was different. The online world changed. I changed. And for the last twelve months I've been sitting in this uncomfortable, uncharted place of not quite knowing what comes next.

I know a lot of you are sitting in that same place right now. I see it across friends in business and artists too. And I just want to say if that's you, you're not alone and you're not broken. You're in the exploratory phase. The messy middle. The part that comes before things click back into place.

In our Creative Way process, we call this the creative cycle. You start confused, you explore, you experiment and eventually, things start to take shape again. I'm very much in the exploring stage right now. Saying yes to things I wouldn't usually say yes to. Litter picking in my local community. A retreat. Working with corporates like Nestlé and Harrods on confidence and speaking. Things that feel a bit left field but keep pulling me back to the same thread: helping people grow confidence in themselves and their work.

And slowly, that's shaping what Creative Living is becoming.

Now. The Naughty Stories.

I put the question out on socials and the response was something else. I asked, what is the naughtiest thing you have done as a child, listen to the responses in the podcast as they are FUNNY.

If you want to share your story, click here:

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

How much time do we spend trying to think our way back to our creativity?

I've done it for years. Sitting with the question, turning it over, trying to figure out the next piece or why things feel stuck. And sometimes that works. But over the last eight months I've been doing something very different and the shift in my confidence, my ideas and the opportunities coming my way has honestly made me stop and pinch myself.

In today's episode, I'm talking about sound, movement and breath, and how leaning into these has reset something in me I didn't even know needed resetting.

THE CREATIVE RESET RETREAT

Join us for a two-day escape in the Shropshire Hills for artists and creatives. Think sound baths, breathwork, shamanic drumming, movement, and two full days away from the noise.

📅 26–27 September 2026 · Ludlow, Shropshire

Click the link to learn more: https://unitedartspace.myflodesk.com/the-creative-reset-retreat

CREATIVITY, CONFIDENCE, STORYTELLING AND THE POWERFUL ROLE CONNECTION PLAYS IN HOW PEOPLE EXPERIENCE AND ENGAGE WITH ART

This weekend, I spent a few days at Ceramic Art London and honestly, it was one of those experiences that stays with you long after you leave.

For anyone who hasn't heard of it before, it's a huge ceramics show in London and such a brilliant event. I went with my friend Sharon, who exhibits there and creates the most beautiful figurative sculptures and fauns.

There was something really powerful about being surrounded by artwork, conversations and people connecting so deeply with what they were seeing. It reminded me that creativity is never just about the finished piece - it's about the story behind it, the energy around it and the connections it creates along the way.

And more than anything, it reminded me of the importance of simply showing up and being in the room.

In this episode, I talk about creativity, confidence, storytelling and the powerful role connection plays in how people experience and engage with art. I also share some reflections from the weekend and why the stories behind your work matter more than you might think - there is a little task for you to do too.

HOW TO GET SUPREME SELF CONFIDENCE IN MINUTES

Confidence wasn't always something I felt.

There was a period in my life where I felt really anxious, especially around people, and even small moments could feel overwhelming.

But I learned something back then, a simple technique, that changed me and I've carried it with me ever since.

In today's podcast episode, I'm sharing that exact technique I've used to get supreme self-confidence!

"You will never be an artist."

It's a strong statement.

But for many people, it's not just a sentence - it's a belief that's slowly formed over time.

From comparison. From doubt. From trying… and not feeling like it's enough.

This is what I unpack in today's podcast episode.

Sign up to our FREE Kickstart Your Art event starting on 13th April - click here: https://unitedartspace.myflodesk.com/ksya

How do you find your style?

I've asked myself this question countless times over my 25 years as an artist. And I know I'm not alone.

Many artists I meet wonder the same thing: How do I know when I've found it?

We see other creatives whose work feels cohesive, recognisable. It's tempting to think style is something you simply "arrive at." But over the years, I've realised it's not about having a polished, consistent look. It's about finding your voice, and letting your life quietly feed it.

If you'd like a little guidance on noticing your voice and tuning into your creativity, our Kickstart Your Art event can help. You can find the link below:

https://unitedartspace.myflodesk.com/ksya

There comes a point in your creative journey where you start to question everything. You're showing up, you're trying, you're taking steps but it still feels like something isn't quite clicking.

I've been there. In fact, as I reflect on ten years of building United ArtSpace, I can see just how many times I felt like I was getting nowhere. And yet, those moments were shaping everything that came next.

If you're feeling that nudge, that sense that there's more for you creatively even if you can't fully see it yet, this is your reminder not to ignore it.

And if you're ready to explore that next step, I'd love you to join us for Kickstart Your Art!

KICKSTART YOUR ART

We have a FREE 3-day LIVE online event to help you start creating work that feels fresh, exciting and truly yours. This event runs from 13th to 15th April.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unsure where to begin or craving something new in your art, this is for you.

Click the link below to save your spot:

https://unitedartspace.myflodesk.com/ksya

Have you ever felt stuck because your goals feel too big, too far away, or just… overwhelming?

It's easy to get paralysed by the "what's next?" in life or in your creative work.

I recently heard a phrase from M in our Creative Living community that really resonated: "Make your goal so small it's ridiculous not to do."

It's a simple idea, but when you break things down into tiny, manageable steps, momentum starts to build almost magically.

Celebrate 10 years of United Art Space with us - grab your tickets for our special in-person event below! https://unitedartspace.myflodesk.com/10-years-of-uas

What if the moment you almost gave up… was actually part of the progress?

I've been reflecting on ten years of creative work, friendships and mistakes - and one truth keeps appearing: creativity compounds.

Here's what I've learned about the long game.

17TH APRIL, 2026

In-person event Join us for an in-person event, where we look at how you live, create, become. A day full of art, connections, fun, afternoon tea, mingling, and lots of workshopping so you feel connected to your art, yourself and others.

https://unitedartspace.myflodesk.com/10-years-of-uas

STEPPING GENTLY INTO 2026: PAUSE, REFLECT, AND PREPARE

Happy New Year, my friends! It feels so good to be back. As 2026 begins, you might be noticing a quiet stillness - a feeling that the year hasn't quite arrived, that you're not ready to rush forward just yet.

This is a beautiful time to slow down, to shed what no longer serves you, and to get clear on how you truly want to feel. For me, it's been about noticing patterns, releasing old habits, and gently tuning in to what brings ease, joy, and creativity.

Before the year picks up pace, take a moment with me: What do you need to let go of? How do you want your days to feel as you step into 2026?

THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE: SHEDDING AND STILLNESS This period has been about noticing what no longer serves me: physical clutter, teaching habits, limiting beliefs, and thought patterns. I'm shedding. And the idea of starting the year at full gallop doesn't feel right just yet. There's power in pausing, observing, and allowing the stillness to guide us.

I've been running my online event, Design Your Life, for over seven years. Usually, this season sees a surge of energy, goal-setting, and action. This year is different. The retreat, too, has shifted focus from goals to release, preparing us for the upcoming Year of the Fire Horse - a rare and potent astrological shift not seen since the 15th century.

FINANCIAL FREEDOM AS A STATE OF MIND One powerful insight came to me recently: financial freedom isn't about hitting a target number. It's a state of mind. You can have millions in the bank and still feel anxious or restricted. True freedom comes from cultivating a sense of ease, abundance, and joy in your life - independent of the digits in your account.

This reflection has shaped my thinking for 2026. It's led me to ask myself: How do I want to feel? How do I want to spend my time? These simple but profound questions are guiding me to design a life aligned with creativity, intention, and personal growth.

Click here for the full show notes:

https://www.unitedartspace.org/youre-not-behind-youre-still-shedding/

Ever wondered what it really takes to run a successful art gallery and online shop?

In this week's episode, I'm chatting with The Two Faced Twins, Gemma and Stella, about how they built a warm, welcoming gallery, developed a signature style people instantly recognise, and turned their creativity into a thriving business.

We talk about the power of knowing your audience, keeping things simple, showing up consistently, and staying playful even as your business grows.

If you've ever dreamed of selling your work in a gallery or building an online shop that actually works, this conversation is packed with honest insights and down-to-earth advice.

Have you ever found yourself doing everything with your art but still not feeling clear? In this episode, I'm talking with Kellee Wynne about how to strip things back, reconnect with what you actually love, and turn your creativity into something sustainable without the overwhelm.

We chat about choosing one focus, following the ideas that feel exciting, and building something meaningful that really helps people. If you've been feeling scattered or unsure where to put your energy next, this conversation might be exactly what you need.

Have you ever felt like your old ways of working or creating no longer fit?

In this episode, I sit down with Sheryl Garratt, writer, creative coach and former editor of The Face and The Observer Magazine, to explore what it truly means to start again.

We dive into the art of reinvention, how to follow curiosity when life shifts, and why starting over is never really from scratch. You are building on all the experience you already have.

If you are ready to embrace change or reignite joy in your creative work, this conversation is a reminder that every ending opens the door to something new.

Website:

thecreativelife.net

Free 10-day course with 10 foundations for growing your creative business:

https://tcl.kit.com/grow

10 YEARS OF UNITED ARTSPACE

In-Person Event | 17th April 2026

Celebrate our anniversary with us. Learn more here: https://unitedartspace.myflodesk.com/10-years-of-uas

This episode is a special one because next April marks 10 years of United ArtSpace.

But today isn't really about me or the business. It's about you: the artists, dreamers, and makers who've been part of this journey.

Whether you joined last week or you've been here since the early days, you're part of something that has changed countless lives, including my own.

Over the last decade, I've learned so much about what it really takes to build a creative life. Not just how to make art, but how to live creatively, keep going when it's hard, and find the people who remind you why you started.

In this episode, I'm sharing three big lessons that have shaped everything I've learned from these ten years. Lessons that I hope will inspire and guide you wherever you are on your own creative path.

As we look ahead to our in-person anniversary event next April, Live, Create, Become, I want to invite you to celebrate with us. It's going to be a powerful day of connection, reflection, and creativity.

So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's take a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate how far we've come together.

10 YEARS OF UNITED ARTSPACE - IN-PERSON EVENT

Join us for an in-person day where you can focus on your next creative chapter. You will focus on how to live, create and the person you will become.

With artist talks, art making and real connection you will leave this event with friends for life and a bigger sense of your creative purpose.

Food and drink are provided so all you have to do is turn up!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

The world is changing fast, and as artists, we feel it deeply. Whether it's in your work, your business, or life itself, change can bring fear and uncertainty but it can also open the door to something new.

In this episode, I talk about how I handle change when everything feels unsettled: how I ground myself, tune out the noise, and trust the next step even when I can't see the full path yet.

Growing as an artist or creative can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming.

The pressure to keep up, the endless to-do lists, and the feeling that you should always be doing more - it takes a toll.

In this episode, I’m joined by LaKisha Mosley, who shares openly about her own experiences with mental health and why she’s so passionate about creating safe spaces where people feel seen and heard. We talk about why rest isn’t indulgent but essential, how boundaries can protect your energy, and why you don’t need fixing - you just need support.

Whose voice are you really listening to when you create? 👀

Friends, family, strangers and all their opinions can be endless. I’ve been there, making choices based on what others thought was “right” instead of trusting my gut.

This week, I’m sharing why following your intuition matters more than chasing trends or bending to advice. And I’ll tell you how my Nanny Dot inspired me to stay true to myself and stop changing for others.

Time off isn’t indulgent, it’s essential.

If you’re someone who throws yourself fully into projects and finds it hard to slow down, this episode is for you. I’ll share practical ways I’ve learned to carve out breaks, manage the guilt, and use rest as fuel for creativity, clarity, and sustainable growth.

This week marks the 200th episode of the podcast - and I just want to start by saying a huge thank you.

When I launched this podcast all those years ago, I wasn’t sure if I had enough ideas, let alone another hundred episodes in me. But your support, your listening, and your stories have kept me going and I’m so glad they have.

In this special episode, I’m bringing it back to the heart of why I started: your art matters. I’ll be talking about creativity in all its forms, the journey of the last 200 episodes, and what’s next for us as we move into the future together.

Ever feel like your brain is spinning and you can’t even grasp a clear thought?

In this episode, I’m sharing what that feels like for me and the 3 practical steps I take to reduce the overwhelm, refocus, and get back to myself.

Whether it’s a massive to-do list, overstimulation, or just a noisy brain (hello, creative life), this is a gentle episode to help you find calm again - one step at a time.

If your brain is full of creative ideas, projects, and “what ifs” and you’re struggling to choose what to focus on next - this episode is for you.

I’m sharing how I take all the ideas out of my head and onto paper, how I organise them into meaningful categories, and how I figure out what actually matters most right now.

This is the process I use to go from “everything feels important” to “this is what I’m doing next” - in a way that feels calm, focused, and true to the kind of life I want to design.

Half the year has gone already. If you haven’t had a chance to stop and reflect yet, you’re not alone.

In this episode, I walk through my mid-year review process. From creating a timeline of the past six months to mind-mapping what I want more of, this is how I reset, refocus, and gently bring myself back to what’s important.

You don’t need fancy planners or perfect goals. Just a bit of time, a pen, and some honesty about what’s working and what’s not.

I hope it gives you a bit of space to pause and check in with where you are and where you want to go next.

Inside The Hub, we do this kind of work together — regularly.

If you want support and space to design a life that feels like yours, get on the waitlist now.

🔗 Join the waitlist:

CLICK HERE

Teaching art comes with a lot of questions, and one of the biggest is, how do you protect what you’re sharing?

In this episode, you’ll hear from Kimberly Bennett, a lawyer and brand strategist who breaks down what artists need to know when teaching online. Think: setting boundaries, creating refund policies, and making sure your content is protected.

This was originally recorded for the Teach Your Art Summit, but due to a tech issue during the event, we weren’t able to share it live, so we’re bringing it to you here as a podcast instead.

What if hitting rock bottom was the start of something amazing?

In this episode, I’m joined by Heidi Easley - artist, author and founder of Paint Party Headquarters - who shares her incredible journey from bankruptcy to building a 7-figure business through art and creativity.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure if your creative path could actually support you, Heidi’s story will open your eyes to what’s possible.

She’s also one of our featured speakers at the Teach Your Art Summit, and you can sign up now using the link below. Don’t miss it - it’s free and packed with ways you can make impact and income through teaching your art.

https://teachyourart.org

Ever dreamed of teaching art, working with kids, or building something meaningful on your own terms?

This episode is packed with inspiration. I’m joined by Christelle and Stefanie, founders of Creative Crafting Club. They went from architecture and engineering to helping thousands of women start flexible, creative businesses teaching arts and crafts to children.

Their story is powerful and proof that it’s possible to ditch the 9–5 and design a life you love.

They’re also guest speakers at the Teach Your Art Summit, so if this sparks something in you, come and sign up. It’s free, and it might just be the start of something amazing.

Click the link to sign up now!

https://teachyourart.org

Teaching doesn’t have to mean standing at the front of a classroom with sweaty palms. Trust me, I’ve been there!

This week, I’m sharing 7 ways you can earn money by sharing your creativity with others. Whether it’s blogging, paint parties, after-school clubs or journaling memberships, there’s something for everyone.

And if any of this gets your wheels turning, come and join us for the Teach Your Art Summit. Registration is open now and it’s totally FREE.

Just click the link below to sign up!

https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/tya/

Lately, I’ve been noticing how easy it is to get stuck in fear, focusing on what’s going wrong or what we don’t want.

It happened recently when something scary happened with my son at school, and again while planning our upcoming event. But instead of spiralling, I tried something different… a simple shift that completely changed how I felt and what I did next.

In this episode, I’m sharing what that shift was, and how you can use it when your thoughts start pulling you in the wrong direction.

And if you’re curious about sharing your creativity with others—through teaching, guiding, or inspiring—pop your name on the Teach Your Art Summit waitlist using the link below. I’d love you to join us.

Listen, watch or read here:

https://www.unitedartspace.org/stuck-in-worry-this-one-mental-pivot-helped-me-reclaim-my-power/

If you’re curious about sharing your creativity with others—through teaching, guiding, or inspiring—pop your name on the Teach Your Art Summit waitlist using the link below. I’d love you to join us.

JOIN SUMMIT WAITLIST

https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/tyasummit-waitlist

Ever wonder why I’m always talking about pineapples?

I am a huge believer in the power we have to design our own lives. Our thoughts, feelings and decisions shape the life we live today. Every action we take and what we pay attention to matters.

This is where the pineapple comes in.

It started as a bit of fun during a workshop—but it’s become something much deeper. A symbol of joy, focus, community, and creative freedom. 🍍

In this episode, I’m sharing the surprising story behind the pineapple and how one small decision turned into something meaningful that continues to guide me today.

Click below to listen, watch or read.

Join us for a powerful live conversation with artist and educator Alain Picard, as he shares the moment that changed everything in his creative career.

For years, Alain travelled the world teaching workshops and painting commissioned portraits. On the surface, it looked like success. But behind the scenes, he was stretched thin — constantly on the move, trading time for money, and missing out on the everyday moments that mattered most.

Then came a shift. A decision to stop doing it all the hard way. Alain reimagined his art business and began building something that could grow with him — an online membership and education platform that now supports thousands of artists across the world.

In this live episode, Alain opens up about:

The turning point that took him from burnout to balance
How he scaled his impact without losing connection or creativity
Why the creative process can bring hope, healing and joy

Whether you’re an artist dreaming of more freedom, or someone curious about what’s possible when you choose a new path — this conversation will speak to you.

Explore more from Alain: https://www.picardstudio.com/learn-with-alain

Last weekend, I wore a pineapple on my head—and it completely changed the way I saw myself.

I know that sounds wild, but stay with me. In this episode, I’m sharing the powerful shifts I’ve experienced recently—deep visualisations, unexpected realisations about my younger self, and a moment that literally stopped me in my tracks at a ceramic art show.

It’s about how art connects us, not just to others, but to ourselves. How the seemingly small moments—using a nice towel, meeting someone new, or wearing a fascinator—can reveal big things about our self-worth and what’s really holding us back.

This one is all about coming home to yourself, and the surprising ways art, community, and a little bit of fun can open the door to abundance and joy.

Click below to listen, watch or read.

https://www.unitedartspace.org/the-power-of-being-utterly-yourself-and-owning-it/

Let us know on Instagram what you think of this episode: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJoNeshSZ12/?igsh=enh3Zjk2bmFpbGFz

What if earning a million as an artist wasn’t just a wild dream—but a real, achievable goal?

I know, it can sound outrageous. I used to think the same. But after years of surrounding myself with artists and creatives who’ve done it—and doing it myself—I’ve seen that it is possible.

In this episode, I’m sharing three clear paths artists are using right now to build wealth doing what they love, plus the mindset shifts that open the door to even bigger possibilities.

Don’t miss out! Sign up to learn more about how to start a membership:

https://membershipworkshop.com/register?ref=p7gq1

Have you ever wondered if it’s actually possible to make a living from your art—without having to be connected, represented, or selling in galleries?

Years ago, I had this wild dream. I wanted to make art on my own terms, work from anywhere in the world, be around creatives, and somehow still make a living.

At the time, it felt completely absurd. But then I discovered this whole world I didn’t even know existed—a way to take what you know, love and do… and turn it into recurring income every month.

And that’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode.

I’m joined by someone who has been a huge part of my journey—Stu McLaren. He’s helped thousands of people, including artists, turn their passions into sustainable memberships—some of them bringing in tens of thousands, even millions.

This one’s packed with inspiration, real-life stories, and the kind of encouragement we all need sometimes to dream a bit bigger.

Thinking about starting your own membership? Stu’s FREE workshop walks you through the basics and beyond.

SIGN UP NOW: https://membershipworkshop.com/register?ref=p7gq1

What if you could earn money every single month from your creativity—without burning out or compromising what you love?

For years, I thought being an artist meant selling work in bursts, hoping each month would be enough. But everything changed when I discovered the power of a membership site.

In this episode, I’m sharing how I built a membership that fits around my life, why it’s been a total game changer—and how you could do something similar in your own way.

Click below to listen, watch, or read:

https://www.unitedartspace.org/how-to-earn-money-every-month-from-your-creativity/

Join us for the membership experience, which is a free event I took nearly 10 years ago and changed my life forever.

https://membershipworkshop.com/register?ref=p7gq1

Ever feel like money just comes in and goes straight back out—like no matter what you do, you’re stuck?

I’ve been there. I used to think that hitting a certain financial goal would change everything. But when I finally reached it, I realised… nothing really changed. That’s when I started to rethink my whole mindset around money and abundance.

In this episode, I’m sharing the two biggest shifts that have helped me move from scarcity to clarity—simple steps that can change the way you approach money and open up new possibilities.

Last week, I found myself scrolling through social media—something I don’t do often—and within minutes, I was bombarded with conflicting opinions.

One post told me I should be making art every day.

Another said galleries were a waste of time.

Someone else had a completely different take on pricing. It was a flood of “you should do this” and “you must do that.” And suddenly, I started questioning everything.

That’s when I realised: this is exactly how we lose touch with ourselves. The sheer volume of information out there can cloud our judgment, pull us in different directions, and make us doubt what we already know deep down.

So today, I want to talk about how we can navigate this world of constant input while staying true to ourselves—how to filter through the noise, avoid overwhelm, and reconnect with our own intuition.

START SELLING YOUR ART Q&A

How can I price?
How do I keep momentum going when I feel burnout?
What do I do if I want consistent commissions?
Is there really a place for artists in the artworld?

These are a few examples of the questions we tackle in this live podcast 🙌🏼

Join our free event that starts on 17th March here.. https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/ssya

Can I buy your artwork?? We often don’t hear this question in the early stages of someone deciding if they want to buy from us. This question remains in the buyer's mind.

So, we need to answer this question before they ask it.

Considering your customer journey and how easy it is to find information that helps the buyer decide if they want to buy.

I break down the customer journey in this week’s podcast, you can listen in 15 mins, read or watch on double speed here:

CAN I BUY YOUR ARTWORK PODCAST START SELLING YOUR ART

Last week, I fell on a steep mountain of snow and got stuck.

I was skiing and took a tumble that then led me to realise that in life, when we are faced with a challenge we can often choose actions that feel right but we are doing them because we are in a state of desperation of panic.

Especially true when it comes to making money and selling art. We can find ourselves trying all sorts of things because we feel we have to..

Perfecting a website

Getting into a gallery

Winning an award

We can go down roads that just aren’t right and even worse is when things don’t work, we then escalate the thoughts into panic. What if I lose all my money? What if I never make it as an artist and all if this wastes my time?

I was stuck on a mountain having the same thoughts, and I share the power of a tiny action that is usually staring us in the face but we are focusing on all the wrong things, so can’t see it!

YOUR ART MATTERS BOOK

In this episode, I mention the Your Art Matters book that is out now, you can buy your copy here:

https://yourartmatters.com

Ever feel completely overwhelmed, like you have no idea what day it is? Same. But over the years, I’ve built a safety net that helps me go from chaos to clarity—and today, I want to share it with you.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through the exact system I use to stay on track when everything feels like it’s falling apart—and how you can create your own.

Struggling with guilt when making art? You're not alone. This episode explores why creative guilt happens and how to overcome it. Learn to remind yourself why your art matters, set boundaries with unsupportive people, and recognise that guilt often comes from within.

Your art is important—don’t let criticism or self-doubt hold you back. Listen to discover how to create without guilt.

I share everything I did to overcome my many years of financial struggle and finally surpass my BEST financial goals.

From:

How to set financial goals
How to approach money goals
How to work out what you need to make to hit your goals
The steps you need to take after you have created a money goal.

This was a live podcast and part of our Design Your Life series.

Would you like to learn how to start selling your art?

Click here for our Start Selling Your Art workshop with a pricing bonus!

START SELLING YOUR ART

Today, we’re diving into the power of reflection as we review 2024 together. Using the reflection worksheet, we’ll explore how looking back helps us understand our journey and make intentional strides toward what’s next.

As Steve Jobs said, “You cannot connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect the dots looking backwards.”

Reflection isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s about growth. It’s what helped Lindsay look back at 2021 and realise she had achieved more than she ever imagined. And Lisa? She returns to this process year after year, pinching herself as she lives as she designed.

Join me as we uncover your wins, learn from the challenges, and prepare for the event that will shape your future: Design Your Life in 3 Days – Vision, Plan, Action, starting January 20th. Ready to connect your dots? Let’s get started.

If you haven’t signed up for the event yet, click here: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/byy/

We will send you the prep straight away so you can get started today.

Happy New Year!

We are excited to kick off 2025 with our FREE event this month. Here are the details:

WHAT: DESIGN YOUR LIFE IN 3 DAYS (Best Year Yet)

WHEN: 20th - 222nd Jan (live reflection on 13th Jan)

WHERE: Live on our FB and YT channels with replays available until 26th Jan.

HOW MUCH: This event is free, but there is an option to upgrade and unlock resources and extra bonuses.

You have the power to design your own life, and during this event, we will show you how to:

Reflect on the past and use it to design your future
Create a vision using a good, better, best framework
Create a plan and habits that actually carry you through the year and not just January

This event is about setting you up with a mindset that believes anything is possible and gives you a can-do attitude.

We want you to feel connected to what you truly want from 2025 and give you practical steps on how to get there.

Click here to learn more and sign up for your free ticket:

GRAB YOUR FREE TICKET HERE WATCH, LISTEN OR READ HERE FACEBOOK REMINDER YOUTUBE REMINDER

If you want help creating a vision for 2025, you are invited to join our annual Best Year Yet workshop where thousands of us come together to connect with what is most important to us and find out ways to design our lives with intention.

It’s one of my favourite events as we all get clear on our top 3 for the year and remove overwhelm.

We start on 20th Jan, and you can sign up here:

SIGN UP FOR THE EVENT HERE LISTEN, READ, WATCH HERE

I know for many, this time of year is hectic, so I am landing in your inbox with a gentle question to ask yourself as you prepare for the New Year.

What do you want to leave behind in 2024?

What do you want to take forward into 2025?

OK, two questions - but two really lovely questions I ponder this time of year so I get clearer on what I truly want.

BEST YEAR YET

Our annual FREE event is happening 20th Jan onwards - this is such a brilliant event where thousands of people from around the world come together to set intentions for the coming 12 months. It’s a workshop to help you live on purpose instead of letting life happen to you.

A workshop is full of positivity, inspiration and practical actions you can take to design your life and plan your future.

If you have already planned out your year, like me it’s still a fab event for getting crystal clear on blocks getting in your way or getting clear on your next 3 steps.

I love this event so much as I am living a life I have designed, and I work on it often.

SIGN UP HERE CIRCLE ANNOUNCEMENT

At this time of year, I head into a slight panic. I feel the pressure of all the tasks, gifts, school plays, all the school activities that require payment, the list goes on.

I then start to feel anxious about the lack of funds and lack of time. It can send me into a panic, and when I feel this happening, I like to turn it around quickly. Otherwise, I end up in the maze. You know the maze? When you’re in there, it takes ages to get out and you literally go around in circles with the same destructive thoughts.

To overcome these feelings, I return to mindset work and connecting with my vision, gratitude and abundance as opposed to lack, scarcity and fear.

I am on day 8 and I can’t tell you how much better I feel in all aspects of my life already!!!!

In today’s episode, I read a statement from The Abundance Book written by John Randolph Price that I am following:

“Money is not my supply. No person, place or condition is my supply. My awareness, understanding, and knowledge of the all-providing activity of the Divine Mind within me is my supply. My consciousness of this Truth is unlimited, therefore, my supply is unlimited.”

I share all in today’s episode.

Have a great week,

Michelle

Have you ever paused to consider the messages hidden in your own art? Every piece we create has something to teach us—not just about the world, but about ourselves. In this episode, we’ll explore how the act of creating is both an expression and a mirror, showing us feelings, questions, and truths we might not even realise we carry. I call this send and receive.

Some of my art is just about making, I don’t reflection it - it’s a tool. Yet, the more I create the more I have learned how to reflect over the years and really listen to what my art has to say. It reveals parts of myself I hadn’t noticed. Through this process I have learned to love all parts of my art making and creativity as it’s who I am. I have also learned more about myself from taking time to ‘receive’ read and listen to my art.

YOUR ART MATTERS BOOK I go into more depth in the Your Art Matters book, where I give you access to tasks to help with this process. If you haven’t seen the book yet, you can learn more here:

yourartmatters.com

If you have read the book, I would love to hear how you have found it by leaving a review on Amazon or posting on social media with the hashtag #yambook

Do you have an Instagram account? Do your followers see your posts? Are you finding it hard to grow your following?

If you want to learn our top Instagram tips, this week’s podcast is for you!

Every month, we invite a guest expert into our members’ area. This month, we had the pleasure of featuring Instagram expert Emily Masterson.

Emily, who works for Meta, shared incredible insights on how to make the most of the platform.

With just a few small tweaks, you can create a big impact on Instagram.

In this episode, we discuss:

Hooks
Analytics
Re-using content
How keywords are now replacing hashtags

The whole lesson from Emily is inside our members’ Hub. If you are a member, click here:

ACCESS LESSON BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Have you ever been rejected?

It can be tough hearing no after no after no.

Imagine being rejected 9 years in a row! This is what happened to the amazing artist Lloyd Lewis. He was rejected year after year when applying to be on Portrait Artist of The Year! Then, in the 10th application, he was accepted.

We are going live on Monday to talk with Lloyd about this incredible journey of repeatedly applying and what it was like being on the show.

We will dive into why he was so persistent, what he’s learnt from the rejections and experience, plus what’s next!

You can watch Lloyd on Portrait Artist Of The Year series 11, episode 1 on Sky Arts or Now TV.

You can learn more about Lloyd Lewis here:

https://www.instagram.com/lloydlewisartist

https://www.youtube.com/c/LloydLewisArtist

To see the submitted artwork that was accepted in Portrait Artist Of The Year, click here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C0BiQeGIJHB/?hl=en&img_index=1

Have you ever imagined a life where paying your bills is easy? Where you walk into your solo show with confidence, sell 80% of your work, and have people knocking on your door to feature you? Or maybe you picture a life where you simply feel comfortable in your own skin, creating art that resonates with others…

But then, you shoot down the dream because you realize you're “not qualified enough,” “not consistent enough,” or “not confident enough.” Maybe you even find yourself thinking, that life is for others, not for me.

Well, you’re not alone. Many of us in this community feel exactly the same way—and it’s completely normal.

But we don’t want you to hold yourself back when there’s another question you could ask: Why not me? Why not look at all the reasons it is possible?

Part of that shift is learning to feel your dream instead of just seeing it.

I love having these conversations because this kind of thinking turned my life around—from a dark place of despair to a life filled with fulfillment and excitement for what I do.

So, here’s today’s episode—enjoy!

I was doing an exercise with my 7 Keys students this week, where we challenged ourselves to ask, “What will life look like when I hit my big money goal, or 10x my dream?”

I made a list of what I would be, do, and have, and it was amazing to see all the ways I would live my life. This got me thinking—why am I not doing this now?

Yes, a lot of it comes down to money. But, sometimes we have a perception that we need money, time, or resources to make something happen, and a dream turns into a 10-year plan, when in fact, we can make it happen today! Or at least, we can start taking small baby steps now.

The point is not to delay and wait for a day that may never come.

That’s exactly what I’m talking about in today’s episode.

I was driving down the motorway/highway at 70 miles per hour on my way to the Lake District in the UK, along with hundreds of other drivers all driving at the same pace - wondering how on earth we all got to this point.

If we stop to think about it, it's a speed that is pretty dangerous. You’re in a metal box, moving faster than our bodies were ever designed to go. Yet, most of us do this daily without a second thought. We become so used to it that our perception of danger fades away. This is a perfect example of tolerance. The first time you drove on the highway, it probably felt intimidating, right? But with time, you adjusted. Your tolerance level for that speed increased, and what once seemed risky is now just another part of how we commute.

I then had a conversation with a friend about buying a second home. It was interesting to hear the tolerance levels as she spoke of all the many reasons why buying a second home would be problematic and difficult.

This is what I talk about in today’s episode, how you can notice your tolerance levels and start increasing them.

Have you ever felt guilty as you are not making art on a regular basis? or, you didn’t post on social media for a while? Or, that you were doing so well with reading a book every week, and now you have stopped??

I think this pressure to be consistent all the time can put enormous pressure on us. Actually, I have huge periods where I am inconsistent, and it’s great!

I talk about why in today’s episode.

Summer found us a few years ago at a time when she wasn’t sure why she just couldn’t seem to sell her art.

She loved creating, that wasn’t an issue - but she was forever finding it difficult to make money doing what she loved.

We are celebrating hard as just a few months Summer made the leap to full-time selling artist and makes more money now than when she was employed full time!!!

She has built an incredible life, making money from what she loves.

Summer took part in our 7 Keys program and that’s when she started to break through blocks and learn the next steps she needed take.

Guess what, she doesn’t stick to the same subject matter either !! She paints all sorts of things - listen in to find out how she is able to do this.

Despite all the crazy set backs, and she had a lot of those !! Listen to the full story now!

Click here to learn more about of 7 Keys to Make Art A Living course:

LEARN MORE ABOUT 7 KEYS HERE

What does it mean to make a living from art? Does it mean pay the bills? Does it mean it has to come only from art sales?

This is what I talk about in today’s episode.

What making art a living means
Whether you can make art a living
The different ways you can make money and impact from your art

If you want my step-by-step framework so you can learn how to make art your living, I am running a free workshop from September 2 to September 9.

Here are the details:

ACCESS FREE WORKSHOP

My book Your Art Matters hit the number one best-seller list within 12 hours of releasing it!

Firstly, thank you if you were one of the people who bought it - you helped make this happen!!

I have been asked, how did you do it?

If you are launching a book, selling art, or having an artwork in a public space that took a lot of work and you want people to know about it, then you need people.

Fact.

People are everything.

I built a strong village of people around me during the whole book writing and marketing process.

Now, I did create some fun activities during the launch of the book with prizes and made it fun - but ultimately, this only worked as there were a group of people who believed in me.

This is where it all starts - growing your village.

I talk about this in today’s episode, and we will be doing this together in my next FREE workshop: Make Art Your Living which starts on 2nd September.

This was a question that came in last week, and I receive this same question on a weekly basis.

When you ask this question, it’s so broad - it’s like asking, how do I travel? There are so many answers depending on where you are and where you want to go.

So, to answer this question, you must dig deeper under the surface.

‘You can’t be seen until you learn how to see’ - Seth Godin

This is a quote from my new book, Your Art Matters, which explains it beautifully - we have to look inwards.

I explain this in today’s podcast and also invite you to join our next free event: Make Art Your Living.

From Sleepless Nights to Starry Heights: How Kristine Richer turned midnight hours into a thriving art career. Join us for a live podcast talk with Kristine Richer, a Milky Way photographer who transformed late-night parenting challenges into a flourishing career. In this episode of 'Your Art Matters,' Kristine shares he remarkable journey going from selling prints for $50 to $2000!!

Kristine will share how she found her voice and purpose through an unexpected twist of fate, turning sleep deprivation and homebound evenings into opportunities for creative growth. She'll reveal the steps she took to build her niche in Milky Way photography and how she's now helping others do the same.

Expect practical insights on:

Embracing life's constraints to fuel creativity
Finding your unique artistic perspective
Building a successful career from an unusual starting point
Scaling your art business from hobby to full-time income
Educating and inspiring others in your field

Whether you're an aspiring artist, a parent juggling responsibilities, or someone seeking inspiration to pursue your passion, Kristine's story will light the path to turning challenges into opportunities.

Connect with Kristine Richer:

Website: https://kristinerosephotography.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinerosephotography

Should you stick to drawing one thing? Or creating art only using pencils?

This is a topic that can make people really angry! I understand why because some people think that niching down artwork means focusing on one thing for the rest of your life and nothing else.

But it doesn’t have to mean that.

I saw someone share a post the other week saying, ‘DON’T NICHE YOUR ARTWORK’.

This is such a broad statement that it really doesn’t mean anything. If you want to niche your art and become known for something specific, do it. If you don’t want to focus, you don’t have to.

I talk more about this in today’s episode.

Today’s podcast is a little different. I hosted it live and made it an open Q&A. I had no idea what we would talk about, which is always a nice surprise.

The conversation ended up going in the direction of:

What happens when you don’t quite believe you are good enough to write, make art, or whatever you create - and you feel you have extensive areas of improvement?
What happens when you pour your heart and soul into your work and the fear of it being criticised - or just the fear of sharing it full stop can make you feel incredibly anxious?
Whether critique sessions actually work
Why it’s important to understand why your art REALLY matters.

We also talked about how external pressures can influence the work we create and we pondered this question together:

If you could make any art without fear, judgement or external pressures - what art would you really make???

I don’t actually know the answer to this myself, but when I ponder this question, I do know that there is a part of my art-making or creativity that hasn’t been released. I know there is a part of me that would make art against the norm—whatever that is.

A seed has been planted for sure.

Have you ever felt like one of your goals is just impossible?

A money goal you just can’t seem to achieve, or a level of standard in your work you just can’t get close to?

Last week, I had an experience with a mattress that really got me thinking about how to make impossible goals possible.

When you feel you repeatedly hit a wall, and then BAM - the answers present themselves.

I share this in today’s episode, plus two ways to immediately start moving from impossible to possible.

Enjoy!

Have you ever worried about falling victim to an online scam as an artist?

We share a real story from our community about a member who fell victim to a scam but handled it with remarkable resilience. We discuss practical steps to identify and avoid scams, such as verifying email domains, checking for legitimate websites, requesting references, and using secure payment methods.

Additionally, we emphasize the importance of staying engaged and building trust with potential buyers while encouraging artists not to let fear prevent them from sharing their work.

Join us as we offer guidance, support, and inspiration to help you navigate these challenges and continue thriving as an artist.

P.S: This is where you can get more support and information on scamming and protecting yourself, this is a UK site but the advice is relevant to all.

In the book 10X Is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan and another co-author, the idea of aiming for goals that are ten times larger than your current ones is explored. This concept challenges you to think and act on a much larger scale, whether it’s creating more artwork, earning more money, or collaborating with more people.

Applying this to my own goals, such as selling 5,000 copies of my book, I found the idea both exhilarating and intimidating. The fear of aiming higher reveals internal barriers that might also be hindering smaller goals. By setting a 10X goal of 50,000 copies, I started asking different questions, considering new strategies, and thinking creatively about reaching larger audiences.

This shift in mindset normalizes the original goal, making it seem more achievable. Even if the 10X target isn’t reached, the process of aiming higher transforms your approach, potentially leading to greater achievements than initially expected.

I challenge you to 10X your goal. Reflect on the thoughts and fears that arise, and explore how you could make the seemingly impossible possible. Share your journey with friends or within your accountability group, and let’s support each other in breaking through our self-imposed limits.

I‘ve had the same big financial goal for the last 3 years, and for a long time, it has felt like I’m getting further away from it than closer to it.

Have you ever experienced this? You set a financial, art-related or personal goal, and you just can’t seem to hit it.

It might be that you want to make your first sale, be more visible, or make more money.

I reflected on this extensively in January and significantly changed how I approach my financial goal. I am starting to see a shift and am getting closer to hitting it.

Three big factors have helped me, and I shared them in this week's podcast.

You can watch or listen here

The BIG day has arrived. The publication date of my book, Your Art Matters is 6th August.

Our official book launch event is 16th August - we would love you to join us for this.

In this episode, I share the importance of understanding why your art matters as it relates to the work you make, your purpose in life, who you connect with and how you sell.

This is why I am so passionate about this book that will help you find your voice, purpose and people.

I explain the book, the event and how I overcame the barrier to create an event in this episode.

Being paid to:

Have a community of people around you.
Make art all day.
Use your studio space.
Learn from you.
Have a break.

These are some of the ways you can create a membership platform where people pay you on a monthly, quarterly, 6 monthly, or annual basis.

I know this sounds incredibly daunting and scary to many, as it did for me when I first started!

I have had many questions about knowing if a membership is the right decision for you and your art - so I am giving the download it today’s episode.

I also take you through the steps Sharon took to create a pop-up membership that earned more that £15,000 in one month.

Stu’s Full Membership Experience Course has opened for enrollment, click >>here

Wow - this was a bumper LIVE episode as we talked with artist, Bonny Snowdon.

Bonny broke down her whole journey from not making art in 30 years to self-taught, fully booked artist with thousands of students.

Bonny kindly shared how she managed to increase her pricing by building a waitlist and managed to exit her fulltime job to fulltime artist within 12 months.

Celebrating £ 1 million in turnover this year, Bonny has overcome challenges and set backs but found success as she works daily on her mindset and beliefs.

Bonny spoke of her success and credits her mindset and the people she has around her.

This was such a great episode, we may have to bring Bonny back for a round 2 as we could have kept talking.

If you want to learn more about Bonny, click here:

https://www.bonnysnowdonacademy.com

https://www.instagram.com/bonnysnowdonacademy

Want to learn to draw an otter in 7 days? Bonny is hosting a coloured pencil week where you will do just this :)

https://www.bonnysnowdonacademy.com/coloured-pencil-week-may-2024

This was a live podcast where I brought in my mentor, Stu McLaren.

We talked about my past and how Stu has impacted my life in the most profound way ever.

We talk about how you can use your creativity to impact others and make money at the same time.

Imagine being paid to make art? With money coming in month after month.

I get paid to make art, and I don’t have to sell it - how crazy is that ?

This episode is super special to me as Stu has shown me ways of living I never knew possible and I have a feeling some of you need to hear this - so enjoy.

Here are what others are saying about this episode:

I am SO GRATEFUL I didn’t miss this - Nikki McDiarmid I discovered you during a painful moment in my life 4 years ago, you have helped me believe that my art not only matters to me but to others too. I am following your recommendations and growing as an artist. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart - Lia Pintaryrelajar2206 (YouTube)

In today’s podcast, I set out to talk in-depth about how a free training I took back in 2016 changed my life in the most profound way.

Although I do talk about it - I don’t go into detail as I find it emotional to talk about.

To think that back in 2016, when I signed up for a free workshop with Stu McLaren, and how my life is unrecognisable now moves me to tears.

I spent years in emotional turmoil, lost and struggling financially.

Stu taught me not only how to create a membership platform, but how to find myself, teach others, build confidence and armed me with incredible knowledge.

In today’s episode I share insights into how you can use what Stu teaches to not only make more money from your creativity, but to enrich your life

My son was getting quite angry and upset as he wanted to buy an Xbox but didn’t have the money. We can all relate, I am sure - there are many things I want but don’t have the money :)

So, our motto is every problem has a solution - and so we created a project plan and worked out how he could earn the money.

He decided to sell his art and we broke down the steps of how he could do it.

I share behind the scenes today of what we created as the lessons here relate to us all as it comes down to setting a financial goal and finding a way to hit it.

What if I told you the mistakes you make are increasing the value of your art?

We often disregard our mistakes, which can impact our confidence negatively. Yet, our trials and errors are what make our art great.

This is what I talk about in today’s episode.

What if you are a beginner? With no trials and errors? Does this devalue your work?? Nope, I also talk about this in the episode.

Making art that sells - a term some people love and for some it brings feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of selling your soul.

This week, I explore this topic as it relates to making art with the intention of selling.

For me two primary considerations contribute towards sales:

Making art (or anything) that is like you - by this I mean leaning into what makes you unique. Your art reflects you, and the more you understand this, the more you can communicate this. This applies to what you make, identifying what makes your work different to everyone else, and also leaning into your story - as there is a story behind every artist and every artwork.
Learning what people want - this means either getting to know your audience, if you have one and learning what sells. A particular frame?? A certain animal?? Or if you don’t have an audience, it’s about looking at a particular area of art you are interested in and looking around to see what works. Taking note of scale, frames, patterns, colours and so on.

This what I talk about in today’s episode.

If you haven’t signed up to the next FREE art workshop called The Art Of Your Life, click here to register:

This workshop is run by Nicholas Wilton and it starts on 4th March. It’s delivered over 3 days and replays are available.

It is an entire week of teaching from Nicholas, designed to help you make art that is stronger and more like you.

A lesson in how to make art that stands out from the crowd.

I remember looking at my painting and wondering what was wrong with my creation. It didn't seem right, but I couldn't determine why.

It was like when I had found an inspirational image and tried to replicate what I saw but failed miserably.

I've taken courses in drawing, acrylic, life drawing, watercolour, textiles, collage, ceramics - the list goes on. The one thing I have learned over time is that art is a language.

It doesn't matter how many courses you take; if you don't learn the fundamental elements that contribute to what art is, you will always struggle.

I’ve learned this is a surprisingly common challenge…

So common, in fact, that my friend Nicholas Wilton has decided to address it in his upcoming FREE workshop. Click here to save your seat in the free Art of Your Life Workshop! Specifically, he will be covering the first 3 (and most important) stages in the Art2Life Process, including

DESIGN:

Why so many people with lots of education, degrees and experience still struggle to make art they love
How to master composition in a way that will quickly elevate your art

VALUE:

How to strengthen your discernment — that internal compass — that tells you when to go further, pivot, or pull back with your art
How to create a beautiful kind of depth and balance in your art

COLOUR:

How to add a vibrant new level of dimension AND subtleness to your work with a perspective on color you haven’t heard before!

How to feel more confident in your creative choices — so you can begin making art MORE like YOU.

A wonderful talk with artists as we delve into the success they have experienced since working with us.

We discuss hoe they use the Best Year Yet process and how their journeys have evolved over the years from taking action.

Lisa shared how she was shaking like a leaf when it came to sharing her only drawing with us - this was 3 years ago. Today, Lisa sold work and sat in her studio on the call.

You can learn more about today’s featured artists here:

Simone Paterson

Jane Powell

Lisa Potter

Jenny Stevenson

Enjoy

A wonderful live podcast episode where we bring in artists who share how they plan their year ahead.

We talk about having goals, not having goal, having a calendar, not having a calendar and all the different ways you can adapt our best Year Yet training to design your life in your own way.

A super session if you are keen to do more of what you love in 2024.

I know this title may make some people feel uncomfortable - those who give give give and never put themselves first, for example.

However, when we break this down - it’s simply connecting with what truly matters in life and focusing on this. You can do more of what makes you happy.

It’s not about greed or hurting people along the way so we can satisfy our needs only.

When you feel content, fulfilled and happy - this will impact everyone around you.

In this episode, I will share the steps I take when ‘getting what I want’.

I will talk about

Wishing and Dreaming

Planning and focusing

How to have faith when you don’t believe

How to handle fear

IF YOU WANT TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE EVENT, HERE IS THE LINK

Let’s reflect on 2023 together.

One of the best ways to move forward and achieve success is by reflecting and today’s podcast was recorded live.

We took time to:

Consider what you want and don’t want.
Get clear on what you really want in 2024.
Learn from mistakes and from what went well.

Most of all, paying attention to how far you have come.

When you reflect on what’s happened, you can do more of what works, do less of what doesn’t work, and aim for what you REALLY want.

If you want to download the reflection worksheet that accompanies this episode, you can sign up to Best Year Yet and receive instant access here:

SIGN UP TO BEST YEAR YET

Last year I bought a house, which was a big deal for me. As a single parent, who used to be in masses of debt and unemployed for years - to get to this point today in my life is mind blowing.

For years I struggled and found life difficult.

Art was my saviour.

Art has taught me so much and that is why I am so passionate about helping others understand why art matters.

This year I am going to be talking about this topic A LOT!!!

This year is the year my book will be published and unveiled to the world.

Owning my own house and writing a book have been on my vision board for a LONG time, and they materialised because I never gave up.

I have always been very intentional about designing my life and stepping out of my comfort zone.

This has come from years of practice and this is what I want to share with you in my FREE workshop, Design Your Life and Have Your Best Year Yet.

This is the process I follow:

Reflecting
Creating a vision
Making a plan
Focusing on the right tasks
Taking action

I can’t want to share these steps with you and take the course myself!!

Here is this week’s Vlogcast where I share my insights from my new living room :)

In this final Vlogast of 2023, I want to wish you a very healthy and ‘happy’ end to the year.

I know it’s not an easy time for some people. I was reflecting on how I want everyone to be happy. I want my members, followers, children, friends, family - all to be happy.

I strive to make people happy and fulfilled, but this isn’t always possible. It’s not realistic.

In this episode, I talk about the term happiness and how it comes and goes in my own life.

Thank you for all of your support in 2023.

I always say you are one person away from an opportunity.

Suvi is a UAS HUb member and last week, she shared her surprise as she was invited to exhibit next year, and it came from a simple act with no expectations.

Suvi had created some lovely cards featuring her artwork and decided to give them to local shop owners as a seasonal greeting.

One of the shop owners contacted Suvi and asked if they could exhibit the work for 3 months during their busiest season !!

I talk about this in today’s episode, as it has got me thinking about the power of creating digital and physical cards

When you begin to take control of your life to feel more fulfilled and happy, you often realise it’s not about the house, the amount you earn or the studio you have. These goals are great, but true fulfilment comes from inside.

I know this can sound a little wishy washy, but this has been the biggest lesson towards me finding tons of contentment and happiness in my life.

No matter how many goals I set and achieved, there was always a feeling of not having enough, or fear of it being taken away.

When i work on what really matters - the internal - this is when my life starts to feel easier.

In today’s episode I share a great insight from Mid valley as they share the 3 most important questions to ask yourself when it comes to designing your life.

What do you want to experience ?

How do you want to grow?

How do you want to give back to the world?

The key is to answer in 90 seconds and not overthink.

You can tune into today’s episode, where I talk more about this:

If you want to go deeper into this process, you can follow the steps on the Mind Valley website:

https://blog.mindvalley.com/3miqs/

Your art won’t sell
You should paint flowers, you will make more money
You are not good enough
People aren’t buying art right now

Have you ever taken a different direction because of the view of a few??

By this, I mean a couple of people out of the billions of people in the world gave their view, which diminished your dream—diminishing your confidence? Or did they influence a change of direction that doesn’t feel right?

We have to be careful not to accept the view of a few when we have a goal or destination we are passionate about.

Unless the view of a few are aligned with our mission and have great advice.

But, even then - someone who may appear to be in the know and have fantastic insight can be wrong.

I want to talk about this in today’s short bite-sized episode.

If you could live on your own terms with no money, worries, or responsibilities- how would you be REALLY living??

It amazes me how many people live a life they think they should live. Myself included. I fall into the trap year after year of making decisions based on what is expected or what I think others will like.

I intentionally reframe this thinking and check in with what I REALLY desire.

This is a question I ponder at this time of year. I love the cycle of coming towards the end of a year. It’s time to shed old skin, relight fires that burnt out and re-navigate my compass.

I love reflecting on how I design my life going forward. I can feel shifts in my own life that have been brewing for a long time, and 2024 is going to be a time of change for me - I have some exciting plans - but these plans are only coming to fruition as I spend time going through the Best Year Yet program!!

I would love you to join me - the event starts on.

18th January 2024

But, when you sign up, you get access to the Best Year Yet Prep immediately.

Best Year Yet is a process of designing your own life.

You can learn more here:

I went to an event recently called ‘Chill and Prosper’ by Denise Duffield Thomas. Denise has a book out with the same name.

We spent 2 whole days talking about money.

I cried, laughed, felt confused, and gained clarity - it was an incredible 2 days of focusing on my money mindset, and I am excited to share my insights with you.

In today’s episode, I share what I took from the event, including why I was given a card that said:

‘It is safe for you to live and travel first class’.

This brought up lots of feelings of not deserving!!! It's such an exciting topic.

Enjoy

How do you know when it’s time to give up on a dream/goal or mission???

The feeling of giving up can arise from many situations, such as:

Working on the same project for a long time
At a crossroads and not sure which way to turn,
A dream you have been following for a while. You don’t seem to be getting anywhere.

Many times in my life, I have wondered whether I should give up or keep going.

The thought of ‘wasting my time’ filled me with dread.

The truth is, we never really waste time. Every action we take is leading us somewhere. It’s adding to the narrative of our lives.

In today’s episode, I share 3 ways I check in with myself. To decide whether to give up or not.

Enjoy

Have you been feeling uninspired recently??

We have a FREE 7 days of inspiration guide to help you start being creative again if you want a copy, click here:

There have been many times in my life that I fake how I feel and think to push myself to the next level.

If I didn’t do this, I don’t think I would be sat here writing to you today.

In our 7 Keys program we have been exploring mindset a lot, and people are starting to push out of their comfort zones.

This is what I share in today’s episode

Have you ever had moments when you feel like everything is going wrong? Everything you touch seems to turn into a disaster??

I had been experiencing this lately, so many things going wrong that I started to spiral and feel I couldn’t take much more.

I went to see my friend, Sharon in floods of tears.

In today’s episode I share a huge epiphany that came on my flight to Nashville.

I was reading the book, Think and Grow Rich and in the opening page there was a note to myself from around 5 years ago!

I share what was in the note and why it has been such a shift in how I am now viewing my life.

Last week I felt like everything was going wrong, this week I feel like everything is going right - from one simple statement I read in a book.

I also share my insights from my recent mastermind event in Nashville.

I have been feeling burnt out recently - do you know the feeling?? When it feels like your head is in hundreds of different places, everything is coming at you at once. It feels like you can’t catch your breath. I share in today’s episode how I have been feeling this way and how I am overcoming it.

Enjoy

“ Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not. Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for” - Epicurus

But, what if we have big dreams?? Is it wrong to focus on them???

Striking the balance between keeping your feet on the ground and aiming for the stars is what I talk about in today’s episode.

We can often get caught up in what we don’t have and miss the magic that is happening in our lives, right in this every moment.

Have the most amazing week :)

If I asked you to carve out 60 seconds this week, what would you do in that time?? How would you spend it??

We often allocate an hour or a day on tasks, but what if you allocate just one minute? What could you achieve within one minute?

How would you choose to utilise that precious 60 seconds?

Maybe this is the time for you to allocate 60 seconds a day to something you've been putting off? That 60 seconds may eventually become 60 minutes dedicated to something you truly want to pursue in life.

At times, we have to start small.

Perhaps dedicating 60 seconds to yourself or a drawing is all you are capable of... or all you need right now.

This is what I contemplate in today's super short episode!

Enjoy and let me know how you spend your 60-second moment this week.

For some artists, sharing everything about their artistic journey feels natural. They lay bare their motivations, inspirations, and the intricate details of their creative process.

Others prefer to reveal only a small fragment of their "why," leaving much to the imagination. Then there are those who choose to share very little, allowing their audience to interpret their work entirely on their terms.

The key lies in understanding your "why" and using it as a compass when creating art.

There is no definitive right or wrong in this matter. You might find yourself pondering whether divulging too much will rob the viewer of their interpretation or sharing too little will miss the chance to connect deeply.

It's a balancing act, and the equilibrium is unique for each artist and their audience. The more intimately you understand your "WHO," the better you can gauge the experience they seek from your work.

This is what we explore in today’s episode:

Join Michelle and award-winning artist Ronelle Reid as they talk about how Ronelle transitioned from being made redundant from her work to becoming a full-time artist.

Ronelle also shares her tips on getting grants, how to network and find your WHO, plus some golden information on what artist residencies are.

This was a live recording, so in some parts, we mention dates that have passed, and it is part of a longer interview, so we may notice we cut rather abruptly at the end. Ronelle shares so much gold though, we had to share it with you.

Enjoy! 🙂

Learn more about Ronelle:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronellereidart/

About The 7 Keys Course:

Ronelle used the 7 Keys Course and our United Artspace Members Hub to help build a career as a full-time artist.

The 7 Keys Course is currently open for enrollment, but we only run this live course once a year, so click below if you want to join the class of 2023. The eight-week course starts on Monday 2nd October - doors close on Monday 25th September.

Sign up here: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/7-keys

Collage and book artist Jenny Stevenson joins us to share her experience working through our 7 Keys framework. She shares how she:

Developed her voice
Dreamt of a solo show and made it happen
Sold her marketing material and sold out in one day

We had a great discussion about Jenny's journey over the years and how she now has lots of opportunities coming her way.

Learn more about Jenny:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennystevensonart/

Website: www.jennystevenson.com

Make Art Your Living Workshop Reminder:

If you want to learn more about standing out from the crowd, I invite you to join the Make Art Your Living workshop as we delve deeper into this topic together. I dedicate two whole weeks towards sharing everything I know with you. We've already started, but there's plenty of time to jump in and catch up!

The workshops will take place from 7th-21st September (with replays available!). I'd love to see you there.Sign up here: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/mayl/

P.S. Our signature program, The 7 Keys Course, starts on 2nd October, so please keep a look out for further announcements, as we only run this course once a year.

JOIN MICHELLE FOR A LIVE PODCAST RECORDING!

This week, Michelle recorded a bumper live podcast episode to kick off the Make Art Your Living Workshops that start on Thursday, 7th September.

In this episode, Michelle explores the meaning of Making Art Your Living, says hello to people joining live in the chat, shares their comments and takes a few questions (about 34 minutes in).

If you haven't signed up for the FREE online MAYL workshops yet, and you'd like to join us, you can find out more information and sign up here: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/mayl/

Isn’t it frustrating when you post to Instagram and only a few people see your post?

My friend, Jay Kingman from Aniko Branding, did an experiment recently and posted to Instagram, and only 5 people out of 3500 people saw his post!! He posted the same post to Linkedin and over 1000 people saw it.

So, how do you stand out in today’s world?

I talk about this in today’s episode, and I have set you a small challenge to get you thinking out of the box when it comes to standing out from the crowd.

Make Art Your Living Workshop Reminder:

If you want to learn more about standing out from the crowd, I invite you to join the Make Art Your Living workshop as we delve deeper into this topic together. I dedicate 2 whole weeks towards sharing everything I know with you.

**The workshops will take place from 7th-21st September (with replays available!). I'd love to see you there.

Sign up here: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/mayl/**

P.S. Our signature program, The 7 Keys Course starts on 2nd October, so please keep a look out for further announcements as we only run this course once a year.

As I have been delving into my creativity recently it has left me feeling vulnerable.

I am delving into a new way of making art and am very conscious of my lack of ‘skill’ and where I want to be.

I am also writing my heart out as my book's words finally flow.

This burst of creative energy has had me feeling all the feels.

Not directly about the work I am creating, but hiding in other ways. I have been having crazy imposter syndrome thoughts. Wondering if I am good enough to help people.

I know these thoughts are ridiculous as I have been helping people for over 7 years, with great success - yet the thoughts still arise.

It is because of this creative work these crazy thoughts are presenting themselves.

In today’s episode, I share why this is happening and what I am doing to overcome them.

Why should we care about your art?

Ouch.

This can be a hard question to swallow.

I was given this advice recently: whenever I write a headline or have something I want to present to the world, I should ask the question, ‘So What?’

This golden advice can help you:

Communicate with others
Get clear on what to say yes and no to
Convert sales
Discover whether your ideas have legs

I explain how to do this in today’s episode.

Enjoy

Make Art Your Living Workshop Reminder:

**If you would like to join me for my next free Make Art Your Living workshop series from 7th-21st September. I'd love to see you there.

Please sign up here: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/mayl/**

Episode References:

How I Built 5 Multi-Million Dollar Companies: Marcia Kilgore | E99

I sat at the kitchen table and as all was quiet in the house, I had time to sit and contemplate. I poured my oat milk onto my cereal and read the milk carton before me for the first time in years!

The milk carton shared a tip: How to be curious by using the Q&Q method. Asking a curious question and answering by asking another curious question.

I love this concept as I think it can help us learn more about our art, the art of others, life - anything.

This is what I share in today’s super short episode.

Enjoy

If you would like to join me for my next free Make Art Your Living workshop series from 7th-21st September. I'd love to see you there.

Please sign up here: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/mayl/

Life is a tapestry of highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations. It can be difficult to see beyond the pain and frustration during our most challenging moments.

During these trying times, we are pushed to our limits and tested in ways we never imagined. While we may get caught in the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties, it's important to remember that every struggle carries the potential for immense growth and resilience.

Think back to some of the most challenging moments you've faced in your artistic journey. It could be a period of creative block, a rejection, or a project that didn't turn out as planned. During those moments, it may have felt like the world was against you, but in hindsight, they shaped you into the artist you are today.

In today’s episode, I discuss the power of seeing every day as your best day.

If you would like to join me for my next free Make Art Your Living workshop series from 7th-21st September. I'd love to see you there.

Please sign up here: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/mayl/

I recall times when I wanted to do something, but it felt so far out of reach that I procrastinated or felt frustrated that I wasn’t getting anywhere.

One of those times was setting up United ArtSpace, and it annoyed me that I never had time to work on my dream. I was pushed and pulled in all directions.

Then I made one simple change. A change that felt insignificant at the time but changed my life years later.

In today’s episode, I want to invite you to consider what one change you can make that may impact your life five years from now.

Enjoy

As artists, we often face unique challenges and moments of uncertainty. In those moments, we must have a network of individuals we can turn to - an S.O.S. list.

This episode delves into the power of having trusted allies who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement during those times of need.

Just like we have a list of people we turn to when we have a leaking pipe, a broken car or a hole in our tooth - creating a little black book of contacts to help navigate life has been vital for me.

This super short episode will delve into this topic so you can create your little black book.

In our fast-paced lives, it's all too easy to get caught up in the worries of the future or dwell on the regrets of the past, inadvertently neglecting the present moment—the very source of our creative potential.

In this episode, we delve deep into mindfulness teachings, exploring how grounding ourselves in the present moment can elevate our artistic practice, connect us to our intuition and helps us gain more control over our brains.

Limiting the mental chatter!

This is a super short episode you can watch, listen or read in just a few minutes.

Be thankful for what you have, and you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never have enough.- Oprah Winfrey

Today I have recorded a super short episode and will do so for the next few weeks as a MINDSET MINUTES series.

The aim is to give you a small action each week to help you make a change in your life for the better!

Small mindset shifts over a few weeks can impact mental health, success, progress and more.

In this episode, I share a super tip on reframing thoughts around lack of time, money, skill, space, and help - the list goes on.

Have you ever felt like you're living a life on autopilot? Going through the motions day after day, but deep down, something feels off?

Well, you're not alone. Many of us find ourselves drifting along the current of societal norms and expectations, but what if we could change that? What if we can consciously design a life that aligns with our values, passions, and purpose?

In this podcast, we'll dive into the concept of living a life by design, not default.
So, if you're ready to step out of the default mode and embrace a life that's intentional, purposeful, and truly your own, here is the replay.

If you want to do this exercise with me, our BEST YEAR YET - MID YEAR REVIEW starts today and is available on a replay this week.

You can click here to sign up:

https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/byy/

Together, we'll unlock the potential within ourselves and unlock a world of possibilities.

Enjoy

If only I had more time, it would make such a difference.

I would be able to keep on top of my house work, finish my book, spend more time with friends, exercise more - the list goes on!!!

We either need to cut back on what we add to the ‘to-do’ list, or we need to use our time wisely.

As I prepare for our Mid-Year Best Year Yet workshop in 26th June (the link is below if you haven’t signed up) it has been thinking about how I can carve out more time to complete all my 2023 goals.

In today’s episode, I share my top tips for carving out more time.

https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/byy/

We are fast approaching the midway point towards this year, halfway through the year, can you believe how fast the time is going? I want to talk today about how I'm starting to get ready for planning the rest of the year and how you can too. So as we approach the midpoint, I like to do a mid-year review. And in fact, I'm going to be doing a free workshop for you all where I'll be reviewing my year and I'll be using a worksheet to review the six months gone and what I wanna be doing going forwards and doing a big reflection.

And if you want to join me, it's completely free. The link is below. And this time of year I really like to stop and reflect and just pause for a moment. I feel like sometimes we get swallowed up in life and we've maybe set goals in January. If you've set goals before, you might not have set goals. But for those who took part in Best year yet, which is a big event we do in January, in that we set three big goals for the year and get really intentional around creating our success on purpose and designing our own lives.

If you know anybody that would like to take part, please do let them know and have a wonderful, inspiring motivating week.

I'll be back next week. Take care.

After moving house recently, I realised that I had been living in my previous home with serious self-doubt, fear and wild stories that held me captive.

In today's episode, I shed light on how easily we become trapped in the monotonous cycles of life, often failing to recognise the profound impact that an unsatisfying situation can have on our overall happiness.

Enjoy

As I film my last ever episode in the room I began in 7 years ago, I reflect on the journey.

When I first started filing and recording 7 years ago, I felt like an imposter, a fraud and incompetent.

I had friends film with me as I was terrified to do it alone.

I was afraid of people judging me and being mean. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing.

I was afraid to be myself in case I wasn’t professional enough or good enough in the eyes of others.

I now realise these feelings are so normal and absolutely necessary when we are in a stage of growth.

These feelings disappeared whilst I was in my comfort zone and now they are back as I am in the stage of breaking through to the next level.

In today’s episode I share my journey and the cycle of incompetency and why it’s necessary.

It’s also a goodbye to the room I have recorded over 1000 videos in.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

Capucine Jenkins is a trailblazing digital art curator who is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of NFTs and the blockchain.

Before she started working with NFTs, our guest honed her skills at several prestigious museums, including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.

She remains passionate about nurturing artists and innovating digital art spaces.

I am so excited to have Capucine join me on today's podcast.

We covered everything you need to know about NFT's:

What are NFT's ?
How do you Create a NFT?
How can I sell and market an NFT?
How can I keep myself safe when it comes to NFT's?
What are NFT trends and what sells?
How do I price an NFT?
How do people buy an NFT?
How do NFT's impact the environment?
How do I deal with NFT hunters? You know, those annoying messages on social media.

If you have been wondering any of the above, then this weeks episode if for you.

Enjoy

Three years ago, Laura dreamed of becoming a full-time artist, and today she is living the dream!

Laura sells her original works, hosts workshops, has been on TV, radio and in magazines - she wakes up most mornings pinching herself to make sure this is really happening.

Based in Croatia and working in clay, Laura creates birds of happiness, bottles that think they are vases and volcanic flowers.

In today’s episode, we talk about Laura’s journey and how she has built a wondrous creative life.

If you want to learn more about Laura, you can click the links below:

Website: https://arcus.hr/en/arcus-art-studio-laura-rainbow/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artstudiolaurarainbow/

Overcoming self-doubt and reigniting passion for art.

This is what we are talking about today with our special guest, Nish Shah. A self-taught artist who has been creating art from a young age, finding solace and comfort in the process.

However, crippling self-doubt caused Nish to put his passion on hold for three decades, until the pandemic gave him the opportunity to reignite his love for art.

It is truly a pleasure to speak with Nish about his journey of rediscovering his passion and going on to sell his incredible artwork.

Despite having no formal art education or training, Nish is a natural-born artist who specializes in surrealistic and realistic pencil drawings, using graphite and color pencils with exceptional skill. His breathtaking portraits of people, animals, and elephants have captured worldwide attention.

In today's session, we delve deep into Nish's experience of making art after a long hiatus and how he overcame his fear of putting his art out into the world.

Whether you are an artist or someone who struggles with self-doubt, this podcast is sure to inspire you.

Enjoy

Have you ever felt like you are just not getting anywhere??

Especially when it comes to selling??

In today's episode, it was a pleasure to speak with Dr Simone Paterson who spent many years feeling like she had lost her soul.

Today Simone is a full time artist, having had solo shows, a feature in a dream gallery, community projects and feeling blessed to be alive.

We delve into:

• What has helped Simone along the way • What advice she has for others who want to start selling • Simone's practice of fusing creative technologies and crafts.

If you want to learn more about Simone, click here:

Website: https://www.simonepaterson.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonepatersonart/

Today's special guest is a multimedia artist inspired by people, places and community.

With a love of clay and oil paint Carole Ince celebrates the uniqueness of people and captures life as it unfolds.

Tuning in from Canada, I thought you will enjoy hearing some real talk.

Carole has solid collections of work, has started selling and has recently had a super successful solo show. We chat about the journey to this point and what life is really like as an artist.

Some of the big takeaways from this conversation were:

The process takes time and consistent action
Confidence came from all the small steps in the early days, which maybe felt as if things weren’t going anywhere
The journey is a long one so having a community around you to support you when things go wrong (and right) is imperative
Honing in on why Carole made art, why it matters and growing belief in her work
Always learning - every day
Checking in and planning on a regular basis (making this fun)

Enjoy

Have you ever felt a creative block?

Those moments when you feel like you want to make art, but you can’t get going??

Or, you are all fired up making and then boom, you lose interest and get bored.

Inspiration runs dry.

You panic that maybe you had a lucky streak and your art-making days are over?

I have had many of these moments over the years.

Another one, you are plodding along and making art regularly, but you have lost the spark, and you feel in a bit of a rut.

If any of this sounds familiar, then today’s episode is for you as I share how to kickstart your art.

There is so much talk everywhere about AI and using it to create art.⁠

Anyone can create poetry, music, art, books - the list goes on.⁠

What does this mean to us as artists? How will this impact us? How should we feel about all of this??⁠

In today’s episode, I talk about ways you can use AI, what this means for the art world and how we should feel about it.⁠

P.S. Don't forget you can join us for our next FREE event - Your Art Matters. This is our annual birthday party, and all online, so you can join from the comfort of your own home - We start a week today! ⁠

⁠You can sign up for the event here: https://unitedartspace.lpages.co/yam/

I sat at the table carving stone and felt a rush of excitement. I haven’t felt this connected to my art-making in a long time.

So, it took me by surprise when my head jumped into thoughts like:

What if I love this too much and need to close down UAS
What if I start selling this? OMG, can you imagine the shipping costs, and how would I package this??

These are the thoughts that trap the thousands of artists we have in our community on a daily basis, so this is what I want to talk about it today’s episode.

PS. Don't forget from 17th - 21st APRIL we are hosting our annual YOU ART MATTERS event and we are running a KickStart your Art challenge to help you get fired up and excited about your art.

We will have a week together, so you leave feeling inspired, motivated and confident.

Click here to join us:

https://uas.unitedartspace.org/yam/

I am moving house soon so the shed needed a clear out. 8 years of ‘stuff’ accumulated and it was interesting what I pulled out.

It was full of paint pots, deck chairs, sewing machine, old trainers - the list goes on. I pulled all this ‘stuff’ out and then my heart stopped…

At the bottom of the huge pile of stuff was my 15 year old sculpture.

It had been sitting underneath all this stuff for more than 8 years!!!!!!

I looked at it tossed on the floor, wondering how it was still intact. I literally stood there and felt like I was picking a piece of myself off the floor.

I held that sculpture and memories of making it came flooding back. I could literally see myself in this piece of work. My marks, my hands, my feelings, my pain.

At the time of making this piece, I didn’t really like it. However, I really enjoyed making it.

Looking at it again, after 8 years I saw this work in a whole new light. It was me I was looking at, or part of me.

I could see it so clearly.

It was also a stark realisation that feeling like I was picking myself off the floor was in a way a metaphor for how I am feeling in my life. There is part of my I have definitely pushed to the side.

It is no coincidence that this sculpture is ‘speaking’ to me after all these years.

I share all in this episode that I filmed with ‘My Friend, Sharon’.

Enjoy.

I remember sitting in a cafe with a group of UAS Hub members when Catherine and Lloyd turned to me and suggested I should start a podcast.

At that moment, I felt a sense of dread as I thought to myself "Ewww, I can't possibly learn and do another thing." Despite feeling apprehensive, I had already been going live on social media every week for over five years.

Their suggestion planted a seed, and I eventually decided to give podcasting a try. After all, I was already chatting every week anyway.

Now, 100 episodes later - and with over 66,000 downloads! - the Your Art Matters podcast has become one of my passions. I absolutely love recording my thoughts and hearing your feedback; it feeds my soul. I can't wait to record the next 100 episodes and share the journey with you.

Thank you for all your support.

“I love pain“

“Bring it on”

“Pain sets me free” These are words of advice from the book ‘The Tools’ by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels.

In their book, they advise shouting these words every time you have the feeling of fear / pain. It might be right before you embark on something that makes you feel resistance or uncomfortable.

It may be when you have awful thoughts and paint a picture of negativity in your mind when you think of something that scares you, like having a show or selling for the first time.

The book went on to explain a super strategy for separating the feeling of pain from the thoughts we have in our mind and I have been using it this week with much success.

I share what the strategy is and how I have been using it in today’s episode.

How can you choose what direction to go in when you have a million ideas??

I remember my years at art school and being told the power of focussing my attention in a deeper way - I found it so frustrating. But, after years of resistance I finally gave in to the art of focussing and it has helped me build momentum and I’ve really learned when to say yes and no. In today’s episode I share examples of how I choose my direction, both in art and life.

Should you make art that sells? Should you adapt your work so it sells?? Should you create landscapes in an abstract style as they sell for more?

In the past artists have come to me asking these questions but also telling me ‘I’ve been told my work is too commercial’ or ‘ my work isn’t commercial enough’.

In today's episode I will discuss what commercial art is, and whether you should make your work more commercial.

Last week I was sorting the kitchen drawer out, you know the drawer that everything gets dumped into?

I found my old school reports and wow, they were hard to read. They brought tears.

Both painful tears and happy tears.

In this week’s episode I share personal insights into my past and how I went from despair to creating United ArtSpace.

I am a massive advocate for the arts and I am on a big mission to help people sell art and make a living doing what they love.

So, why am I not currently selling my own art?

This is what I cover in today’s episode, as I have worked in the creative industries for 20 years this year and during that time I have been a design assistant, full time artist, studio director, student of art and art history, founder of UAS and soon to be author ;)

In today’s episode I share my journey, the lessons along the way and why I am not selling my own art.

I am no cook, but I have been making soup recently - a veggie soup - and the first effort was a disaster. I added so much salt, I drank about 3 litres of water after I ate it.

I made it again and it was better.

Then I made it again and it was even better, this time adding a bit of garnish too.

As I was cooking the same soup over and over again, it got me thinking about how making and selling art is very much like cooking.

In this episode I share:

How modifying the making and selling process one small step at a time can be the answer to what is/not working
How you can create more powerful art and find what you want to do
A list of variables that affect selling
How tweaking just one or two variables can be powerful when making and selling

Enjoy

This is such a tough one to answer as there are so many factors that affect pricing and I have a whole course on this inside our UAS Hub membership.

But, here are some pointers to get you started:

How to price as a beginner
How to structure your pricing so you don’t just have one price
How to price so you create value and desire

Join the Hub here https://uaas.unitedartspace.org/hub/

I was asked to talk on BBC Radio Shropshire about UAS and the Best Year Yet we run every year.

This is one of my goals, to be featured more and it’s a great way to start the year.

It made me realise how much I love talking!

I love sharing my mission and helping people grow in confidence, this is what I talk about in this episode - enjoy.

If you want to join us and make 2023 your best year yet, click here: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/byy/

Happy New Year, friends.

I hope you had fun bringing in the new year.I have recorded this podcast episode just for you. Sharing my reflections and positive thoughts for 2023.

I talk about ways I manifested what I want
How things that went wrong in my life served me years later
Messages for you

Enjoy.

If you haven’t signed up for our Best Year Yet workshops yet, here is the link:

https://uas.unitedartspace.org/byy/

We hope you join us and make 2023 your best year yet.

One of the best ways to move forward and achieve success is by reflecting back.

Taking time to:

Consider what you want and don’t want.
Get clear on what you really want in 2023.
Learn from mistakes and from what went well.

Most of all, paying attention to how far you have come.

When you reflect on what’s happened you can do more of what works, do less of what doesn’t work, and aim for what you REALLY want.

We will work through a Reflection worksheet, so if you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, you can sign up here (deadline: 19th Jan):

https://uas.unitedartspace.org/byy

This session was a live session, aired on 19th Jan.

I was chatting with our UAS Hub member, Amanda a few weeks ago and she talked about how much more efficiently she works when she has a deadline.

With a date in the diary for a looming show, productivity shoots through the roof.

Have you ever had an experience like this?? Where you felt a sudden surge of focus, motivation or productivity because of a little pressure or a deadline??

I have been talking with people a lot about this topic recently and it’s something I explore in today’s episode as there is a reason this happnens and the more we can tap into it, the more productive we can be.

HAVE A PRODUCTIVE AND EFFICIENT 2023 WITH OUR BEST YEAR YET WORKSHOPS

From the 5th-19th January, we are running a free workshop to help you plan what you want in 2023 and how to create deadlines, goals and make a plan that works.

This year we are putting a special emphasis on generating more money.

If you want to take part in our annual Best Year Yet workshop, here is the link to sign up:

SIGN UP FOR THE BEST YEAR YET WORKSHOP

Even those not driven by money wouldn’t say no to a little more, hey?

Money doesn’t create happiness but it can relieve pressure and impact our lives and the lives of others.

For years I was stuck in a negative money pattern and couldn’t seem to earn past a certain amount. Money was always a struggle.

In this episode I share 3 strategies that completely opened up my potential to earn and have changed my life.

Life swallows us up and we often lose sight of what we REALLY want.Has this happened to you recently?I have found myself exploring where I want to live and it’s making me realise how much I follow the crowd and do what everyone else is doing, as it’s easier.If I stop and get very honest with myself, living where I live now isn’t what I truly want - But what do I want???

I have no idea. Lol.

This is why I love this time of year. As a chapter comes to a close I begin to ask myself what I want to ‘shelve’ from 2022 and what I want to ‘delve’ into next year.

This helps me get clearer on what it is I truly want.

If you want to take part in our annual Best Year Yet workshops that start on 6th Jan, here is the link:

SIGN UP FOR THE BEST YEAR YET WORKSHOP

It was more than 7 years ago I had an idea to create a platform for artists so they can grow confidence and learn how to make amazing artwork and sell it.

A platform that supports, nurtures and has all the answers in one place.

A community with people from all over the world who are cheering for each other and working towards the same goal, despite differing backgrounds and vision.

That goal is to make our best art and carve out our place in the world.

5 years ago I launched that platform and today it has grown into the vision I had 5 years ago. We have built the most incredible platform and I am so so proud.

In this week’s episode I share the lessons I have learnt along the way, lessons I know will resonate with you too!

Enjoy
YOU MATTER | ART MATTERS | YOUR ART MATTERS

If you would like to see a tour of The United ArtSpace Hub, click below:

> TOUR OF THE HUB <<

If you would like to learn more and become a member and unlock the thousand’s $$$$ of resources click here:

>> CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE <<

It was more than 7 years ago I had an idea to create a platform for artists so they can grow confidence and learn how to make amazing artwork and sell it.

A platform that supports, nurtures and has all the answers in one place.

A community with people from all over the world who are cheering for each other and working towards the same goal, despite differing backgrounds and vision.

That goal is to make our best art and carve out our place in the world.

5 years ago I launched that platform and today it has grown into the vision I had 5 years ago. We have built the most incredible platform and I am so so proud.

In this week’s episode I share the lessons I have learnt along the way, lessons I know will resonate with you too!

Enjoy
YOU MATTER | ART MATTERS | YOUR ART MATTERS

If you would like to see a tour of The United ArtSpace Hub, click below:

> TOUR OF THE HUB <<

If you would like to learn more and become a member and unlock the thousand’s $$$$ of resources click here:

>> CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE <<

Have you ever found yourself uttering ' I can't do this, 'I can't cope with this', or 'I may as well give up'??

When we receive bad news or any kind of rejection, we can head into a negative thought pattern.

The same can happen when things are not going the way we want them to, we begin to make decisions from a place of fear or desperation.

I have found this happening to me this week, so in today's episode, I share an insight into my brain and how I have started to reframe things.

Make sure you are on our email list to receive invitations to free online events, resources and podcast replays:

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP <<

We have so many choices in today’s world when it comes to where to be online and where to sell.

LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Etsy….

The list goes on.

It can lead to FOMO and huge fatigue as we navigate our way around all of this and what to use.

This is what I want to talk about in today’s episode.

If you are enjoying these podcasts, it would be amazing if you could leave a review. For one we love hearing from our listeners and two, it helps get the podcast in front of more people who need it.

Many thanks!

Become a member of United ArtSpace and receive resources that help you use social media, build websites, sell your work and more:

Click here to learn more and join the waitlist: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/hubwaitlist/

Have you ever considered changing the medium you use as it might sell for more money?

When I was at art school I moved away from ink work as I got the impression from ‘everyone else’ that this wasn’t REAL art. If I wanted to sell, I needed to learn how to master oils.

Now, I am not saying there is anything wrong with oils - what I am saying is there isn’t anything wrong with all the other kinds of materials you use either.

It’s not about the material, it’s about how you develop skill with whatever material you choose.

This skill translates into the value of your art, it’s what makes you unique and stand out from everyone else using that material.

How you create a desire for your work is what demands the high $$$ for your work and that is what I talk about in today’s 10 min episode.

We help people develop skill and more desire for their work over in our UAS Members Hub - we have a Hub of resources to help artists at all ages and stages.

Mapped out in a road map, we tailor what you need for the stage you are.

We will be opening enrollment soon, you can click here to learn more:

https://members.unitedartspace.org

There is no way I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for the help of other people.

Finding a mentor can unlock inspiration, connect you to people, support you, and guide you.

In this episode I share:

What a mentor is
Why having a mentor is vital
How to find a mentor
The different types of mentor who can help you along your journey

After this episode, consider:

1) Is there someone who is doing what you want to do?? Put this person on your radar, follow them, maybe reach out to them.

2) Question how you can build a relationship with this person.

There is no way I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for the help of other people.

Finding a mentor can unlock inspiration, connect you to people, support you, and guide you.

In this episode I share:

What a mentor is
Why having a mentor is vital
How to find a mentor
The different types of mentor who can help you along your journey

After this episode, consider:

1) Is there someone who is doing what you want to do?? Put this person on your radar, follow them, maybe reach out to them.

2) Question how you can build a relationship with this person.

You may be new to selling and wonder how long it takes to make a solid living from art.

Or, you may have been trying to sell for years and you are wondering if this is normal and how long you should continue.

This is the topic of today’s episode, and I cover:

How long it took me to make a living
How you define what making a living means
Do you have to supplement your income with teaching?
Why overnight success doesn’t last
How to transition from one job to standing on your own two feet

If you are a United ArtSpace Hub member, head to the lessons inside The Hub that help you map out a sales plan and work out what you need to sell and how to sell it. Go into the Hub and search for the following lessons:

MANAGING YOUR FINANCES

SELLING YOUR ART WITH CONFIDENCE

If you are not a member and you want to learn more and join the waitlist, click here: https://members.unitedartspace.org

I was recently told if I help an artist reach a million in sales I have succeeded. This got me thinking about how other people’s opinions of success and what we do can make us derail or shrivel up in silence as we feel inferior or like we don’t belong.

Have you ever felt that?? You are with a group of people and you are not on the same page. Maybe they view art differently to you? They perceive skill in a different way to you - it can make you question your own sanity, views and beliefs.

Even worse, it can make you change who you are.And… the ultimate worse - stopping making art completely.

This is what I am covering in today’s episode and I would love to know your thoughts. I mention an artist

Head over to Instagram and leave a comment on any of our posts, we read them all :)

EPISODE SHOW NOTES

UNITED ARTSPACE INSTAGRAM

JOIN THE HUB WAITLIST

Have you found yourself in a situation where someone insults you or annoys you? Or, is it suggesting something that makes you want to retaliate??

I have my hand up here!!!

It might be a client who keeps asking for revision after revision, or a gallery who wants you to reduce the cost of your art.

In this episode, I share an amazing piece of advice when dealing with conflict and difficult people/situations.

In fact, I have started using this with my children and friends! It’s a super powerful strategy for minimising conflict.

For those who are members of United ArtSpace and access the Hub, we have lessons that expand on this:

How to manage the client process is an amazing resource with step-by-step help with managing client expectations.

If you’re in the Hub, search ‘client process’.

If you are not a Hub member, click here to learn more and join the waitlist as we have incredible resources to help you along your journey.

https://members.unitedartspace.org

We put a lot of work into making our art, to then have someone else sell it and give them 50% of the money when they didn’t make it can feel crap.

There is a huge potential to make and sell your own art in today’s world, you don’t need anyone to sell for you.

But, there is also a great opportunity to collaborate with others who have access to your buyers. People in the art world and not in the artworld. If you find the right people and they can sell your work, the 50% is worth sharing and in this episode I want to talk about why.

Before you go off and give any % to others for selling your work, always make sure that the % you receive is still worth your time and effort! This has to be mutually beneficial to both of you.

Did you know you can become a member of United ArtSpace and receive access to our Hub that contains incredible resources to help you make art you love and turn what you love into a living.

You can join the wait list here: https://members.unitedartspace.org/

I’ve finished a weekend of hiking a mountain for 35 hours. In this episode I want to share everything I have learned and how much of what I learned relates to everyday life.

People said many times that I was brave to make this event so public, what if I didn’t complete it and I would have to face everyone and say I failed?

Here’s the thing, this event meant a lot to me. I had no doubt I could do it because of my mindset and training….but, I also did a lot of work on getting ready for disappointment.

This is something we have to experience in life. We can’t avoid it. I would have been upset if I hadn't completed it, but I had no issue in telling everyone I ‘FAILED’ as to me failure isn’t a bad thing. I would have done everything I could and not achieving things in life is O.K.

This even meant a lot, in the grand scheme of things I was only climbing a mountain. I kept telling myself this a lot, I am just climbing a mountain.

Not to belittle what we are doing, as what we do means a lot to us but in the grand scheme of life all we are doing is:

Having an exhibition
Selling a piece of art in exchange for money
Making art
Climbing a mountain

The next time you get overwhelmed by a task you are completing, tell yourself ‘ I am only doing XYZ’ - see if it works.

Grab a cuppa and enjoy this episode where I share all my lessons from the mountain.

I want to shout out to all the lovely artists out there because you are amazing! Being an artist is a mighty task. People will often say, ‘oh it must be lovely being an artist, making art all day long’. If it were just this, then wouldn’t life be grand?

But no, artists can’t just sit making art all day long, they have to wear the hat of many roles to make art their living.

Many artists are doing all of this whilst juggling other jobs so that they can fulfil their dream. Artists do so much behind the scenes, and I want to give you all a big high five because being an artist is a huge challenge but one of the most rewarding.

When you’re an artist, you don’t have a manager reminding you how well you’re doing. So, we’re here to tell you that you are doing great.

If you know an artist who needs reminding how well they’re doing, please share this with them so we can give them a virtual high five.

They can also follow us over on our >> Instragram >>

In this episode I talk about how we need to have patience and trust the journey that we're on. Sometimes it's hard, and we feel like we can't do it any longer, but it's these challenging times that make us value what we have when we reach our goals and dreams.

You can do it, and you will do it - believe in yourself!

P.S. This is an old episode from our achieve that hasn't been released on the podcast before.

I know how frustrating it is when you want to make art or pursue your dream but things get in the way.

It might be kids, family, pressure from friends, or a job that sucks the life out of you. You want to do something you love but you just don’t have time.

In this episode, I share some of my tips for carving out more time that I use daily in hope they can help you.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this over on our Instagram!

Only a few days until the workshops begin and we get to spend 2 amazing weeks together as we explore your artwork and how you can get it out into the world.

This is a super time to stop, pause and reflect on what you do. What kind of artist you are, what your work is saying, who will be interested and where you can put it.

You are going to learn the foundations of selling, and hear stories from people who have used this framework time and time again.

We are going to cover all of this in these workshops and so much more!

If you haven’t signed up for the workshops yet, click here to learn more.

For those who are seeing this after the event has finished, we run this once a year so make sure you join the waitlist.

https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mayl

Over the years I've had artwork sent to me from people desperate to know if their work will sell.

I get it, we don’t want to pour our heart and soul into creating art and pursue selling it to lead to failure and disappointment.

But, there is not one person on the planet who understands the buying habits of the billions of people in the world.

People have opinions, based on what they know and experience. You can’t base your future on the opinions of a few people.

Take Ashley Longshore who was repeatedly told she would never sell for more than 15 years. She now sells her work for tens of thousands to the most luxurious places in the world.

In this episode, I discuss this topic in more detail.

I also talk about our super Make Art your Living workshops that start soon, click here to learn more: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mayl

How do you write a statement and bio?

Do you need a bio or statement ??

What's the difference between a statement and a bio?

Your work won’t always speak for itself, so statements and bios can really help you connect with your audience and help people understand what you do.

This episode is jam-packed with top tips so you will know where to start when it comes to writing about yourself and your work.

Grab a pen and paper, and make some notes and get writing!

You may also be interested in our next free workshop, all about making a living from your art.

Running from 1st September until 16th September 2022.

Delivered over 2 weeks via video and worksheets on a private webpage.

You will learn a proven framework that will help you get your work in front of the right people.

You just need one finished artwork to take part.

You will learn:

The biggest mistake I see artists make when it comes to selling their art.
How to improve your confidence and knowledge so you can get your art into the world, and make a living doing what you love.
How you can find people who will buy your art so you can sell more.

These workshops have been running for 6 years and have been the catalyst for so many now making a living from their art. I will be sharing their stories with you.

To sign up and join thousands of other artists, click here!

Have you ever experienced this??

Someone asks you what you do and when you say ‘Artist’, they ask if you can create art for the local society or other worthy cause - free of charge of course!!!

Or, someone likes your art and you give them the price and they offer you half of what you say??

In this episode, I talk about why people devalue art and what you can do about it.

This conversation came from a post we shared that said - “yes, I am an artist and I have bills to pay just like you and everyone else, so no I won't work for free”.

Giles asked why this happens and I thought it was a great question.

In this episode I talk about the main reasons and cover the following:

The top 3 reasons why people devalue art
What you can do to add more value
Learn how to say no and what to say no to
How it’s not just your time and materials that add value to what you create
Why people negotiate you down on price and how to handle this

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic, do you have a story to share on this topic?? We would love to hear, let us know on our Facebook or Instagram.

P.S.

Every year I run an incredible FREE workshop that teaches people how to get their art into the world and sell it. I have been teaching this framework for more than 6 years now and it works!

We start on the 1st September and it lasts for 2 weeks.

All you need is one artwork to take part, click here to learn more: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mayl/

You have poured your heart and soul into your website and now it is sitting there and you are not sure what to do next.

Or, maybe you are not sure if you even need a website.

A website is a great asset and I am excited to share some tips with you so you can get more eyeballs on your website.

I share:

The difference between social media and your website
How to invite people to view your website using email and social media
What SEO is and how to improve how you are found on Google
A nifty tip that helps your site speed and puts you in the good books with Google.

I can’t wait to see your website ‘out there’.

We are fast approaching the free Make Art your Living workshop that starts on the 1st September. You can learn more about this amazing 2 week event here: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mayl/

We will help you begin to find your place in the art world, no matter what age or stage you are.

It’s frustrating when an artwork is shared on social media and it gets no likes or interactions.

Especially when the picture of your dog gets much more attention (thanks to Simone for that reference).

There are so many hoops to jump through when it comes to ‘working the social media system’.

Times are changing and the way people use social media is changing.

In this episode talk about whether you need to be a slave to social media and how you can work just as well off-line.

Have you ever felt distracted when you are making art? Do you find that you have lots of conversations happening in your brain as you make? Or, do you get in a zone where you are completely immersed???

That is the topic of this week's podcast. I would love to know your thoughts on this.

Have you ever felt uncertain about what direction to take? Maybe you are creating art and you don't know when to stop? Or, you have lots of passions and you don't know what to choose?

Join me and my special guest, Lisa K as we talk about how you can tap into your superpower: INTUITION.

We discuss what intuition is and how you can start using it from today!

Lisa K. helps people trust their intuition to make better decisions. Lisa teaches others how to use the power of intuition in their decisions, so they no longer doubt themselves and feel confident moving forward. Considered intuition expert, Lisa has taught hundreds of people about intuition development in workshops and seminars.

Her public appearances reach people around the world through guest speaking on stage, radio, and online media. And you, my friend, get a free access pass to this juicy episode - enjoy 😊

Learn more about Lisa K. at: http://www.LMK88.com

YOUR MAGIC MANTRA Join me and my special guests, Leon Taylor and Sarah Griffiths as we discuss how you can overcome mental health challenges and achieve big goals. We will also be revealing Leon and Sarah’s new book: ‘Leon's Magic Mantra’ and I want to share a special story of how this book exists. Leon is a mindset coach on the Headspace app, former Olympian Silver Medalist Diver, Commentator on BBC sports and supporter of the SportsAid charity. Sarah Griffiths is a Children’s book author, storyteller and writer with a passion for celebrating each child's magnificent uniqueness. Sarah’s stories teach children how to improve self-esteem, reach for dreams and unlock limitless potential. This episode will be a super inspiring talk and I can't wait to share this with you. You can learn more about Leon's Magic Mantra here: https://amzn.eu/d/hOUdrKg|https://amzn.eu/d/hOUdrKg

In this episode, I want to talk about my mental health as I have found life difficult this year. It's common to look at other people and think they have it all figured out, that you are the only one struggling. I feel the more open we are about mental health, the more it helps others realise that these feelings are normal and that they will pass. In this episode I talk about: * Wim Hof, The Ice Man. * Reframing 'I can't', 'I am struggling', I am not well' with the opposite, even if I don't feel like it (I am feeling great etc.). Unless I am sharing this statement to seek help. * Finding small ways of taking control of my brain, such as having a cold bath, focussing on my breath for 60 seconds, and having a positive mantra I say over and over again (to stop negative thoughts).

I hope sharing my story may help someone who needs to hear you are not alone, this time will pass and things will get better - you can gain control. Slow Down to Speed Up. Take it easy. Breath.

Have you ever felt disheartened when someone doesn’t show any interest in your work? Or worst still, they have a negative reaction to your work?

Or, maybe you have seen an artwork in the past and it’s made you feel uncomfortable but you are not sure why?

This episode is for you!

I share how we view art and how this can impact sales, how you make and how you view art.

If you want to take part in our annual MAKE ART YOUR LIVING Workshops that happen once a year, we start on 1st September and you can join the wait list right now: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mayl/

When things aren’t going right or taking longer than you expect, it’s easy to fall into the trap of what’s the point? Why am I doing this??

Many times you are feeling this way as you are focussing on outputs and not the inputs.

To me, the input is the impact you are having on yourself and others.

You may not see the impact from others who admire your bird painting from afar, you may brighten someone’s day with your art and never realise it. You might be inspiring someone else to make art. There are so many ways you might be impacting others, but you can’t see it.

And, then there is the impact you are having on yourself. Never underestimate the power of mistakes and getting things wrong. Every action you take is a lesson. Whether it’s good or bad. You are growing and growing pains are normal.

This is what I want to chat to you about in this episode, so grab your headphones and tune in with me!

I often get asked if we can use other people’s images, this is what this week’s episode covers.

Copying images from others is a great way to learn and develop our art. But, we have to ensure we are not breaching copyright.

If you are copying the image for your own personal use, that is fine. As soon as you share the image publicly, or commercially you need to check the rights of that image.

Here is a checklist for when you are using images:

Check the source of the image, is it copyrighted to someone or in the public domain?
Use the reverse image tool to find the source of images: image.google.com
If the image was created before 1923 or is an image so popular that it’s being used in multiple places, it’s most likely the image is in the ‘public domain’ and is free to use. But, you still have to check.
If you are unsure use a site that provides copyright free images:
https://pixabay.com/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/britishlibrary
https://www.openculture.com/
https://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online
https://www.freepik.com/
https://unsplash.com/
https://www.pexels.com/royalty-free-images/

You can also download this amazing graphic from The Visual Communication Guy to help you:

In today's episode, I invite you to Stop, Look and Listen.

When we are feeling overwhelmed, or clueless on where to start with making art - this exercise is super!

It brings us back to the present moment, brings clarity to the mind and space for ideas, relaxes us and also leads to inspiration that is sitting at our fingertips.

We often take what's in front of us for granted, we see scenes every day and miss the hidden gems that are awaiting us!

This simple exercise that you can do in 2 minutes will help!

If you want to learn more about Make your Mark, click here: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mym/

If you want to follow along with the 5 days of sketch-booking, check out our stories on Facebook or Instagram.

Join me as I unveil a step by step process Sharon Griffin and I wrote to help you make powerful art. Sharon has been an artist her whole life and her art career is booming. 6 years ago we wrote a course called MAKE YOUR MARK to help people at all stages of ability who have: * No idea where to start * Been making for years but are tired of copying images * Too many ideas and constantly play but feel like they're not getting anywhere * Established careers but yearning to make something else - but don't have time

The 6 part process covered in Make your Mark is: * Research - sounds boring but this is about stopping and noticing. Noticing what makes you curious, what is in front of you but you can't see? * Materials and Techniques - Using a starting point from what you notice around you, how can you use different media to express this. This is play time. * Formal elements - again, sounds so serious but these are the foundations on making art. This is what Sharon goes back to every time she improves and strengthens her art. You might know what the formal elements are, you can Google them. * Colour - do you need colour?? We notice contrast before we notice colour, but colour is a powerful tool. Playing with different colour options and seeing what happens when you change them is powerful. * Select and Reject - this is all about learning the right questions to ask yourself during the art making process. If you are not following this step, you are missing a huge opportunity to learn from every artwork you make. * Finally - round this up into an outcome, this might be a finished work, a collection, a sketchbook of ideas.

The course starts on 3rd June and runs for 7 weeks. On the 30th May we will be releasing daily prompts on social media to help you start the MAKE YOUR MARK process. SIGN UP HERE: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mym/

I was in a studio session a couple of weeks ago with one of my members, Varvara.

We were talking about how distracting it can be when you see the work of others and think 'ooh, I want to make art like that’.

We then go on a pursuit to make that type of art and sometimes it works and sometimes it really doesn't.

In this week's episode, I talk about why this happens and also how liking our work can change from one week to the next and that's ok!

Enjoy 😊

P.s. Our Make Your Mark course is starting on 3rd June. It’s a 6 part sketchbook course that is ran by my dear friend Sharon Griffin who helps you delve into your creativity, whilst exploring your artistic voice. It’s such amazing course and it’s really helped me tap back into my creative side over the years.

Kirsty Thomas took part in Make Your Mark and had this to say:

“I just wanted to say thank you for MYM course it’s woken me up after 20 years I feel alive and looking at everything so differently - I started to take pictures of people's front doors!!!! Nice ones! Thank you both so much. I also joined the hub and love it.”

You can find out more and join our waitlist here: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mym/

Ahhhhh!!!!

In this week’s episode, I talk about wanting to make art but how life gets in the way.

I share my top 3 tips for dealing with life taking over and how I carve out time. P.s. Our Make Your Mark course starts on 3rd June. This is a 6 part course with my wonderful friend Sharon Griffin who teaches how to create a start pointing, play and delve into the formal elements of art. It is such a fun course. You can find out more and join our waitlist here.

How to be a more eco aware artist is a question that creeps up all the time. So many artists that I speak to are thinking about how to make their art more environmentally friendly and kinder to our planet.

I, for one, am trying to be more aware of where materials come from, how to package things, and if I can support local businesses in some way or another.

In this episode, I was joined by some other artists and we discuss how to become a more eco aware artist. We all shared our views, thoughts and tips, enjoy!

Please note, this a prerecorded episode.

I went away over Easter and I didn't want to come home. I wasn't sure why, other than that I was having a great time and normal life didn't seem that appealing. I then realised that it was the silent to-do list that is weighing me down. The to-do list we are not conscious of. Everything in our home 'speaks' to us in some way.

For example, the plant that is saying 'water me', the wallpaper that is falling off that is saying 'the house looks awful’ and ‘you still haven't fixed this yet’ (which leads to a bigger fear that maybe you have expensive damp to sort), the list goes on.

The point is, the silent to-do list might be weighing you down more than you realise. You can listen to this week’s Motivational Monday episode to hear my top 3 ways of dealing with this.

Read more about this here: https://www.unitedartspace.org/do-you-have-a-silent-to-do-list/

“You don’t believe what you see, you see what you believe” How helpful or hindering are your beliefs? Do they help you achieve your goals or get in the way?

How are your beliefs causing you to behave and at their heart do yours contain a lie?

In this episode, we’ll explore what a belief is, how you created yours and how to create more empowering ones in order to be more happy, successful and fulfilled.

I am super excited to be joined by the one and only, Steve McDermott. Steve is an international motivational speaker, best selling author of 'How to be a Complete and Utter F**k up.

To buy Steve's book, click here.

*Please note this a pre-recorded episode.

How to be a Complete and Utter F**k Up: 47 1/2 steps to lasting underachievement

When it comes to the art making process, it is important to realise that you can make art in your own way. However you like. Whatever you like. It is your decision. It’s your art. You don’t have to fit a mould. When you know this and start to accept it, as simple as it sounds, the art making process can become a lot simpler for you. Tell yourself that you are the captain of your own ship. I can make art in my own way!

When you want to put your art out into the world for it to be seen and engaged by others on some level or another, for it to make an impact, this is where you’ll start to hear the word consistency. Here is where it becomes more elusive and you start to ask yourself, do I need to create on style of art?

This is the question I will been talking about this weeks episode.

We also have our Kickstart Your Art challenge coming up in May.

10 minutes a day (or more if you want)

7 days of inspiration seeking.

Get daily videos and written prompts to help you gather inspiration and develop your voice as an artist.

Learn more here!

This is the last episode in our Your Art Matters week bonus series.

Twice a year we bring artists together from around the world to bring you inspiration, fun and amazing free resources.

*Please note our competition has now closed.

In the episode, I talk about how art has taken me on this journey and almost brought me back to the beginning. I also tell you how you can enter our competition and win some prizes.

Enjoy!

Join us as we celebrate our annual Your Art Matters event. Twice a year we bring artists together from around the world to bring you inspiration, fun and amazing free resources.

*Please note our competition has now closed.

In this episode, I share with you my journey through art school and how it has led me to where I am today.

Welcome to our 50th episode! It's a special one as we are in the middle of our Your Art Matters week. Twice a year we bring artists together from around the world to bring you inspiration, fun and amazing free resources.

*Please note our competition has now closed.

In this episode, I talk about my journey with art and where it began.

Enjoy!

One of the biggest things that holds us back and dictates the life we live is driven by the judgement we receive from others and the judgment we place on ourselves. In this episode, I want to share how you can free yourself of this feeling.

By freeing ourselves of this feeling we are allowing ourselves to grow and develop in our own way, for our own minds, as it can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.

I just wanted to remind you that our Your Art Matters event is starting on Monday 4th April. It’s completely free to join in. I am on a mission to bring artists from all over the world together to find joy, have fun and get inspired with art. If you want to join, you can sign up here: https://join.yourartmatters.com.

WE NEED ART!

Art is powerful, it heals, evokes and helps us both question and understand more about ourselves and the world we live in. It builds confidence, self-awareness and self-belief. It creates change and challenges our perceptions.

Art is accessible to everyone. It all starts with making art.

With everything going on in the world we need art more than ever.

In this episode, I will be sharing how we can use art during these difficult times and why art is so flippin' amazing.

If you want to escape the world and immerse yourself in art for 5 days, come and join our annual YOUR ART MATTERS event.

Click here to take part: https://join.yourartmatters.com

Do you know that feeling when you can feel yourself falling behind, like time is running away with you and you just can’t catch your breath? Have you set yourself some big goals this year? Is there something you are setting your sights on to achieve?

Know that this is normal. I am feeling it massively at the moment. There is so much going on behind the scenes as we are getting everything ready for our annual Your Art Matters event.

It’s running from 4th to 8th April. The theme for this event is “art is…” and we are asking people to share what art means to them and complete the phrase “art is…”!

The purpose of this event is to really celebrate the diversity in the arts from all over the world. To come and join our event, sign up here.

W get the full debrief from Sharon on her collaborative show at the Collect Art Fair. We will get all the scoop on what went well, what didn’t go so well and what Sharon would definitely do / not do next time. We also discuss the impact that art has, the importance of understanding your own process as an artist and how you have to be in it for the long game. You can watch our live episode here and read our latest blog post here.

Have you ever felt the world is against you? You have a plan and then something happens that turns your dream upside down, or worst still destroys your plans?? This week I am joined with a special guest, Ricky Locke. Ricky is a professional speaker, magician and hypnotist and during the pandemic, Ricky's dream of becoming fully self-employed was destroyed. Listen in as Ricky shares how these events ended up opening doors he never knew existed. This isn't our traditional art chat, but Ricky is a massively creative person with a really inspiring story we can all learn from. You can find out more on Vlogcast.

What is art? Everyone has a view of what art is. It's an important conversation to have as there is no right or wrong. Art is different to everyone and each person will have a different view of what art should be. Don't get derailed by what other people's opinions are, and hone in on what art is to you. You are unique, there is nobody else out there like you. This is the magic you bring to your art making. You can watch, listen and read more on our vlogcast.

In this episode, I chat about the topic of talent being something that is taught or whether it is innate.

Have you ever questioned whether you have talent? Maybe you have admired others who effortlessly make art and think 'they were born with that talent, it's not possible for me?'.

I have views on this topic and I share them with you here.

By the way, I am going live on Monday 21st Feb at 5pm UK over on Facebook and YouTube with Nicholas Wilton. We will be doing a live art critique. If you want to come and join us, click here!

Sharon shares behind the scenes of how she has secured the biggest art show of her life and how she's preparing for it. The collect show is taking place between 24th-28th February and Collect in London.

Join me and my special guest, Nicholas Wilton, as we talk about how to get unstuck in your art making and how to make powerful art. Hint: you can keep taking art courses, but if you don't learn the foundations of art you will always struggle. We discuss:

The feeling of comparison and not being as good as others.
How to get started.
That feeling when you have a picture in your head but what you make feels blah.

Nic also shared his approach to art and how he became a full time artist and founder of Art2Life, which has turned into a 7 figure income!

Join the free Art2Life workshops here!

In this episode, I share with you how I have been preparing myself to take part in the 29029 everesting event and how this is taking me completely out of my comfort zone. Listen to this episode to find out how Colin O’Brady, co-founder of 29029 event, inspired me to take the steps I need to get started with my training and how I am using this method of taking tiny steps to achieve my big goals and allowing myself to dream big for 2022.

I am very excited to announce a new feature on the Your Art Matters Podcast. The Michelle and Sharon show will be hosted once a month, so grab a cuppa and join us as we talk about art, life and happiness. If you want to tune into this as we record, you can watch live from Facebook or YouTube, make sure you like our pages so you don't miss episodes.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedArtSpace

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyr7vVnj_vz5__fihTNARYA

An interesting question came to me last week, 'do I need to believe in my goals and dreams?' - I am going to explore this question and talk about how to create dreams and goals so you make 2022 your best year yet.

Sign up to the Best Year Yet workshops here: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/byy/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. We read each one and may even give you a shout out. Please leave a review and subscribe to the podcast!

I have had a few people say that they feel like a fraud as they are making money in other ways, not just from art. In some cases, not making anything at all, which leads to imposter syndrome.

This leads me to discuss our definition of success, something we should get really clear on before we design our own lives.

Have you ever thought about collaborating with another artist?

When you look back in history many artists worked together, on projects or to talk through ideas. It's powerful when you find others you can team up with.

In this video, Sharon and Wayne join me as we talk about how they are collaborating right now. I can also confirm that they are both exhibiting at the Collect Open in London, which is a huge exhibition.

ART, MONEY, SUCCESS

In this episode I am joined by the amazing, Maria Brophy to talk about the topics Art, Money and Success. This is also the title of her best selling book.

We delve into a great conversation, so grab a cuppa and a notebook.

Please note: this is a pre-recorded!

WHO DO YOU NEED TO BE RIGHT NOW?

When I set my goal to write a book at the beginning of last year, I quickly realised that I wasn't ready to write a book. I spent the first 6 months of the year working out what I need to do and who I need to be. I worked on my limiting beliefs and I worked on the skill gap.

I imagined the person I needed to be to get a deal and what I need to do now to start being that person.

If you are looking ahead, sometimes you have to start being the person you need to be before you get there.

WHERE FOCUS GOES ENERGY FLOWS

I want you to repeat this over and over again. What you are thinking, you will see more of.

I want you to make sure you are not inadvertently attracting what you don't want.

The mind is powerful!

If you want to make a living from your art, you need to do this one thing before anything else.

Carve out time every week to make it happen.

Create more time by compartmentalising your life. Dedicate time each week and take yourself to a new environment to get it done.

It’s not easy, this is what I’m talking about today!

We often talk about the calm before the storm but I have being experiencing this the other way round recently.

The muddled mess before we start a new painting, trying to work out who our people are, trying to set up a website, trying to figure out the next steps and what we actually want in life.

It's the part where there is confusion and no certainty that can create self doubt or the feeling of wanting to give up.

This is what I talk about today, the power of taking a step back and focussing on the next 1-3 steps. Embracing the storm and having faith the calm is on its way.

This week I’m talking about how we really never know what’s around the corner. A cliche but so true.

I share stories from myself, friends, and members who struggled then things changed for the better.

The moral is to keep hold of your dreams as tight as you can.

If you would like to take part in the FREE Make Art your Living workshops, click here: https://uas.unitedartspace.org/mayl/

Over the last week, I have been talking to other artists and the same conversation has been cropping up.

People have been sharing their stories about how one person's criticism has stayed with them forever!

Criticism can be a really big issue and a lot of people have been saying how this criticism has lead to them taking a break from their art - weeks, months, years, and even decades.

Coming back from a break can leave you filling full anxiety, questioning if your art is good enough and this is what I am chatting about today.

Today I am talking about that feeling when you are not making progress, you know, the feeling that you are not good enough, or that you are making yourself look ridiculous.

I have been having all those feels recently, so want to share what I am doing to overcome them

Today I am going to talk about how you can become and more environmentally conscious artist. From the materials you use, the cleaning up process, packaging and shipping orders, knowing your carbon footprint and using local businesses.

I believe there is a place for everyone in the art world, and it's possible at any stage and any age to bring your creative passions alive.

So, every week I bring you a dose of inspiration with thought provoking and motivational conversation so you can make art you love, and turn what you love into a living.

I want to help you get motivated and inspired for the week ahead.

We have been pondering the question "what is art?" lately. Especially as we have had many artists join our members' Hub who make art in alternative media and materials.

We are half way through the year and this is a great time to check in with what you want from the remaining 6 months of the year and what you are going to:

START
STOP
BELIEVE

You can listen to the video above, to find out more.

If you are feel defeated, I highly recommend checking in with why your art matters! This can give you the fuel to keep going. Don’t underestimate the power your art has on yourself and others. To add fuel to the fire, you can download our YOUR ART MATTERS MAGAZINE HERE

https://uas.unitedartspace.org/magazine/

We've got many new people around here, so I wanted to share my story of where United ArtSpace started from and the importance of not giving up.

Often, when we are finding things hard, it is because we're about to turn a corner.

Always remember, everything happens for a reason.

I believe there is a place for everyone in the art world, and it's possible at any stage and any age to bring your creative passions alive.

So, every week I bring you a dose of inspiration with thought provoking and motivational conversation so you can make art you love, and turn what you love into a living.

I want to help you get motivated and inspired for the week ahead.

This week I want to talk to you about the journey of being an artist. Everyone has a different story, but this is what makes us all amazing and individual.

Remember, your story is powerful, meaningful and beautiful.

This quote from Seth Godin is one of my favourites, and it hits the nail on the head.

"Art is what we call... the thing the artist does. It's not the medium or the oil or the price or whether it hangs on a wall or you eat it.

What matters, what makes it art, is that the person who made it overcame the resistance, ignored the voice of doubt and made something worth making.

Something risky. Something human.

Art is not in the eye of the beholder.

Art is in the soul of the artist."

Art is beautiful because it is different, so this week I want to talk to you about Alternative media and materials, the visual language and traditional art and non-traditional art.

So, this week I want to share my ways of finding inspiration with you. Sometimes we all need a little push in the right direction. I am going to share my five top tips on digging deep when needing that little bit of inspiration.

The power of keeping an art diary. In this episode I talk about the benefits of keeping an art diary. To develop your art and also your mind. Free therapy ! Let me know in the comments how you process ideas and learn best...

I realised this week (well a long time ago) that I am addicted to my phone. It got me really thinking about where my time is going, I mean really going. Every time I think about using my phone I am not in the present moment. Every time I reach for my phone is a moment I can be working on something else. Add all that time up and there we are talking hours of precious time. Here are my top tips for moving away from the addiction and using social media in a good way; a healthy and positive way. Here are the top tips for getting going: * Spend the week tracking your time. Use Toggl, notebook, anything. it's a pain but very insightful. * Find alternative ways to de-stress - carry a sketchbook, read a book. * When you are in consume mode 'taking courses' or learning from others, limit this to 3 people at a time. Filter the noise.

In this podcast I share my top tips for planning and reducing the feeling of overwhelm. The biggest part of overwhelm is holding information and to-do lists in your mind. If you have been putting milk in the cupboard instead of the fridge as your mind is racing, this video if for you.

Welcome to our three part special on making art your living.

This is part three and in this episode we talk about when you want to start selling I share the questions you need to start asking and how you can choose who you sell to.

Find out how to enter our giveaway here.

Welcome to our three part special on making art your living.

This is part two and in this episode I share the power of connection. I take you through a series of questions that will help you build powerful connections with your audience.

Here is the worksheet: https://uasworkshops.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Podcast+2.pdf

Find out how to enter our giveaway here.

Welcome to our three part special on making art your living.

This is part one and in this episode I explain why there has never been a better time to be an artist and how the 2 main factors holding us back.

Find out how to enter our giveaway here.

How to find more time is one of the biggest challenges I see people face, is not having enough time.

In this episode I share my top 3 tips for finding more time.

Enjoy,

Michelle x.

Today I am sharing my top 3 tips for dealing with fear and doubt.

What is the opposite?
What is the solution?
I can cope - Accept the worse and know you can cope.

We feel fear and doubt all the time, especially as we grow. I see it on a daily basis, in friends, myself and also the members of UAS. Questions come in daily and there is usually fear or doubt driving the questions.

Remember you CAN cope and accept that the worst might happen but you learn from mistakes and challenging times. I can create a safety net in case this does happen and minimise it from happening in the future. It's OK to make mistakes, I am human.

Hope this helps,

Michelle.

In this episode I talk about giving up when something gets hard vs giving up because you hate doing something. I realised last week there is a very find line between giving up on something that is hard vs giving up on something we really don't enjoy doing. There are going to be times of resistance when we are growing as people as and creatives. When we are learning and growing, it hurts. We literally experience growing pains. I had a reminder last week to keep pushing through the pain as I nearly gave up 4 years ago and I would never be where I am today if I had. I hope you enjoy!

In this episode I talk about the topic of comparison vs being inspired by.

Here are some great quotes here from Jon Acuff:

Inspiration tells you anything is possible.
Comparison tells you everything is impossible.
Inspiration fills you up.
Comparison empties you.
Inspiration drives you forward.
Comparison pulls you backward.
Inspiration tells you there’s still time to accomplish something amazing.
Comparison tells you it’s too late.

Enjoy!

In this episode, I talk about what makes an artist's voice and the difference between copying and being inspired by others' work.

Finding your voice as an artist makes you unique and stand out from the crowd and can be very enlightening.

Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about our Kick-Start Your Art Challenge, and everyone taking part is on the road to finding their voice.

Making mistakes is something we all need to do to find out what we love about our art and why and work out what we don't like to find our authentic voice.

Making mistakes isn't a bad thing as long as we learn from them.

Enjoy!

So in today's episode, I talk about how sometimes, you can feel terrified of who you are as a person and as an artist.

We can sometimes lose sight of what inspires us, especially in these crazy times we find ourselves in.

Our Kick-Start Your Art Challenge, has come at the perfect time. It's there to help you find your inspiration and creative flow when these questions come, and we hit creative blocks as artists.

What makes a great artist? It is something that I have been thinking about over the last week. For me, it's practice, practice, practice.

I share some stories about how 'practice' is the best way to grow as an artist and share some exciting things that we've got coming up at United ArtSpace.

We have a KickStart Your Art Challenge starting on 19th February, and our Make Your Mark course is back!

Enjoy,
Michelle x.

In this podcast I talk about the 'but, the 'trying' and the unnecessary disclaimers we use when we talk about ourselves and our work. For the record, it's fine to say you are self-taught, if you are saying this in a positive sense, and one that is being celebrated. Being self-taught is an incredible achievement. But, when we use this as a disclaimer, because we are feeling doubt or worry over our 'credibility' then don't do it. From today, be mindful of the words you use and fill your words with confidence, even if you don't feel it. Much love, Michelle x.

I answer the question " Is it necessary to frame my work before approaching a gallery?"

It's a great question that brings up important points as an artist and one I answers in this episode.

Enjoy,
Michelle x.

Hello, how are you?

In this episode, I talk about the importance of believing in yourself and not giving up.

Sometimes it's when we're just at the point the of giving up when things may change. Working on our mindset is crucial and finding people that support you is so important!

Tune in to get some top tips on mindset and hear some amazing success stories Hub members who were so close to giving up but didn't.

Never forget, we all believe in you.

Much love,
Michelle x.

In this episode, I discuss if we should have a backup plan for if we head into a recession. Things in the world right now are pretty uncertain in many areas, and it can trigger people to think about their business and the best way to plan going forward.

Tune in, and you'll hear my thoughts on this!

Please note, these are just my personal views and thoughts on this, and you have to do what is right for you and your situation at that particular time.

Enjoy!

Much love,
Michelle x.

It's a question that I get asked a lot - what should I do with all my artworks?

Are they just sitting around your art studio?
Are you running out of space?
Perhaps you want to make room for the new?
Maybe you feel the need to declutter?

Well, let me tell you, there is plenty you can do with your old artworks and I go into some of the best ways to just so in this podcast.

You can also read about this in more detail over on my blog!

Much love,

Michelle X.

Hello and welcome to the first-ever episode of the Your Art Matters podcast. My name is Michelle Lloyd, United ArtSpace founder, and I am so excited to be sat here launching this. It's been a long time coming!

I believe there is a place for everyone in the art world, and it is possible at any stage and any age to bring your creative passions alive.

This podcast aims to bring inspiring, thought-provoking conversation and motivation to all the artists out there who may need it.

So, I hope you enjoy my first one, and I can't wait to bring you more.

Much love,
Michelle x.