Art Crisis: Honest Conversation For Artists
By Rachel Christopoulos
Art Crisis: Honest Conversation For ArtistsJul 22, 2022
Ep. 20: The Do's & Don'ts of Submitting To Fine Art Fairs
Today's episode is a behind the scene's look at what being an art fair juror was like. It's a close up look at the process, the notes, and the suggestions I made for any artist looking to move from smaller craft shows and into bigger more competitive ones.
If you've ever wondered how to begin applying or how to maximize your chances of acceptance into fine art fairs, this is the episode for you. You'll finally know what is going on behind the curtain... ✨
Ep. 19: Are You Quietly Quitting Your Art?
Let's talk about ambition. Are you ambitious? Do you pursue your art ambitiously? Or are you quietly quitting in favor of saving face?
Today I ask a question with a lot of layers and I want you to answer it. This is your chance to dive deep into your view on ambition, discover the passion down within, and give yourself concrete steps to help you on your creative path.
This episode is full of transparency, passionate side notes, and encouragement to help you feel good about your status as an artist and your progress (no matter the speed) forward.
Questions? Ideas for future episodes? DM me on Instagram!
If you liked the episode, go ahead and share it with a friend :) Thanks for listening!
Ep. 18: The Age of Algorithms and Art
In an online world, driven by algorithms and fast moving fingers... what's an artist to do?
This episode explores how to exist as an artist in an overwhelming place and how to make the algorithm work for you and your goals. Artists shouldn't have to sell out in order to make progress or feel seen, today we look at the power of making and understanding your art so you can share it with others without compromise.
Do you have an Art Crisis? Submit your idea or request to be a guest on the podcast!
Ep. 17: Art Crisis Hotline
In today's episode, I explore a list of submitted crises in rapid fire style. Everything from defining your audience and creating a collection to booth shots for shows and how to get over painting paralysis. This episode approaches problems submitted directly from you!
Submit your own crisis in my DMs here!
Ep. 16: Interview w/ Fiber Artist Kaitlin Esche-Lyon
Inside this episode, Kaitlin and I discuss her Fiber Art, Pricing, and building confidence in your craft when it's not always well received.
Kaitlin Esche-Lyon is a Madison, WI based modern quilter. Having a background in architecture, she brings unique geometries and spatial awareness to quilting. She uses a mix of traditional piecing and foundation paper piecing quilting techniques. All of her quilts use bright eye-catching colors. Esche-Lyon’s hope is to inspire others through her art, and spread the joy and comfort that it exudes.
Learn more about Kaitlin here. Have a Crisis you want covered next? Send me a DM on Instagram!
Ep. 15: Does the Artist Checklist Still Exist?
We've all heard whispers of the elusive but *very* real artist checklist... but does it actually exist?
Is there really one way to the top? And how do we know what's on it and what path to take? Where do we find access to this checklist?!
In today's episode, I tackle my own beliefs about the checklist, what I would put on it now, and my recommendations for where to start if you're feeling lost in your pursuit of creativity.
Grab your coffee, a journal, and settle in because 2024 is bringing some bold energy.
Ep. 14: What's The Secret To Balancing Art & Motherhood?
🤫 In this one, I tell you the secret to how I get things done... which actually is just me being honest about how little I can get done.
Ep. 14 explores my balance of motherhood and art, what I do and don't do, and the tough questions I ask myself so I can still make progress (no matter how painfully slow). We don't talk about making endless to-do lists and schedules. We don't go over how to schedule all the content in advance. We just get honest about being in the today because that's all a busy mind and home can manage.
This episode is for all the moms in my audience: the ones who need to be seen, have their art acknowledged, and told they aren't missing the bus for success because their baby is crying and their toddler is sick and their oldest has a soccer game.😫 It's time to feel empowered on your journey as you navigate this new season of two very important things; art and motherhood.
Ep. 13: Should I Sell At Art Markets?
Are you looking to change up your selling structure? Do you want to expand your network, connect with your community, or just challenge yourself? Art markets might be for you! In this episode I talk about my summer of selling in person, switching it up to help me balance priorities, and how much I've made + learned while trying this new avenue. If you're interested in trying your hand at art fairs, give this episode a listen.
A couple things:
I get my prints done locally here: https://www.picturesalon.com/
My canopy walls are from Flourish, they can be found here: https://www.flourishdisplays.com/Flourish_Company
Ep. 12: No One Is Buying My Art
If you've ever stress cried yourself to sleep or told yourself tomorrow you'd toss your paints if you couldn't get it together or maybe you ghosted your Instagram because it was just too much of a pressure chamber... this episode is for you.
Being an artist is hard but it's made even harder by crickets. This episode aims to combat the most common pitfalls of business as an artist and how to begin moving yourself from making art to selling it. Through humorous story, embarrassing confessions, and practical advice, Rachel shares with you her best ideas to solve this Art Crisis once and for all (or at least for a little bit).
Let's Connect: https://www.instagram.com/rachelsshoppe.co/?hl=en
Ep. 11: Are Artists Influencers?
Is it unprofessional to be an artist and an influencer? Aren't we all influencers at some point online? How do you find a balance between vulnerability and curated content?
Inside this new Art Crisis episode, Ammie Williams and I explore content creation, boundaries on Instagram, standing out and expression yourself through the screen.
Learn more about Ammie here.
Ep. 10: What makes art valuable?
What makes art valuable? How do you increase the value of your art? Inside this tough topics, we explore some new metrics to measure and assess the value of your work and ask questions designed to help understand it.
Referenced Artists:
Ep. 9: Can You Be a Serious Artist and a Casual Creative?
Exactly what it sounds like: How do artists blend art and business and stay happy?
How do you do one without hating the other? What if you change your mind and want to "backtrack"? Today we're exploring the term casual creative, what you want from your art, and how to move yourself forward in a healthy relationship with your practice.
Want to talk about these ideas more? Reach out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelsshoppe.co/?hl=en
Ep. 8: Why Isn't Popular Art Popular For Me?
Are you frustrated cause your work isn't selling?
Are you getting envious of the success you see but you just don't see any for you? Every artist gets plagued by these feelings especially when by all counts, the work should be selling! Today we're navigating my own experience with following trends and what you can do to stop yourself from feeling disconnected from your art and audience.
If you liked this episode share it, like it, or give it a rating! And if you want to talk more about being a modern day artist, reach out on Instagram: @rachelsshoppe.co
Ep. 7: 10 Potential Words of the Year (Artist Edition)
Struggling to pick a word of the year? Confused by the process? Overanalyzing your options?! I've compiled a list of 10 potential words for you to choose from and alternatives and prompts that might be just what you need as we cruise towards 2023. If you've been wanting to goal set or begin planning for a new year, this is a great episode as you ease into it.
P.S. definitely bring a journal!
Ep. 6: Are You An Artist or a Machine?
Let's get real: it can be hard to feel like you can take your time with art these days. Everything is moving too fast, the preferred content is video, and now... well if you don't share your idea in *just* the right conditions, it's ignored. Today we tackle the Art Crisis of feeling like you constantly have to be making new art or you'll become irrelevant in a matter of days. We explore process, taking your time, and look at what it might mean for you if you get honest about what you want from your art.
NOTES:
Seth Godin Blog: https://seths.blog/2015/07/what-is-your-art/#:~:text=I%20define%20art%20as%20having,causing%20a%20connection%20to%20happen.
Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/
Got a crisis? Reach out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelsshoppe.co/
Ep. 5: Holiday Prep Stresses Me Out
And we're back with more crisis, conversation, and coffee! This month we're tackling the feelings of pressure that come with creating during the holiday season. If you're ever felt lost, annoying, or unsure of how to go about selling your art, this one is for you!
TAKE 'TIS THE SEASON: Join this full, holiday focused course to help you do your best selling this season. Use code, "SANTA" for $75 off!
https://thecreativebones.thinkific.com/courses/tis-the-season-2022
SUBMIT TO THE GIFT GUIDE: The deadline to share your work with the world is Oct. 22nd! If you'd like to submit your art and have it featured, use the link below.
https://www.thecreativebones.com/2022-gift-guide
Ep. 4: Instagram is the worst...?
I don't know about you, but I've seen multiple Instagram breakups this year. If you've been wanting to break up with this app but have felt trapped because you need something from it, that's what this episode of art crisis breaks down. What are you supposed to do with Instagram when you are feeling indifferent or just plain stuck?
Submit your own Art Crisis here: https://www.thecreativebones.com/art-crisis
Learn More about Rachel: https://www.rachelsshoppe.com/
Ep. 3: I Don't Feel Very Creative Right Now
This week we're diving into what the heck you're supposed to do when you're not connecting with your art or you just don't feel like an artist. We've all been there, it's time to brainstorm and get you back to making your best work yet!
Have you got a crisis you want covered? Submit it here: https://www.thecreativebones.com/art-crisis
Want to learn how to paint portraits in acrylic paint? My course is open now! https://thecreativebones.thinkific.com/courses/painting-portraits
Want to connect more? Reach out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelsshoppe.co/
Ep. 2: Can I make a living with my art selling one thing?
Big thank you to Emily of Coco & June sharing her crisis for this episode. Check her out here: https://cocoandjune.com/
Did you enjoy the podcast? Want to submit your own crisis? Send it my way on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelsshoppe.co/ or through email: rachel@rachelsshoppe.com
Ep. 1: My Personal Art Crisis, Two Plant Metaphors, & Iced Coffee
Finally. I pushed publish on my first episode - I hope I'll continue to do that! If you enjoyed this episode, let me know! Give the show a follow, share it with a fellow artist, or if you want to be friends, reach out on Instagram.
If you have your own crisis you want talked about on the show, submit it to: rachel@rachelsshoppe.com.
Thanks for listening!