The Artist Bloc Podcast
By The Artist Bloc LLC
The Artist Bloc PodcastFeb 05, 2021
15. 6th Element of Hip Hop, hustler vs artist and Cinema tips with Theron Smith
TAB podcast #15 features a Brooklyn Native, Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor and Educator, Theron 'Tee Smif' Smith. Theron got his first start in 1991 as an extra for the Spike Lee movie Malcolm X. Afterwards, Smith would go on to work as a casting director for films such as Inside Man, He Got Game and Miracle at St. Anna before transitioning to a cinematographer. His position in industry was cemented when he was chosen to be the cinematographer for the iconic film 'Fade to Black', documenting #Hip Hop artist Jay-z's creation of his classic studio album 'Fade to Black'.
Smith would eventually transitioned into television, working as a director and producer for shows such as 106 and Park, Rap City, The Chappelle Show and MTV's Suck Free Countdown. Today, Theron owns and operators 10/12 Media Group, a media company that specializes in video production services and media consultant services.
On this episode, Theron shares tips and insights from his 30 year career on the key to directing and #cinematography, understanding the difference between being a hustler vs an artist and why the #lens is the 6th element of hip hop.
Guest: https://www.facebook.com/theronteesmif
Show IG: https://www.instagram.com/theartistbloc
Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to see on the show
The Artist Bloc is an #arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities.
http://www.theartistbloc.com
14. Securing sponsorships and building brands with GSO Vibes
The series is one of many projects created under their company Lemon time Studios, video production company designed to build #brands while fostering community.
On this episode, Kevin and Andrea share their experiences on securing #sponsorships with local organizations for GSO Vibes as well as the process of building brands for themselves and others.
Guest IG: www.instagram.com/gsovibes
Show IG: https://www.instagram.com/theartistbloc.
Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to see on the show
The Artist Bloc is an #arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities.
www.theartistbloc.com
13. Selling Merch, Artist Development and Staying Creative with T Walker
TAB podcast #13 features the multi-talented #artist T Walker. Famously known for being a #MC, the President of S.O.U.L Society, Inc. is also a poet, visual artist and emerging business man. Over the past two years, he has expand his reach by opening and operating Live #Alkaline Water, an all natural water company that provides 100 percent chemical FREE, H320, sourced from an aquifer with springs that sits above a mineral rock bed.
On this episode, Walker shares his insight on the importance of artist development, staying versatility and creative and why selling #merch is a cheat code for every artist.
Guest IG: https://www.instagram.com/twalkernc
Show IG: https://www.instagram.com/theartistbloc
Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to see on the show
The Artist Bloc is an #arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities.
http://www.theartistbloc.com
12. Longevity, Growing your following and Versatility with SunQueen Kelcey
11. Poet vs MC, Finding your audience & opportunities with Poet Dasan Ahanu
Follow on Instragram @dasanahanu and follow us @theartistbloc. Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to have on the show
Located in Greensboro, NC, The Artist Bloc is an arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. www.theartistbloc.com
10. Ownership, Pricing Strategies & Contracts with Custom Car Upholstery Artist Rashaun Wilson
TAB podcast #10 features Rashaun Wilson, owner of Scope Vision Customs, specializing in custom upholstery for cars, bike seats, and upholstery repair. On this episode, Rashaun shares his journey of learning how to sew, hustling custom bikes seats at cars shows and bike weeks along with the importance of contracts.
Follow on Instragram @scopevisioncustoms and follow us @theartistbloc. Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to have on the show
Located in Greensboro, NC, The Artist Bloc is an arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. www.theartistbloc.com
9. Marketing, building a team and finding Inspiration vs Motivation with Rapper Demi Day
TAB podcast #9 features independent rapper artist Demi Day. A self-taught performer, writer, and graphic designer, Day has opened for notable acts including Taylor Bennett, Blitz the Ambassador, Noname, T.I., and Raheem DeVaughn. On this episode, Demi stares her wisdom on she created the successfully clever marketing campaign, 'The Little Rapper That Could', the importance and power of building a great team, art theory vs art for sale and understanding the difference between staying motivated and finding inspiration.
Follow on Instragram @demidayofficial and follow us @theartistbloc. Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to have on the show
Located in Greensboro, NC, The Artist Bloc is an arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. www.theartistbloc.com
8. The magic of the Blues with sound engineer Atiba Berkley
TAB podcast #8 features sound engineer Atiba Berkley. A trained opera singer and lifelong creative, Atiba moved from NY to NC in hopes of a new start. Following a year of mapping out his plan to become a sound engineer, he enrolled in an audio program at Guildford Technical Community College. After few semesters, he decided to dropped out and pursue a sound engineer career via the school of hard knocks. Today, he is a sought after sound engineer with credits ranging from live mixing to televised sporting event and films. Furthermore, he is the president of the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society based on of Greensboro, NC, with a mission of bringing the history, magic and beauty of the blues to everyone.
In this episode we cover:
- What is an A&R
- Building a 21st century blues society
- Stepping out on faith: Proving yourself to yourself
- The takeaways from training in American corporation customer service
- When you are not on stage, you are in service to others
- Learning how to say 'I don't know'
- Managing your character and showing up on time
- Having a willingness to learn
- The importance of different types of mentors
- Piedmont Blues Preservation Society
- Blues as the world's 1st popular music
- What is sound engineering
Follow on Instragram @thedirtyhaitian and follow us @theartistbloc. Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to have on the show
Located in Greensboro, NC, The Artist Bloc is an arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. www.theartistbloc.com
7. Producing independent shows and national tours with comedian Jiwan Kapp
TAB podcast #7 features comedian Jiwan Kapp. Known for his jokes and prank phone calls, a young Jiwan knew his purpose was to bring people joy at a young age. By 18, he begin frequenting local venues and comedy clubs practicing his craft. After building up the courage to move to Charlotte, he was quickly hit with the reality of choosing between financially supporting himself and performing. Working as driver for renown comedian Nick Lewis propelled Kapp's career and provided the platform he needed to grow. Now a full-fledge business man, Jiwan not only produces his own shows but he also produces independent national tours as well. Furthermore, he created his own organization entitled 'G.O.O.F Camp', 'Giving Others Opportunities First' as a way of providing a platform for others.
In this episode we cover:
- The purpose of a comedian
- The importance of 'bombing' early
- The danger of being more focus of the business then the craft
- Putting in the work/soaking up game
- How you know when you are funny
- Comedian techniques
- Set the energy of the room
- Creating an independent national tour
- Putting a show together & having money put to the side for the night of the show
- A 'High John the Conqueror' approach
- 'GOOF' camp: Giving Others Opportunities First
- The importance of staying on the stage
- The power of creating and sell merchandise
- Figure out what type of comedian you want to be
Follow on Instragram @knowkappkomedy and follow us @theartistbloc. Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to have on the show
Located in Greensboro, NC, The Artist Bloc is an arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. www.theartistbloc.com
6. The power of manifestation and leveling up with LB the Poet
TAB podcast #6 features the multi-dimensional LB the Poet. After the death of his grandmother as a child, LB was introduced to poetry as a form of self expression. He instantly fell in love, but hid his passion for many years. By 19, he gathered the courage to perform at an open mic. Immediately following, an unlikely audience member solidified LB's calling and set him on the path of artprenuership. Today, LB is award winning poet, founder of W.O.R.D Society, Word of Mouth Wednesday experience and in finishing stages of opening his first poetry academy in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
In this episode we cover:
- Holistic living
- Learning to writing as a form of self expression
- How 'butterflies' should motivate your performance
- The power of your voice
- Everyday is 'WINSday'
- The importance of the grind
- Recognizing your level up as an artist and being prepared for your level up
- The power of a supportive spouse
- Creating a plan as an artist
- The power of a tribe/the power of collaboration
- Creating an experience
- The power of manifestation
Follow LB the Poet on Instragram @lbthepoet and follow us @theartistbloc. Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to have on the show
Located in Greensboro, NC, The Artist Bloc is an arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. www.theartistbloc.com
5. Mastering the art of DJing with musicologist DJ Karolina
TAB podcast #5 features the incomparable DJ Karolina. While riding in the car with his mother at the age of 5, Karolina had a DJ on the radio for the first, and in that moment, turned to his mother and proclaimed that he would be a DJ. Since receiving his first set of turntables at 15, Karolina has become a scholar of not only DJing but music as a whole. While in high school, he started his DJing business and then, while attending The University of North Carolina Greensboro, he started his first radio show on Galactic Rhythm Radio on WUAG 103.1 FM. Today Karolina is a well respected DJ and radio host, specializing in EDM while mastering the art of DJing and the history of music altogether.
In this episode we cover:
- The definition of an artist
- How to start your own radio show
- Using your degree/skill set to advance your art career
- The power of networking
- The artist/DJ relationship
- The current sound of music in NC
- Thoughts on NC creating its own sound
- The importance of investing in yourself
- Practice: It takes 10,000 hours to become a master
- How hip hops greatest asset is its biggest it weakness
Follow DJ Karolina on Instragram @DJKarolinamusic and follow us @theartistbloc. Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to have on the show
Located in Greensboro, NC, The Artist Bloc is an arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. www.theartistbloc.com
4. Leveraging college to advance your career with Te'Drenna Coleman
TAB podcast #4 features freshman class Allstar Te'Drenna Coleman. Hailing from Fayetteville, NC, photographer, videographer and all around creative, Te'Drenna has known she wanted to be an artprenuer since she was eight-years-old. Armed with persistence, determination and fortitude, she entered into her undergraduate matriculation at Winston Salem State University with a vision to rise to the top. By quickly aligning herself with the school photographer, she expanded her reputation and opened new doors that would grow her business from $50 grad shoots to being hired to shoot for NBA great Chris Paul. Today, the self-proclaimed 'Visual Storyteller' has her sights set on moving her company 'Drizzy Visuals' into a full fledged production company, while continuing to connect with young creatives like herself, along the way.
In this episode we cover:
- The difference between a photographer and an artist
- Nikon vs Canon
- Using prime lens vs zoom lens
- How to set your price
- The purpose of going to graduate school
- The power in creating a vision board for photography shoots
- Quality over quantity
- Understanding the difference between your passion and your purpose/calling
- Keys to networking
Follow Te'Drenna on Instragram @tdrizzy_ and follow us @theartistbloc. Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to have on the show
Located in Greensboro, NC, The Artist Bloc is an arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. www.theartistbloc.com
3. Self-employed to business owner with airbrush artist Hubert 'Rashard' Jones
TAB podcast #3 features airbrush artist Hubert 'Rashard' Jones. Although he sold his first art piece in middle school, Rashard didn't begin to take his artpreneur journey seriously until he got to college. After receiving his degree in visual art from North Carolina A&T State University, he discovered a hidden talent of airbrushing after inviting an airbrushing artist to teach the students in his mentorship program. Now the owner and lead artist of on airbrushing empire, Rashard shares tips on why its important, to not only form a legal business in order to increase your opportunities but, how to market and grow that business from being self-employed to a business owner.
In this episode we cover:
- Creating Art with value vs 'empty art'
- The importance legalizing your business
- Understanding how to 'peak where you are'
- How to utilize SEO to grow your own presence
- self-employed vs business owner vs entrepreneur
- How to hire and work with employees
Follow Rashard on Instragram @3jsairbrushing and follow us @theartistbloc. Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to have on the show
Located in Greensboro, NC, The Artist Bloc is an arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. www.theartistbloc.com
2. Being Prepared, Flexible and Focused with Xavier Carrington
TAB podcast #2 features Xavier Carrington, a multi-talented artist with experience in everything from illustration to screen printing. With a bachelors’ degree in visual art and a masters’ degree in graphic design, he began his artprenuer journey as a tattoo artist at the age of 18. On this episode, he shares tips on being prepared for opportunities, the power of networking with like-minded individuals and learning how to take critique in order to grow.
In this episode we cover:
- Being as big of the circle that praises you
- The importance of having a portfolio
- The power of work ethic
- The significances of parents nurturing children’s gifts/talents early
- Doing ‘good business’
- Laws and certifications for being a tattoo artist
- The four ‘F’s: fast, focus, flexible, and (the) flip
Follow Xavier on Instragram @bigplayzay and follow us @theartistbloc. Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to have on the show
Located in Greensboro, NC, The Artist Bloc is an arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. www.theartistbloc.com
1. Transitioning from Artist to Artprenuer with Sunny Gravely Foushee
As an artist, we trend to focus on creating while neglecting the business side. In today's society, it's important for artists to shifting their mindset to that of an entrepreneur in order to ensure a successful and profitable career in this industry.
Today's guest, Sunny Gravely Foushee, is a renowned visual artist, who specializes in painting and collage art. A true artpreneur, in addition to traveling the world selling art, she is the co-founder of The Artist Bloc and the Executive Director of TAB Arts Center Non-profit. A graduate of both Howard University and Pratt Institute, on this episode, Sunny shares lessons, personal experiences and tips on what it takes to become a full time artpreneuer.
In this episode we cover:
- The Importance of an Art Manager
- How to travel and make money
- Pricing your work
- Shifting your mindset
- 5 steps for becoming an artpreneur
- The difference between a fine artist and a commercial artist
Follow Sunny on Instagram @sgravelyogartist and follow us @theartistbloc. Let us know what you think of this episode and who you would like to have on the show
Located in Greensboro, NC, The Artist Bloc is an arts venue dedicated towards cultivating the arts by providing a platform for artists consisting of performance, networking, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. www.theartistbloc.com
TAB Artist Center Nonprofit 501 (c)(3) is dedicated to using the arts as a vehicle for providing education, infusing culture and inspiring fun. Their intergenerational programs are deigned to empower artist and the community by making creative energy accessible to the masses and bringing art to the community www.tabartscenter.org