To frame or not to frame, that is the question! As artists we are faced with thousands of creative decisions with every piece, and to frame or not to frame is one of them too. On today’s episode we give an overview of your framing options as an artist, the pros and cons of framing your work, as well as tips and factors to consider when framing your work.

Commissioned artwork can be a tricky game. Whether it is a painting, mural, logo, illustration, sculpture, or other type of client work, there’s a significant element of collaboration involved that can be a first time experience for many creatives. On today’s episode we share our top 10 tips for collaborating with a client on a commissioned piece. From setting clear boundaries, managing expectations, overdelivering on your promises, and how to turn a one time client into a lifelong fan - we cover it all! So if you’ve been burned in the past or if you’re considering taking on your first client, this episode is for you!

On this episode we interview art business mentor and author of the Amazon Best Selling book, Art Money & Success, Maria Brophy! We talk about shifting your mindset around money and pricing, building relationships with an email newsletter, the importance of making murals easy for the client, creating a life you want to live, leveraging one opportunity to create another, and the power of sharing it forward with others.

Letters of intent are a key component to receiving public art calls, grants, and various artistic opportunities. But what should this letter include? In today’s episode, that is what we discuss! From your interest in the opportunity to creative ways of highlighting your previous experience, a strong letter of interest can make the difference between standing out and blending into the crowd. So if you are apply for opportunities now, or looking to sharped up your future applications, this episode is for you!

Retaining your image copyrights as an artists is extremely important, not only for legal purposes but also for future income streams! However, what exactly is an image copyright? Although we are not lawyers, in today’s episode we discuss what it is, why it’s important, how you get an image copyright, as well as factors to consider when seeking display opportunities, contracts or sales that involve copyright verbiage. So if you’ve heard this term thrown around or seen it in a contract but you aren’t sure what it is, this episode is for you!

On this episode we interview North Carolina painter Michele Yellin. We talk about the impact of going abroad in one's creative development, the benefits of working on multiple art pieces at once, finding a studio space that fits your current lifestyle, and watching your work evolve over time.

On this episode we interview hyper feminine artist Ali Hval. We talk about the balance of painting and sculpture in building a body of work, challenging traditional expectations of femininity, making art that feels like a performance, becoming bold in one’s creative process.

Many artists experience the rollercoaster of emotions during their creative career. In today’s episode we talk about the moments of failure that may secretly be breakthroughs in your process and artistic style. We talk about art being a continuous learning journey, embracing the process, and the importance of intention.

On this episode we interview artist and muralist, Sarahlaine Calva. We talk about taking Action before you are ready, evolving your creative style through murals, being selective with commission clients, utilizing technology in your creative process, and pursuing projects you are passionate about.

Hustling is great, however an important aspect of the creative process that often gets overlooked is the power of pausing to reflect on your work. In today’s episode we discuss the importance of reflection in your art practice, sourcing and managing creative ideas, and embracing your unique workflow to avoid stress and burnout.

Hustling is great, however an important aspect of the creative process that often gets overlooked is the power of pausing to reflect on your work. In today’s episode we discuss the importance of reflection in your art practice, sourcing and managing creative ideas, and embracing your unique workflow to avoid stress and burnout.

On this episode we interview interdisciplinary artist Sara Torgison. We talk about advocating for your work in academia, exploring the intersection of ceramics and fiber art, navigating art workshops and figuring out where time exists in your life to prioritize your art practice.

On this episode we interview Artspace’s Creative Director Annah Lee. We talk about shifting one's focus from art making to curating stories, the power of designing the tone of an art exhibition and advice for artists on applying for exhibitions, photographing your work, and the importance of creating a body of work.

As working artists, you understand the demands of managing every aspect of your creative business. However, embracing the concept of delegation can be a game changer! In this episode we unpack the need for delegation in our businesses, the benefits and obstacles you may face, as well as the easiest first steps to start delegating today! So if you’ve ever been stressed about “needing more time” this episode is for you!

It’s time for our listener questions! In this episode we answer questions from artists and art professionals that we received at Triangle Artworks 2024 Annual SMASH the Arts event. We cover a lot of topics including struggling to find like minded artists locally, pricing your work inorder to make a living, staying authentic to your creative voice while still narrowing down your focus, seeing yourself as a ‘real’ artist, as well as marketing, branding, and getting exposure as a new artist. So if you have similar questions, this episode is for you!

We are celebrating 3 years of the Level Up Artists Podcast! Over the years, both the podcast and our creative journeys have evolved significantly. In this episode, we're taking a trip down memory lane to explore all the major milestones. We'll chat about the evolution of our artistic styles, the transformations in our studio spaces, and how our income streams and mindsets have shifted. Plus, we'll share our biggest wins and the valuable lessons we've learned along our entrepreneurial paths. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on where we've been and where we're headed. Come celebrate with us!

A cybersecurity breach is not a matter of if, but a matter of when in this day in age. In today’s episode we partnered with Triangle Artworks to host a Lunch and Learn presentation where local cybersecurity expert, Torrence Reed, talks about how this space may affect artists.

On this episode we interview artist and mental health professional, Lamar Whidbee. We talk about chasing purpose with the work you make, being grounded in storytelling, the feeling of artmaking, the power of creative mentorship, and the role that mental health plays in our day to day lives.

On this episode we interview artist and quilter Michelle Wilkie. We talk about the importance of building a community in the art world, making the most out of any opportunity, exploring the intersection of quilting and fine art, and the admin workload of being a full time artist.

In today's episode, we explore the intersectionality between art and mental health. It is of course no substitute for professional help, however, in addition to doctor-led treatment, art making can have an incredibly powerful impact on your day to day life! So whether you’re a professional painter, musician, sculptor, writer, singer, coloring book genius, or just a creative who dabbles here and there, this episode is for you as a reminder of the positive impacts that art can have in your life!