Thriving Artists Podcast

This episode is going to be a game-changer for all you artists out there! As artists, we pour our hearts and souls into our exhibitions. But the magic doesn't have to stop when the show does. We want our members and our listeners to show their work and then continue to benefit from this effort long after the show is done. Sometimes you put all your effort into making the work but you forget that actually accomplishing your goals for your exhibition aren’t just about making the work, often there are admin related tasks you need to do that will really give you the results you want from your show! So tune in to Episode #71 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Exhibitions as we talk strategies for maximizing each exhibition. This podcast is one of many free resources we offer to artists, and we hope you will join the Thrive Together Network to go even deeper! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Are you feeling burnt out in the studio? Creativity can be emotionally draining, and it's natural to have periods where you feel low. You are not alone as an artist, and you are especially not alone in feelings of being worn down. It’s a typical part of a lifetime of creative work! You are normal! Here in Episode #70 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, How to Recover From Feeling Worn Down as an Artist, we discuss ways to recover from the inevitable feelings of being a worn out artist. From caring for your physical health to finding inspiration we discuss all the ways you can acknowledge when you are feeling drained so you can take care of yourself. It’s all about connecting with your community and remembering why you are passionate about your work. We are here for you through all your seasons of life as a thriving artist! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

This episode covers a topic close to our hearts, as we believe in embracing and owning our identities as artists! For some reason it can be a struggle for artists to use the title “artist” until they have achieved certain goals or a specific “level” of achievement. However, we can fall into the trap of always needing to meet a new goal before we find the confidence to validate ourselves and claim the artist identity, putting it off indefinitely. So we are here to encourage you to start doing it now! Tune into Episode #69 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Reasons You Need to Call Yourself an Artist. We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Ever wonder what the most important things are that you should be doing as an artist? Artists can have so many different things on their plates, and have very different day to day experiences in their studios and in their working life overall. This episode is our practical guide to what we feel is crucial for all working artists! So, tune in to Episode #68 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Must Do’s as a Working Artist, to learn what we think you need at the top of your list to maintain a sustainable and healthy studio practice. Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Today is a special episode about a very important topic that is rarely discussed: maternity leave for artists! Jamie and Kaylan share their wisdom on how to plan ahead and be open about your needs heading into early parenthood as a studio artist. They share advice about delegating responsibilities, the importance of self-care, flexibility, and also the impact of being visible and open about the leave itself! We are here for you through all your seasons of life as a thriving artist! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

We are wrapping up our Art Residency here at the Thrive Together Network, and we are thinking of ways your art residency is going to live on and help you throughout the year to come. Today on Episode #66 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Ways to Wrap Up An Art Residency Powerfully we will share tips that will help you make the most of your experience and ensure a smooth transition back into your regular artistic practice. So, whether you've done the Thrive Together Network Virtual Art Residency this month or you're planning to apply for one in the future, this episode is for you. Jamie and Kaylan’s 5 Ways to Wrap Up an Art Residency Powerfully are: Reflect on Your Residency Journey: Consider the goals you set at the beginning of your residency, the challenges you faced, and the growth you've achieved. Journaling or creating a visual diary can be a powerful way to document your thoughts and feelings. Reflecting on your journey will not only provide closure but also offer valuable insights for your future artistic endeavors. Organize and Archive Your Work: Take high-quality photographs, document any installations, and categorize your sketches or studies. This process will not only help you preserve your work but also create a portfolio or documentation for future exhibitions or applications. Connect with Fellow Artists: You’ve met so many amazing artists at your residency, so make sure to keep in touch! Building a strong network within the artist community can open doors to new opportunities and provide a support system throughout your career. Share your Experience: Consider writing a blog post, Instagram reel, or even organizing a small exhibition to showcase the work you created during your residency. Sharing your experience not only helps you process and internalize the residency but also allows others to gain insights and learn from your artistic journey. Make a Plan to Get Feedback: Set up an artist date or studio visit. Or join something more formal like a crit program.vHaving a plan to get feedback helps you continue on powerfully even after the residency is over and will push the work even further. If you joined us for our first residency of 2024 this month, we loved having you and hope this helps you build on your work! If not, join us this September for our fall residency by joining the Thrive Together Network! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

As artists, we often find ourselves navigating the expectations of others, seeking validation, or conforming to market trends. But what if we shift our focus inward and create solely for ourselves? Today on the podcast we'll be exploring the five reasons why creating for yourself is vital for your art career. We'll delve into the immense benefits of embracing this mindset and how it can transform your art in remarkable ways. So, join us for Episode #65 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, Why Creating For Yourself Is Vital For Your Art Career. Jamie and Kyalan’s 5 Reasons to Create for Yourself are: Authenticity and Self-Discovery: Creating for yourself allows you to tap into your true artistic voice, free from external pressures. When you create from a place of authenticity, you unlock your unique perspective and begin to explore uncharted territories within your craft. Personal Growth and Exploration: When you create for yourself, it becomes a means to explore your own emotions, thoughts, and experiences. This leads to a deeper understanding of yourself as an artist and as a person. Here is where you really start to push the boundaries of your comfort zone!! Creative Freedom and Experimentation: When you create for yourself, there are no limitations or expectations to confine your artistic expression. You are free to experiment with new techniques, styles, and ideas. This fosters innovation and allows you to push the boundaries of your craft, leading to unique and groundbreaking creations. Joy and Fulfillment: When you create from a place of passion and personal resonance you can be more connected to your happiness and joy. Making work just for you can be intensely soul satisfying in a way that making for others can’t tap into. Connection and Authentic Audience Engagement: Paradoxically, when you create for yourself, you attract an audience that resonates deeply with your art. By staying true to your own vision and expressing your unique voice, you naturally connect with individuals who appreciate your authenticity. This leads to long-lasting relationships and a loyal following that cherishes your work for its honesty and vulnerability. So, fellow artists, let's embrace the power of creating for ourselves. Let's be authentic, explore our personal growth, and enjoy the creative freedom that comes with a balance of those things. We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

We are in the first weeks of using our trusty Thriving Artist Map! We love the map, which is our version of a studio planner. We are diving in, and realize how much of a game changer it really is. Now, some of you might be wondering, "Why do I need a studio planner when I already have my creative flow?" Well, dear listeners, a studio planner is not just any ordinary planner. It's a powerful tool that can transform your art practice and take your creativity to new heights. So, join us for Episode #64 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, Start Using a Studio Planner for Game Changing Results to learn what our trusty Map has to offer. Jamie and Kaylan’s Five Reasons to Use a Studio Planner are: Organization: As artists, we often find ourselves drowning in a sea of sketches, ideas, and project deadlines. A studio planner helps us stay on top of things by providing a structured system for organizing our creative endeavors. From tracking project progress to setting achievable goals and jotting down brilliant ideas, a studio planner ensures that nothing slips through the cracks. Time Management:In the chaotic world of art, time is a precious resource. A studio planner acts as your personal timekeeper, allowing you to allocate dedicated slots for each project, prioritize tasks, and maintain a balanced workflow. By managing your time effectively, you'll be able to devote more energy to your art. Creative Direction: While art is often associated with spontaneity and improvisation, having a clear sense of direction is equally important. A studio planner enables you to define your artistic goals, plan your projects accordingly, and stay focused on your creative journey. It acts as a compass, guiding you through the ever-changing artistic landscape. Inspiration and Reflection:As artists, we often find ourselves grappling with creative blocks or struggling to find new ideas. A studio planner serves as a valuable companion, providing a space to document sources of inspiration, brainstorm ideas, and reflect on your artistic journey. It’s a space to put all the big ideas that maybe you just don't have time to get to right now but later they might be a fit. Accountability: You know we love this word because we see the power of accountability every day at TTN. As artists, we often work in isolation, which can make it challenging to stay motivated and accountable. A studio planner acts as a trusted companion, holding you accountable for your artistic endeavors. If you are a TTN Member, you get a pdf copy of the Thriving Artists Map as part of your membership! And always, everyone can grab a physical copy to use along with our membership or independently here. We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Today we have a special episode for all the artists out there. We'll be discussing doing a virtual art residency and are wondering if any of you out there have participated in one before. As artists, we often seek opportunities to grow, learn, and immerse ourselves in environments that foster creativity. We will be sharing five invaluable lessons learned from past Thrive Together Networks virtual art residencies experiences.These are lessons we have learned personally and have also heard from fellow members what has been meaningful to them. So, join us for Episode #63 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, Have You Ever Done a Virtual Art Residency? Jamie and Kaylan’s 5 Insights from Art Residencies are: Embracing Virtual Connections: We went global! As artists, we often rely on in-person interactions and physical exhibitions to showcase our work. However, participating in an online art residency allowed us to connect with artists from all around the world. Creating a Personal Studio Space: By doing a residency in our own spaces, we learned that anything goes if you can make it work for you! We encourage artists to claim space during virtual residencies and create a personal studio, even within the confines of their own home. Self-Motivation and Time Management: In an online art residency, you don't have the external structure and routine that comes with a physical residency. It's crucial to set personal goals, establish a schedule, and hold yourself accountable for your progress. We see huge leaps forward in the bigger picture of our practices when we create and maintain our own schedules during a virtual residency. Building an Online Presence: It is so easy to share work in progress on social media and in your newsletter. Building a strong online presence not only allows you to showcase your work to a global audience but also opens doors to collaborations, exhibitions, and potential opportunities that would have been otherwise inaccessible. Cornerstones in Your Yearly Plan are Very Helpful: Cornerstones are large goals or markers in the year such as shows, programs you are enrolling in, or other big events. We think an art residency is something every artist can and should take on each year. They provide real work time and community connection that you can center your year around. We hope the personal insights we shared in this episode open the door to new possibilities for you with virtual residencies! As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support and participate in our Virtual Art Residency! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

We are starting to plan for our Virtual Art Residency that will take place the entire month of February. An artist residency is a program that provides artists with dedicated time and space to create their work. They have long been an integral part of an artist's development, providing them with a supportive environment to explore their creativity and build their artistic practice. Traditionally, these residencies required physical presence, but with the rise of technology, online art residencies have emerged, opening up new possibilities for artists all around the globe. In Episode #62 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Ways An Art Residency Can Boost Your Art Career, we will explore the five key things an artist residency can do for you. Jamie and Kaylan’s 5 Ways an Art Residency Can Boost Your Art Career are: Uninterrupted Focus and Dedicated Time: As artists, finding uninterrupted focus and dedicated time to create can be challenging amidst the demands of daily life. Artist residencies offer an escape from these distractions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your creative process. Global Reach: Virtual art residencies transcend geographical boundaries, especially a virtual art residency like ours. This exposure to diverse perspectives and cultural influences can expand your artistic horizons, broaden your artistic vocabulary, and open doors to new collaborations and opportunities. Proving You Have Time For Art: A virtual residency provides a flexible schedule unlike traditional residencies that require artists to relocate for a specific duration. This means you can balance your work, personal commitments, and the residency requirements simultaneously.After a virtual residency, you can build habits and prove to yourself that art making can fit in. We have seen amazing ripple effects of this from our members. Active Community Support: During our virtual art residency we meet each week for Tuesday Zoom check-in meetings as a time to reflect and connect with one another. We believe the virtual environment of online residencies fosters a strong sense of camaraderie, support, and collaboration. It's like having an artist family at your fingertips all of the time! Building Your Artist CV: We have an online artwork showcase at the end of the virtual residency where members can submit work for an online art show. This gives you a goal for the residency and a great opportunity to add the residency and online show to your CV. We feature the work made during the residency on social media and on the Network. We want to help you expand your online presence and reach a wider audience! Our Art Residency program at TTN is a 6-week program that you can do from your own home studio. It offers flexibility for you to set your own goals but accountability from our community to support you. Plus some amazing planning tools from us to keep you on track! Head to www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn about our program.

Today Jamie is flying solo on the podcast with a quick bonus episode as a sister to our most recent episode called Creating Your Vision For The New Year. Here, Jamie guides you through a visualization exercise she created for her business planning class on Skillshare, and we hope it will be helpful for you as you build your vision for 2024! Visualization is a great tool when trying to get a clear image on what you want to create, and many believe that it helps the subconscious mind to connect with our thinking brain to show us what we really want. In our busy and noisy lives it is so easy to not listen to ourselves and fill our minds with what we think we “should” want. So, dive into this with Jamie as she leads you through a visualization of your future as an artist! This is one of many free resources we offer to artists, and we hope you will join the Thrive Together Network to go even deeper! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

A new year is an opportunity for a clean slate and setting a new vision for your work as an artist. We talk a lot about setting goals so we wanted to take a step back and actually think about the larger vision you have for your art career. Having a vision provides artists with a roadmap to navigate their artistic journey. It's like a guiding light that helps you make decisions, set goals, and stay focused amidst the inevitable challenges and distractions. In Episode #60 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, Creating Your Vision For The New Year, we deep dive into dreaming big and turning that into a concrete vision so you can define your artistic identity, understand your purpose and communicate your perspective to the world. Jamie and Kaylan’s 4 Steps to Creating Your Vision for the New Year are: Self-Reflection: Ask yourself three questions - What drives you as an artist? What themes or subjects resonate with you? What kind of impact do you want your art to have on others? Think Big and Visualize Your Art Career: Imagine yourself five or ten years from now. What does success look like to you? Picture the exhibitions, the collaborations, the recognition, and the personal growth you aspire to achieve. Visualizing your ideal future allows you to set ambitious yet achievable goals that align with your vision. Create a Vision Board or a Journal: Collect images, quotes, and ideas that represent your artistic aspirations. Use this visual representation as a constant reminder of your goals and keep adding to it as your vision evolves. Vision boards also work because they keep your goals as a focus and help you “see” what you really want. Create a Concrete Plan: We can’t just expect our dreams to happen, we need to identify the skills, resources, and knowledge we need to acquire along the way to make it happen. Use resources like our Thriving Artists Map to create a step by step list of tasks and identify the skills, resources, and knowledge you need to work toward your vision. If you are a TTN Member, you get a pdf copy of the Thriving Artists Map as part of your membership! And always, everyone can grab a physical copy to use along with our membership or independently here. We are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

At the Thrive Together Network we are all about planning, and we’ve created a workbook called the Thriving Artists Map that you can use to guide you to a great year in the studio and in your art career. The Map represents what we are all about and what our community does throughout the year. It has weekly studio planning pages, goal setting prompts, a fully dated calendar, and so much more to help you set and achieve goals. In this episode of the podcast, we dive into this idea of sticking to goals to really get your wheels turning about what it will take for you to thrive in 2024. So, join us for Episode #59 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Tips to Help You Actually Stick To Your Goals in 2024, to discuss some practical strategies to create a roadmap for your year ahead and stay committed to your goals. Jamie and Kaylan’s 5 Tips to Help You Stick To Your Goals are: Set Clear and Specific Goals: Vague goals like "improve my art" or "get better at marketing" won't provide the direction you need. Instead, break down your goals into specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. Create an Action Plan: Break your goals into smaller, manageable tasks and assign deadlines to each of them. This step-by-step plan will give you a clear roadmap to follow and make your goals feel more attainable. Find an Accountability Partner or Community: Accountability is a powerful motivator. Find an accountability partner—a fellow artist, a mentor, or even a supportive friend. Share your goals and action plan with them, and schedule regular check-ins to discuss your progress. Prioritize Self-Care and Balance: Remember that your well-being is crucial for sustained productivity and creativity. Take breaks, practice mindfulness, engage in activities that recharge you, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Celebrate Milestones and Progress: Sometimes, we get so focused on the end result that we forget to acknowledge how far we've come. Celebrating milestones boosts motivation and reinforces a positive mindset. We hope these tips set you up to start looking toward an amazing 2024! The Thriving Artists Map is one tool to help you stick to your goals in 2024, and it is best paired with a membership to our online network so you can get the benefit of a community of artists to keep you on track in 2024. Join the Thrive Together Network to plug into our programming for 2024! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Today we have a special year-end episode to celebrate your growth as artists. As we approach the end of the year, it's important to reflect on our accomplishments and recognize how far we've come. So, in this episode, we'll explore five unique ways you can celebrate your artistic growth. So, join us for Episode 58 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, Do These 5 Things to Celebrate Your Growth, and really lean into the celebration with us! Jamie and Kaylan’s 5 Things to Do to Celebrate Your Growth are: Post an Art Showcase: Spend some time to gather your highlights of the year and put them up on social media to celebrate the work you have done. This not only provides a platform to display your growth but also allows you to connect with your community. Show Gratitude: Take some time to reflect on the people and experiences that have supported your artistic journey throughout the year. Write personalized notes expressing your appreciation to mentors, friends, collectors, and anyone who has shown their support. Reflect: Carve out some dedicated time for introspection and journaling. Reflect on the highs and lows of your artistic journey this year, the lessons learned, and the areas where you've experienced the most growth. Set New Artistic Goals: Whether it's exploring new mediums, experimenting with different styles, or challenging yourself with more ambitious projects, setting goals helps you maintain momentum and continue growing as an artist. Celebrate all your potential by setting a new goal! Treat Yourself: You have poured your heart and soul into your work, and it's essential to reward yourself for your dedication. Splurge on art supplies you've been eyeing, take a well-deserved day off to recharge, or indulge in an artistic retreat to explore new inspirations. Celebrating your growth should include moments of joy and self-care that rejuvenate your artistic spirit. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to plug into our programming for 2024! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

This episode of the podcast is inspired by an Art & Tea session that we call the Artist Timeline. We ask TTN members to look back over the past 6 years, and for each year write down art practice and art business highlights. Seeing evidence of your past accomplishments builds your confidence muscle and this is so important for artists because we need to remember that we have been successful in the past to push ourselves to keep going. In Episode 57 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, How Looking Back Can Help You Move Forward, we talk about how to be our own cheerleader by taking a look at the evidence of how far we have come. Jamie and Kaylan’s 4 Things to Help you Look Back in Order to Move Forward are: See How Far You’ve Come: Take a look at your Artist Timeline and really take in the evidence of your past accomplishments. We have to put ourselves and our work out in the world so often and we need to remember that we have a track record of past accomplishments! You Are Doing a Lot: During the day to day, it is easy to forget how much you accomplish in the big picture. Being an artist is about playing a long game, so keep that timeline at the ready to remember that your daily work is part of a bigger goal. Things Add Up: Don’t get discouraged by the small tasks! They accumulate into something much bigger. They will count and they can be added to your timeline for this year and beyond. They will matter. Recognize Your Consistency: Over the arc of your career there are themes, opportunities, and work you have done that reveals a pattern of what you are accomplishing. Use your timeline to intentionally focus on these consistent themes. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to plug into our programming for 2024! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

We’ve been looking ahead to the new year in recent episodes, but today we will address the fact that not everyone feels excited about the new year. Some of you have had a tough year and need time to process or heal from it. Or, maybe you are in a big season of doubt or confusion as an artist. All of this can impact how we feel going into a new year. Join us for Episode 56 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, How to Anticipate A Great Year Ahead (Even When You Have Your Doubts), as we discuss a few simple suggestions for bringing some positive anticipation into your life this time of year, whether you are feeling excited or not. Jamie and Kaylan’s Tips for Anticipating a Great Year Ahead: Enter into Deeper Awareness: Do some reflection and write about your past year. Writing how you really feel and reflecting with honesty can help you find a lot of gratitude. This can bring you into a deeper understanding for where you are currently at with things in your life. Set Firmer Boundaries: Many of us struggle with stressful anticipation and doubt because we are actually experiencing a lack of boundaries or security in our present moment. Ask yourself where you need to set some firmer boundaries and what is contributing to your stress right now. Evaluate where you can carve out more time and space for yourself. Move Forward with Self-Compassion: You have done, and you are doing SO MUCH dear artist. You deserve a medal, a gold star, and a cash prize just for being an artist. It is such hard work. Please be kind to yourself this time of year and always. Recognize that you are human and you deserve softness and grace and understanding. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to plug into our programming for 2024! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Today we are sharing a timely episode about planning for the new year. We talked in the last episode about how to plan during any time of year, but today we will take a look at how to wrap up one year and plan ahead for the next amazing year as an artist. So, join us in Episode 54, How to Map Out Your Year as an Artist, as we cover how to assess the longer term picture of the previous year and how to use that information going forward! Jamie and Kaylan’s 5 Ways to Map Out Your Year are: Brain Dump: Have a big brainstorming session and write down every goal and idea you have for the year ahead. You will not take action on every goal you write down, so don’t be afraid to dream big. This is your space to let it flow. Sort by Size: It’s important to sort the goals you really want to do by size and spend some time thinking about how much effort and energy will go into each goal. We recommend sorting your goals by big, medium and small. This will go a long way in setting you up for solid time management practices. Identify Your “No’s”: Spend some time writing down what you will NOT do or not focus on in the new year. This activity is valuable because it helps you form concrete boundaries and stay focused on your goals. Think quality over quantity! Set Up a System: Get yourself organized by setting mile markers for planning and create a goal setting strategy. Book planning and goal setting strategy times into your calendar for the start of the new year and moving ahead each week, month and quarter. Reflect & Rest: Don’t skip this one!! It may be the hardest to find time for, especially around the holidays but we really encourage you to set aside some time to write and reflect on the year you’ve just had. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to plug into our programming that sets up a planning structure for you! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Whether you’re a parent, caretaker, working another job, or a full time artist, we want to talk about ways to plan smarter as an artist! You may love planning like us, you may hate it, or maybe you are somewhere in between. Whatever the case, we can all use ideas for how to improve our planning. Join us for Episode 54 of Thriving Artists Podcast, 5 Simple Ways to Plan Smarter as an Artist, because this is the perfect time of year to reflect on how you plan as we wrap up 2023. Jamie & Kaylan’s 5 Simple Ways to Plan Smarter as an Artist are: Schedule in Time for Planning: Plan a time to plan! Planning IS a task that needs to happen and so it is important to put that planning time in your calendar. It takes time to get set up in order to do what you want to do with your days! Plan Your Year in Quarters: We really believe in this philosophy and live it out on the Thrive Together Network – planning out each quarter has many benefits! Planning out three months at a time is a perfect chunk of time to set some larger goals without losing sight of the smaller steps it takes to make them happen. Move from Macro to Micro (and back again!): Whether you are a big picture type of person or someone who is all about the details, we encourage you to find balance between the two. Keep both in mind as you set goals, create to do lists, and schedule out your work time. Follow a Map with Other Artists: We created a planning tool that values all of the things we cover in this episode. It’s the Thriving Artist Map and it is a weekly studio planner with tools to plan your year while considering the big picture and smaller goals all at once. Remain Rooted in Your Why: For any plan you make, always keep an eye on why you are doing what you do. Don’t work toward things that are outside of your motivations. Regularly check in to make sure your plans match up with your goals. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!

Today Kaylan is solo on the podcast to talk about her experience with stress and some resources for dealing with “Open Loops” that can cause us stress as artists*. This discussion is centered around a very specific type of stress created by having many things on your plate that are not yet complete. Artists especially experience this type of stress frequently because we wear so many hats and are responsible for so much. There are so many different types of jobs artists are expected to do within our business and many of us have other jobs, caretaking responsibilities or more on our plates. Our brains can only hold so much in our active memory. These thoughts that continuously loop in our brains, or “Open Loops” can weigh us down mentally & emotionally over time. Open Loops are: things you've started and haven't finished, tasks or ideas that are 'on hold' in your brain and that occupy your active thoughts. So, tune in to learn a few tips to deal with these Open Loop from brain dumps to the “3 D’s”: delete, delegate, and do! We hope you can continue to join us here on the podcast or come be an artist we can really get to know by joining our network! Head to www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more. The “Open Loops” episode is exactly the type of thing we walk you through each week on Art & Tea, our Tuesday zoom calls with dozens of artists that are included in your TTN membership. *Just a reminder that Kaylan is not a therapist and anyone struggling with severe anxiety or health related issues due to stress should seek support from their physician or counselor.

One of the beautiful things about being an artist is that we all structure our careers a bit differently, and while we can learn from each other, our paths will never look exactly the same. Today on the podcast we are sharing some questions from the “Building Your North Star” activity we do once a year during one of our weekly Thrive Together Network meetings called Art & Tea. So, join us for Episode 52 of the Thriving Artists Podcast, 4 Questions to Help You Find Focus in Your Art Career to identify what you want your unique art career to look like! Jamie and Kaylan’s 4 Questions to Help You Find Focus in Your Art Career are: What matters most to you as an artist and how do you most want to spend your time? These are very basic points, but powerful when you think about it. Our time truly is our most valuable resource. It connects DIRECTLY to what matters most to us. So what do you want to spend your time doing?? What are your main gifts as an artist and what do you feel good doing? This question is important because it puts your unique strengths into the equation. Find the balance between your passion and your strongest skill sets, and keep in mind that this might change over time! How do you want to feel as an artist? This question is about the big picture. Do you want to be on-the-go and moving a lot as an artist? Do you want to feel rooted and calm with lots of downtime in your studio? What are the overall, big picture feelings you want to have for your art career and your life? What impact do you want your work to make in the world? This is also a big picture question that will take time to answer. If you know what your intentions are, it can provide so much clarity in what steps to take now in your practice. Give some thought to what you want your work to say and do, and think about what conversations you want people to have about your work. Focus on impact to gain clarity. As always, we are here for you, we are cheering you on, and we believe in the work you are doing as thriving artists! Join the Thrive Together Network to build your network of support and participate in more activities like this one! Visit www.thrivetogethernetwork.com to learn more!