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Want a clear path from creative spark to shipped product? We’re opening the studio doors and sharing the exact systems that turn sketches into physical goods, classes, and sustainable income. After a burst of community events and a busy month, I’m launching a streamlined Patreon built for artists, dreamers, and entrepreneurs who want practical support without the fluff.

We walk through why a single, creator-first tier keeps things simple and focused: weekly Q&A threads, one recorded monthly session you can watch anytime, and a guided theme that helps you make measurable progress. November dives into print on demand—choosing reliable vendors, setting up drop shipping, preparing files for mugs, posters, and apparel, and bridging traditional art with Procreate so your textures and color stay true on real products. You’ll see the brushes we rely on, the naming and folder systems that save time, and the export settings that prevent expensive misprints.

December zooms in on building class materials that scale: turning an 11x14 painting into a layered, step-by-step Procreate guide you can print or package as a kit. We break down palettes, annotation tips, and layout choices that help students succeed at home or in micro-workshops. Along the way, we share how we blend analog and digital, manage feedback through a private community, and offer perks like a 20% discount in our store and opportunities to guest on the show. The goal is simple: shorten your learning curve and give you a supportive place to launch work you’re proud of.

If you’re ready to move from scattered tutorials to a repeatable workflow, this is your seat at the table. Join the Patreon, bring your questions, and help shape the next themes. Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with a creative friend, and leave a quick review so more makers can find the community.

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A camera on a backyard bird feeder sparked an entire art series—then the community took notice. We sit down with exhibiting artist Glenda Hake to trace the winding path of a maker who blends painting, collage, masks, photography, and graphic design into a practice rooted in nature and fueled by curiosity. From foraging moss and grapevine to transforming empty bottles into lit fairy houses, Glenda shows how repurposed materials can carry stories as well as beauty.

We dive into the birth‑month birds concept and how each piece weaves together a bird, the month’s flower, and gemstone color for an instantly personal connection. Along the way, Glenda talks about winning 13 ribbons at the Canfield Fair, why local shows can outperform algorithms, and how a simple craft directory became a roadmap for opportunities across Ohio and beyond. She shares the reality of balancing full‑time work with weekend photography gigs, a growing line of pet portrait commissions, and the practical routines that keep her studio momentum alive.

Glenda opens up about stepping back from photography to recover creative energy, then booking out once fall arrived. We explore the thrill of learning new skills like felting and pottery, the pros and cons of not selling on major platforms after an unexpected Etsy ban, and the serendipity of a radio interview that connected her to our gallery. If you’re an artist, maker, or art lover, you’ll leave with ideas for sourcing materials sustainably, structuring series with built‑in meaning, and building visibility through fairs, galleries, and word of mouth.

Subscribe for more artist stories, share with a friend who needs fresh inspiration, and leave a review to help others discover the show.

Glenda Hake personal Facebook

Glenda Hake Photography and Design

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The month kicked off like a creative sprint—teens asking to guest on the show, paint-streaked fingers from Iris Scott–inspired experiments, and a calendar full of community art events that turned blank spaces into living galleries. We open up about what it takes to build a studio that puts joy and access first, from rolling the art dice with students to running lessons that nudge confidence higher one brushstroke at a time. Between laughs and paint splatters, we also get candid about the moments nobody posts: the wrong mic turned on, the edits we let go, the faith to publish anyway.

You’ll hear why a conversation with Beth Buffington’s mastermind felt like a turning point, surfacing the quiet truth that creators at every level need encouragement and a circle that elevates rather than drains. We talk through practical ways to find those people, protect your focus, and keep showing up when perfection tries to slow you down. There’s exciting news, too: our studio was selected for a local award announcement, a reminder that community-centered art—classes, pop-ups, youth programs—does more than teach skills; it builds belonging. We spotlight new work on our walls from photographer and designer Glenda Hake, fresh off a ribbon-stacked showing at the Canfield Fair, and share why her pieces have visitors leaning in and talking to each other.

From painting 250 pumpkins in Hartville to gearing up for another amphitheater session, the theme is simple: create anyway. Start where you are, with the tools you have, and let progress beat polish. If you’re a parent, educator, or maker looking for real-world inspiration and practical ideas to spark creativity, you’ll feel at home here. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge to start, and leave a review to tell us what project you’re daring to launch next.

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Ever wondered what happens when you blend classical orchestral music with tacos, ballet, and rock legends? Join us as we sit down with Rachel Hagemeier, the dynamic President and CEO of the Canton Symphony Orchestra, who is revolutionizing how orchestral music connects with communities.

Rachel's journey from Oklahoma bassoonist to symphony leadership reveals how passion and vision can transform traditional institutions. Under her guidance, the Canton Symphony has evolved into a community cornerstone, averaging an incredible event every four days throughout Stark County and beyond.

What makes this orchestra special isn't just musical excellence (though their musicians come from across the country to perform), but their commitment to making orchestral music accessible and relevant. Their innovative programming includes the Divergent Sounds series, where local musicians of all genres collaborate with symphony players, and Pops concerts featuring everything from holiday classics to the music of Queen, Pink Floyd, and Canton's own Macy Gray.

Behind the scenes, Rachel shares candid insights about the challenges of orchestral management—concerts costing up to $75,000 just for musicians, ticket sales covering only one-fifth of expenses, and the constant balance between artistic excellence and financial reality. This transparency highlights how vital community support through attendance, volunteering, and donations truly is.

Looking ahead to their "When Our Stories Meet" season, the Symphony will showcase diverse American voices through music, from Amy Beach's groundbreaking compositions to Jesse Montgomery's contemporary expressions, all while inviting community participation through unique initiatives like photo choreography projects.

Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or someone who's never set foot in a concert hall, this conversation will change how you think about orchestras and their potential to build community through the universal language of music. Ready to experience the symphony in a whole new way?

Canton Symphony website

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Canton Symphony Instagram

Tickets for 10/4/25

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Creativity blooms across generations in this heartwarming episode recorded while traveling in Seattle with my granddaughters Jojo (5) and Franny (7). Surrounded by the Pacific Northwest's lush plant life and buzzing insects, we embark on a ladybug-themed art project that captures the magic of making art with children.

Armed with watercolor paints and paper, we create vibrantly unconventional ladybugs – Jojo opts for a royal purple while Franny chooses sunny yellow. Throughout our painting session, we share delightful conversations about bugs, art preferences, and even a traditional ladybug nursery rhyme from my childhood. The girls offer their unique perspectives, with Franny confidently informing me that ladybugs eat raisins, showcasing the wonderful imagination that children bring to creative sessions.

The project evolves beyond simple painting as we transform our two-dimensional artwork into pop-up creations. Using scissors, glue sticks, and folded paper, we engineer our ladybugs to stand up on their painted leaves and flowers. The process becomes a lesson in spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and problem-solving disguised as play. All the while, the natural conversation flows between us reveals glimpses into their lives – from video games to face painting adventures from previous visits.

This episode serves as a reminder of art's power to connect across ages. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or creative adult with children in your life, I hope this inspires you to sit down for a simple crafting session with the young people you care about. The masterpieces you'll treasure most aren't the physical creations but the memories and bonds strengthened through creative collaboration. Why not gather some basic art supplies and create your own "buggy" adventure today?

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Have you ever wondered what would happen if you trusted your wildest creative ideas and actually built a business around them?

On this special anniversary episode, I'm celebrating one year since the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Brewtifully and reflecting on the incredible journey of transforming an unconventional vision into a thriving creative space. When people ask how I developed this business model, they're often surprised to learn I literally made it up from scratch – no franchise, no template, just a clear vision of what I wanted to create for my community.

The path hasn't been without challenges. Transitioning from full-time employment to entrepreneurship brought sleepless nights wondering if bills would get paid or if my ideas would resonate. Yet the fulfillment of building something authentically mine has been worth every moment of uncertainty. What began as a desire to support local artists and provide a creative haven has exceeded expectations – we're now booked with artists through 2026 and halfway through 2027, attracting creators from across the region.

I share the pivotal role mentors played in refining my vision without dampening it, particularly through our local SCORE chapter. Their expertise helped transform my ideas into a viable business plan while encouraging me to maintain the uniqueness that makes Brutally Made special. This episode offers honest insights about embracing imperfection, taking daily steps toward your dreams, and the power of authenticity over perfection.

Whether you're harboring creative aspirations or simply need inspiration to trust your instincts, this anniversary reflection might be the gentle push you need. Your dreams don't require perfection – they just require you to begin. What creative vision are you ready to bring into the world?

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Creativity becomes a powerful healing journey in this intimate conversation with Bryan, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant whose miniature dioramas transform military experiences into art. After 22 years of service, nine deployments, and multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Bryan discovered that crafting detailed miniature scenes offered both creative fulfillment and therapeutic relief from PTSD.

What began as a way to honor Medal of Honor recipients he personally met evolved into a passionate artistic practice. Bryan shares the meticulous process behind his creations—from scratch-building his early works to embracing 3D printing technology, while maintaining his commitment to authentic details in uniforms, equipment, and environments. Each model tells a specific story, whether commemorating fallen comrades, recreating battlefield moments, or playfully transforming their French bulldog into "Boba Thor."

Tracy, both podcast host and Bryan's wife, offers unique insights into how this artistic outlet has helped him process military experiences and emerge from his shell. The exhibition at Brewtifully showcases not just his 22 models and selection of bonsai trees, but also represents the healing power of creative expression for veterans.

For those inspired by Bryan's journey, he's teaching a model painting workshop on September 29th and welcomes commission requests. Don't miss viewing his remarkable work in person or through the YouTube slideshow—each piece bridges military experience with artistic expression in profoundly moving ways.

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A single tick bite in July 2023 changed everything. What began as a hopeful retirement transition into full-time artistry and business ownership has evolved into an unexpected battle with chronic pain and debilitating joint inflammation.

When I woke up one morning unable to move my neck, then months later found myself completely immobilized with swollen hands and wrists, my world turned upside down. The diagnosis finally came: stage four long-term Lyme disease. For someone whose livelihood and passion depend on the ability to hold a pen, paintbrush, or knitting yarns, this revelation was devastating. How do you continue creating when your hands—your primary tools—betray you?

The journey has been humbling. From the initial misdiagnosis (just need a new pillow!) to the parade of specialists, treatments, and testing, I've learned that our bodies can change our plans in an instant. Yet through it all, I've discovered the power of persistence, the importance of community, and the absolute necessity of transparency. Behind every smile in my store lies a story of morning medication rituals, compression gloves, and the constant negotiation between creative ambition and physical limitation.

My experience offers a crucial lesson: if you're ever bitten by a tick, don't wait for the bullseye rash. Push for immediate testing and treatment—it could save you years of suffering. As I navigate this unexpected chapter while preparing for my daughter's wedding and my husband's art exhibition, I'm learning to redefine success and embrace a new normal. Have you ever faced an unexpected health crisis that threatened your dreams? How did you adapt when life threw you its cruelest curveball?

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