Episodes

  • Sales Strategies from the "Creative Business Handbook" with Kat
    May 20 2024

    In this episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat shares an exclusive excerpt from the book, "Creative Business Handbook." Diving into Chapter Five, she explores essential sales strategies that every creative entrepreneur needs to know.

    Thank you to our sponsor:

    Welcome to Omega Institute, where transformational experiences await you. Nestled in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley, Omega is a hub for lifelong learning, spiritual exploration, and building a global community of learners, thinkers, and doers. Join us in-person and online for immersive workshops on mindfulness and meditation, yoga, creative arts, sustainable living, and more. Don’t miss our annual Arts Week, from June 30th to July 5th, when we gather as a creative community led by visionary artists of all kinds, for workshops in painting, music, writing, and more. Whether you are an accomplished artist, or just want to dabble, you’ll discover ways to express your creative side, in a safe and welcoming environment. Visit Omega today at eOmega.org/artsweek to learn more.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Overcoming Emotions and Fear:

      • The importance of managing emotions and overcoming fear when launching new products or services.
      • Tips on creating positive energy and pushing through insecurities.
    2. Effective Launch Strategies:

      • Different approaches to launching, such as limited-time offers and keeping products available year-round.
      • How to choose the right strategy for your business model.
    3. Pricing Structures:

      • Discussion on high-ticket versus low-ticket items.
      • The strategic use of discounts to incentivize customers and boost sales.
    4. Building Confidence:

      • Encouragement to have confidence in your business and its value.
      • Focusing on serving clients and providing exceptional value.
    5. Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned:

      • Kat shares her journey and the importance of starting scrappy.
      • Why expensive design and other perceived necessities shouldn't hold you back.

    Tune in to this episode for practical advice, personal anecdotes, and motivational insights to help you launch and grow your creative business with confidence. Don't miss the chance to learn from Kat's experiences and take your sales strategies to the next level.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • "Creative Business Handbook" by Kat and Alicia https://amzn.to/3V3bci5

    Connect with Us:

    • Follow Kat on Instagram @katerinaspopova

    If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on iTunes. Your feedback helps us continue to provide valuable content to support your creative journey.

    Read our book: https://amzn.to/3wFSfJ4

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    16 mins
  • Mark Liam Smith on Art, Skyrocketing Social Media Growth, and Cultivating a Creative Practice for Everyone
    May 16 2024

    In this episode of the Art and Cocktails podcast, Ekaterina Popova (Kat) interviews Mark Liam Smith, a Toronto-based oil painter and educator. They discuss Mark's inspiring journey as an artist, his transition to teaching online, and how he shares his work on social media. Mark's incredible growth from 20,000 to 2 million followers in just a few years is a testament to his heart of service and community.

    Mark delves into his interest in narrative and storytelling within his artwork, sharing his passion for helping others reconnect with their creativity. He offers valuable tips for beginners and emphasizes the importance of privacy and experimentation in art practice. Additionally, Mark discusses practical ways for artists to support themselves, including selling prints and leveraging social media platforms.

    Stay tuned to learn more about Mark's upcoming book, "The New Artist's Guide to Drawing," and his upcoming show with Treat Gallery in New York.

    Highlights:

    • Mark's journey from 20K to 2M followers on social media
    • The importance of narrative and storytelling in art
    • Tips for beginners and the significance of experimentation
    • Practical advice for artists on selling prints and using social media
    • Information about Mark's upcoming book and show

    Resources:

    • Pre-order "The New Artist's Guide to Drawing"
    • Visit Treat Gallery in New York

    Connect with Mark Liam Smith:

    • Instagram
    • Website

    Connect with Ekaterina Popova:

    • Instagram
    • Create! Magazine Call For Art

    Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice and insights!

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    35 mins
  • Behind the Scenes: What's *REALLY* Working in My Art Business Right Now
    May 13 2024

    Join me, Ekaterina Popova, for a solo episode of Art & Cocktails as I pull back the curtain on my small art business to give you a clear view of what's actually working and profitable, and what's merely "nice to have."

    In this episode, I share the practices that are propelling my business forward. I discuss the crucial balance between focusing on strategies that significantly impact revenue and steering clear of appealing yet non-lucrative opportunities.

    While acknowledging the role of traditional art world opportunities, I share insights on why sole reliance on them isn’t a sustainable strategy for an art career. Instead, I highlight the success I've found through direct art sales, prints from my online shop, and coupled with online educational courses and coaching services. I also discuss the benefits of cultivating passive income streams, affiliate marketing, and brand partnerships.

    This episode is a call to action for artists to take charge of their business, create independent income streams, and use our energy wisely, so we can spend more time doing what we love!

    Paint With Kat Workshop: https://www.theartqueens.com/paint

    Join my community AQ: https://www.theartqueens.com/join

    Thank you for our sponsor Superfine Art Fairs: https://www.superfine.world/sign-up

    https://www.superfine.world/sign-up

    Try Kajabi to Launch Your Online Workshops: https://app.kajabi.com/r/3XpWh7B6

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    16 mins
  • Returning to Art After a Break, The Art of Pricing Commissions, Building Community with Kathleen Beausoleil
    May 9 2024
    Welcome to a new episode of Art & Cocktails with your host, Ekaterina Popova @katerinaspopova Today, we're thrilled to have Kathleen Beausoleil join us. Kathleen is a visual artist known for her evocative oil paintings that explore human social interactions and crowd dynamics. In this episode, Kathleen shares insights from her journey, including her return to the art world after a 13-year break She also discusses the importance of community for artists and offers practical advice on pricing commissions and finding your tribe. In This Episode, You’ll Learn About:

    • Kathleen’s return to the art scene after a significant break.
    • Tips for artists on finding community and effectively pricing their commissions.
    • Kathleen’s recent exhibition at the Painting Center in New York and her ongoing exploration of human interactions in crowded spaces.
    • The role of artist residencies in Kathleen's career Practical advice for artists on structuring contracts and booking commissions.
    Guest Bio: Kathleen Beausoleil is an award-winning artist who explores complex social themes through her paintings and drawings. Her work is held in permanent collections such as The Art Museum of Missoula and numerous private collections across the U.S. Kathleen holds a BFA Cum Laude from Syracuse University and has been recognized with a 2022 Fellowship from the NJ State Council on the Arts. https://www.kathleenbeausoleil.com https://www.instagram.com/kathleenbeausoleil/ Stay in touch: https://www.createmagazine.com
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    25 mins
  • Why Is Everyone Quitting Art? Handling Money Freakouts, Pricing and more: Candid AMA with Kat
    May 5 2024

    What Does It Mean When Artists Are Shutting Doors? Handling Money Meltdowns, Pricing Art, and More: Candid AMA with Kat

    Join me, Ekaterina Popova @katerinaspopova, in this special episode of the Art and Cocktails podcast, where I dive deep into your burning questions in an "ask me anything" segment. From navigating the ups and downs of an artist's career to dealing with the dreaded money freakouts, we cover it all. Tune in as I share insights on setting prices, defining success on your own terms, and finding inner fulfillment in your creative journey. So grab your favorite cocktail and let's get real about the art life.

    Get my free studio sales checklist to help you sell more work directly:

    https://www.theartqueens.com/pl/2148301774

    Ready to join our circle? We got your back with our warm high-touch membership AQ to help you grow your art business, find connections and do it your way. Visit:

    https://www.theartqueens.com/join

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    29 mins
  • Creative Ownership: Greg Mike's Vibrant Journey from Street Artist to Entrepreneur
    Apr 28 2024

    Join us for an uplifting and motivating episode with artist Greg Mike and host Ekaterina Popova on Art & Cocktails.

    Description: This is your go-to podcast for inspiring conversations with artists from around the world. Join Kat and artist Greg Mike as they delve into the artist's journey, work ethic, and tips for aspiring creatives.

    In this episode, Ekaterina is joined by Greg Mike, a prolific muralist, designer, and the founder of ABV AGENCY and ABV GALLERY. Born and raised in Connecticut, Greg Mike's childhood trips to NYC ignited his passion for reinventing public spaces through art and design. Influenced by mid-century cartoons and skate culture, Greg's work is a vibrant fusion of colorful explosions and surrealistic pop art.

    Join them for an uplifting and motivating episode where they chat about Greg Mike's career, creative process, and insights for artists looking to make their mark in the industry.

    https://www.gregmike.com

    Episode Highlights:

    • Career Insights: Gain valuable insights into Greg Mike's artistic journey, from childhood inspiration to becoming a renowned muralist and founder of ABV AGENCY.
    • Artistic Style: Explore Greg Mike's distinctive style, characterized by vibrant colors, surrealistic elements, and playful cartoon motifs.
    • Mural Magic: Learn how Greg Mike approaches mural projects, including his experiences painting in cities like Atlanta, Miami, and beyond.
    • Creative Entrepreneurship: Discover Greg Mike's entrepreneurial ventures, from founding ABV GALLERY to curating events like the OuterSpace Project.
    • Tips for Artists: Get practical advice on networking, navigating the art world, and turning your passion into a successful career.
    • Studio Secrets: Peek behind the scenes as Greg Mike shares his creative process, from sketching on iPads to bringing large-scale murals to life.
    • Atlanta's Art Scene: Explore the thriving art scene in Atlanta and why it's a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.

    Tune in to "Art & Cocktails" for uplifting conversations that celebrate creativity and inspire artists to reach new heights. This episode is brought to you by Create! Magazine. Use code "NEWREADER" to save 20% off subscriptions.

    https://www.createmagazine.com

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    28 mins
  • Curatorial Insights: Jennifer Rizzo from Hashimoto Contemporary Shares Tips on Curating, Discovering Talent, and Supporting Emerging Artists
    Apr 22 2024

    In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova sits down with the incredible Jennifer Rizzo, a Brooklyn-based curator, writer, and partner at Hashimoto Contemporary. Jennifer shares her journey to becoming a curator, offering insights into how galleries discover and support emerging talent. They discuss the behind-the-scenes of curating issue number #43 of Create Magazine, discovering new artists, and navigating the art world. Jennifer also gives valuable tips for artists and creative entrepreneurs looking to grow their careers. Plus, they delve into Hashimoto Contemporary's upcoming 10-year anniversary exhibition and Jennifer's personal projects.

    www.createmagazine.com/subscribe

    CODE: NEWREADER

    The Early Journey:
    Jennifer shares her background, revealing her early passion for art and eventual transition from aspiring artist to curator. She discusses her decision to pursue curatorial studies at FIT in New York City and the challenges she faced in finding her first gallery assistant role.

    Navigating the Art World:
    Jennifer offers insights into the dynamics of the art world, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and persistence. She highlights the significance of internships and networking in establishing a career in the arts, encouraging aspiring curators to pursue diverse opportunities.

    Gallery Behind The Scenes:
    Ekaterina and Jennifer chat about the process of curating art exhibitions, discussing the criteria for selecting artists and maintaining a cohesive vision. Jennifer shares stories about discovering new talent and fostering relationships with artists, emphasizing the role of social media in contemporary art promotion.

    Tips for Artists:
    Jennifer provides valuable advice for emerging artists submitting their work to galleries and publications, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and professionalism. She encourages artists to focus on developing a strong online presence and providing comprehensive submission materials, including artist statements and high-quality images.

    Hashimoto Contemporary's Milestones:
    Jennifer announces Hashimoto Contemporary's upcoming 10-year anniversary exhibition, celebrating a decade of supporting emerging artists. She discusses the gallery's participation in Future Fair and other upcoming projects, showcasing their commitment to promoting contemporary art.

    Connect with Jennifer Rizzo:
    Instagram: @JenniferSRizzo
    Hashimoto Contemporary: @hashimotocontemporary

    https://www.hashimotocontemporary.com

    Connect with Kat and Art & Cocktails:
    Website: createmagazine.com
    Instagram: @createmagazine @katerinaspopova

    Sponsor Message:
    This episode of Art & Cocktails is sponsored by Superfine Art Fair. Elevate your art career with Superfine, the most widespread art fair for independent artists in the United States. Sign up for a call with co-founder James Mel at superfine.world/sell-your-art and mention Create Magazine for a 10% discount on any booth size. Make art, sell art, Superfine will do the rest.

    https://www.superfine.world

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    27 mins
  • The Final Stage of Manifestation: Embracing Rest and Personal Growth - Personal Update From Kat
    Apr 16 2024

    Hey friends!

    Ever wonder what happens when your dreams come true? What's next? Well, on this episode, I'm excited to share with you the end of a chapter in my life and a prayer I had over 8 years ago. Join me, your host Ekaterina Popova, in a personal update and solo episode of Art & Cocktails.

    I'll take you through my journey of navigating multiple exhibitions and deadlines while balancing my health and business. I'm truly grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way.

    During this episode, I'll share candid insights as I reflect on the concluding chapter of my manifestation journey (for now). What was once a distant dream has now become a reality, but it's evolving into new aspirations.

    Let's delve into my personal revelations about success, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness. I'm redefining my path with a renewed focus on space, freedom, and authenticity.

    And as we look to the future, I'll reveal my plans, including taking a sabbatical from exhibitions to prioritize personal growth. I'll be diving into coaching programs, journaling, and reconnecting with nature and my art practice.

    Thanks for joining me on this journey of reflection and growth. Can't wait to share more with you!

    Resources:

    Let's connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/katerinaspopova/

    Shop my favorite books and tools on Amazon

    Get my free checklist for selling your art directly:

    https://www.theartqueens.com/pl/2148301774

    Join my workshop: Sell From the Studio

    https://www.theartqueens.com/sell-from-the-studio

    https://www.createmagazine.com/blog/taking-place-exhibition-featuring-beausoleil-montalbano-and-popova-to-open-at-the-painting-center

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    19 mins