Artists Soar (TM) is a podcast for artists by 3 artists! We discuss all aspects of being an artist - the good, bad, and the ugly. The goal of each podcast is to provide solutions so artists can focus on creativity and rise above.
Episodes
Wednesday Feb 15, 2023
Wednesday Feb 15, 2023
Jules, Rachel, and Stephanie chat with SEO (search engine optimization) expert Nathan Hughes!.
If you have a question you'd like us to discuss feel free to email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Key Talking Points
- Search happens in Pinterest, Google, Youtube, and even Etsy. Search Engine Optimization is the criteria within the content that tells Google or the other search engines that your article/product is relevant to the search.
- Google my business profile is a profile that a local business - great for brick-and-mortar or local search results. Which is local SEO.
- Keywords are what people search for. To find out what people are searching for, use tools like:
- hrefs, ubersuggest, or Google keyword search tool
- What is the best way to enable your images to be found when searching?
- Put the search keywords into the file name.
- Use Alt Tags to help Google crawl the images and serve up content that is better aligned with helping visually impaired individuals.
- Links back to your website is a great indicator to Google that this is valuable content and can help you rank higher in Google.
- For image optimization:
- make sure it is the size that is actually needed by the webpage.
- Tinypng.com can help you compress an image to help the image load faster.
- Canva will allow you to compress and alter the file pixel size before you download.
- 72dpi is the recommended image size for web pages.
- Imagify is a Wordpress plugin and is available on their webside.
- Use PNG if you flat colors or hardline images.
- Paid vs. Organic SEO
- Paid ads are bidding against other people to be at the top of the page. That said, the ad still needs to be relevant to the search.
- If you do paid ads, you want to use high-search keywords.
- 301 Redirects - when you change a URL, you'll need to set up a redirect to the newer content or a relevant piece of content or the homepage. AKA SEO Link Juice.
- Some additional resources:
- Beginner's Guide To SEO - MOZ.com
- Advanced SEO - Diggity Marketing - The Affiliate Lab
- Advanced SEO - Authority Hacker - Affiliate SEO
Three things to do right away for artists' search engine optimization:
1. Be clear on your goals and who you want to target.
2. Determine what your target audience is searching for.
3. Consider the buyer's intent when defining keywords: are they just investigating buying options, or informational?
4. With the informational content, get them onto their email list.
5. Investigate who else is writing content with that keyword and what they are saying in their article. Look at the headings, this is what Google also looks at.
6. Tools to help determine the SEO Keywords: SurferSEO.
WHEW! That was a lot of fabulous information!!!
We'd love to hear from you, what questions do you have for us three girls with the gift for gab? Email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Rise with us! On Artists Soar!
For More Information and Fabulous Resources:
- For more information from Nathan, be sure to go to:
Our Websites and Shops
Are you an avid reader? Then sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: https://bubblybibbly.com/
Love illustrations and bright colors? Then sign up for Jule's newsletter here: https://www.juliemstudios.com/
Want to learn how to paint, or be part of a growing and active community? Or just love painting? Then sign up for Stephanie's newsletter here: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/artist-newsletter
Got a Listener Question?
Email us at: hello@artistssoar.com
Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
Jules, Rachel, and Stephanie answer your questions about art and art business in their inspired way.
If you have a question you'd like us to discuss feel free to email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Artist Spotlight
Ali Kay - she creates gorgeous vibrant paintings!
Key Talking Points
- Check out Rachel's new artist shop!! Show her some LOVE!!! https://rachelbelleart.com/
- Listener question: What can Denise do to move towards the style she would like?
- Search for these challenges in Instagram:
- DTIYS (Draw this in your style challenges)
- June in Bloom
- Jules is having a spring challenge so follow Jules at juliemstudios so you'll be the first to know.
- Sign up for Cat Coquillette for her weekly challenge.
- Courses like Matt's Portfolio Bootcamp
- Make Art That Sells
- Skillshare classes to practice drawing
- Challenge yourself to try different styles, different color palettes, mediums
- Tom Froese. The style class - a four-hour class to help you find your style.
- Paint it twice, the first time with the reference image and the second time without the reference image.
- Switch to your non-dominate hand.
- Use a big brush with a limited palette.
- Turn on different types of music or a podcast to see what happens with your style.
- Search for these challenges in Instagram:
- Listener Question: I would like to have some real-life artist friends to chat with to like you; what would you recommend I do to meet people like you?
- Special Note: it takes some time to find the group that you mesh well with who are like-minded/like-hearted.
- Find a local artist community/league.
- Find some groups on Facebook that might resonate with you and make a connection.
- Make a connection within a class or retreat.
- Make connections by directly interacting with someone on social media, authentically.
- Networking groups like BNI.
- Look into local stores that have creatives who sell products and reach out to them.
- Special Note: it takes some time to find the group that you mesh well with who are like-minded/like-hearted.
We'd love to hear from you, what questions do you have for us three girls with the gift for gab? Email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Rise with us! On Artists Soar!
For More Information and Fabulous Resources:
- For the Art Business Checklist go to: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/art-business-checklist
- Art Pricing Calculator - the calculator is available to Art Business Program Members. The book will be released in June at the latest. You can pre-order yours now at artpricingcalculator.com
Our Websites and Shops
Are you an avid reader? Then sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: https://bubblybibbly.com/
Love illustrations and bright colors? Then sign up for Jule's newsletter here: https://www.juliemstudios.com/
Want to learn how to paint, or be part of a growing and active community? Or just love painting? Then sign up for Stephanie's newsletter here: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/artist-newsletter
Got a Listener Question?
Email us at: hello@artistssoar.com
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Jules, Rachel, and Stephanie chat about art pricing and how the old ways are no longer serving today's artists.
If you have a question you'd like us to discuss feel free to email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Artist Spotlight
Remington Robinson - he does these amazing miniature paintings in Altoid Tins!
http://www.remingtonrobinson.com/
Key Talking Points
- The book artpricingcalculator.com to get on the waitlist to get the Art Pricing Secrets: Ethically Price Your Artwork. The Formula That Works.
- There are two types of artists: a hobbyist and a professional. A hobbyist mentality is different from a professional one. Hobbyists want to get paid for the piece, the professional wants a profit to live off of.
- Art is a skill set that is worked at and should be compensated.
- Show the process to get your collectors involved so they know the value the artist puts into the piece.
- Stephanie talks about how the square-inch model is failing today's artists.
- 50% of your work is just creating your artwork, if you don't do the remaining 50% of work to do the promotion.
We'd love to hear from you, what have you learned about pricing your artwork where do you stand on pricing your artwork, email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Rise with us! On Artists Soar!
For More Information and Fabulous Resources:
- For the Art Business Checklist go to: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/art-business-checklist
- Art Pricing Calculator - the calculator is available to Art Business Program Members. The book will be released in June at the latest. You can pre-order yours now at artpricingcalculator.com
Our Websites and Shops
Are you an avid reader? Then sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: https://bubblybibbly.com/
Love illustrations and bright colors? Then sign up for Jule's newsletter here: https://www.juliemstudios.com/
Want to learn how to paint, or be part of a growing and active community? Or just love painting? Then sign up for Stephanie's newsletter here: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/artist-newsletter
Got a Listener Question?
Email us at: hello@artistssoar.com
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
Jules, Rachel, and Stephanie chat about why they have different websites and multiple URLs for their art and art business(s).
If you have a question you'd like us to discuss feel free to email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Artist Spotlight
Jaanika Talts - from Dublin, Ireland, an acrylic abstract artist
https://www.instagram.com/jaanikatalts/
Key Talking Points
- A different who and/ or different why then have a separate website. But if the audience and/or purpose is the same then keep one website.
- You can have multiple URLs that will lead the user back to one website. URLs help lead patrons to certain segments of Stephanie's brand.
- Sometimes the functionality the website provider provides dictates whether you'll need multiple website providers. Example: shopify handles taxes for goods, while Kajabi handles subscription-based fees for a membership program.
- Before you determine what you need, you first need to define your purpose behind the site: portfolio, teaching, selling etc.
- Steps:
- Determine Why you want a website?
- How do you want it to function which includes:
- Who is it designed for?
- Where do you want them to go?
- What do you want them to do?
We'd love to hear from you, what different product offerings or income streams you have, email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Rise with us! On Artists Soar!
For More Information and Fabulous Resources:
- For the Art Business Checklist go to: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/art-business-checklist
Our Websites and Shops
Are you an avid reader? Then sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: https://bubblybibbly.com/
Love illustrations and bright colors? Then sign up for Jule's newsletter here: https://www.juliemstudios.com/
Want to learn how to paint, or be part of a growing and active community? Or just love painting? Then sign up for Stephanie's newsletter here: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/artist-newsletter
Got a Listener Question?
Email us at: hello@artistssoar.com
Wednesday Jan 18, 2023
Wednesday Jan 18, 2023
Jules, Rachel, and Stephanie chat about what steps they take to define their goals (BTW Stephanie and Jules have managed multi-million dollar projects and continue to use these skillsets to manage their art businesses).
If you have a question you'd like us to discuss feel free to email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Artist Spotlight
Tahlia Stanton, is a fabulous mixed-media artist! https://tahliastanton.com/
Key Talking Points
-
- Julie and Stephanie look at goals as a long-term vision, with smaller steps that will take us to meet our long-term vision.
- We use SMART goal framework to define our goals and use clickup and a coach to hold us accountable (resources below).
- Say no to the things that don't drive you toward your goals.
- Finding a balance between Financial, Spiritual, Physical, Family, and entrepreneurial is a constant balance and sometimes you are simply going to have to focus on one aspect of that spoke of the wheel of balance.
- Give yourself whitespace and grace to avoid burnout.
- Multiply what you think the task should take by 4 (if you think it should take 1 hour, make it 4 hours).
- Ask yourself every time, will this task serve my goal?
We'd love to hear from you, what do you do to create SMART goals and what your goals are, email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Rise with us! On Artists Soar!
For More Information and Fabulous Resources:
- For the Art Business Checklist go to: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/art-business-checklist
- SMART Goal Worksheet
- ClickUp - Fabulous project management and task list tool.
- Planning Mindfully For Creatives - Class available within the Art Business Program.
- JMA Planner - fabulous planner to document your goals, daily and weekly tasks and more.
Our Websites and Shops
Are you an avid reader? Then sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: https://bubblybibbly.com/
Love illustrations and bright colors? Then sign up for Jule's newsletter here: https://www.juliemstudios.com/
Want to learn how to paint, or be part of a growing and active community? Or just love painting? Then sign up for Stephanie's newsletter here: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/artist-newsletter
Got a Listener Question?
Email us at: hello@artistssoar.com
Wednesday Jan 11, 2023
Wednesday Jan 11, 2023
Jules, Rachel, and Stephanie chat with Cat Coquillette about her journey from a graphic designer to a nomadic, licensed artist.
If you have a question you'd like us to discuss feel free to email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Key Talking Points
-
- What was the #1 thing you wish you would've known?
- Not hold myself back due to limiting beliefs or imposter syndrome.
- What was your background before you become a digital nomad?
- Cat graduated with a dual major and went to work at a local branding/graphic design agency.
- Where was the shift to travel and create?
- Cat took baby steps to start her travels and slowly developed a network of other digital nomads.
- What kind of safety concerns did you have or precautions did you take?
- It was a concern in the beginning, but the thoughts are always worse than what actually happens. Take the same precautions you'd take here in the States.
- Google the place you are going along with the word "scams".
- What are some tips to overcome your fears and imposter syndrome?
- Don't self-label yourself.
- Take baby steps - like sharing what you are confident about or taking a small trip with a friend(s). As you do it more, you get more comfortable.
- What were some of the baby steps you took to get picked up for licensing?
- Society6 is one of the industry leaders for Print on Demand. Identify the metrics for success, like money, and the brand power that Society6 has with the search engines.
- By saturating Society6 with her work, she is easily found by brands.
- What strategy would you recommend to artists now that Society6 is oversaturated?
- Try many and see what will work, then focus on the one that works for you.
- Consider the audience that the Print On Demand site focuses on. Review the top-selling designs to see if your artwork.
- What are some recommended Print on Demand locations you recommend?
- See below for the resources
- Brand new class - draw animal silhouettes in procreate.
- The most popular skillshare class is Procreate for Beginners.
- Blooms and Shrooms is the most popular class in 2022.
- Do you have any art licensing classes?
- Check out the resources below! Lots of fabulous resources.
- What was the #1 thing you wish you would've known?
We'd love to hear from you, email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Rise with us! On Artists Soar!
For More Information and Fabulous Resources:
- Cat's Creative Business Bundle:
- Cat's supply recommendations:
- Cat's Procreate bundle:
- Subscribe to Cat's newsletter:
- Free month of Skillshare link:
- Cat's weekly artist challenge
-
The Beginner's Guide to Art Licensing with Print on Demand: https://catcoq.com/blog/art-licensing-with-print-on-demand
Our Websites and Shops
Are you an avid reader? Then sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: https://bubblybibbly.com/
Love illustrations and bright colors? Then sign up for Jule's newsletter here: https://www.juliemstudios.com/
Want to learn how to paint, or be part of a growing and active community? Or just love painting? Then sign up for Stephanie's newsletter here: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/artist-newsletter
Got a Listener Question?
Email us at: hello@artistssoar.com
Wednesday Jan 04, 2023
Wednesday Jan 04, 2023
Jules, Rachel, and Stephanie chat what they do when the get stuck or in a slump.
If you have a question you'd like us to discuss feel free to email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Key Talking Points
- What are the reasons you get stuck?
- Journal about why you think you are stuck.
- Stephanie relays her reasons why she gets stuck.
- Journal about why you think you are stuck.
- Get unstuck ideas:
- try a different medium
- just start painting, try digitally drawing/painting
- chuck what no longer serves you
- try creating thumbnails, put down blocks of color
- take a class where the direction is provided
- try something new!
- ask someone /consult with someone you trust.
We'd love to hear from you, what do you do to get out of a slump or unstuck, email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Rise with us! On Artists Soar!
For More Information and Fabulous Resources:
- For the Art Business Checklist go to: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/art-business-checklist
- Kathy Robinson - Athena Wellness
- ClickUp - Fabulous project management and task list tool.
Our Websites and Shops
Are you an avid reader? Then sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: https://bubblybibbly.com/
Love illustrations and bright colors? Then sign up for Jule's newsletter here: https://www.juliemstudios.com/
Want to learn how to paint, or be part of a growing and active community? Or just love painting? Then sign up for Stephanie's newsletter here: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/artist-newsletter
Got a Listener Question?
Email us at: hello@artistssoar.com
Wednesday Dec 28, 2022
Wednesday Dec 28, 2022
Jules, Rachel, and Stephanie chat about the importance of a good title for your artwork.
If you have a question you'd like us to discuss feel free to email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Artist Spotlight
One Lane Studios - a colorful animal artist!
Key Talking Points
- The name helps tell the story of the artwork.
- Get your audience involved in naming the piece.
- Find a way for the viewer to connect with the piece.
- Should you let the buyer name the piece?
- May be an engagement incentive to get connected and gain collectors.
- Commercial art vs. fine art naming considerations.
We'd love to hear from you, what do you do to name your pieces or get your buyers engaged with your artwork, email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Rise with us! On Artists Soar!
For More Information and Fabulous Resources:
- For the Art Business Checklist go to: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/art-business-checklist
- ClickUp - Fabulous project management and task list tool.
Our Websites and Shops
Are you an avid reader? Then sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: https://bubblybibbly.com/
Love illustrations and bright colors? Then sign up for Jule's newsletter here: https://www.juliemstudios.com/
Want to learn how to paint, or be part of a growing and active community? Or just love painting? Then sign up for Stephanie's newsletter here: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/artist-newsletter
Got a Listener Question?
Email us at: hello@artistssoar.com
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
Jules, Rachel, and Stephanie chat about small purchases that we can offer to make a big difference in your art and art business.
If you have a question you'd like us to discuss feel free to email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Artist Spotlight
Polly Kimm Art : https://pollykimmart.com/
Key Talking Points
- Print a drawing on watercolor paper for makes and takes.
- Evaluate what your audience is looking for and create a product for that.
- Gift card holders
- Recipe card print with your artwork.
- Cheat sheets.
- Offer the digital file to print their own card to save on printing (card printing is so expensive). Create a QR code to purchase and print at home.
- Take a grouping of small cards and frame them to show what it would look like if they purchased those cards.
- Create a $100 and less, $50 and less, or $20 and less wall or bins.
- Create a flip book/lookbook to show what it would look like
- Create a flip book/lookbook for the TV to flip through!!!
We'd love to hear from you, what do you sell that is expensive for your customer to purchase, email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Rise with us! On Artists Soar!
For More Information and Fabulous Resources:
- For the Art Business Checklist go to: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/art-business-checklist
Our Websites and Shops
Are you an avid reader? Then sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: https://bubblybibbly.com/
Love illustrations and bright colors? Then sign up for Jule's newsletter here: https://www.juliemstudios.com/
Want to learn how to paint, or be part of a growing and active community? Or just love painting? Then sign up for Stephanie's newsletter here: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/artist-newsletter
Got a Listener Question?
Email us at: hello@artistssoar.com
Wednesday Dec 14, 2022
Wednesday Dec 14, 2022
Jules, Rachel, and Stephanie chat about whether they are the type to dive right in or read the directions (or a combo of the two) and how that helps or hurts their art/art business.
If you have a question you'd like us to discuss feel free to email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Artist Spotlight
Sophia Riley Instagram: sophiariley.studio
Key Talking Points
- We chat a LOT about when we need a manual.
- Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premier, Gimp - you need the manual...and videos. (some of them are just waaaayyyy to long.)
- Julie and Rachel go off on Stephanie for getting rid of Adobe Photoshop...(spoiler alert - Stephanie got it back a month later).
- Julie has a skillshare class on Removing the Background.
We'd love to hear do you dive right in or read the manual, email us at hello@artistssoar.com
Rise with us! On Artists Soar!
For More Information and Fabulous Resources:
- For the Art Business Checklist go to: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/art-business-checklist
- Julie's Skillshare class to Remove the Background.
Our Websites and Shops
Are you an avid reader? Then sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: https://bubblybibbly.com/
Love illustrations and bright colors? Then sign up for Jule's newsletter here: https://www.juliemstudios.com/
Want to learn how to paint, or be part of a growing and active community? Or just love painting? Then sign up for Stephanie's newsletter here: https://www.stephanieweaverartist.com/artist-newsletter
Got a Listener Question?
Email us at: hello@artistssoar.com