This week, Richie and I chat about why it can be helpful to revisit previous art styles or processes in your art practice or business. This idea emerged as I've rediscovered and fallen back in love with the playful style of art from my very first online class, The Melting Pot. We also discuss the challenges we've faced in defining a style and approach for our YouTube channel and why we're returning to simple, short videos like we used to share when we first got started. We hope you enjoy...

Breaks are wonderful and necessary, but they can also make it hard to get back into your artistic groove. This week, Richie and I discuss this challenge and offer practical guidance and encouragement to help you turn your creative drought into a fresh, exciting chapter. Discover the importance of taking that first step, embracing risk-taking, optimising your workspace, and selecting a project that challenges but doesn't overwhelm. If you've been struggling to find your creative flow, you...

Is it nostalgia? Maybe I've got those rose-tinted glasses on again. Do you ever get the feeling that being an artist was more enjoyable before? Is all this pressure to do more and be on multiple social media platforms accumulating, taking away the joy of making art? Join me and Richie as we delve into these questions and explore how I am combating these feelings by immersing myself in my studio and 'painting it out.' If you've been feeling weary lately, we hope this episode gives you a little...

Today, we re-explore the main theme of this podcast’s season: “relaxation” and how valuing more R&R has improved our art practice, creative business, and well-being. We also answer your questions relating to this season and set a realistic break and return date for the continuation of the podcast. As we head into this short break, we wanted to say thank you for tuning in and supporting the podcast. We look forward to returning on April 15th for more relaxed and inspiring...

What's your relationship with reels at the moment? Many artists feel the frustration of spending endless hours on editing apps, searching for the perfect audio, and condensing messages into mere seconds. Both Richie and I have struggled with this, but we've had some breakthroughs recently and learned a lot about what not to do! Curious about our take on things? Tune in to episode 157 for tips and insights from our own experience. With persistence and a shift in mindset, reels can be a...

Are you missing out on the benefits of Pinterest? In the art world, Pinterest often flies under the radar compared to Instagram, yet it's a powerhouse for art-related content. Over half of my social media website traffic comes from Pinterest, where people discover my art, podcasts, classes, YouTube channel, and blog posts. And yet, I spend as little as a few days a year on my Pinterest strategy. What's my secret? Tune in to find out. Plus, you'll gain tips on leveraging Pinterest to curate...

When it comes to your creative process, what feels hard? Is it getting started on a new project? Or perhaps it's that final 10%, like varnishing and finishing a painting. Or is sharing your art with the world a stumbling block? We all have different friction points that need attention. Talking it out can really help, so come join us as we put our heads together to explore the intricacies of our respective creative workflows. It’s time to transform friction into flow! Mentioned: ⁠⁠Episode...

If you've been on this artistic journey for a while, chances are you've accumulated your fair share of artwork. From quick studies to finished pieces that feel a bit so-so, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the stuff! Should you keep everything, or are there benefits to clearing the clutter and creating space for new ideas? And what about reinventing old pieces? Tune in to hear our thoughts and gain insights on managing your own creative pile-up! Mentioned: Painting Makeover on...

If there's one episode to tune into this season, it's this one. Today, we're tackling the challenge of finding time to paint when life gets hectic and competing demands, whether they be business admin, work commitments, or family responsibilities, leave you frustrated. Perhaps it feels like putting paint on paper is a distant dream. If that resonates with you, this episode is a must-listen, offering insights on reclaiming and protecting your creative time. Mentioned: ⁠Episode 150: Aim to...

What happens when you've developed an art style but you're not feeling it anymore? Or maybe you’ve focused on teaching art, but now you want to teach the business side of art. The desire to change is there, but concerns about losing followers, letting people down, or struggling financially hold you back. These worries are valid, but there are also amazing benefits that can come from switching things up. Join us today as we discuss navigating change in your artistic...

There’s no denying the popularity of art process videos on social media, and offering classes can be a wonderful way to generate income as an artist. However, it's not all roses. From the issue of being copied to dedicating substantial time to editing and administration, there's a lot to consider when sharing your creative process. Today, we dive into both the perks and pitfalls of teaching your creative process to others. Mentioned: Episode 144: How to Make an Income From Your...

The beginning of the year is a time when many of us set big goals, but is this the best approach? Or are we setting ourselves up for failure? Whether you're creating art, launching a podcast, or making a film, not everything is going to hit the mark. Mediocre days are part of the journey. So with that in mind, could the answer lie in 'aiming to be average'? Join us as we chat about this idea and share the different ways that we are adopting this mindset. Mentioned: Beau Miles YouTube...

Exciting news! We're back podcasting, and we're coming to you from our new studio! Join us as we reflect on the various creative spaces we've had, dive into the pros and cons of home vs. external studios, and share our thoughts on what makes for a positive studio environment. Visit my resources page for more details on my classes, YouTube videos, free guides, and more! Find me on Instagram @laurahornart

Life sure is hectic, isn’t it?? Between work, hobbies, children, and all of the other aspects that make up life as a whole, it can be hard to maintain consistency, clarity, and structure. In this podcast episode, you will hear how I schedule my week as an artist, business owner, and parent. The goal here is to give you some simple tips and ideas that you can incorporate into your daily, weekly, and monthly routines to make staying on top of your many tasks as easy as possible. This routine...

Instagram: the O.G. photo-sharing social media platform. It was once so beloved by artists, photographers, and day-to-day photo sharers. But now, is it still considered the best social media platform for artists? We are going to dive deep into whether or not that is still the case, or if artists (and other creatives) should be turning towards other platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, or maybe even the app that’s once again in the spotlight—Vero. Figuring out which place to share...

I’ve been quiet on social media lately but I have been working on something really important - making art fun again! The studio has had a makeover, new art supplies have been ordered and ALL my sketchbooks are out!! Plus, Richie and I have been having some BIG ol' chats about the future direction of the podcast and art biz in general. With a new year coming, it’s time for a change. In this week’s episode, we look back on the last year and talk about the changes we are making to bring more...

This week, Richie and I answer your questions. You’ll hear personal stories including how we met, whether we always wanted children and what’s been the hardest part of our journey so far. We also share business tips on areas such as Facebook advertising and getting started with teaching. One thing you’ll notice is that things are always changing. Being a creative couple is a juggling act that requires plenty of communication and adjustment! There are times when we focus on creative work and...

Can you still grow on Instagram? Is it worth starting a YouTube Channel? When should you leave your day job? Is your art biz covid-proof? Just a few things that come up in today’s chat about making an income from your art. We have talked about this topic many times but these are our latest thoughts and tips taking into account how the world and social media platforms have changed. Plus we talk about the realities of making money from selling art and why teaching is such an important income...

I wasn’t sure what to call this week’s episode as we chat about so many things. Yoga, social anxiety, the progress I have been making on my paintings, accounting, books, Netflix - it’s a mixed bag! Then it came to me. While I haven’t been painting as much lately, my life has felt rich with creativity. I’ve had time to discover new passions and I have finally learned how to take breaks and tackle tasks in short bursts. Could it be that I am living a well rounded creative life and finding...

This week, Richie and I are chatting about creative confusion. Sometimes you can think you have your art figured out and then lo and behold you are back at square one, uncertain about where you are heading and what direction you want to take. I have been experiencing this over the past week or two, so it was good to unpack it with Richie. We talk about why my art is changing, the negative impacts of social media on creativity and the advantages of lingering in the experimental phase. At...

In today’s episode, Richie and I chat about showing up when you don’t feel like it. This topic came about because I really didn’t feel like recording a podcast! We also talk about our very different personalities and how they gel in our business as well as our relationship. It’s a short episode but a good one! I hope you really enjoy it. Find the show notes for this episode with all the links at https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/141 Find me on Instagram at...

Even if you have been painting for years, a new canvas or series can be daunting. This week, Richie and I chat about getting started. This includes surface preparation, studio-set-up and facing the blank canvas (or in my case, wooden boards). While we share tips and ideas for getting prepared and setting up your space, we also talk about the value of jumping right in. Sometimes, the most important thing is that you splash paint and lay down some marks! Plus, we reflect back on last week’s...

This is a conversation about tea that tastes like dusty flowers, hipsters on YouTube, the lost art of reading books and the wonders of bamboo clothing! It’s a humorous take on a serious topic - stress. Over the past few months, I have been exploring different ways to reduce stress and tension in my daily life. I’ve tried meditation, journaling, reading, yoga, walking, reducing caffeine and more. Shifting the focus of my health journey from losing weight to relieving stress has had some...

This week, Richie and I reflect back on the ‘Redefining Success Series’ and share what we have learned. You’ll hear how Richie is incorporating an idea from each interview into his daily routine. Meanwhile, I talk about creating simple self-care habits, shifting my mindset in relation to marketing and feeling ready to try something new in my art. We hope you enjoy the recap and that you enjoyed the season! Richie and I will be taking a short break and returning on October 20 which is...