In her 24 years as an artist, Ping has learned a great deal. Not only about her artistic abilities and practices, but also everything that informs her work and her approach to it. In this knowledge packed episode Ping is sharing the 10 most valuable lessons she has learned along the way. From being conscious of the moment, to understanding where you are in your career and learning to be proud of art, Ping has lived and learned it all, and is here to pass these gems of knowledge on to...

This week on the show Ping is answering an intriguing question she has received from one of her listeners, and a question that most new artists ask themselves - “I am an unknown artist, how can I become known and make a living from my art?” - Through sharing her own journey, the ups and downs that came along the way, and finally her success, Ping covers this topic in depth and reveals the secrets that will take you from a budding artist to full time professional. KEY TAKEAWAYS Don’t jump...

This week Ping is here to talk about the importance of time management. Juggling being a mother, podcast host, artist and business owner, Ping knows everything there is to know about effective time management, but this learning only came through experience. In this episode, Ping shares her insights on time management, including some bad habits you might be guilty of and others that you just may not be aware of. She also shares her top tips on effective time management so that you can make the...

This week Ping is here to talk about the all important topic of self discipline. Most artists grow up with the idea that to create their best work they need to be free spirits. But what Ping, and many other successful artists have learned, is that this is simply not true. In fact, the opposite is true. To achieve success, both personally and professionally, it is vital that you have, and understand, self discipline. In this episode Ping shares how she finally came to this realisation, the...

This week on the show Ping is addressing the importance of having clarity in your creative journey. As Ping explains, having clarity isn’t just about what you are doing in the moment, but how it affects every aspect of your creative journey from your day to day work, your communication, your mindset and even your mental health. Ping breaks down the ways you can create clarity and what could happen if you don’t have it KEY TAKEAWAYS Clarity isn’t just about where you’re going, as Ping...

This week Ping is here to talk about the key factor in how she grew her business - trust. As Ping has learned, trust is not just something you place in others, but also something you have to earn yourself. Whether it be clients, colleagues or suppliers, trust is essential to running a successful creative business, and Ping has been there and done it. In this episode, she is going to share the key learnings from her journey so that you can build trust and your creative business can...

This week Ping is joined by illustrator and author Emma Block. Emma started her artistic career at the age of 16 and received her first professional commission at the age of 17. From there, she has gone from strength to strength. She has written and published numerous books, teaches other artists, hosts European retreats as well as being commissioned by prestigious companies such as Penguin, Bloomsbury and Harper Collins. In this interview with Ping, Emma recounts her artistic journey and...

This week Ping is joined by Kelly Anne Dalton, a picture book artist from Montana. In this interview, Kelly Anne details her childhood, growing up in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania, known as the ‘Town the Time Forgot’ and how that ultimately led her on her artistic journey, where she faced a number of challenges, but finds herself today as a successful picture book artist.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Kelly Anne talks about her artistic journey from studying economics to opening her first Etsy shop and how...

This week Ping is interviewing artist Tatjana Mai-Wyss. Tatjana is a children's book illustrator whose work is inspired by her Swiss childhood, folk art, fairy tales and love of history. In this interview with Ping, the ladies discuss their creative journeys, where they find inspiration and the importance of holding on to your inner child. KEY TAKEAWAYS Tatjana talks about her artistic journey from working in museums to teaching, freelancing and how she found herself in her dream job,...

This week Ping is joined by her good friend, mentor and successful artist, Sjoukje Bierma. Sjoukje is an illustrator and portrait painter, based in Amsterdam. Her work is used by fashion and media brands and displayed in private collections around the world. She is also a guest tutor of fashion illustration and model drawing for academies of fashion and fine art. In this interview Ping and Sjoukje discuss what it takes to be an artist both technically and emotionally. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sjouke...

This week Ping is joined by Margo Tantau. Along with being an artist, podcast host and creative consultant, Margo also runs Tantau Studios, a 24/7 online artist community. In this interview with Ping, Margo talks about her 30 year career, the challenges she has faced along the way, her successes and shares insightful practical advice for both new and established artists.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Margo talks about her childhood and the artistic influence her parents had on her, and how, when moving...

Today, Ping is joined by the multitalented Helen Stephens. Helen is a children's book writer and illustrator, co-founder of The Good Ship Illustration, podcast host and creator of the instagram phenomenon #walktosee. In her 26 years as an artist, Helen has done and seen it all. In this fascinating interview, she shares her journey as an artist as well as the lessons she has learned from her vast experience.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Helen talks about how she broke into the world of children's book...

Welcome to the first episode of the Botany Works Artist Podcast. This week Ping is joined by one of her favourite artists, Tanja Stephani. Tanja is an illustrator that specialises in children's books. In this interview with Ping, Tanja shares her journey to becoming an artist, lessons she has learned, her top tips for success and how following your heart is the true path to success.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Tanja shares her journey as an artist. From having what she describes as a ‘fairytale...

Welcome to the Botany Works Podcast. A New weekly show hosted by successful artist and entrepreneur Ping He. Each week on the show Ping, and her high profile guests, will share with you their insights into the world of art from both a creative and business perspective.  Ping runs a 6 figure stationery business in a small town in Northern Amsterdam. Her experience and knowledge is invaluable for anyone looking to have a successful career as an artist.  So join Ping every week as she helps...