I‘ve had the same big financial goal for the last 3 years, and for a long time, it has felt like I’m getting further away from it than closer to it. Have you ever experienced this? You set a financial, art-related or personal goal, and you just can’t seem to hit it.   It might be that you want to make your first sale, be more visible, or make more money. I reflected on this extensively in January and significantly changed how I approach my financial goal. I am starting to see a shift and...

The BIG day has arrived.  The publication date of my book, Your Art Matters is 6th August. Our official book launch event is 16th August - we would love you to join us for this. In this episode, I share the importance of understanding why your art matters as it relates to the work you make, your purpose in life, who you connect with and how you sell.   This is why I am so passionate about this book that will help you find your voice, purpose and people. I explain the book, the event and...

Being paid to: Have a community of people around you. Make art all day. Use your studio space. Learn from you. Have a break. These are some of the ways you can create a membership platform where people pay you on a monthly, quarterly, 6 monthly, or annual basis. I know this sounds incredibly daunting and scary to many, as it did for me when I first started!  I have had many questions about knowing if a membership is the right decision for you and your art - so I am giving the download it...

Wow - this was a bumper LIVE episode as we talked with artist, Bonny Snowdon. Bonny broke down her whole journey from not making art in 30 years to self-taught, fully booked artist with thousands of students. Bonny kindly shared how she managed to increase her pricing by building a waitlist and managed to exit her fulltime job to fulltime artist within 12 months. Celebrating £ 1 million in turnover this year, Bonny has overcome challenges and set backs but found success as she works daily...

This was a live podcast where I brought in my mentor, Stu McLaren. We talked about my past and how Stu has impacted my life in the most profound way ever. We talk about how you can use your creativity to impact others and make money at the same time. Imagine being paid to make art? With money coming in month after month.  I get paid to make art, and I don’t have to sell it - how crazy is that ? This episode is super special to me as Stu has shown me ways of living I never knew possible...

In today’s podcast, I set out to talk in-depth about how a free training I took back in 2016 changed my life in the most profound way. Although I do talk about it - I don’t go into detail as I find it emotional to talk about. To think that back in 2016, when I signed up for a free workshop with Stu McLaren, and how my life is unrecognisable now moves me to tears. I spent years in emotional turmoil, lost and struggling financially. Stu taught me not only how to create a membership...

My son was getting quite angry and upset as he wanted to buy an Xbox but didn’t have the money.  We can all relate, I am sure - there are many things I want but don’t have the money :) So, our motto is every problem has a solution - and so we created a project plan and worked out how he could earn the money. He decided to sell his art and we broke down the steps of how he could do it. I share behind the scenes today of what we created as the lessons here relate to us all as it comes down...

What if I told you the mistakes you make are increasing the value of your art? We often disregard our mistakes, which can impact our confidence negatively.  Yet, our trials and errors are what make our art great. This is what I talk about in today’s episode. What if you are a beginner? With no trials and errors? Does this devalue your work?? Nope, I also talk about this in the episode.

Making art that sells - a term some people love and for some it brings feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of selling your soul. This week, I explore this topic as it relates to making art with the intention of selling. For me two primary considerations contribute towards sales: Making art (or anything) that is like you - by this I mean leaning into what makes you unique.  Your art reflects you, and the more you understand this, the more you can communicate this.  This applies to what...

I remember looking at my painting and wondering what was wrong with my creation. It didn't seem right, but I couldn't determine why.   It was like when I had found an inspirational image and tried to replicate what I saw but failed miserably.   I've taken courses in drawing, acrylic, life drawing, watercolour, textiles, collage, ceramics - the list goes on. The one thing I have learned over time is that art is a language.   It doesn't matter how many courses you take; if you don't learn...

A wonderful talk with artists as we delve into the success they have experienced since working with us. We discuss hoe they use the Best Year Yet process and how their journeys have evolved over the years from taking action. Lisa shared how she was shaking like a leaf when it came to sharing her only drawing with us - this was 3 years ago.  Today, Lisa sold work and sat in her studio on the call. You can learn more about today’s featured artists here: Simone Paterson Jane Powell Lisa...

A wonderful live podcast episode where we bring in artists who share how they plan their year ahead. We talk about having goals, not having goal, having a calendar, not having a calendar and all the different ways you can adapt our best Year Yet training to design your life in your own way. A super session if you are keen to do more of what you love in 2024.  

I know this title may make some people feel uncomfortable - those who give give give and never put themselves first, for example. However, when we break this down - it’s simply connecting with what truly matters in life and focusing on this. You can do more of what makes you happy. It’s not about greed or hurting people along the way so we can satisfy our needs only.   When you feel content, fulfilled and happy - this will impact everyone around you.  In this episode, I will share the...

Let’s reflect on 2023 together.   One of the best ways to move forward and achieve success is by reflecting and today’s podcast was recorded live.   We took time to:   Consider what you want and don’t want.   Get clear on what you really want in 2024. Learn from mistakes and from what went well.   Most of all, paying attention to how far you have come.   When you reflect on what’s happened, you can do more of what works, do less of what doesn’t work, and aim for what you...

Last year I bought a house, which was a big deal for me.  As a single parent, who used to be in masses of debt and unemployed for years - to get to this point today in my life is mind blowing. For years I struggled and found life difficult. Art was my saviour. Art has taught me so much and that is why I am so passionate about helping others understand why art matters. This year I am going to be talking about this topic A LOT!!! This year is the year my book will be published and unveiled...

In this final Vlogast of 2023, I want to wish you a very healthy and ‘happy’ end to the year. I know it’s not an easy time for some people.  I was reflecting on how I want everyone to be happy.  I want my members, followers, children, friends, family - all to be happy. I strive to make people happy and fulfilled, but this isn’t always possible.  It’s not realistic. In this episode, I talk about the term happiness and how it comes and goes in my own life. Thank you for all of your support...

I always say you are one person away from an opportunity. Suvi is a UAS HUb member and last week, she shared her surprise as she was invited to exhibit next year, and it came from a simple act with no expectations. Suvi had created some lovely cards featuring her artwork and decided to give them to local shop owners as a seasonal greeting. One of the shop owners contacted Suvi and asked if they could exhibit the work for 3 months during their busiest season !! I talk about this in today’s...

When you begin to take control of your life to feel more fulfilled and happy, you often realise it’s not about the house, the amount you earn or the studio you have.  These goals are great, but true fulfilment comes from inside.   I know this can sound a little wishy washy, but this has been the biggest lesson towards me finding tons of contentment and happiness in my life.   No matter how many goals I set and achieved, there was always a feeling of not having enough, or fear of it being...

Your art won’t sell You should paint flowers, you will make more money  You are not good enough  People aren’t buying art right now    Have you ever taken a different direction because of the view of a few??   By this, I mean a couple of people out of the billions of people in the world gave their view, which diminished your dream—diminishing your confidence? Or did they influence a change of direction that doesn’t feel right?   We have to be careful not to accept the view of...

If you could live on your own terms with no money, worries, or responsibilities- how would you be REALLY living?? It amazes me how many people live a life they think they should live.  Myself included.  I fall into the trap year after year of making decisions based on what is expected or what I think others will like. I intentionally reframe this thinking and check in with what I REALLY desire. This is a question I ponder at this time of year.  I love the cycle of coming towards the end of...

I went to an event recently called ‘Chill and Prosper’ by Denise Duffield Thomas.  Denise has a book out with the same name.   We spent 2 whole days talking about money.   I cried, laughed, felt confused, and gained clarity - it was an incredible 2 days of focusing on my money mindset, and I am excited to share my insights with you.   In today’s episode, I share what I took from the event, including why I was given a card that said:   ‘It is safe for you to live and travel first...

How do you know when it’s time to give up on a dream/goal or mission??? The feeling of giving up can arise from many situations, such as: Working on the same project for a long time   At a crossroads and not sure which way to turn,    A dream you have been following for a while. You don’t seem to be getting anywhere. Many times in my life, I have wondered whether I should give up or keep going. The thought of ‘wasting my time’ filled me with dread.   The truth is, we...

There have been many times in my life that I fake how I feel and think to push myself to the next level.   If I didn’t do this, I don’t think I would be sat here writing to you today.   In our 7 Keys program we have been exploring mindset a lot, and people are starting to push out of their comfort zones.   This is what I share in today’s episode  

Have you ever had moments when you feel like everything is going wrong? Everything you touch seems to turn into a disaster??   I had been experiencing this lately, so many things going wrong that I started to spiral and feel I couldn’t take much more.   I went to see my friend, Sharon in floods of tears.     In today’s episode I share a huge epiphany that came on my flight to Nashville.   I was reading the book, Think and Grow Rich and in the opening page there was a note to myself...