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Description: Discover the science behind why protecting your creative time isn't selfish—it's essential for your best work. Learn practical strategies for establishing sacred boundaries around your studio hours.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kay challenges the common myth that creative inspiration should strike randomly and unpredictably. Instead, she explores the neuroscience behind deep work states and explains why artists who protect their studio time produce better work and experience greater fulfillment. Through research-backed insights and practical examples, Kay reveals how to create the conditions where your best creative work can emerge consistently.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

- The neurological basis of flow states and why they take an average of 23 minutes to achieve
- Why fragmented studio time creates "shallow creativity" and limits your artistic potential
- How to set effective boundaries with family, friends, and yourself around creative time
- The critical distinction between avoidance and genuine need for rest
- Practical strategies for signaling to your brain and others that you're entering sacred creative space

Resources Mentioned:

- Cal Newport's book Deep Work
- The Complete Pet Portrait Business System

This Week's Single Step: Take fresh photos of 3 pieces of your artwork in good natural lighting.

This Week's Point of Interest Prompt: Create a 'color story' post explaining the palette choices in a recent work.

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Description: Discover why temporarily focusing on one income stream accelerates your path to a diverse, profitable art business faster than trying to build multiple streams simultaneously.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kay challenges the conventional wisdom that multi-passionate artists should immediately diversify their income streams. Instead, she reveals the counterintuitive power of strategic constraint—how deliberately limiting your focus to one income stream for 9-12 months creates the mastery, systems, and financial foundation for thoughtful expansion later. Through personal stories and practical examples, Kay demonstrates why the fastest path to a thriving multi-stream business is actually sequential rather than simultaneous development.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why constant switching between income streams prevents any from reaching profitability
• The "Day 231 syndrome" and why pushing through boredom leads to breakthrough success
• When to experiment broadly versus when to focus deeply in your business
• How mastery of one income stream creates exponential rather than linear growth
• Five powerful advantages of the focused approach: mastery, marketing clarity, audience compounding, systems development, and momentum
• How to maintain creative growth and exploration while focusing your business offerings

Resources Mentioned:

• The Complete Pet Portrait Business System at https://links.theartistsguidetobusiness.com/cppbsp
• Research on decision fatigue and creative constraints
• The Book I couldn't remember the name of: Light from Uncommon Stars, Novel by Ryka Aoki

This Week's Single Step: Write one paragraph artist statement that clearly communicates your unique perspective (under 100 words).

This Week's Point of Interest Prompt: Share 3 artists who have influenced your style and explain why.

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Description: After 51 years in business, Pickenpaugh Pottery proves that "getting a real job" was never the answer. Discover practical strategies for art market success, sustainable pricing, and building a multi-generational creative business.

Episode Summary: Join host Kay for an inspiring conversation with Merry and MerryCline from Pickenpaugh Pottery, a 51-year-old family pottery business in Madison, Mississippi. Founded by Robert Pickenpaugh, this multi-generational studio has become the oldest business in their town. The mother-daughter duo shares hard-won wisdom about succeeding at art markets, pricing handmade work appropriately, and building genuine community connections that sustain a creative business across decades. Their story offers both practical advice and proof that artistic careers can thrive when you balance creative passion with smart business practices.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The key to art market success: getting people INTO your booth (and how to do it)
• How to price handmade work without undervaluing your time and craft
• Practical conversation starters for engaging customers without being pushy
• Why visiting markets before participating can transform your success
• The importance of balancing bread-and-butter pieces with higher-end artistic work
• How to handle criticism and maintain confidence in your pricing

Topics Explored:

• Art market strategies and booth setup essentials
• Customer engagement and the art of educating buyers
• Pricing psychology and value communication
• Building long-term community relationships
• Balancing artistic integrity with commercial success
• Multi-generational creative business sustainability

Connect with Pickenpaugh Pottery:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• In Person in Madison, Missisippi
• 
  

Best Quote: "When are you gonna get a real job?" - What people asked Robert 51 years ago. Pickenpaugh Pottery is now the oldest business in Madison, Mississippi!

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Description: Discover why the seasonal peaks and valleys in your art business aren't problems to solve—they're natural rhythms to understand and leverage for both financial stability and creative wellbeing.

Episode Summary: **Episode Summary:** In this insightful episode, Kay explores the psychological dimension of seasonal business patterns that all artists experience. Rather than offering quick tactical fixes, she reveals how developing "seasonal resilience" transforms your relationship with both busy and slow periods. Learn how shifting from reactive panic to strategic anticipation can break the boom-bust cycle that exhausts so many creative entrepreneurs. This episode provides a thoughtful framework for understanding your unique business rhythms and building a more sustainable, enjoyable creative practice that works with—not against—these natural cycles.

In This Episode You'll Learn: **In This Episode You'll Learn:**

• - Why the psychological experience of feast-or-famine cycles creates anxiety and how to reframe it
• - The difference between reactive businesses that struggle with each seasonal shift and anticipatory businesses that leverage these patterns
• - How to develop "seasonal resilience"—maintaining creative confidence through both busy and slow periods
• - Why completely stopping marketing during busy periods reinforces the boom-bust cycle
• - The mindset shift from resistance to alignment with your natural business rhythms
• - Reflective questions to identify your unique seasonal patterns and how to work with them

Topics Explored:

• - The psychology of seasonal patterns in creative businesses
• - Developing resilience through seasonal awareness
• - Anticipation versus reaction in business planning
• - The mindset shift from resistance to alignment
• - Strategic reflection for personal pattern recognition

Resources Mentioned:

- The Complete Pet Portrait Business System at https://links.theartistsguidetobusiness.com/cppbsp

This Week's Single Step: Schedule 30 minutes to research one new art competition or exhibition opportunity. Look for options that align with your medium and style, note upcoming deadlines, and consider whether it might be worth pursuing.

This Week's Point of Interest Prompt: Create a 'materials spotlight' featuring your favorite brand of paint, clay, or whatever medium you use. Share why you love it, how you discovered it, and perhaps demonstrate a technique that showcases its qualities.

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Description: Discover why waiting to "feel confident" is holding your art business back, and learn the science-backed approach to building real confidence through action instead of endless preparation.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kay tackles the paralyzing belief that we need to feel confident before taking action in our art businesses. Through psychology research, real-world examples, and practical applications, she reveals why this thinking is backwards and how taking small, strategic actions actually builds the confidence that many artists are waiting for. If you've ever delayed responding to inquiries, hesitated to state your prices, or put off creating professional systems because you "weren't ready yet," this episode provides the mindset shift and practical steps to break through that pattern.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• - The psychological research behind why action creates confidence, not the other way around
• - How the "protection" of waiting for confidence is actually preventing your business growth
• - Real examples of artists who transformed their businesses through small confidence-building actions
• - Why "messy action" beats "perfect inaction" every time in building a sustainable art practice
• - A practical framework for taking "micro-actions" that gradually build business confidence
• - The difference between "faking it till you make it" and practicing professional behaviors

Resources Mentioned:

- Albert Bandura's research on self-efficacy and mastery experiences
- Carol Dweck's work on growth mindset
- Research on exposure therapy for overcoming fears
- The Complete Pet Portrait Business System at www.theartistsguidetobusiness.com (resources tab)

This Week's Single Step: Send a friendly check-in email to someone who previously expressed interest in your art. It doesn't have to be a sales email—consider sharing a behind-the-scenes image or simply a note to reconnect.

This Week's Content Compass: Write about the story or inspiration behind one of your most meaningful pieces. Share it through email or social media, either as text or as a 2-3 minute video that starts with an attention-grabbing hook.

Connect With Us:

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter at: https://www.theartistsguidetobusiness.com

Buy the Pet Portrait Business System at:

https://www.theartistsguidetobusiness.com/complete-pet-portrait-business-system

Subscribe to The Artist's Guide to Business so you never miss an episode, and leave a rating or review to help other artists discover these resources.

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In this episode, I respond to an artist who's been diligently promoting her pet portrait business for a year without seeing results. I explore whether economic uncertainty affects art sales and offer practical strategies to refine your marketing approach.

Resources Mentioned

• Complete Pet Portrait Business System ($99, price increasing soon) https://store.theartistsguidetobusiness.com/p/PPBB72B
• Carrd.co for creating simple landing pages
• Coaching services available at https://store.theartistsguidetobusiness.com

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In this episode of The Artist's Guide to Business, I dive into a practice that transformed my art business: quarterly reviews.

As artists and creative entrepreneurs, we're often focused on the next project, the next opportunity, always moving forward. But what if the key to sustainable success is actually taking time to look back? This episode breaks down:

• Why artists resist business reviews (and the hidden costs of avoiding them)
• How quarterly reviews can prevent burnout and help you identify what's actually working in your business
• Key metrics to examine: from revenue and sales to traffic and visibility
• How to spot unhelpful patterns that are holding your business back
• My "closing loops" practice that frees up mental energy for creativity
• The self-appreciation practice I've adopted from the corporate world that's essential for solopreneurs

Whether you're a seasoned creative entrepreneur or just starting your art business journey, this episode provides a framework for intentional reflection that will help you build a more sustainable and aligned creative practice.

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In this episode, Kay speaks with Chika Obih, CPA and money mindset educator, about the often-intimidating world of taxes and finances for artists and creative entrepreneurs. With over 14 years of experience in tax strategy and planning specifically for small businesses and creatives, Chika breaks down essential deductions, explains how to shift your relationship with finances, and offers practical advice for approaching your business numbers with confidence rather than fear.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why your approach to finances reflects your overall business mindset
• Simple strategies to start engaging with your financial numbers (even if they scare you)
• The most commonly overlooked tax deductions for artists, including the home office/studio deduction
• How to know when it's time to hire professional financial help
• Practical ways to shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered about your business finances

Resources mentioned:

• FREE GIFT: The Ultimate First-Year Tax Deduction Checklist: 7 Write-Offs Every New Business Owner Should Claim

Where to find Chika Obie:

• Instagram: @chikaobihcpa
• YouTube: Chika Obih CPA

About Chika Obih:

Chika Obih is a CPA, money mindset educator, and online course creator dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs take control of their taxes without the overwhelm. As a first-generation entrepreneur herself, she understands the struggles of navigating business finances without a roadmap. She's helped countless women confidently manage their taxes, set up simple money systems, and shift their money mindset—without sacrificing creativity or freedom.

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