In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, Australian-Colombian painter and sculptor Joshua Searle is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.

He shares how he has built a flourishing career exploring diasporic identity and the impact of colonization through his innovative and deeply personal art. A two-time Sir John Sulman Prize finalist and recipient of the 2024 Mason Family Trust Fellowship, Joshua has quickly gained recognition since his first solo exhibition in 2021, carving out a definitive space for himself in the contemporary art world.

Known for blending cultural storytelling with bold creative risks, Joshua opens up about forging a career without formal training, finding mentorship in unexpected places, and pushing the boundaries of his artistic comfort zone to create meaningful work.

From entering the art world on his own terms to the importance of seeking guidance and embracing the unfamiliar, Joshua offers inspiring advice for artists pursuing authenticity and growth in their creative journeys.

“It's hard work and it will never stop being hard work. But if you love it, there's nothing better to do than work hard at something you love.”

– Joashua Searle

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Joshua Searle’s Background and Artistic Focus

02:07 Key Themes: Diasporic Identity, Memory, and Colonization

03:20 Reflection on Early Work and Personal Memories

04:45 Returning to Art: A Journey of Healing

06:16 Evolving Practice and Key Creative Partnerships

08:07 Exploring Diasporic Identity and Cultural Displacement

09:50 Starting with Painting: Accessibility and Early Challenges

11:00 First Exhibition in an Unconventional Space

13:00 Recognition and Breakthrough Moments

15:55 Grants, Fellowships, and Navigating Rejections

18:33 Institutional Commissions: Creative Risks and Collaboration

21:50 Mentorship and the Value of Asking for Help

24:00 Building Community Through Collaboration

25:17 Final Reflections on Hard Work and Loving the Process

26:57 Closing Thoughts: Persistence, Curiosity, and Taking the First Step

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/joshua-searle

Links to artworks discussed:
His artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/aUmWX1vYIlY

Resources:

• Art Gallery of New South Wales - Sir John Sulman Prize: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/sulman/

Connect with Joshua:

• Website: https://joshuasearle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshua_searle_art

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter
• Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator

Free training and resources:

• Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06
• Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, fine art photographer Teresa Freitas is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.

She shares the mindset and methods that have helped her build a thriving career in photography. Teresa’s pastel-toned, cinematic images blur the line between dream and reality, and her work has reached audiences worldwide through collaborations with Netflix, Dior, Adobe, and a solo exhibition in Seoul that drew over 100,000 visitors.

Teresa doesn’t hold back when it comes to practical advice. From breaking through on Instagram and negotiating with brands, to following your creative compass, this episode is packed with tools artists can use to grow with intention and professionalism.

“ Speaking with people and exchanging experiences makes you realize…other creative people are going through the same things that you are and you're not alone in this world. Learning for me has always been one of the biggest advantages of being in a community.”

– Teresa Freitas

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Following Your Creative Compass and Staying True to Your Vision

03:00 Iconic Gellert Baths Photograph and Approach to Color and Composition

06:00 Early Influences: Painting, Color Theory, and Visual Inspiration

08:00 Beginnings in Photography and First Steps on Instagram

10:00 Growth on Instagram and Gaining Global Visibility

11:00 Navigating Instagram Challenges and the Shift to Video

14:00 La Muralla Roja Photograph and Breakthrough Visibility

16:00 Early Brand Collaborations Through Instagram

19:00 Negotiating with Brands and Setting Budgets

22:00 Lessons Learned from Failed Collaborations

25:00 Evolution of Style: Flower Projects and Documentary Approach

28:00 Importance of Community and Collaborating with Others

30:00 Staying Authentic and Redefining Success in the Art World

32:00 Closing Reflections and Lasting Lessons from Teresa’s Journey

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/teresa-freitas

Links to artworks discussed:

Her photographs can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/AUp6iIlUhqY

Resources:

• Carolyn Drake (Photographer): https://carolyndrake.com/contact

Connect with Teresa:

• Website: https://www.teresacfreitas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresacfreitas/

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter
• Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator

Free training and resources:

• Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06
• Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode, land artist David Popa shares the pivotal moments and creative philosophies that have shaped his unique career. Known for his large-scale ephemeral earth frescoes, David combines ancient techniques with modern technology, crafting breathtaking works that are captured through drone photography and shared as visual narratives. His art, created with natural pigments such as charcoal and earth, often fades back into nature, echoing the transient beauty of life.

David opens up about his early influences from fine art and street art, and the courageous leap of faith that led him to create a genre-defining practice. He also discusses how staying true to his vision has allowed him to collaborate with major global brands while still honoring the spiritual and adventurous aspects of his work.

From blending creativity with nature to embracing the impermanence of his art, David offers profound insights for artists seeking to align their work with personal meaning and authenticity.

“Don’t chase the money. That part comes after making the work you’re truly compelled to create. There’s something inside you that needs to come out… chase that. The audience who will resonate and emotionally connect with it will find the work.”

– David Popa

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
01:00 David Popa’s Artistic Journey and Practice
02:07 The Uniqueness of Ephemeral Earth Frescoes
03:11 Merging Art, Nature, and Adventure
04:10 Early Influences and Transition to Land Art
05:12 Moving to Finland and Taking a Leap of Faith
06:37 Overcoming Artistic Frustration and Experimenting with Materials
09:00 Developing Drone Photography and Large-Scale Art
11:00 Creating a Breakthrough Piece: Portrait on an Islet
13:00 The Role of Self-Doubt and Artistic Persistence
15:00 First Social Media Success and National Recognition
17:00 Building a Global Audience Through Art Drops
19:00 The Power of Emotional Resonance in Art
21:00 Crafting Personal Narratives Through Social Media
23:00 Using Vulnerability to Expand Artistic Reach
25:00 Balancing Brand Collaborations and Authenticity
27:00 Staying True to Core Values in a Monetized World
28:00 Highlighting Key Collaborations
29:50 Final Advice: Perseverance, Passion, and Authenticity
30:40 Closing Thoughts

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/david-popa

Links to artworks discussed:

1. David’s art can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.

Connect with David

• Website: https://www.davidpopaart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_popa_art/

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter
• Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator

Free training and resources:

• Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06
• Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.