REVENUE READY CREATIVE | Grow Your Art Business Online, Art Business Coaching, Increase Productivity, Passive Income for Self-Employed Artists

📥 Become a Revenue Ready Creative Insider!! Get my free Revenue Streams for Creatives download, weekly growth tips, and early access to offers: https://bit.ly/CreativeBoss   Today's Episode: This is a great episode to listen to if you're simply over doing your own bookkeeping! I talk with Danielle Hayden—CPA, author, and CEO of Kickstart Accounting—about giving yourself permission to get out of the accounting software and focus on what you love. Danielle shares: Basic foundational terms you'll encounter when it comes to money management and the people who can help you with that How identity as a “creative” can stall financial decisions One simple step to reduce overwhelm if your books feel out of control A breakdown of her framework for building confidence, clarity, and trust in your numbers Listen in for a refreshing, judgment-free path to easing your financial stress—and surrounding yourself with the right people so you can grow with confidence. ✅ Next Steps:  Get your questions answered on the pod! https://www.speakpipe.com/HeatherAllenOnline Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.  

📥 Become a Revenue Ready Creative Insider!! Get my free Revenue Streams for Creatives download, weekly growth tips, and early access to offers: https://bit.ly/CreativeBoss   Today's Episode: Even as a creative solopreneur, you don’t have to do it all alone. In this episode, I share the four people every creative needs in their corner—the Critic, Champion, Cheerleader, and Coach—and how each plays a unique role in helping you grow, stay motivated, and reach your goals. You’ll learn how to identify who’s already playing these roles in your life (and where you might need to fill the gaps) so you can keep creating boldly and stay revenue ready.   ✅ Next Steps:  Get your questions answered on the pod! https://www.speakpipe.com/HeatherAllenOnline Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.    

📥 Become a Revenue Ready Creative Insider!! Get my free Revenue Streams for Creatives download, weekly growth tips, and early access to offers: https://bit.ly/CreativeBoss   Today's Episode: Feeling scattered when it comes to planning your creative projects or business goals? In this episode, I'll introduce you to a practical framework called Action Mapping — a tool borrowed from the world of instructional design — and show you how to repurpose it for creative goal setting and project planning. You’ll learn how to: Focus on outcomes instead of endless to-do lists Identify the specific actions that move your goals forward Simplify your planning so you can actually follow through Tune in to discover how to make goal setting and project planning less overwhelming and more actionable — so you can stay focused, creative, and revenue ready.   ✅ Next Steps:  Get your questions answered on the pod! https://www.speakpipe.com/HeatherAllenOnline Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

📥 Become a Revenue Ready Creative Insider!! Get my free Revenue Streams for Creatives download, weekly growth tips, and early access to offers: https://bit.ly/CreativeBoss Today's Episode: Feeling nervous about emailing your list too often? You’re not alone — but with the holidays fast approaching, now is the time to show up boldly and consistently in your audience’s inbox. In this episode, I break down why frequent, intentional communication is the key to creative business success — especially during peak sales seasons. Learn how to plan your holiday email sequence, build connection without overwhelm, and use every message to grow both your relationships and your revenue. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to plan strategic touchpoints that build anticipation and drive sales What every email should (and shouldn’t) include Three timeless marketing “pearls of wisdoms” that actually work for creative businesses ✅ Next Steps:  Get your questions answered on the pod! https://www.speakpipe.com/HeatherAllenOnline Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

📥 Become a Revenue Ready Creative Insider!! Get my free Revenue Streams for Creatives download, weekly growth tips, and early access to offers: https://bit.ly/CreativeBoss Today's Episode: Feeling stretched thin or struggling to focus? Before you take on one more thing, hit pause. ⏸️ In this episode, I share a simple, three-question framework to help you decide which projects are truly worth your time, energy, and creativity. Learn how to evaluate new opportunities for alignment, capacity, and value — so your “yes” decisions move you closer to your goals, not further from them. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The 3 key questions to ask before taking on a new project. How to check whether an opportunity aligns with your goals, capacity, and values. What it means to give a “revenue-ready yes” instead of a reactive one. Every yes is an investment — in your time, creativity, and reputation. Make it count.   ✅ Next Steps:  Get your questions answered on the pod! https://www.speakpipe.com/HeatherAllenOnline Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.  

📥 Become a Revenue Ready Creative Insider!! Get my free Revenue Streams for Creatives download, weekly growth tips, and early access to offers: https://bit.ly/CreativeBoss Today's Episode: In this reflective episode, I open up about recent challenges, moments of clarity, and the deeper purpose behind creative entrepreneurship. You’ll hear how tough work seasons can lead to powerful realizations — and why being revenue ready isn’t all about money. It’s also about stability, empowerment, and positioning your creativity to support the causes, people, and communities that matter most to you. I'll share my own journey toward aligning my creative and professional life with meaningful service, inspired by a timely connection and a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” Tune in to reconnect with your why — and rediscover the purpose behind your creative work. ✅ Get my Revenue Streams for Creatives PDF here!!! (https://bit.ly/CreativeBoss)   ✅ Next Steps:  Get your questions answered on the pod! https://www.speakpipe.com/HeatherAllenOnline Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

📥 Become a Revenue Ready Creative Insider!! Get my free Revenue Streams for Creatives download, weekly growth tips, and early access to offers: https://bit.ly/CreativeBoss Today's Episode: Feeling unsure how your business really performed this past quarter? In this workshop-style episode, I'll guides you through some hands-on reflection designed for artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs. I'll share 4 key metrics — from gross and net profit to audience growth — to help you uncover what your numbers are really telling you. With simple prompts and practical insights, you’ll walk away knowing where to focus next and how to approach Q4 with more clarity, confidence, and purpose. Take 20 minutes, grab your notebook, and let’s turn your reflection into your next big step toward being Revenue Ready.   ✅ Get my Revenue Streams for Creatives PDF here!!! (https://bit.ly/CreativeBoss)   ✅ Other Quarterly Review Episodes:  Episode 44. Guidance for Your Q2 Review: No Numbers This Time!   Episode 33. Inspiration for Your Q1 Review: Peek Into a Profit Planning Session with an Artist Couple Episode 21. Guidance for Your Q4 Review: Sales Tracking for Commercial Artists, Makers and Designers Episode 5. Get Organized in Your Business with This Sales Tracking Process for Creatives   ✅ Next Steps:  Get your questions answered on the pod! https://www.speakpipe.com/HeatherAllenOnline Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.  

📥 Become a Revenue Ready Creative Insider!! Get my free Revenue Streams for Creatives download, weekly growth tips, and early access to offers: https://bit.ly/CreativeBoss Wow! I can hardly believe it—but this month marks one full year on the Revenue Ready Creative podcast, friend! Whether you’ve been listening since episode one or you’re brand new today, I want to say a big, heartfelt thank you. Your time, your creativity, and your energy matter—and I don’t take it lightly that you choose to spend some of it with me here on the show. In fact, I love hearing that people look forward to starting their creative week of work with this show. 💕 And since a one-year anniversary deserves a little celebration, I created something special for you. I put together a free instant download that highlights 9 different revenue stream categories for creatives. ✅ Get my Revenue Streams for Creatives PDF here!!! (https://bit.ly/CreativeBoss)   And here’s a bonus tip: you can actually use this episode as an audio guide while you look through the PDF. I’ll walk you through each of the 9 categories today, so you’ll have both the visual reference and my voice guiding you through it step by step!   ✅ Next Steps:  Get your questions answered on the pod! https://www.speakpipe.com/HeatherAllenOnline Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

A new inquiry just landed in your inbox. A fresh commission just walked in the door.  So… now what do you do? Whether you’re feeling rusty, launching something new, or simply haven’t onboarded a client in a while, this episode will help you reclaim your footing and lead with confidence — even if you’re still figuring things out behind the scenes. In this episode, I’m sharing: Why the start of a client project often feels like starting from scratch The power of having a clear, written process (even a simple one!) How to prepare for common client questions Why communication and realistic timelines are everything And how to build trust with clients — starting from day one If you're ready to guide your next client with more ease, structure, and calm confidence, this one's for you.   ✅ Also mentioned in this episode... Episode 10: How to Manage Clients Through the Original Artwork Commission Process as a Professional Artist   ✅ Next Steps:  Get your questions answered on the pod! https://www.speakpipe.com/HeatherAllenOnline Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

We’ll start today’s episode with a "yes or no" Pop quiz, friend! Is your content strategy “Revenue Ready” for Fall? Simple yes or no question, but I promise there is no judgement either way. Whether your content strategy is ready or not, customers will be ready to buy. They’re already scrolling through places like Etsy, Pinterest, Google searches and social media looking for gifts they’re ready to purchase. People are also ready to spend money on the decorative (artful) finishing touches for those house projects that they started and really want to finish before the end of the year. And customers are also ready to finally sign up for that collage, pottery, or calligraphy class. Whether you’re ready or not, customers, prospects and potential buyers are out there, and they’re ready to spend money.  Lets get your content calendar revenue ready with some ideas for what to post so that when that customer, prospect or potential buyer goes a-lookin', they find you!   ✅ Next Steps:  Get your questions answered on the pod! https://www.speakpipe.com/HeatherAllenOnline Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

Feeling stuck staring at a never-ending to-do list? As a busy creative, deciding where to focus your energy can feel overwhelming — especially when everything feels important right now. In this episode, I share a simple prioritization framework I’ve been using for almost 10 years: the Time Value Matrix. It’s a practical tool that helps you cut through the noise, focus on the tasks that actually move your business forward, and reduce time spent on the low-value work that drains your energy. You’ll learn: The 4 categories of tasks (A, B, C, and D) — and why knowing the difference is game-changing How to spot your A-level, revenue-ready tasks (the ones with the biggest ROI) Examples of how this works for digital creators, crafters, and artists Considerations for letting AI help you with low-value tasks 👉 Challenge for today: Take your current to-do list and run it through the Time Value Matrix. Circle one A-level task and tackle it first.   ✅ Next Steps:  Book Your Coaching Call! Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

Feeling stretched thin this busy season? You don’t have to do it all alone. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to hire support in a way that feels clear, doable, and affordable. You’ll learn: How to decide exactly what kind of help you need Creative options for paying or trading beyond just cash Why clarity is kind — and how a simple job description makes hiring smoother The importance of planning for help before you’re overwhelmed Hiring help doesn’t have to break the bank — and bringing in support early can make your busy season run so much smoother. 👉 If this episode encourages you, share it with a fellow artist who’s gearing up for the season too!   ✅ Next Steps:  Book Your Coaching Call! Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

When you identify a struggle in work or life, creating healthy boundaries can be a powerful way to reduce stress, reclaim time, and regain a sense of control.  Boundary setting also helps you to step into your best, most creative self! Here’s a step-by-step practical approach to creating those boundaries and improving your well-being.   Use the C.L.E.A.R. Boundary Planning Method! This is a 5-step framework designed to help you set and sustain boundaries that protect your time, energy, and peace of mind — at work, at home, and in relationships. This strategy is perfect for working artists and self-employed creatives!   C – Clarify the Struggle What’s the current situation causing stress, resentment, or anxiety? Describe what’s not working or what feels off.  My struggle is: My struggle is: ____________.   L – Locate the Leak Where is your energy, time, or emotional well-being being drained? Identify the type of boundary you need: Time Communication Emotional energy Physical space Task/workload Other: _______________________   E – Establish the Boundary What clear, kind, actionable limit do you want to set? Keep it simple and direct. Think: “I will/won’t…”   A – Assert and Act on It How will you communicate and enforce this boundary? You can write a script or plan out the first step.   R – Reflect and Reinforce After trying this for a few days or weeks… What’s working? What needs adjustment?     ✅ Next Steps:  Book Your Coaching Call! Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

One of the biggest challenges that I’ve heard come up through hours and hours of coaching sessions with creatives, is that of getting found online for what you do or make. Simply getting found and increasing visibility online... which isn’t so easy these days with all of the noise, options, and algorithm changes.  But there are a few things you can do to increase your online visibility through your digital storefront and targeted key words as you gear up for your next season of sales. Today, as you look at the week ahead, we’ll focus on three creative business checklists that you can knock out in under an hour each. Your keywords and key phrase brainstorm Your digital storefront audit Your social media refresh Listen in for guidance for each. Be sure to use a timer for these exercises to keep you super focused on the task at hand.  Using keywords strategically today will help you to increase your online visibility and get found online this season!   ✅ Next Steps:  Book Your Coaching Call! Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

Hey, Creative Boss! Something big is coming up for your customers—and it’s time to get you ready. We’re moving out of the slow, stretchy days of summer and heading straight into a season of momentum. The weather’s shifting, routines are changing, and your audience is shifting right along with it. Your buyers? They’re getting back into routines. They’re starting to plan. Some are even thinking about gifts—yep, already. Parents and kids are in back-to-school mode, companies are pushing hard into Q3 and Q4, and before you know it, it’s the holidays. That’s when the messages start rolling in—DMs on Instagram, inquiries on Facebook, Etsy orders—and a lot of it will be last minute. Which is why today we’re talking about the #1 sales skill that could make or break your bottom line this fall: the follow-up. I’ll walk you through what follow-up really means, how to do it without feeling pushy, and why starting now could be the reason your holiday season is booked out. Grab a pen and paper—let’s get you revenue ready.     ✅ Next Steps:  Book Your Coaching Call! Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.  

Are my revenue goals even possible? 🤔 This question requires more than just a yes or no response. If I were to answer this for you, I’d be tempted to say, “Absolutely yes your revenue goals are possible” because the optimist in me believes with strategy, planning, faith in your vision and follow through, just about anything is possible... But the strategic thinker in me would want to know more. To determine if your revenue goals are possible there are 5 strategic questions that you can ask yourself. Listen in, take notes and take action!   ✅ Next Steps:  Book Your Coaching Call! Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.  

✏️🗒️ Summer School is now in session! Throughout the month of July, join me here on the Revenue Ready Creative podcast each Monday for conversations with guest experts in art and design who are ready to drop knowledge on topics like building resilience in self-employment, getting your name out there in the community, switching to a value-based pricing model and so much more. Today’s guest is Eric McRay, a celebrated painter and collage artist. Eric has been running McRay Studios for over 25 years. With a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art, Eric has built a carer fueled by passion, grit, hustle, bold exploration and a relentless drive to reinvent. Striking a rare balance between creating work that brings him join and deeply resonates with his patrons, Eric's art has found its way into hundreds of personal collections, as well as those of  corporations, hospitals and public institutions.    ✅ Learn more about Eric McRay:  https://ericmcray.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mcraystudios/ https://www.facebook.com/mcraystudios/   ✅ Next Steps:  Book Your Coaching Call! Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

Summer School is now in session! Throughout the month of July, join me here on the Revenue Ready Creative podcast each Monday for conversations with guest experts in art and design who are ready to drop knowledge on topics like building resilience in self-employment, getting your name out there in the community, switching to a value-based pricing model and so much more. Pull up your easel and prep your palette—our guest, Pete Sack, is about to paint a whole new perspective on the value of community, planning, and diversification in self-employment.   ✅ Learn more about Pete Sack:  http://petesack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/petesackart/   ✅ Next Steps:  Book Your Coaching Call! Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

✏️🗒️ Summer School is now in session! Throughout the month of July, join me here on the Revenue Ready Creative podcast each Monday for conversations with guest experts in art and design who are ready to drop knowledge on topics like building resilience in self-employment, getting your name out there in the community, switching to a value-based pricing model and so much more. Today’s guest is Kenzi Green, a brand and web designer behind Kenzi Green Design, the host of The Unapologetic Designer Podcast, and the co-founder of The Brief Collective—where she teaches designers how to land high-ticket clients and finally ditch the starving artist mindset for good. With a bold design eye and a business-savvy brain, Kenzi is helping the next generation of designers own their worth and show up with confidence. Whether you’re building a brand or just learning how to say your rates out loud without second guessing yourself—today’s episode is about to redesign the way you think about pricing.   ✅ Learn more about Kenzi Green:  https://kenzigreendesign.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kenzigreendesign https://www.instagram.com/thebriefcollective/ https://www.instagram.com/theunapologeticdesigner/   ✅ Next Steps:  Book Your Coaching Call! Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

✏️🗒️ Summer School is now in session! Throughout the month of July, join me here on the Revenue Ready Creative podcast each Monday for conversations with guest experts in art and design who are ready to drop knowledge on topics like building resilience in self-employment, getting your name out there in the community, switching to a value-based pricing model and so much more. Sharpen your pencil and lean forward for today’s episode with Arts Council CEO, Jenn McEwen. Jenn McEwen is the president and CEO of United Arts of Wake County in Raleigh, NC, where she champions local artists and brings the arts to life across the region. Before stepping into this leadership role, Jenn built a successful career in arts marketing and nonprofit leadership in Atlanta, and even made history by launching the first government agency dedicated to the arts in the Town of Hilton Head Island. In her position as an Arts Council CEO, Jenn works with hundreds of artists and arts organizations. She sees who stands out professional, who is reliable, who is engaged with the community and therefore who is getting their name out there via the many, many avenues available to artists. And that’s what we’re talking about today. If you’re curious about things like what it would take to get into the public art space or how to build a revenue stream as a teaching artist, there are some lessons here that you don’t want to miss. Sharpen your pencil—we’re about to get a masterclass in the steps you can take to get your name out there in your community.   ✅ Learn more about the United Artist Council:  https://unitedarts.org/   ✅ Next Steps:  Book Your Coaching Call! Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.