Ever look back at your first mural and cringe just a little? In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my very first paid mural—the $350 job that had me spending three scorching days in the sun, a sketchy ladder, and a whole lot of “what was I thinking?” moments.I’ll share what that project taught me about pricing, safety, and preparation—lessons I wish I’d known before climbing that ladder with the wrong paint and too much optimism. These early mistakes shaped how I run my mural business today, from choosing the right materials to confidently quoting big projects and staying safe while doing what I love. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your process, this episode will help you skip the struggle and learn from my first-mural fiasco. Resources mentioned: Mural Supplies → artistacademy.co/supply Mural Pricing Guide → artistacademy.co/pricingguide $17 Audio Book → MuralMoney.com HEADS UP! I will be taking on a new small group of artists to coach more intimately with meetings every week starting January 1st. If you are interested, message me and I will put your name on a list to let you know as soon as it becomes available. You are perfect for this coaching if you have a few photos of your work and need guidance on bigger projects, what to say to customers, how to land jobs, or if you get stuck not knowing what to do—I’m on call.
In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m diving into one of the trickiest parts of being a working artist—what to do when hiring help or collaborating with another artist doesn’t go as planned. Recently I had back-to-back coaching calls asking me questions that centered around the complications that arise when artists work together. They asked, “Have you ever had drama with coworker artists?” I laughed because oh boy have I! I’ve hired friends to work with me that didn’t work out. I’ve under and overpaid artists. I’ve experienced expectations not being met and the complications that came with it. I’ve worked with people who are great communicators and others who held issues in and let it build up to the point of exploding on a job site. I feel like I am the perfect person to talk about this subject having been on all ends of this issue. What do you do when…? Another artist thinks they need to be paid more than you’re offering. An artist you’re counting on cancels the day before. The artist you hired paints slow and won’t speed up. The artist makes a small/big mistake on the job. Your artist friend suddenly treats you like competition. A fellow artist copies your mural design or idea. Your helper posts the mural on their page and tags you weirdly (or doesn’t tag you at all). Tips: Always over-communicate and remind them. Explain why. Set expectations in writing, even if it’s just a text. Hire quick, fire fast — 1, 2 strike, you’re out. Day 1: trial day
In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, we’re tackling that all-too-relatable question: “What the heck do I post today?” I recently sat in on a Chamber of Commerce presentation about social media, and it got my wheels turning about what our customers really want to see from us. So, I pulled together a list of post ideas designed to boost your visibility, connect with your audience, and maybe even spark a few new mural leads. When people see you online frequently, they remember you, recommend you, and you inspire ideas for their home or business. Content Ideas Repost a mural video with a testimonial at the bottom Common mistakes people make when commissioning a mural Behind the scenes: show the full process Sketches vs. the final mural Before and after photos “Tag a business who needs a little color added to their walls”(Pro tip: have a friend tag the business you want to work with) Carousel of your best work — pin it at the top! Carousel of a specific theme (ex: all your American flag murals ) “5 days of work wrapped up into 15 seconds” — show the time-lapse! A walkthrough describing your mural and the meaning behind it “3 things to know before hiring a muralist” “How much does a mural cost?” “How murals can boost foot traffic” — especially for businesses “Would you paint this inside your house or business?” Fun fact: “This was my biggest project of 2025!” “Why did you start painting?” Throwback to your first mural ever A “day in the life” post or reel “Top 5 most time-consuming projects of 2025” What Doesn’t Work Anymore: Canva graphics as posts Black space at the top/bottom of the video Too much fancy editing Twitter (X), TikTok, Threads — pretty dead in my area for leads Tune in to hear how a simple list of creative prompts can reignite your posting strategy and remind you that consistency, authenticity, and a touch of creativity are all it takes to stay top of mind—and booked out.
This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m chatting with the incredibly talented Australian muralist and mentor Danielle Weber!Danielle has built a thriving art business from the ground up—painting murals and canvases priced anywhere from $10K to $30K on average. We talk about everything from how she connects with clients through Instagram DMs to how she bought her own warehouse studio and turned it into a creative hub.Danielle shares her no-fluff approach to pricing, confidence, and setting boundaries as an artist. We also dive into the importance of community over competition, building a sustainable mindset, and balancing creative freedom with business growth.Tune in to hear how Danielle’s story proves that with strategy, passion, and a bit of grit, you can make a full-time living doing what you love—from Melbourne to anywhere in the world.
Have you ever wondered how some fine artists make real money selling originals at art shows while others struggle to get traction?In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m chatting with Mark McKenna, a Western and wildlife artist who went from teaching high school art to earning up to $50K at a single show. Mark breaks down exactly how he did it—without fancy connections or a massive following. He shares the pivotal lessons he learned from his mentor, Greg Beecham, about pricing your art higher (and why collectors actually prefer it that way), connecting with buyers authentically, and how being likable and generous can open more doors than any marketing tactic.We also talk about his leap from teaching to full-time art, how he balances family life while painting 30 hours a week, and why art shows are still one of the best ways to build genuine relationships with collectors today.If you’ve ever thought, “Could I really make a living selling my paintings?” — Mark’s story is proof that you absolutely can, with the right mix of strategy, confidence, and heart.
In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sharing how I’m using my birthday week to boost art sales, clear out the studio, and make selling fun again through my favorite Q4 strategy — hosting an art auction. You’ll hear exactly how I set it up, from starting bids and pricing tactics to creating excitement (and even turning bidders into future mural clients).We’ve worked really hard all year to grow our audience (audience = buyers) and gain the attention of potential customers. Now is the time to sell to them. We’ve spent the year practicing our craft to create our best-quality work. Now is the time to share that work with the people who’ve been watching and waiting to buy. Let’s take all that hard work, creativity, and momentum from this year — and turn it into real results. It’s time to sell confidently, have fun with it, and finish the year strong. Birthday promo! Join the Artist Academy for $299 for one year and get a free one-on-one coaching call with me! CLICK HERE
In this special midweek episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I sit down with Meg Wagler, the powerhouse behind Springfield’s Overlay Music and Arts Festival. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to pull off a mural festival—from raising funds and navigating nonprofit hurdles to rallying volunteers and making sure artists are paid fairly—this conversation gives you the full behind-the-scenes picture.Meg shares the story of Overlay’s beginnings, the setbacks of COVID, and the partnerships that have helped it grow into a thriving nonprofit. We talk about the challenges of balancing passion with sustainability, the importance of valuing public art as more than just philanthropy, and how murals can spark pride and cultural identity in a community.And of course, we give you a preview of this year’s festival! Expect live mural painting, DJs, skateboarding, interactive art installations, a community dining hall, and more—all happening this weekend in downtown Springfield. Whether you’re an artist, an arts supporter, or just curious about the power of public art, this episode will leave you inspired.
This week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast features the amazing artist, educator, and traveler Elida Field. Elida’s story is all about resilience—navigating divorce, raising three kids as a single mom, and building a thriving art career through teaching, commissions, retreats, and now her new book Nobody Dies in Art Class.We talk about her journey of creating after-school art programs, leading 33+ international art tours, and how travel continues to spark her creativity. Elida also opens up about her upcoming sabbatical year where she plans to travel to 50 countries at age 50 (yes, 50!).If you love art, travel, or just need some inspiration to keep going through life’s transitions, this episode is for you.I’m also sharing details about our upcoming Costa Rica Mural Meetup in January 2026. Imagine painting murals in the jungle, yoga in the mornings, amazing Costa Rican food, and excursions with fellow artists. It’s going to be unforgettable. Get all the info and see the mockups here: www.artistacademy.co/meetup
It sucks to lose a mural job. Period. It also sucks to see another artist land the job you really wanted. Let’s just be real—it’s easier said than done to feel happiness for someone who got the opportunity you were reaching for.In this week’s Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sharing stories from my own career where I’ve been on both sides of that coin. I’ll walk you through how I overcame those negative feelings and reframed them into something useful. Instead of dwelling on what I didn’t get, I’ve learned to ask:• How can I stand out in a crowd?• How can I niche down even more?• How can I enjoy what I do daily, even more?• How am I already different from other muralists in my area?This episode is all about choosing community over competition, sticking to your value instead of lowering your prices, and finding your unique edge.And before I wrap up, I’ll also give you details about the 2026 Costa Rica Mural Meetup —a week of mural painting, spray and latex training, sunrise yoga, and jungle adventures. Get all the info and see the mockups here: www.artistacademy.co/meetup
This week on the Artist Academy Podcast, I get to revisit with muralist Hibaaq Ibrahim, who first joined me years ago when she was just starting out. Back then, she had only recently quit her day job—today, she’s a full-time commercial artist in Minnesota with projects starting at $10k and a schedule that keeps her booked year-round. In this episode, Hibaaq shares how her mindset, goal-setting, and smart investments in courses and mentorship helped her grow quickly. She talks about the habits that keep her consistent, why she only takes on projects that align with her values, and how working with an art consultant has freed her up to focus on creating. This conversation is full of practical advice for artists who want to raise their rates, attract better clients, and build a career they actually love.
On this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I sat down with Colorado artist Maggie Sackmann, who’s built a thriving canvas art business while raising a toddler. We talked about her leap from corporate life to full-time painting, why she releases quarterly collections, and how she prices her work in the $2,000–$3,000 range. Maggie also shared how framing boosted sales, how video content helped grow her audience, and the way she balances commissions with painting what she loves. What stood out most was hearing how she makes it all work as a mom, the mindset shifts she’s made to treat art like a business, and the importance of sharing your story so collectors connect with you. I left this conversation inspired with ideas to try in my own art journey, and I think you will too. www.artistacademy.com
This week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast features muralist Corey Paige, who turned her bold, colorful designs into a thriving business painting murals for homes, businesses, and even major brands. From experimenting with paint markers in her parents’ basement during the pandemic to collaborating with JetBlue, Dunkin’, and the New York Knicks, Corey’s journey is a masterclass in persistence and creativity.We talk about how she prices her murals, balances residential versus corporate projects, and uses social media to get noticed by big names. Corey’s advice is simple but powerful: don’t wait for opportunities — create them.Her story is proof that following your unique style can lead to doors opening in ways you’d never expect.www.artistacademy.com
In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy podcast, we’re diving into budget vs. luxury pricing language—and how the words you choose can either draw in high-value clients or unintentionally invite bargain-hunters. If you want to repel low-paying clients, avoid words like cheap, affordable, budget, quick fix. Replace them with words like investment, statement, signature, premium, transformative. What you don’t want to use if aiming for high-paying customers: Quick and inexpensive way to add color. Murals are cheaper than professionally installed wallpaper! I can beat other artists’ prices. Murals starting as low as $300. I’ll make it work for you no matter what your budget is. We can keep it simple and affordable. Wording that positions you as a premium creative professional: Custom artwork designed to transform your space. Luxury murals that elevate environments and leave lasting impressions. One-of-a-kind, hand-painted murals tailored exclusively to your brand. A permanent investment in your space’s identity and value. High-impact statement pieces that capture attention and admiration. Museum-quality finishes with durability that lasts for decades. Each design is created in collaboration with you, ensuring a truly bespoke result. Transform your blank walls into landmark destinations. I create immersive, large-scale art experiences that inspire and impress. This isn’t just paint on a wall — it’s an asset that adds cultural and financial value to your property. Instead of “cheap” → say “accessible entry point” (if you must talk about lower price).Instead of “affordable” → say “scalable depending on vision.”Instead of “decorate” → say “transform” or “elevate.”Instead of “price” → say “investment.”
In this episode of the Artist Academy podcast, I’m diving into the heart of my mission: helping women achieve financial freedom through art. I’m sharing why I believe it’s so important for women to make money, how I’ve turned life’s challenges into motivation, and the freedom and respect that financial independence brings. This episode is all about using your skills to create choices, stability, and the life you truly want.
In this episode of the Artist Academy podcast, I’m chatting with hyper-realistic painter and educator Christopher Remmers, and let me just say—his work is next level. I reached out to him because I was blown away by the level of detail in his paintings and just had to know what’s going on behind the scenes.Christopher shares how he left behind a successful construction career to go all in on art, and how that leap of faith led to a fully booked commission schedule, an online academy, and projects that align with his creative vision.We get into:-His exact commission process (including pricing)-How he finds clients on purpose by pitching to aligned collaborators-His behind-the-scenes design workflow (spoiler: it’s intense and brilliant)-The email funnel strategy he uses to stay booked-Why mindset and mastering your craft matter more than any marketing trickWhether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this episode will give you the push to take action and keep going. Christopher’s journey shows how skill, clarity, and persistence can turn your passion into a full-time career. www.artistacademy.com
In this episode of the Artist Academy podcast, I open up about something that so many artists struggle with: support systems (or the lack thereof). This episode explores what it’s like to grow a creative career without constant encouragement from those around you. There’s a reflection on the difference between blind support and honest concern, and how to stay focused when friends or family don’t fully “get” what you're trying to build. If you’ve ever felt unseen, second-guessed, or unsupported, this one’s for you. It’s all about trusting yourself, finding the right community, and creating for you, not for the applause.www.artistacademy.com
After a $100K first 1/3 of the year, I’m now sitting here with zero projects on my calendar. How did this happen?! I’ll tell you in today’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast. I take full responsibility. I burned myself out in the first part of the year, going full steam ahead with work and socials. Then spring sprung in Missouri, and I had better things to do than outreach and painting for other people—things like gardening, farming, and just being outside in this beautiful weather with people I actually like. Every time I hit a dip in commissions, I can’t help but wonder: Is this the universe giving me the time (or rather, forcing me) to finally tackle those things on my wishful to-do list? Things like picking up canvas painting again. I caught myself saying, “I’m just not motivated,” and “Maybe it’s just a slow season in my area.” But are those things even real? Not really. Let’s dive into it…
In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m kicking off a brand-new interview series—this time shifting the spotlight away from murals and onto artists who are creating and selling canvas work, just in time for the upcoming holiday season.I sat down with Caroline Karp, a professional artist, teacher, and creative entrepreneur who’s built a vibrant career by painting what inspires her—often from beaches, cities, and mountaintops around the world. Caroline shares how she balances teaching kindergarten with selling canvases, many of which are painted on location and shipped rolled to collectors.We chat about pricing high-ticket art, building authentic connections outside of social media, and the power of simply showing up and painting what lights you up. If you’re looking to boost your canvas sales or kickstart a new series for the holidays, this episode will give you the motivation to dive in and start creating.
In this episode of the Artists Academy Podcast, I’m sitting down with the wildly talented muralist Mandi Caskey—aka Miss Birdy—whose colorful, whimsical work totally stopped me in my tracks on Instagram. We talk all about how she went from painting in tunnels for fun to getting hired to paint massive fantasy-inspired murals for cities, festivals, and corporate clients.Mandi shares how a random graffiti hangout in college sparked her love for street art, how she carved her own path despite professors and critics pushing for something more “traditional,” and how she’s built a thriving business doing what she loves most—telling stories through playful, larger-than-life murals.We also dive into how she finds clients, the systems she’s set up to apply for mural calls, and how her nonprofit, Catalyst Columbus, is helping turn overlooked spaces into bold public art across Ohio. If you’ve ever dreamed of making a living from your art—and doing it your own way—you won’t want to miss this conversation.
In this week’s episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I’m sitting down with muralist Lacey Hennessey to talk about how she went from painting coolers in college to building a full-time mural business. Lacey shares how she left her corporate job behind, fueled by a business-first mindset and smart use of social media to grow her audience and client base.We chat about how she keeps everything organized with color-coded spreadsheets, why transparency online has been key to her success, and how vinyl murals became a game-changer for scaling her business. Lacey also dives into her “box system” for pricing murals and how she structures client conversations to save time and avoid endless revisions.If you’re looking for practical tips to blend creativity with business and make a living as an artist, you’re going to love this episode with Lacey!
Fatima Abid
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Sarah J. Blankenship
Very interesting. Love the revamp of the historic images into new wallpaper styles. I'm a Muralist with a degree in historic preservation, so that combo appealed to me very much. Appreciate the copyright date info, copyright is forever confusing.
Chris Kelly
I stumbled across this podcast while looking to grow my art business and I think I found the perfect fit. I have been binge listening for a couple weeks now and implementing tips learned and I'm already seeing benefits! Thanks.
Arlene Marks
I really enjoyed this podcast. Full of useful tips. I liked learning about how she juggles the family life with work. And how she just went out and asked the papers if they wanted to do a feature on her. Courage and confidence in her own style.
Arlene Marks
Wow. I'm so impresssed.