In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary realist miniaturist Dina Brodsky, a faculty member of the Professional Artist Association, shares the key lessons that have shaped her career as a painter, curator, and community builder.

With an MFA from the New York Academy of Art and years of refining her unique craft in New York City, Dina has seamlessly blended the centuries-old tradition of miniature painting with a modern, deeply personal approach. Her work not only reflects her artistic passion but also her dedication to fostering collaboration within the art world.

From building a thriving online art community to balancing creative passion with the demands of commercial work and parenthood, Dina opens up about the strategies that have helped her navigate the challenges of a multifaceted career.

Whether it’s forging meaningful artist connections, carving out time for personal projects, or taking control of your career trajectory, Dina offers practical advice for artists striving to create both impactful work and a fulfilling life.

“Don't wait for life to happen to you. Because you could be waiting for a really long time. So if you want to make something happen, just take it into your own hands. Curate your own show, reach out to people, find a space or do it online… whatever it is. Life is short and fragile…and anything could happen at any moment.”

– Dina Brodsky

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Dina’s Background and Artistic Journey

02:07 Sketchbook Practice

03:10 Love for Miniature Painting and Early Challenges

05:20 Starting the "Paint Anyway" Movement

07:30 Balancing Passion Projects, Commercial Work, and Parenthood

10:10 Achieving Stability and Choosing Projects

12:00 Teaching, Research, and Building a Body of Work

13:55 Community Initiatives and Viral Art Projects

16:40 Navigating the Art World and Creating Independent Systems

19:00 Final Reflections: Taking Initiative and Building a Career on Your Own Terms

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

Links to artworks discussed:

• Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/01YCbScWBo8

Resources:

• Birds for Sophia Project: https://www.birdsforsofia.org/

Connect with Dina:

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

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

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