Art Juice: A podcast for artists, creatives and art lovers

We had planned to take break this week, but we just couldn't do it! So, here we are with a bonus episode all about preparing for a new year. This year, we are taking very different approaches - Alice is relaxing into letting things happen in an easy way, while Louise has spent some time defining clear goals and then breaking them down into scheduled tasks. This is a reversal of roles from prior years and so in this episode, we dive into what is driving both of us. Why has super-organised Alice not yet started to develop a plan? Why has laissez-faire Louise suddenly  decided to create highly structured plans? It turns out that we have both made these changes to address what didn't work for us in prior years and to suit our individual preferences. And this is so important ... there are many different ways of approaching new year's planning and there is no right or wrong. What most matters is to find a way of working that is right for you. We also share what has excited and inspired us ... for Alice it was watching Brian Rutenberg's YouTube videos (specifically Studio Visit 48) and for Louise, it was realising how important social media has been in finding her target audience. Mentioned: Find out about Alice's Connected Artist Club and join the interest list here: https://alicesheridan.com/artists/ Brian Rutenberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp3017D6Tkc The book recommendations episode: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e6chml Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

The last module of Louise’s Find Your Voice course is all about risk and adventure. Alice has just been on an adventure of her own - one that Louise also could have experienced but chose not to. This week, we discuss how important risk and adventure are in our work and in our lives. Can we have one without the other? Do we tend to take risks in some areas of our lives while avoiding them in others? And what is the payoff when we do venture out of our comfort zone? We also discuss the emergence of new things in our work. How do we know when a new direction is meaningful as opposed to being an aberration? How do we choose which ideas to follow and which to let go? Do we actually need to decide anything or can we just let the work develop?  Mentioned: Haramara, Mexico https://haramararetreat.com/  Barns Courtney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrV90gXmOpA Guilt TV show https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0009qm2/guilt-series-1-episode-1 Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Rachel Davis joins Louise as a special guest this week for a fascinating mindset discussion.. Rachel is an artist, a practicing psychologist, and a creativity coach, making her especially qualified to discuss this week's topic - imposter syndrome. First identified in 1978, this is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a fear of being exposed as a "fraud."  Imposter syndrome can be pervasive (affecting all areas of your life) or situational (for example, only arising when you have your own gallery show or the first time you book a stand at an art fair) but it is estimated that 70% of the population has experienced it at some time. Rachel and I discuss our own experiences with imposter syndrome, debate whether artists are especially vulnerable to it, and share our strategies for overcoming the issue when it arises for you.   Mentioned Rachel Davis art and creativity coaching: https://www.racheldavisstudio.com/ Rachel's psychology website: http://www.drruthkalb.com/ ICB Building (regular open studio events): http://icbbuilding.com/ Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

As artists sometimes we are not that organised... we like to be free spirits, right? But this really doesn't work if we want to move our careers forward and take advantage of all the opportunities available to us. This week, we discuss our own approaches to planning for events such as exhibitions, contests, art fairs and workshops. Louise admits that she has missed out several times because of a lack of planning, while Alice has developed a system to ensure this doesn't happen. As we chat, we share practical tips and strategies including how to find the opportunities in your area, and what dates to monitor.  We also share our excitement at having created paintings that feel different - and are either the best things we've ever done, or destined for the bonfire. We're really not sure which! Mentioned Lund Studios  https://www.lundstudios.co.uk/courses-2020 Courses at Seawhite Studios https://www.emilyballatseawhite.co.uk/ Discerning Eye   https://discerningeye.org/exhibition/intro.php Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, Mall Galleries (ENTRY DEADLINE: Friday January 3rd 2020) https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/call-for-entries/open-exhibitions/royal-institute-painters-water-colours Royal Academy Summer Exhibition  (OPEN 6 Jan - 17 Feb) https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/summer-exhibition-2019 Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week, we're diving into a topic we've both wondered about ... how much should we share? If we let people in to all aspects of our creative process, does our art lose its mystery? Do collectors really want to see the good, the bad and the ugly of our artistic process? And what about sharing with other artists? Should we keep some things as trade secrets? If we share everything, are we worried about people copying us?  During our conversation, we share some of the benefits we've both experienced from sharing our work, our processes and our creative lives. We also discuss the potential pitfalls of being open and honest. Later, we answer a listener question from Wendy about substrates ... why do we choose to work on boards or canvas or paper? What factors do we weigh and how does that decision impact our work? All this, plus the week's inspiration, which includes a kick-ass group of artists and the story of how one amazing woman turned hardship into massive success. Mentioned:  Thought for the Day: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07vp1z4 Wharfedale Grange wedding venue: https://www.wharfedalegrange.co.uk/ Louise's free acrylics video: https://www.louisefletcherart.com/acrylics/ Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week, we welcome a special guest.  Nicholas Wilton is a Californian painter who also runs a successful online art course called The Creative Visionary Program (a course both Alice and Louise have taken in the past). Nicholas has an unusual take on the age-old topic of selling art  - and it's one that might surprise you. In this special conversation, we discuss his counter-intuitive ideas (such as the fact that the more unique your art becomes, the more others can relate to it); share our own art-making processes; discuss the value of working in a series; and consider the role intuition plays in our creative process. We also touch on the power of found materials, and learn about the profound changes that Nick and Alice are experiencing in their work. This is a conversation that is sure to energise and inspire you.  This is also the last week to join our exciting end-of-year event which started in Monday. “Your Best Art Year Ever” is an interactive live 5-day event during which we are sharing our approach to planning for success. There will be chat, laughs, sound advice, a chance to ask questions, and even a few free downloads so that you can plan your own “best art year ever.” You can join the Facebook group now and catch up with anything you missed. Join HERE.   Mentioned: Your Best Art Year Ever event: https://www.facebook.com/groups/425384981672761/ Find Nick's colour tips PDF HERE Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

As the holidays approach, we discuss how you can encourage others to give your art as a gift (or to ask for your art as a gift). The challenge, of course, is that art is a highly personal choice, so buyers might be concerned about "getting it wrong." We put our heads together and came up with a range of tips and tricks designed to make it easy and risk-free for someone to give your art to a loved one. Our ideas range from the types of products you offer, to the ways in which you allow people to buy. This is also the last week to join our exciting end-of-year event scheduled for the week of November 18th. “Your Best Art Year Ever” will be an interactive live 5-day event during which we will share our approach to planning for success. There will be chat, laughs, sound advice, a chance to ask questions, and even a few free downloads so that you can plan your own “best art year ever.” You can join the Facebook group now and start to get to know everyone, so that you’re ready for when we start on November 18th. You can sign up HERE.  No sales pitch, no sign-up. Mentioned: Your Best Art Year Ever event: https://www.facebook.com/groups/425384981672761/ Paypal credit: https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/paypal-virtual-credit Kevin Ghiglione:  https://ghiglione.ca/critique Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week we’re discussing art fairs. We both have a slightly different perspective on these events - one of our rare disagreements - so today we’re tackling it head on. Louise asks: “Are art fairs really a viable sales vehicle for most of us? Or are many artists paying high fees to rent space without earning a return on the investment?  We debate our differing viewpoints and discuss how you can determine whether an art fair might be the right place to show your work. This includes considerations such as whether you are ready for this step, what kind of fair would suit you best, is the event well-run and well-attended, and how do art fairs fit into your overall plans? We also announce an exciting end-of-year event scheduled for the week of November 18th. “Your Best Art Year Ever” will be an interactive live 5-day event during which we will share our approach to planning for success. There will be live chat, laughs, sound advice, a chance to ask questions, and even a few free downloads so that you can plan your own “best art year ever.” You can join the Facebook group now and start to get to know everyone, so that you’re ready for when we start on November 18th. Just click HERE to join. Mentioned: Alice's post about finishing paintings: https://alicesheridan.com/after-finished-painting/ Louise's video about sealing and framing paintings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x435LhnbrzU Join the new Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/425384981672761/ Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Louise received a remarkable letter this week which sparked a discussion about manifestation, the law of attraction and all things “woo-woo.” This is definitely not an area of expertise for either of us, but we have both experienced some surprising results from changing our mindset. Is there something to the law of attraction? Or is it just that when we change our thoughts, we take different actions? We debate this, discuss our personal experiences, and touch on the emerging science that suggests the way we think really does alter our physical reality. We also answer a question from a listener who worries that her buddhist practice might smooth out her emotional ups and downs and negatively impact her work.  Mentioned: Marisa Peer and Lewis Howes interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4TqTkks7AA Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art See fuller show notes on our websites: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Today's special guest believes creatives best get clear "with our mouths open" . Talking, and more importantly, listening is key to her role as a coach.  Judith Morgan has been coaching for 15 years and Alice's coach - rather on a whim - for the past 5 years and today we are talking about what exactly coaching involves, sharing some of the practices which have helped many different creative entrepreneurs and discussing impatience, creating a sanctuary, the impact of emotions, leaving an imprint and the risks of helping others at your own expense.  If you've ever wondered about how coaching could help you, we hope this might clarify your ideas about what to look for to choose the right way for you. After all, that's what we both strongly believe is the only way. Do you agree? Mentioned: Find Judith's book "Your Biz Your Way" HERE If you'd like to get in touch with Judith, the best way is to message through her Facebook page Find Own It the podcast HERE Read some of the stories behind the Peter Doig exhibition at Michael Werner gallery HERE Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art See fuller show notes on our websites: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Alice is feeling a shift in direction and has been exploring the idea of intention for her work. This sparks a discussion about the role of intention in art-making. Do we need it? Do we have to decide it right from the start? Or can we find it as we go?  We explore the pros and cons of intention in a discussion that ranges from the compositions of an art-making chimpanzee to Steve Jobs’ wise words about how we can connect the dots. We also discuss the perennial topic of studio flooring, ponder the challenges of teaching art workshops and reveal our thoughts about fancy dress (Gold star if you can guess which one of us has never ever worn a fancy dress costume!) The Art Juice book list Brian Rutenberg Clear Seeing Places https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clear-Seeing-Place-Studio-Visits/dp/0997442301 Steve Jobs speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc Congo the chimp https://news.artnet.com/exhibitions/congo-late-chimpanzee-painter-whose-work-sold-thousands-will-solo-show-december-1671976 Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art See fuller show notes on our websites: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

In this special episode we discuss some of the books that have inspired us over the years. Our choices may seem surprising but we hope they are all enlightening. They include a collection of letters from one poet to another, a book on marketing (with a twist), two very different artist-written books, and two diverse guides to living an easier and more joyful life. We could not fit all our recommended books into one podcast, so we've created a special download for you with a total of 14 amazing reads. (see below for links). Even if you think some of these books are not for you, it might be worth trusting us and trying them anyway - each one contains amazing wisdom to enrich our lives and our art-making. We also answer a listener question about how to judge our work.  Is there any such thing as a perfect painting? And how do we know if what we are making is good? In fact, who decides what is good?  Links: Download your "Ultimate (unusual) Book Recommendations for Artists" HERE. Find further book suggestions on THIS Instagram post Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art See fuller show notes on our websites: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Most of us spend our lives trying to fit in; to get it right; to avoid causing offence. If we have unusual personality traits or experiences, we tend to keep them hidden from all but our closest friends.  This episode was conceived after a personal conversation during which Alice shared a major event in her life. That event played a major role in the way her art has developed and yet she has not discussed it publicly until now.  We explore how such experiences can shape our art and whether this is something we should share with others. Does it help us connect with art buyers more authentically? Or is it too much information? And what are the potential downsides of being open about our lives? Our discussion touches on the work of Brenee Brown, covers what to do if you don't like exposing yourself, and includes a brief discussion of whether galleries approve of artists being vulnerable online. We also catch up with Alice after her workshop in Yorkshire and hear how she kept herself occupied during over 12 hours of driving (spoiler alert: there was singing!). Mentioned Brene Brown Dare to Lead Brene Brown TED talk on shame Louise's sketchbook from Alice's workshop David Tress book Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art See fuller show notes on our websites: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week we’re diving into the topic of email and newsletters. For many artists, the thought of sending a regular email is daunting (what do you say? How do you say it?) Others haven’t even collected email addresses in the past. We’re hoping today’s discussion will inspire you to get started and/or to crank up your current efforts. The truth is that email has an important role to play in your marketing mix. Yes social media is important, but when someone gives you their email address, they are taking a step closer to you - giving you a valuable opportunity to make and keep a connection. We share tips, discuss areas where we could improve, and invite you to sign up for both our newsletters, so you can experience what happens when you do. All this as well as Bake-Off chat, new studio news and the exciting nature of the creative cycle. Mentioned https://alicesheridan.com/see-more/ https://www.louisefletcherart.com/newsletter-artists Buy us a coffee and support the podcast here  Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art See fuller show notes on our websites: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Today’s discussion was inspired by a book and TED talk by Simon Sinek, both entitled ‘Find Your Why.’  Sinek's main point is that when you know the purpose of what you are doing, it is so much easier to make the right decisions, achieve good results, and sell it to others. As artists, we can explore this on several levels - why do I make my art? Why am I making this particular series of paintings? And, at the granular level, why am I making this one specific painting? Our wide-ranging conversation spans the desire to create things, the need to be seen, the drive to communicate our internal experience, and whether what we are really seeking is love. (Deep stuff!) We also get into how you find your purpose. It isn’t something you can just come up with in 5  minutes. For most of us, it is a gradual process of discovery and it arises from the work we do. We also acknowledge that so much of this changes over time - even if we know our why at this moment, it may well change in future years. Mentioned Simon Sinek  TED talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA Buy us a coffee and support the podcast here  Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art See fuller show notes on our websites: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License