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What if hearing real Artist stories could be the thing that helps you finally believe…   "This is possible for me too."   In today's Artist Success Stories episode, you'll meet Mo, Dena, and Emily—three Artists who are building their art businesses in the real world (with real life happening), and finding their way forward with more clarity, consistency, and confidence.   This episode is for you if you've been feeling stuck in the messy middle… craving momentum… and wondering what it actually looks like when an Artist decides to take their work (and their selling) seriously—without burning out or becoming someone they're not.   In this episode, you'll discover: What shifted for Mo, Dena, and Emily when they stopped "winging it" and started following a plan The mindset hurdles that come up when you start putting your work out there (and how they moved through them) What consistency really looks like when your schedule is full, and your confidence isn't perfect How to build momentum even if you're starting small Why your story and your voice matter just as much as your strategy The powerful role of support, structure, and community when you're growing as an Artist   I also want you to listen for the little moments—when an Artist realizes they're not "behind"… they're just ready for a clearer path.   Because sometimes the most helpful thing isn't one more tip.   Sometimes it's hearing someone else say the exact thing you've been thinking… and watching what happens when they keep going anyway. Ready to create your own Artist selling plan?   Artful Selling is open, and I'd love to welcome you in.   Join Artful Selling here: https://artfulselling.com/     You can find all things Miranda (Mo) Miller @stelladorriestudio Dena Carter @denacarterart Emily Posey @made_by_emilyposey     You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday at: creativethursday.com Instagram: @creativethursday  

What if starting to sell your art (again… or for the first time) could be simpler than you're making it?   After 21 years of building a successful art business, I'm sharing the foundational starting point I would choose if I were beginning today—without trying to do everything at once, without performing online, and without burning out.   If you've been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or stuck in "I don't know what to focus on first," this episode will help you cut through the noise and choose a direction you can actually follow.   In this episode, you'll discover: The most common reason Artists feel overwhelmed when marketing (and how to fix it) Why selling your art is about connection, not convincing The simple "start here" approach I'd follow today to build momentum How to think in 90-day focus seasons instead of yearly pressure Why consistency matters more than bursts of motivation (especially when life is full) How to stop being a "shiny squirrel" and do more of what's actually working   I'm also sharing a little behind-the-scenes honesty about the perfection loop so many of us fall into—where we wait until we feel ready… and end up pausing instead of taking action. Listen through the lens of: "What if this works?" Because it really can.   Ready to create your plan?   Join the Profitable Artist Planning Challenge starting January 12 at: profitableartistchallenge.shinepages.com   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday at: creativethursday.com Instagram: @creativethursday

What if you could go from doubting you're a "real artist" to actually getting excited about your weekly newsletter? In this inspiring Artist Success Stories episode, I'm sharing conversations with three incredible artists - Rochelle, Jessica, and Linda - who've transformed their creative practices and businesses over the past year. These aren't overnight success stories - they're real examples of what consistency and community can create.   Meet the artists and discover: How Rochelle started growing her email list and now wakes up excited about her newsletter content Why Jessica calls planning "a container for freedom" and how she learned to love every mark in her art - even during the "ugly phase" How Linda shifted from economics to art and now believes in the possibilities available to her as she builds her art sales on the side The surprising mindset shift that helped these artists embrace marketing as relationship-building, not selling Why starting with friends and family as your first collectors is actually a strength, not a limitation The simple tracking system that helped one artist realize she'd accomplished WAY more than she thought   Each of these artists started exactly where you might be now - questioning if they were "good enough," wondering if this could really work, and feeling overwhelmed by all the options. But they found their rhythm through consistency, community, and believing that small steps add up.   The common threads? They all found safe, creative communities, committed to small daily actions, and learned that marketing is really just sharing the heart behind their work.   Ready to write your own success story? The doors to Artful Selling close June 24th.   This intimate program combines practical business skills with AI tools and personalized coaching to help you build a sustainable art business around the work you love most.   Join us at artfulselling.com - because every success story starts with someone deciding to begin.   You can find all things Rochelle Colgan @rochellecolganfineart on instagram Jessica Fritz @jessicafritzart on instagram Linda Glass @jerabyarts on instagram     You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram @creativethursday

What if selling your art online could work for YOU?   After 21 years of building a successful art business online, I'm sharing the 5 key insights I wish I'd known from day one. If you're wondering whether it's really possible to sell your art online, this episode is for you.   In this episode, you'll discover: Why selling art is about so much more than just posting pretty pictures The one investment that will make or break your online art sales How to approach pricing from a place of confidence instead of guesswork Why showing up consistently matters more than getting likes or comments The simple strategy that prevents overwhelm when marketing your art Plus, my bonus insight about who's actually buying art online (hint: it might surprise you!)   I started with an email list of 8 people and no podcast listeners, but I believed it was possible and showed up consistently. That belief and consistency built the foundation for everything that followed. Listen through the lens of "what if this works?" instead of doubt - because it really can work for you too.   Ready to create your plan? Join the Profitable Artist Planning Challenge starting June 16th at profitableartistchallenge.com   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram @creativethursday  

What if I told you that planning could actually be your creativity's best friend instead of its enemy? In today's episode, I'm getting real about how my relationship with planning completely transformed - especially as a new mom navigating the biggest identity shift of my life. If you've ever resisted planning because it feels restrictive or anti-creative, this episode is for you. I used to be that free-spirited creative who thought planning would kill my spontaneity and rob me of those magical moments of inspiration. I believed that "Artists" worked purely from flow, not structure. Sound familiar? But here's what I've discovered: planning isn't the enemy of creativity - it's actually what creates MORE space for your creative flow to happen. In this episode, I share: Why I used to resist planning with everything in my creative being (and the fears that held me back) How becoming a new mom made planning absolutely essential for my mental wellness Why "I don't have time to plan" is actually the biggest sign that you NEED to start planning How planning has become part of my creative practice and mental health routine The reframe that changed everything: planning as a container for freedom, not a restriction Practical tips for creatives who struggle with structure, including working with your natural energy rhythms The truth is, when you have a framework to work within, you actually free up mental energy to focus on what matters most. Planning brings presence, peace, and perceptivity to your creative practice. As I share in this episode, planning has literally become my best friend during one of the most challenging seasons of my life. It's not about perfection - it's about creating a practice that brings you back to yourself and helps you make progress on what truly matters. If this episode inspires you, and you're ready to discover how planning can actually amplify your creativity while supporting your mental wellness, join me for the summertime session of the Profitable Artist Planning Challenge. This is the perfect time to check in on what you set in motion at the beginning of the year, celebrate your progress, and create a sustainable plan for the second half of 2025. We'll go from big picture vision all the way down to your daily practices.   Join us starting June 16th at profitableartistchallenge.com - because the most successful artists aren't the ones who wait for inspiration to strike. They're the ones who create the conditions for creativity to flourish.   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram @creativethursday

What if times of economic uncertainty could actually be opportunities for your art business to grow? In today's episode, I share my 21 years of experience surviving (and thriving) through recessions, pandemics, and everything in between as a professional artist. If you've been wondering, "Is anyone still buying art right now?" - this episode is especially for you. The answer is YES - people absolutely buy art in all economies! In fact, during challenging times, people crave the inspiration, joy, and perspective that only art can provide. In this episode, I share: My personal story of how I pivoted during the 2008 recession to create my first online course when art sales dipped Why having multiple revenue streams is crucial for weathering economic storms (and how I quickly created new income during the pandemic) The importance of looking for opportunities rather than dwelling on negative news How research shows creativity impacts our mental and physical wellbeing, creating even MORE opportunity for artists A special invitation to our second annual Shiny Squirrel Summit I've been running Creative Thursday for 21 years now, surviving both the 2008 recession and the pandemic by staying nimble and focused on possibility. When the world seems chaotic, I don't retreat - I lean in to find new ways to share my art and knowledge.   If this episode has you thinking about diversifying your creative income streams, you're in luck! Our second annual Shiny Squirrel Summit is happening soon, with 12 amazing expert speakers sharing exactly how they've created multiple revenue streams in their art businesses.   Join us for FREE at shinysquirrelsummit.com - it's going to be value-packed, inspiring, and exactly what you need to set your creative business up for sustainable success in ANY economy.   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram @creativethursday

Welcome to another edition of Artist Success Stories.   In this episode I'm joined by 4 of our Alumni; Molly Ovenden, Anita Driessen, Cindy Scheule, and Jen Duregger sharing   why saying YES is more important than saying NO how to finally stop making excuses and take yourself seriously as an Artist how to show up with consistency how BIG changes in your personal life can be the opening to following your dreams how sharing your gifts as a gift can spark a new career path     Doors to Artful Selling 2025 are OPEN starting now through Tuesday, January 21 @ 11:59 pm PST   🎨 Transform Your Art Business: Craft your Art Sales + Marketing Plan for 2025 and beyond. Make more art, sell more art, and turn your dreams into reality.   💡 Get Clarity and Achieve Your Dreams: This time, it's about follow-through! Having a Sales and Marketing Plan is the most effective way to confidently and consistently sell to your Ideal Collectors online. Let's build a thriving business that supports a life you love.   📆 Your 12-Month Product Launch Plan: Know what you're creating, when you're launching it, and how to price it for PROFIT.   📱 Create Your Social Media Plan: Unlock the secrets to impactful social media strategies.   📧 Create Your Email Marketing Plan: Learn the art of email marketing for successful art promotion.   🌟 Ready to Make Selling Your Art Easy?   We can't wait to welcome you!   Join us https://artfulselling.com/   You can find all things Molly Ovenden @mollyovendencreativity on instagram Anita Driessen @neetydee on instagram Cindy Shuele @watercolourbycindy on instagram Jen Duregger @jensheartstudio on instagram   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram and facebook @creativethursday  

No goal setting necessary.   12 months from now how would you like to feel about your time spent in 2025?   What matters most to you that you want to prioritize and focus on?   My first podcast back after welcoming home Baby Shay!   Four weeks in as a parent with a newborn, and already so much new insight on time management, and even more passion for the power of planning that I can't wait to share.   In this episode I step you through the 3 ways I'm defining what matters most in 2025 - no pressure, no goal setting -just creating a clear path forward.   And if you'd like to feel lighter, get more clarity and feel confident about where you're focusing first this year, I'm hosting my annual Profitable Artist Plan, a fun and inspiring week together to help you create your ideal plan for 2025,   We start this Monday, January 13!   Save your spot here https://profitableartistchallenge.shinepages.com/   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram and facebook @creativethursday

Do you relate? One of the biggest challenges Creatives have is having the TIME to make their Art.   So if we say we want to find the time, and making Art is incredibly important to us then why does it feel so hard to fit it in, to sit down, get out our Art supplies, and start creating? - not just once but regularly.   In this episode, I'm exploring the answer to this question, and talking about what's kept me from making Art along with what I've discovered to help me prioritize what matters most in my life, especially when it comes to my creativity.   I'm sharing 3 tips to help you not only make time for your Art but KEEP making time for your Art.   And if you want to get started with a renewed commitment to your consistent practice, join us for the first official Daily Painting Week, and together we'll focus on making our Art all week.   Register for FREE for this workshop at https://dailypaintingweek.com/   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram and facebook @creativethursday

Big changes underway!   Tune into this episode to get all of the latest happening behind the scenes of Creative Thursday.   A "Direct Pep Talk", this is a transparent share on what it takes to build a Creative Business online today, and have lasting success as a Professional Artist how to choose the right support to grow your business from courses, to memberships to coaches plus I step you through how I prioritize and make big decisions about the direction we're taking after 20 years in business   This is also a time-sensitive invite ending TONIGHT @ 11:59 pm PDT, the last + only chance to get Creative Business Coaching + Consulting support from me this year before the baby comes!   Join us in The Red Dot Society https://thereddotsociety.com/   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram and facebook @creativethursday

Want the secret to my success as a Professional Artist?   Yes! Great, because this is the episode that breaks down the strategy that grew my business from 1 card sale during an entire holiday season to a 6 figure business with multiple revenue streams.   Simple, not easy or more Artists would find the success they're wanting.   In this episode I share 3 ways my favorite strategy helped me grow as an Artist the ONE key to making this strategy work for you an invitation + all the details on you can join me in implementing the strategy I'm sharing with you   Join me for the Summer of Fun! from a Daily Painting Challenge to following along with my own Art creation as I share new work!   Join us in the Daily Painters by jumping on the Wait List opening June 10 https://creativethursday.myflodesk.com/dailypainters   Click the link below to join the Art "Postcard" list for the Summer of Fun by getting the first peek at 12 new originals over 30 days   https://creativethursday.myflodesk.com/summeroffun     You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram and facebook @creativethursday

Welcome to another edition of Artist Success Stories! In this episode I'm joined by three of our Artful Selling Alumni; Lisa Kurt, Jessica Tepora, and Dionna Vereen sharing how they transformed self doubt and feeling scared into turning points in their creative business fear may be a clue to what's actually calling you making what you love affects your sales following your dream impacts the people in your life, especially your children it's never too late to come back to your dream developing your muscle for planning also develops so many invaluable life skills making Art helped heal during tragedy practicing 2 specific qualites can make all the difference in how you sell your Art     Doors to Artful Selling are OPEN for a special summer session starting now through Wednesday, May 29 @ 11:59 pm PDT Join us! https://artfulselling.com/ 🎨 Transform Your Art Business: Craft your Art Sales + Marketing Plan for 2024 and beyond. Make more art, sell more art, and turn your dreams into reality. 💡 Get Clarity and Achieve Your Dreams: This time, it's about follow-through! Having a Sales and Marketing Plan is the most effective way to confidently and consistently sell to your Ideal Collectors online. Let's build a thriving business that supports a life you love. 📆 Your 12-Month Product Launch Plan: Know what you're creating, when you're launching it, and how to price it for PROFIT. 📱 Create Your Social Media Plan: Unlock the secrets to impactful social media strategies. 📧 Create Your Email Marketing Plan: Learn the art of email marketing for successful art promotion. 🌟 Ready to Make Selling Your Art Easy?   You can find all things  Lisa Kurt @lisakurt Jessica Tepora @jessteporaart Dionna Vereen @dionnarama   Marisa Cummings @creativethursday

You know the feeling you get when a dream that's been in the works for a while becomes a reality?   That's the unbridled enthusiasm you're hearing in my voice for this episode.   I'm thrilled to announce that the first official Shiny Squirrel Summit for Visual Artists looking to create multiple revenue streams is happening, and kicking off this Sunday, April 28 @ 1 pm PDT!   And you're invited to this free event. Just head over to https://shinysquirrelsummit.com/ to get your free ticket.   This vision inspired the first Shiny Squirrel podcast episode #271 is bigger than me.   The event includes hearing from 11 additional Creative Expert Speakers on a variety of topics that are all ways you can create more income in your Art business, so you can avoid burnout and have more time to do what you best, make the Art you love making most.   In this episode, I introduce you to all 12 speakers, myself included, and the topics that we'll be covering so you can start thinking about ideas and possibilities to incorporate new revenue streams into your Creative business.   It's going to be a fantastic week!   See you there!   If you're listening after the event happened, and are interested in getting access to the replays please reach out to us at [email protected]   Click here to join the Shiny Squirrel Summit   Click here to download the 20 Ways + Product Ideas to Make Income with Your Art   Listen to the Shiny Squirrel Podcast episode #271   Say hello and follow all the speakers on their Instagram below Joy Cho @ohjoy Bonny Snowdon @bonnysnowdonacademy Josie Lewis @josielewisart Heidi Easley @texasartandsoul_ Kristine Richer @kristinerosephotography Dylan Mierzwinski @bydylanm Mim Jenkinson @mimjenkinson Karen Abend @karenabend Michelle Lloyd @unitedartspace Alex Cole @alexcolestudio Alyssa Van Guilder @apothecaflowers   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram and facebook @creativethursday

What qualities do Creatives have in common that make adding a membership model to their business a perfect fit?   We'll tell you! In today's episode I'm joined by my friend and Mentor of 5 years and Membership Expert Stu McLaren to talk about the wild success Artists are seeing in the membership space.   And by success we mean, growing 7 figure memberships in just a few years, while inspiring art and creativity, and creative business skills for thousands of people across the globe.   It's inspiring, to say the least, to see this rapid growth of PROSPERITY and THRIVING in an industry that was once known for its starving, struggling mentality.   Days of the Starving Artist are gone as Creative Business owners today, myself included are changing the narrative forever more.   It turns out there is one single quality many of us share that makes Artists especially successful at starting, building, and running memberships.   In today's episode, we share what that one quality is among others that makes Artists perfectly suited to add a membership to their revenue streams how many different kinds of creative memberships there are with very specific skills being taught how to know if starting a membership might be something you want to do what owning a membership, not 1 but now 2! has done for me both personally and professionally   If this episode has thinking about what it might be like to start a membership or you have one going already but don't know how to grow it effectively, you're in luck because Stu's free workshop is happening now: How to Turn What You Already Know, Love, and Do into a Profitable Business Just click here to join the workshop for free   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram and facebook @creativethursday

If I could go back and mentor my younger business self, the one who said yes to her dream of becoming a Professional Artist, the lessons learned that I share in this episode is what I would say.   Today, March 7 marks a celebration of not only 17 years of making a consistent living with my Creative Business but this February 2024 I celebrated 20 years since the very first Creativethursday.com site went live, featuring my Art work.   Back then I was so busy trying to make it all a go, that I didn't even know (or think I had the time) to intentionally hold a vision and actually plan out where I wanted to be 20 years ahead. For the longest time I was living in a pinch me state, wondering if what I was building wasn't just a temporary dream.   Turns out it wasn't a temporary dream, but one that would grow to help and support you in your Creative dreams too.   What would it have been like if I had the insight I have now when I first started?   That's the wish right, and yet it's the 20 years of lived experience starting, building, and growing my own business that was the ONLY way to gain this insight.   And now I get to share this wisdom with you, while also applying it to my vision for the next 20 years.   So, let's go! Together   In this episode I share 20 plus lessons I learned in 20 years of building Creative Thursday, covering a variety of topics from the power of intention keys to Creative Business success how to navigate your business boundaries why knowing and tracking your numbers is essential what I wish I had known sooner   Gift for you! Download the 20 ways to make income as a Visual Artist Click here to Download   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram and facebook @creativethursday