345 It's Not a Motivation Problem

What if the reason you're not moving forward isn't about motivation? What if clarity is simply the domino that needs to fall first - and nobody helped you find it?   In this episode, I'm sharing a realization that's been building for years but finally got crystal clear this week - through three coaching calls, a hot seat, and a sentence I kept hearing from every Artist I spoke with.   This one is personal, a little vulnerable, and exactly what I needed to say out loud.   In this episode, you'll discover: The one sentence every Artist I've coached lately has said - and what it's really telling us Why knowing what to do and actually doing it are two different problems - and what bridges the gap The three reasons Artists stay stuck: the shiny squirrel, perfectionism disguised as preparation, and doing it alone Why I've shifted from "I help Artists make money" to something more honest - and more useful Why clarity is the domino that knocks over all the other dominoes The strawberry first principle - and why I reversed the productivity advice everyone gives What it really means to stop spinning - and why you don't have to figure it out alone An invitation: come do this together   Nothing's gone wrong. You are exactly where you're meant to be. Ready to stop spinning and start deciding - together?   The Six Month Studio Plan - a live 5-day bootcamp - starts May 17. Register at sixmonthstudioplan.com   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday at: creativethursday.com Instagram: @creativethursday

What if the conversation we really need to have as Artists isn't "online education sucks"…   …but what we believe about money, marketing, and what's actually possible for us?   In this episode, I'm celebrating 22 years in business and speaking from a place I've held back from for a while: a little spice, a lot of honesty, and a deep desire to bring nuance to a conversation that keeps getting flattened into hot takes. This episode was inspired by an important conversation happening right now, about the validity, value, and integrity of online education for creatives, and I'm using it as a jumping-off point to share what I've learned from building an art business through the messy early years, the "nothing is working" years, and the long-game consistency years. If you've ever wondered:   "Is marketing slimy?" "Is it even possible to make good money as an Artist without selling your soul ?" "Do online educators actually make money from their art or just teaching?" "Are courses overpriced?"   …this episode will meet you there—and invite you to get curious about what you really believe.   In this episode, you'll discover: Why this conversation is really about beliefs (and how to tell if a belief is serving you) My honest take on "misleading statements," "toxic positivity," and why nuance matters (two things can be true) The behind-the-scenes reality of my early years (2004–2007) and why we don't talk enough about the "not making a living yet" part A blunt perspective on pricing: the $2,000 course debate, art school costs, and why discernment matters more than blanket statements Why "marketing is slimy" can quietly sabotage your ability to sell your art (and what to do instead) Why I'm proud of building a sustainable business—first through art sales, and later by building an education business with integrity   This episode is part celebration, part behind-the-scenes truth, and part invitation to keep the dialogue going—because I truly believe Artists deserve better conversations around business, money, and possibility.   You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday at: creativethursday.com Instagram: @creativethursday

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