The Art Confidential

What’s bringing you joy right now? As the holidays approach, we’re closing out season one with a Joy Report full of fall favorites, creative experiments, and a little room to breathe.Jacqui and Andreina share what’s making everyday life more enjoyable, from pumpkin treats and cozy spaces to playing with unfamiliar art supplies. The conversation turns to finding joy in social media again, letting go of the pressure to perform, and taking a short hiatus to recharge and consider what comes next.We talk about:Pumpkin favorites and small ways to make home feel cozyExploring new art materials without the pressure to sellFinding consistency and confidence through strength trainingMaking social media feel creative and connected againGiving ourselves permission to pause, reflect, and rechargePlus: Jacqui’s frozen yogurt trick, Andreina’s enthusiasm for her workout app, and why their feeds are full of dog videos.This episode is for anyone who wants a little less pressure and a little more joy in their creative life.Mentioned in This EpisodeNoosa Pumpkin Yoghurthttps://noosayoghurt.com/products/pumpkin-yoghurt-8oz-tub/Boar’s Head Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummushttps://boarshead.com/products/detail/16258-pumpkin-pie-dessert-hummusAndreina’s autumn wax meltshttps://link.amazon/B0gwEh8l0PanPastelhttps://link.amazon/B01C5QxceLadder workout apphttps://www.joinladder.com/Mindy / There There Interiorshttps://www.instagram.com/therethere.interiorsSome links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to youAbout The Art ConfidentialThe Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes.Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world.Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidentialWebsite: https://theartconfidential.com

Creating Your Own Opportunities - The One With Isaiah SfagiWhat happens when you stop waiting to feel ready and start putting yourself out there? This week, we sit down with Isaiah Sfagi to talk about confidence, making connections, and building a creative career from unexpected beginnings.An Asheville native, model, and founder of Sfagi Model and Talent Management, Isaiah shares how answering an Instagram ad at 19 led to modeling, starting an agency, and creating opportunities for other emerging talent. We also get into the lessons that came with taking on responsibility so young, including the moments that didn’t go according to plan.We talk about:Taking chances before you have everything figured outBuilding relationships and being intentional about showing upUnderstanding both the creative and business sides of your workLearning from rejection and taking responsibility when things go wrongMaking room for talent outside the traditional fashion capitalsFor anyone figuring out their next creative step, this conversation offers plenty to think about, whatever your age or medium.Mentioned in This EpisodeIsaiah Sfagi on Instagram (@kuyoowa)https://www.instagram.com/kuyoowa/Sfagi Model and Talent Management (@sfagimodelrep)https://www.instagram.com/sfagimodelrep/Asheville Fashion Week: Day 1, Industry Day Ticketshttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/asheville-fashion-week-day-1-industry-day-tickets-2001032970481Model Con on Instagram (@modelcon_)https://www.instagram.com/modelcon_/Isaiah Sfagi: Building a Legacy Beyond the Runway, on VogueMonaco.cohttps://voguemonaco.co/2026/07/16/isaiah-sfagi-building-a-legacy-beyond-the-runway/About The Art ConfidentialThe Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes.Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world.Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidentialWebsite: https://theartconfidential.com

Getting dressed can feel like a small part of the day, but what we wear can shape our confidence, energy, and the way we move through the world.Jacqui and Andreina sit down with personal stylist Kim Tuzzeo, founder of The Daily Fabulous, to talk about returning to a lifelong creative passion after a career in healthcare. Kim shares how personal style can help women reconnect with themselves during career changes, divorce, motherhood, aging, and other seasons of reinvention.We talk about:Using personal style to express who you are nowLetting go of age-based fashion rulesBuilding confidence through intentional dressingStarting a creative business later in lifeStaying encouraged when progress feels slowPlus: Kim shares practical ways to shop your closet, create simple outfit formulas, and make thoughtful purchases that work with what you already own.This episode is for anyone ready to rediscover their style, trust their instincts, or begin a new chapter without waiting for the perfect time.Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Art of Intentional Dressing by Erin Walshhttps://amzn.to/4bYtiKrThe Daily Fabuloushttps://thedailyfabulous.comDress for Successhttps://dressforsuccess.orgOrangetheory Fitnesshttps://www.orangetheory.comBiltmore Estatehttps://www.biltmore.comAsheville Pizza & Brewinghttps://www.ashevillebrewing.comSome links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.About The Art ConfidentialThe Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes.Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world.Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidentialWebsite: https://theartconfidential.com

Branding can sound like logos, fonts, color palettes, and corporate strategy. In this episode, Jacqui and Andreina make it more personal: your brand is the feeling people have when they experience your work.Through examples from artists with very different styles, they explore why a strong creative brand is not something you manufacture. It comes from understanding who you already are, what you want people to feel, and whether your website, social media, packaging, and communication tell the same story.We talk about:Why your brand is more than a logo or visual identityHow authenticity and consistency help people recognize and trust your workChoosing three words that describe how you want your work to feelCreating a brand inspiration board and looking for recurring patternsConducting a simple brand audit without trying to change everything overnightPlus: Jacqui and Andreina share how they are reassessing their own creative brands, and they created a Brand Audit worksheet to help you do the same.This episode is for artists and creative entrepreneurs who want their public presence to feel clearer, more intentional, and more like who they actually are.Mentioned in This EpisodeDeb Anderson / Ahdra ArtInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahdraart/Website: https://ahdraart.us/Ashley LongshoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleylongshoreworldWebsite: https://ashleylongshore.com/Nela CondeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nela.condeBranding Business School, Episode 158You Don't Need to Be the Best, You Just Need to Be Differenthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/158-you-dont-need-to-be-the-best-you-just-need-to-be/id1536507669?i=1000705522535Molly CourcelleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollycourcellefineartistLinsey GrayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/linseygraycreativeAbout The Art ConfidentialThe Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes.Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world.Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidentialWebsite: https://theartconfidential.com

What happens when someone who grew up in Asheville decides to tell a different story about the city they call home? In this episode, Jacqui and Andreina sit down with Ryan Muirhead, creator of Ashevilish, to talk about community, creativity, and building something bigger than yourself.Born and raised in West Asheville, Ryan has watched the city evolve firsthand. What started as a simple idea to create Asheville-inspired merchandise grew into a platform that celebrates local businesses, artists, musicians, and makers. Through Ashevilish, Ryan is helping people see Asheville through the eyes of someone who knows it deeply and loves it fiercely.We talk about:Growing up in Asheville and watching the city change over the yearsHow Ashevilish evolved from an idea into a growing community platformUsing social media to amplify artists, musicians, and small businessesWhy authenticity matters more than chasing influenceBuilding relationships, supporting others, and creating opportunities through connectionPlus: Ryan shares the story behind his unforgettable Asheville Art Museum gala outfit made from artwork submitted by artists around the world.Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, community builder, or someone looking for inspiration to start the thing you’ve been thinking about, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful work often starts with simply showing up for others.Mentioned in This EpisodeAshevilish Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashevillish/Ashevilish Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558782354000Burial Beer Co. https://burialbeer.comWedge Brewing Co. https://www.wedgebrewing.comRiver Arts District https://www.riverartsdistrict.comArchetype Brewing https://www.archetypebrewing.comPrescription Pad Pharmacy https://prescriptionpadpharmacy.com/AVL Sounds Fest https://avlsoundsfest.comAbout The Art ConfidentialThe Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes.Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world.Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidentialWebsite: https://theartconfidential.com

Creative careers rarely begin with one dramatic moment. More often, they begin with a quiet decision to stop waiting for a gallery, a sale, or someone else’s permission before taking yourself seriously.Jacqui and Andreina talk about the identity shift from hobbyist to professional, why readiness is not something you can prove, and how accountability, community, and small consistent actions can help a creative life become real long before anyone else notices.We talk about:Claiming the identity of artist before you have external proofProtecting creative time and treating your work like it mattersShowing your art without apologizing or waiting for perfectionFinding accountability, encouragement, and communityBreaking a big creative goal into small, achievable next stepsPlus: The creative-career myths that keep artists comparing themselves, moving the goalposts, and believing there is only one right path.This episode is for anyone ready to take their creative work more seriously, even if they do not feel ready yet.Mentioned in This EpisodeVictoria Pinney Studio (https://victoriapinney.com/)Victoria Pinney on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/victoria_pinney/)Brooke Lancaster, By Brooke Fine Art (https://www.instagram.com/bybrooke.fineart)Art Nature Movement (https://www.instagram.com/artnaturemovememt)About The Art ConfidentialThe Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes.Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world.Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidentialWebsite: https://theartconfidential.com

Our guest today is proof that there is no single path to a creative life. For more than four decades, Erik Larson has built a remarkable career as both a professional designer and an underground filmmaker.Entirely self-taught, Erik has written, directed, shot, and edited colorful, irreverent, joy-filled films with the same group of collaborators he began working with as a teenager in Chicago. Along the way, he built a successful career as an art director and creative director, proving that there is more than one way to create a life in the arts.We talk about:Making films without film school, funding, or permissionBuilding creative trust with collaborators over 40 yearsSelf-doubt, imposter syndrome, and getting older as an artistLGBTQ+ history, visibility, and creative braveryLetting go of perfection and putting the work into the worldPlus: Super 8 films, thrift store costumes, fake names, secret creative lives, and a standing ovation at the New Beverly Cinema.This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered if their unconventional path still counts. It does.Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Wizard of Oz https://amzn.to/4wabROlThe Devil in the White City by Erik Larson https://amzn.to/4gKboOnLars Erik Films on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larserikfilms/Lars Erik Films website https://www.larserikfilms.com/Lars Erik Films on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@larserikfilmsSome links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.About The Art ConfidentialThe Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes.Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world.Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidentialWebsite: https://theartconfidential.com

What if building a creative community was less about networking and more about connection?In this working episode, Jacqui and Andreina explore the difference between collaboration and community, and why some of the most valuable things artists share aren’t business tips or techniques, but encouragement, perspective, generosity, and support.Inspired by conversations with fellow artists, musicians, writers, and creatives, they share stories about unexpected friendships, creative gatherings, and the small acts of connection that make creative work feel a little less lonely. They also invite listeners to join a two-week Community Experiment designed to help build deeper creative connections.We talk about:Why creative work can feel isolating and how community changes thatThe difference between collaboration and connectionOvercoming scarcity mindset and supporting fellow creativesSimple ways to build creative relationships without an agendaThe Community Experiment and how to participatePlus: Stories about artist gatherings, virtual studio dates, unexpected friendships, and the creative people who have inspired us along the way.If you’ve ever felt like you’re creating in a vacuum, this episode is for you.Mentioned in This EpisodeKasey Moran Art https://www.instagram.com/kaseymoranartAsheville-ish (Ryan Muirhead) https://www.instagram.com/ashevillishNatalie Ray Fine Art https://www.natalierayfineart.com/Bronwyn Cronin Jazz https://www.instagram.com/bronwyncroninjazzClaudia Guerreiro https://www.instagram.com/artbyclaudiaguerreiroSky Loraine Art https://www.instagram.com/skyloraine_ https://www.skyloraineart.com/Subscribe to The Art Confidential newsletter at theartconfidential.com to access the Community Experiment worksheet and our growing collection of free creative resources and downloads.About The Art ConfidentialThe Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes.Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world.Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidentialWebsite: https://theartconfidential.com

In this episode of The Art Confidential, we sit down with Robert Nicholas, artist, designer, and founder of Marquee Asheville in the River Arts District. Robert shares how a lifelong instinct to see potential in overlooked objects led him from antiques and handmade lighting to building one of Asheville’s most unique creative spaces.This conversation goes beyond business. It is about community, courage, and choosing to rebuild when it would be easier to walk away. Robert opens up about the vision behind Marquee, what Hurricane Helene changed, and why creating a space where artists feel seen and supported matters just as much as the work itself.We talk about:How Robert built a business from antiques, found objects, and instinctThe difference between Splurge and Marquee, and how Marquee became something bigger than a galleryWhy community is at the center of everything he createsRebuilding after Hurricane Helene and what it took to come backWhy artists need to stop listening to negative voices and take the next stepPlus: A simple but powerful reminder, if you think of someone, reach out. It might matter more than you know.This episode is for artists, makers, and anyone trying to build something meaningful without waiting until they feel ready.Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins https://amzn.to/3Qk8IvSMarquee Asheville https://marqueeasheville.com/Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.About The Art ConfidentialThe Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes.Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world.Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidentialWebsite: https://theartconfidential.com

What if joy isn’t something huge or life-changing, but something small you notice on an ordinary Tuesday? In The Art Confidential's first-ever Joy Report episode, Jacqui and Andreina share the little things currently making their lives softer, calmer, easier, and more fun.From mahjong nights and birdwatching to morning walks, gratitude journals, protein powders, and temperature-controlled beds, this conversation is full of the tiny rituals and comforts helping them feel more grounded in this season of life.We talk about:Why mahjong is suddenly everywhere, and how it became Andreina’s newest obsessionJacqui’s five-minute gratitude journal practice and how it shifted her mindsetBird feeders, solar fountains, and creating tiny backyard moments of peaceLife-changing middle-aged discoveries like progressive contacts and BedJet systemsFinding joy in routines, community, slowing down, and paying attentionPlus: Bear encounters, “Sad Sunday,” and the legendary Tiger Titties Mahjong GroupThis episode is for anyone craving a softer pace, tiny pleasures, and reminders that joy is usually hiding in the little things.Mentioned in This EpisodeMahjong Set (https://amzn.to/4dYdTLe)5-Minute Gratitude Journal, Spiral Bound (https://amzn.to/4f1Ik4o)Smart Bird Feeder with Camera (https://amzn.to/4nHdbFv)Spicy Bird Food to Deter Squirrels (https://amzn.to/49bgXkG)Pedestal Bird Bath (https://amzn.to/4uUdLly)Solar Powered Bird Bath Fountain (https://amzn.to/49hG31f)Kion Mango Amino Acids (https://amzn.to/4up15TU)BedJet (https://amzn.to/42Pzi2X)Hungryroot (https://www.hungryroot.com/r/FIG4RJFU)The Lazy Genius Podcast (https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy)Barbara Brown Taylor (https://barbarabrowntaylor.com)Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.About The Art ConfidentialThe Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes.Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world.Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidentialWebsite: https://theartconfidential.com