Building a Sustainable Art Practice with Kennedy B. Holley (KBH)

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Are you posting consistently on Instagram but still not making art sales? In this episode of The Art Coaching Club Podcast, I sit down with Neve of Neve Creative Studio — a social media strategist and art marketing expert who helps artists and creative brands scale their visibility and boost sales. We unpack what’s actually working right now on Instagram for artists — and what might quietly be costing you growth and collectors. Inside this conversation, we cover: • Why you may only be attracting other artists (not buyers)• The difference between aesthetic content and content that converts• How to sell emotional value before you sell your artwork• Why the algorithm isn’t your biggest problem• How to use virality as the top of your funnel — not the whole strategy• The role of personal branding in selling art• Why “30 days of content in 30 minutes” doesn’t work for creatives• How to position your art brand to support higher prices If you want to build a stronger art brand, grow your audience with intention, and turn followers into collectors — this episode is your wake-up call. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neve.creativestudio/?hl=en Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I’m joined by Emerson Harmon, founder of The Harmon Edit, to talk about what content creation actually looks like behind the scenes—and why it’s become such a powerful tool for artists and creative business owners. We dive into how Emerson built her business capturing iPhone video content for wedding planners, interior designers, and creatives, why “content creation” is not the same thing as influencing, and how storytelling—not trends—is what truly drives engagement and sales. We also talk about: Why your everyday work is interesting (even if it doesn’t feel like it) How to capture better video without overthinking or burning out The difference between polished content and relatable content—and why you need both How showing your face builds trust, memorability, and momentum When it makes sense to DIY content vs. bring in help Pricing, boundaries, and evolving your business as demand grows If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to “show up online,” unsure how to translate your creative work into compelling content, or overwhelmed by video altogether, this conversation will completely reframe how you think about marketing. You’ll walk away with practical mindset shifts, simple content strategies, and a clearer understanding of how storytelling—not perfection—moves your business forward. https://www.theharmonedit.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I’m joined by Atlanta-based abstract artist Lindsay Von Art, who shares her journey from the advertising world to becoming a full-time artist—and how consistency, relationship-building, and trusting her instincts shaped her career. We talk about finding your voice while putting yourself out there, working successfully with interior designers, and why showing your work in real spaces can completely change how collectors connect with it. Lindsay also shares how Instagram fits into her business today, her thoughts on Pinterest and other platforms, and why she’s expanding into functional art through custom painted lampshades. This episode is full of practical insight for artists looking to grow thoughtfully, diversify their income, and build a sustainable art career that evolves with them. https://www.lindsayvonart.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kennedy B. Holley (KBH), an artist known for her expressive, layered work and thoughtful approach to building a long-term creative career. We talk about what it really takes to sustain an art practice over time—balancing studio work, life seasons, energy, and growth without burning out or losing momentum.  This conversation is honest, reassuring, and deeply practical for artists who want longevity—not just quick wins. Perfect for artists who want to build a career that fits their life, trust their process, and keep showing up to the work. https://www.kbhartthings.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we sit down with Walker Antonio, a Virginia-based Filipino-American painter whose work blurs the boundaries between the real and surreal, the physical and psychological. Working primarily on a large scale, Walker's process moves from energetic chaos to deliberate refinement—a philosophy that extends to his remarkable career trajectory. Just 18 months after graduating from Wofford College with his BA in Studio Art and Art History, Walker has built an impressive professional practice. He shares his unconventional journey from receiving the 2023 Whetsell Family Fellowship to spending 10 months at a ski resort in Germany, and how he quickly gained representation with three galleries upon returning stateside. We dive into Walker's evolving artistic practice—from large-scale figurative works exploring themes of environment and identity to experimental 6x6-inch pieces that challenge his understanding of composition. He opens up about the pivot points in his career, including creating 34 pieces in 10 days during the Foundation House Artist Residency and showing alongside Picasso and Basquiat at the Palm Beach Modern Contemporary Art Fair. As the first visual artist selected for the Kenan-Lewis Fellowship at Woodberry Forest School, Walker offers candid insights on balancing teaching, pursuing his MA in Fine Arts from Falmouth University, and managing the business side of art. He emphasizes the power of authentic networking over social media growth, the many hats artists must wear (accountant, marketer, graphic designer), and why he's chosen to avoid commissions to protect his creative vision. With solo exhibitions at Stevenson & Co. (Charleston, SC) and the Rhodes Art Center (Gill, MA) in 2025, plus upcoming shows at Sheridan Studios (Macon, GA) in February 2026 and the Baker Gallery (Woodberry Forest, VA) in November 2026, Walker's career is rapidly expanding. His work has been published in American Art Collector and Suboart Magazine, with forthcoming publication in the Penn Journal of Arts and Sciences. Whether you're an emerging artist or simply curious about the art world, Walker's perspective on treating Instagram as a living portfolio, his strategic approach to artist residencies (including his upcoming 2026 Elf School of the Arts Residency), and his commitment to "just keep going" will inspire you to pursue your creative path with intention and authenticity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why do collectors hesitate to buy art — even when they love your work? In this solo episode of The Art Coaching Club podcast, I’m breaking down why collectors don’t buy art, using real conversations I hear again and again from artists inside The Club and in one-on-one coaching. If you’ve ever thought: “People love my work, but they’re not buying” “Maybe my prices are too high” “Maybe my art just isn’t good enough” This episode is for you. We’ll dig into the art sales psychology behind collector hesitation and talk through what actually stops collectors from buying art — and why it’s usually not about talent, trends, or Instagram reach. In this episode, we cover: Why collectors don’t buy when they’re unsure (not uninterested) The biggest misunderstanding artists have about how collectors decide what to buy Why price often feels unclear, not wrong Why cheap art doesn’t sell the way artists think it will How context, confidence, and clarity help collectors move forward What artists misinterpret when collectors go quiet How to guide collectors without pressure or awkwardness Buying art is a luxury decision, not a rational transaction — and understanding that changes everything about how you sell, follow up, and build long-term collector relationships. This episode is especially helpful if you want to: Attract art collectors, not just followers Understand why interest doesn’t always turn into sales Sell art with more confidence and professionalism Build a sustainable art career without slashing prices or chasing trends These are the exact conversations we go deeper into inside The Club, where artists learn how to sell their work with clarity, confidence, and integrity — without guessing or burning out. Subscribe for more solo episodes on pricing, collectors, artist business strategy, and building a career that actually lasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Taxes are one of the most confusing parts of being a working artist, especially when you’re self-employed, selling through galleries, or juggling multiple income streams. In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah, a working artist and the founder of Sunlight Tax, to break down the tax basics every artist needs to understand, in clear, plain language. We cover: What a Schedule C is and how artists are taxed when self-employed How self-employment tax actually works (and why it’s higher than you expect) 1099s explained, including galleries, Stripe, PayPal, and Etsy Why you still need to report income even if you don’t receive a 1099 Simple ways to stay organized without rigid bookkeeping systems When an LLC makes sense for artists and when it doesn’t The easiest first step to take if taxes feel overwhelming right now This is a practical, grounded conversation designed to help artists feel clearer, more confident, and better prepared without turning finances into a second full-time job. Resources mentioned in this episode:Sunlight Tax: https://www.sunlighttax.com/1099s for creatives: https://www.sunlighttax.com/1099 If you’re an artist building a sustainable career and want to understand the business side without losing your creativity, this episode is for you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I’m joined by artist Carrie Pittman, whose work is known for its movement, texture, and emotional depth — and whose career is a powerful example of what it looks like to build longevity as an artist. Carrie began her professional life in sales and finance, and painting originally entered her world as a creative outlet during a difficult personal season. What started as healing slowly evolved into a full-time art career that’s now spanned more than a decade, built through commissions, designer relationships, collaborations, and a deep belief in her own work. In this conversation, we talk about: Developing an artistic voice without formal training Making the leap away from a secure career into full-time art Confidence, comparison, and learning to ask for opportunities Why no one is coming to “discover” you — and why that’s actually empowering Building a sustainable business through commissions, collaborations, and consistency Navigating social media without letting metrics dictate your worth or direction Balancing hustle, rest, and long-term creative energy Carrie is honest, grounded, and refreshingly practical about what it really takes to show up for your work year after year — creatively and financially. This episode is especially meaningful for artists who are serious about longevity, navigating self-doubt, or trying to reconcile creativity with real-life responsibilities. Links & Resources • Follow Carrie on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/carriepittmanart • Explore Carrie’s work:https://www.carriepittman.com • Apply to The Art Coaching Club (applications are currently open):https://www.theartcoachingclub.com/about-1 • Learn more about The Art Coaching Club:https://www.theartcoachingclub.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I’m joined by artist Ashley Blazer, whose work is rooted in the natural world and explores spirituality, human presence, and the landscapes we move through — both physically and creatively. Ashley recently relocated from Austin, Texas to Charlottesville, Virginia, and we talk about how changing environments can reshape the way you see, make, and think about your work. Her practice spans painting, textiles, and sculpture, and one of the most powerful throughlines in this conversation is permission — permission to experiment, to step away from a medium, and to return to it with new clarity. We cover: Letting your artistic style evolve without forcing an “arrival” How environment and place influence creative work Balancing studio time with the realities of motherhood Navigating the business side of art without losing creative momentum Marketing, visibility, and building sustainable relationships as an artist Why discomfort in your practice is often a sign of growth This is an honest, grounded conversation for artists who are navigating change, refining their direction, or trying to balance creativity with the rest of life. Links & Resources • Learn more about Ashley Blazer and her work:https://www.ashleyblazer.com • Apply to The Art Coaching Club (applications are currently open):https://www.theartcoachingclub.com/about-1 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.