The Reality of Being a Full-Time Artist in 2025. My story (16 Years of Experience)

What really happens when you go full time with your art practice?My latest podcast episode about my year in 2025. It has been an exciting and challenging one. Full of new opportunities, new clients, new records reached in my YouTube. Enjoy and subscribe to my YouTube for more episodes or my podcast ' the aly harte podcast ' where I support you to becoming your most creative self.After 16 years as an artist—and three years of balancing my art business alongside other work—I’m sharing a candid 2025 round-up of what it’s actually been like to commit fully to my creative practice. This episode covers both the highlights and the hard truths: the growth, the doubts, the unexpected wins, the financial and emotional challenges, and the lessons I could only learn by living them.This isn’t a “quit your job and everything works out” story. It’s a grounded reflection for artists and creative entrepreneurs who want to build sustainable creative businesses without losing themselves in the process.In this episode, we explore:What changed (and what didn’t) when art became my full-time workThe internal shifts required to sustain a long-term creative practiceThe challenges no one really talks about when you go all inWhy knowing yourself is just as important as knowing your strategyQuestions to ask yourself before (or while) building a creative businessIf you’re an artist navigating part-time growth, considering going full time, or already there and wondering “is this normal?”, this conversation is for you.This podcast is for creatives who want to understand their creativity deeply, build with intention, and create a business that supports their life—not the other way around.

In this episode, we use a familiar scene from the art studio—still life—to explore what it means to start living fully again. If you're a woman in your 40s wondering whether it’s too late to change careers, start a creative business, or simply live more authentically, this conversation is for you.As an art educator, I’ve taught students to master shadows and stillness—but in real life, nothing stays still. Shadows shift. Moments move. And you’re allowed (and encouraged) to do the same.Let’s talk about letting go of static roles, embracing the messy beauty of change, and creating a life that moves with you—not against you.subscribe for more

🎧 The Art of Selling Art (and Other Things)A podcast for creatives, dreamers, and late bloomers ready to build something real.Hosted by a 42-year-old self-made artist, mother of three, and creative entrepreneur with 16 years of experience growing a business from the ground up — The Art of Selling Art (and Other Things) is your space to explore what it really means to live creatively, build with purpose, and grow a business (and a life) that’s truly your own.Whether you’re a young creative just starting out, or someone later in life finally giving yourself permission to follow your passion — this podcast is for you. Here, we talk about art, business, authenticity, and the messy, beautiful process of becoming your best self.Expect real conversations, practical insights, soulful encouragement, and the reminder that it’s never too late (or too early) to start.🌱 You don’t need a big break — you just need to begin.#TheArtOfSellingArt (unique to your brand — use every time!)#CreativeBusiness#AuthenticLiving#CreativityUnlocked#StartFromScratch#PurposeDrivenCreative#ArtAndSoul#GrowFromTheGroundUp#BuildWithHeart#CreativeJourney#YoungCreatives#LateBloomersClub#MumsWhoCreate#MumsInBusiness#WomenWhoCreate#CreativeMinds#SoulLedBusiness#PassionToProfit#ArtistEntrepreneur#SellYourArt#CreativeConfidence#AuthenticBusiness#CreativeFreedom#CreativeEmpowerment#MindfulMarketing#StorytellingForBusiness#CreativityIsPower#HeartCenteredBusiness#RealTalkForCreatives

This month I declined an award at Georgia O'Keefe's ranch in New Mexico.I absolutely adore being a Mum and this week marked 16 years of that beautiful privilege. I think in society today it is often expected that women can do ALL of the things ALL of the time or that our careers blend with family life and there can’t be any loopholes. This is not a an attack against gender roles it is simply my experiences but I know it’s something that’s important to put out there. And as you will see at the end of the video, my point is that I want to see how this ground work and all the sacrifices I made for my kids plays out . unlike business And workouts or controlling the food that goes into my mouth, I’m not gonna know about the emotional support and presence that I give to my kids now, how it will help them as little and large humans in the future.Sending love to all the mothers in business he understand where I’m coming from and he also feel a little sad sometimes when they think of the big opportunities that they set aside for their kids.

Aly shares her top ways to journey grief for when you get up in the morning until you hit the pillow at night. Her father died the week before her 8th birthday making grief a "friend" for many years. Use the practical Aly shares and take this 10 minutes to feel less alone as you journey loss no matter what stage you are at. Follow and subscribe for more of Aly's content.

Creatives can get ourselves into a real pickle about life, work and taking a blooming breath!! Here I chat about gathering perspective in all aspects of work and play so we can feel alive and well in our venture for a creative business in this noisy world.

The peaks and troughs of business can really be determined by our mood and how we engage with our creativity. Use my tips to figure out a way to understand how your creative patterns show in daily life or even seasonally.

It can be a dirty word when we are aiming to be progressive in our thinking and mindset. Today I share my latest and a few other failings which inevitably help me fail forward and will keep your perspective on all that happens day to day in your life and business.

I am all for showing our true selves and opinions with our audience But it must have a purpose and an end game to help others, not to start trouble. Today I share the ways in which I have started to own my own feelings and stand by the opinions without making it such a big deal that I compromise business and relationships. How to own your space and be considerate of others.

What is your work ethic like? How do you connect and engage with a community that will help you thrive? Aly shares her own hustle mentality from a young age and how it has served her well in building a successful business.