Episode 125: Stop Copying. Start Creating: Reference vs Imagination

Scared of “being cringe” on social media? Here’s how to sell art on Instagram and attract real collectors.  Most artists avoid Instagram because they’re afraid of being seen, of bragging, or of looking silly. But that fear is keeping your art hidden from the very people who want to buy it.  In this episode of the Honest Art® Podcast, I break down how to sell art on Instagram without feeling fake, forced, or like you have to learn a TikTok dance.  You’ll learn: The surprising reason most artists avoid Instagram (and how to most past it) The “3 P’s” formula that makes your feed irresistible to collectors How to write captions that inspire, educate, or entertain (instead of putting people to sleep) Why posting your sales isn’t bragging, it’s inspiring Your art deserves to be seen. Instagram is the free, powerful tool that makes it possible. It’s time to bloom.  Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a thing! And don’t forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_.  Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art®? Email me at [email protected]! Resources mentioned: Give Jodie a follow on Instagram to see how she does it:  https://www.instagram.com/jodie_king_/ Let’s sling some paint together in person!!: https://jodieking.com/workshop  Join The Honest Art® Society Community: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has Purchase An Artist’s Guide to Instagram: https://jodieking.com/mini-courses  Studio Elite: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite   Episode 108: An Inside Look At Art Consulting With Amy Sawtelle: https://jodieking.com/episode-108-an-inside-look-at-art-consulting-with-amy-sawtelle/  Episode Episode 112: The Art of Transformation: Stacy Solodkin’s Inspiring Creative Journey: https://jodieking.com/episode-112-the-art-of-transformation-stacy-solodkins-inspiring-creative-journey/  Stacy Solodking Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacysolodkin/  Episode 39: Ana Stapleton: A Creative Force: https://jodieking.com/episode-39-ana-stapleton-a-creative-force/  Ana Stapleton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastapletonart/  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art® Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast 

Copying your reference photos line-for-line is boring AF. Here’s how to use them without losing your voice.  Many artists start with reference photos because that’s what we were taught: paint the flower yellow, the grass green, the cow black and white. And while that’s fine for learning, it’s a fast track to creating lifeless art that looks like everyone else’s.  The truth is, reference photos are meant to be a starting point, not a destination. If you copy them exactly, you erase the most important part of your art … your unique voice. In this episode of the Honest Art ® Podcast, I break down how to break free from perfectionism and start using reference photos in a way that fuels your creativity instead of smothering it.  Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a thing! And don’t forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art®? Email me at [email protected]! Resources mentioned: Honest Art Workshop: Austin, TX Oct 22-26, 2025: https://jodieking.com/honest-art-workshop-austin-october-2025  Honest Art Society Membership: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has  Color Course for Rebels: https://www.jodiekingart.com/ccfr  Palette Knife: https://amzn.to/46AqZe5  Spatula: https://amzn.to/4772ntv  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art® Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast 

I didn’t go to art school, and I learned a LOT the hard way. When I picked up a paintbrush at 35, I had no training, no YouTube tutorials, and no clue what I was doing. Which meant I learned everything through trial, error, and a mountain of fugly canvases. In this episode of the Honest Art® Podcast, I share the 7 lessons I wish I had known sooner. The ones that would have saved me years of struggle and helped me create stronger work right from the beginning.  If you’ve ever felt frustrated by your paintings, this episode will help you move past the struggle and into the flow … much faster than I did. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a thing! And don’t forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art? Email me at [email protected]! Resources mentioned: Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF Honest Art Society: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has  The Color Course for Rebels: https://www.jodiekingart.com/ccfr   Join me in Austin, TX for my Honest Art Workshop: https://jodieking.com/workshop Nova paint: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100603656-15198765  Pastels: https://amzn.to/4mlvspC  Charcoal: https://amzn.to/469VnvF  Graphite: https://amzn.to/46baULF  Varnish: https://amzn.to/46d8j41  Medium: https://amzn.to/4ms1AIi  Fixative: https://amzn.to/3I2Js9S  Spray bottle: https://amzn.to/4698NYQ  Scott shop blue paper towels: https://amzn.to/47KvYKf  Alcohol Wipes: https://amzn.to/3Vo56s1  Power Sander: https://amzn.to/3I8dHMC  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art® Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!    

Got a graveyard of abandoned canvases in your art studio? You’re not alone. Every artist has a pile of half-finished or fugly paintings collecting dust. But here’s the good news: they’re not failures. They’re opportunities. In this episode of the Honest Art® Podcast, I’m giving you 9 creative, cathartic, and sometimes rebellious ways to deal with those ghost canvases. From painting over them to cutting them into journals or even burning them in a ritual of release … you’ll never look at abandoned work the same way again. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a thing! And don’t forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art®? Email me at [email protected]! Resources mentioned: Honest Art Painting Workshop - Austin, TX October 22-26, 2025 : https://jodieking.com/honest-art-workshop-austin-october-2025  Honest Art Society Monthly Membership: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has  Electric Sander: https://amzn.to/3V8e9xh  Exacto Knife: https://amzn.to/3Vvqhsp  Art From The Streets non-profit organization: https://artfromthestreets.org/  Purchase Jodie’s Honest Art Journal here: https://shop.jodieking.com/collections/jodie-king-merch/products/the-honest-art-mixed-media-journal  Gesso Surface Prep Medium: https://amzn.to/3JTRu5r  Episode 103: The Texture Toolbox: Tips on How to Elevate Your Art with Texture: https://jodieking.com/episode-103-the-texture-toolbox-tips-on-how-to-elevate-your-art-with-texture/  Episode 16: How to Get Out of the Fugly Stage of Art: https://jodieking.com/episode-16-how-to-get-out-of-the-fugly-stage-of-art/ Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art® Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast    

Think you need a perfect website to sell your art? Total BS. Here’s what actually matters (and what to skip). I’ve worked with countless artists who sold plenty before ever hitting “publish” on a site. But if you do have a website, you'd better make sure it’s not silently sabotaging your sales. In this episode of the Honest Art® Podcast, I’m breaking down exactly what artist websites need to connect with collectors (and the fluff you can ditch right now).  Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a thing! And don’t forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art®? Email me at [email protected]! Resources mentioned: Save On Your First Year of Artwork Archive: https://www.artworkarchive.com/jk Join the Honest Art® Society: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has Learn More about In-Person Workshops with Jodie: https://jodieking.com/workshop  Check out Jodie’s website here: www.jodieking.com  Join Jodie’s Email List here: https://www.jodiekingart.com/jointhelist  Squarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/  Learn How to Hang & Wire a Painting: https://www.jodiekingart.com/how-to-hang-a-painting  Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/  Episode 67: Fight Me! Yes, An Artist Needs An Email List With Yasmine Kashefi: https://jodieking.com/episode-67-fight-me-yes-an-artist-needs-an-email-list-with-yasmine-kashefi/  ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/  VSCO photo editing platform: https://www.vsco.co/  Matte Varnish: https://amzn.to/3JHIsbH  Let’s be Instagram friends!: https://www.instagram.com/jodie_king_/   Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art® Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast  

If all you can say about your art is how you made it, you’re missing the point. Process isn’t connection. And connection is everything.  Too many artists default to the “recipe list” when asked about their work. “I used bright colors, layered some texture, tried a new medium …” That’s safe. That’s surface-level. That’s BORING.  In today’s episode, I’m calling out the truth: “good enough” art is dead art. Social media pressures, perfectionism, and fear of vulnerability can sneak in and steal the soul from our work. And when that happens, collectors don’t connect, communities don’t resonate, and even we as artists stop feeling excited about our creations.  The good news? You can bring the magic back and connect to your art again.  Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a thing! And don’t forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art®? Email me at [email protected]! Resources mentioned: Honest Art Society: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has Studio Elite: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite (Song) Max McNown - A Lot More Free: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2BQK2hO5HI  Guided Meditation for Creative Clarity: https://www.jodiekingart.com/guided-meditation Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art® Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF  For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast  

What happens when an artist transforms her deepest moments into a thriving community of artists? In this deeply moving episode, returning guest Becky Joan Springer reveals how she turned personal struggles into a powerful artistic practice that now fills international retreats and creates healing spaces for others.  Her journey from teaching local workshops to hosting sold-out retreats across the world proves that authenticity, and owning your voice, are really all you need to thrive as an artist. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a thing! And don’t forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art? Email me at [email protected]! Resources mentioned: Learn more about Paint It Forward: The Art of Teaching here: https://www.jodiekingart.com/paintitforward  Keep up with Becky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckyjoanspringer/ See more of Becky’s art: https://www.beckyjoanspringer.com/  Learn more about Becky’s workshop in Greece: https://www.beckyjoanspringer.com/upcomingevents/greeceretreat  Brandi Carlile: https://www.brandicarlile.com/  XOBC Cellars: https://www.xobccellars.com/  Episode 15: The Power of Art & Community With Becky Joan Springer: https://jodieking.com/episode-15-the-power-of-art-community-with-becky-joan-springer/  Learn more about Studio Elite: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite Learn more about the Honest Art Society: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has  Join me at my Austin workshop in October: https://jodieking.com/honest-art-workshop-austin-october-2025  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64Vn6NF5BfiwLNTSb_VnDA  For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast    

Don’t be caught by surprise. This episode of the Honest Art Podcast will equip you with the must-know topics to protect your art, manage your money, and build a thriving art career. It’s time to become the legally and financially savvy artist I know you can be. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a thing! And don’t forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art? Email me at [email protected] Resources mentioned: Learn more about Paint It Forward: The Art of Teaching Workshop: https://www.jodiekingart.com/paintitforward  Learn more about Studio Elite: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite Learn more about the Honest Art Society: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has  Join me at my Austin workshop in October: https://jodieking.com/honest-art-workshop-austin-october-2025  Learn more about Capital One credit cards: https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/  Learn more about American Express credit cards: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/  Learn more about Chase Sapphire credit cards: https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/sapphire  Stripe (payment system): https://stripe.com/  PayPal (payment system): https://www.paypal.com/  Square (payment system): https://squareup.com/us/en  Venmo business (payment system): https://venmo.com/business/start  Grab the Art Biz Mini Course: An Artist’s Guide to Instagram: https://www.jodiekingart.com/offers/9xFEJ2E3/checkout  Join Jodie’s email list here:https://www.jodiekingart.com/jointhelist  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64Vn6NF5BfiwLNTSb_VnDA  For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast    

After two traumatic brain injuries, everything changed for Cheri Carandanis. She was forced to give up a distinguished 25-year career as a critical care flight nurse in the U.S. military, where her identity was deeply intertwined with her profession.  Cheri faced unimaginable challenges, but when prescribed creativity to heal damaged brain pathways, her rehabilitation became a lifeline. Art became her new calling, and it led to a profound path to self-discovery and healing.  When I heard Cheri’s story inside Studio Elite, I knew I had to share it with the world. And trust me, my conversation with her is not one you want to miss! Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a thing! And don’t forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art? Email me at [email protected]! Resources mentioned: Learn more about Cheri’s art: https://www.carandanisfineart.com/ Stay in touch with Cheri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carandanisfineart/  Stay in touch with Cheri on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carandanisfineart  Learn more about Studio Elite: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite Learn more about the Honest Art Society: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has  Join me at my Santa Fe workshop in July: https://www.santafeartistgetaway.com/service-page/honest-art-2?referral=service_list_widget  Join me at my Austin workshop in October: https://jodieking.com/honest-art-workshop-austin-october-2025   Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima: https://amzn.to/44PplTL  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64Vn6NF5BfiwLNTSb_VnDA  For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast    

I’m going to let you in on a secret…my art career took off not by adding more tasks, but by intentionally letting go of a few bad habits. 6 to be precise. It was a surprising shift from the typical "do more" mindset, and once I committed to stopping these patterns, I finally saw real momentum. Listen to this episode to get the behind-the-curtain look at how simple shifts changed everything…and how they can change your art career, too. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a thing! And don’t forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art? Email me at [email protected]! Resources mentioned: Learn more about Studio Elite: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite Learn more about the Honest Art Society: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has  EDGE canvases 2.5in thick: https://www.jerrysartarama.com/the-edge-all-media-cotton-canvas-2-1-2-inch-boxes-of-three  Rolled Canvas: https://www.jerrysartarama.com/paramount-universal-primed-cotton-canvas-roll-84inx6yd-11oz-75363?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22276619958&gbraid=0AAAAAD_sa4aN1Hg6rqdRweSRZmLb8SKIX&gclid=CjwKCAjw4K3DBhBqEiwAYtG_9PasIhoWndt9W2I-vBTorcQVJymFPiUxCP1jED95T70mOEpsAOQk6hoCL_IQAvD_BwE  Art Biz Mini Course: Email Marketing: https://www.jodiekingart.com/offers/9U3kVbz5/checkout  Episode 67: Fight Me! Yes, An Artist Needs An Email List With Yasmine Kashefi: https://jodieking.com/episode-67-fight-me-yes-an-artist-needs-an-email-list-with-yasmine-kashefi/  Join Jodie’s email list here:https://www.jodiekingart.com/jointhelist  Grab the Art Biz Mini Course: An Artist’s Guide to Instagram: https://www.jodiekingart.com/offers/9xFEJ2E3/checkout  Join me at my Santa Fe workshop in July: https://www.santafeartistgetaway.com/service-page/honest-art-2?referral=service_list_widget  Join me at my Austin workshop in October: https://jodieking.com/honest-art-workshop-austin-october-2025   Grab the Art Biz Mini Course: An Artist’s Guide to Instagram: https://www.jodiekingart.com/offers/9xFEJ2E3/checkout  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64Vn6NF5BfiwLNTSb_VnDA  For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast