Episode 164: The $20,000 Decision I Made With Zero Proof It Would Work

Your comment section is full and your inbox is empty. In this episode, Jodie breaks down why an engaged audience and a buying audience are not the same thing, and the four specific things missing from almost every art post that keep followers from ever becoming collectors. Jodie walks through the psychology of familiarity and parasocial trust, why price transparency matters more than most artists think, and the story behind a painting she sold called Finding the Way, using it to show the difference between a making story and a becoming story. In this episode Jodie talks about: Why an engaged following and a buying audience are not the same thing The four things missing from almost every art post that stops a sale Why no price means no sale, and what the data says about affordability Resources Mentioned Studio Elite Mastermind, fall cohort begins September 21st: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite Episode 06: How to Use Social Media to Sell Your Art: https://jodieking.com/episode-06-how-to-use-social-media-to-sell-your-art/ Episode 14: How to Price Your Art (So It Sells!): https://jodieking.com/episode-14-how-to-price-your-art-so-it-sells/ Episode 51: Why Your Art Social Media Account Isn't Growing: https://jodieking.com/episode-51-why-your-art-social-media-account-isnt-growing/ Episode 105: How to Craft an Artist Statement That Drives Sales: https://jodieking.com/episode-105-how-to-craft-an-artist-statement-that-drives-sales/ Episode 126: From Scrolls to Sales: Attracting Real Art Collectors on Instagram: https://jodieking.com/episode-126-from-scrolls-to-sales-attracting-real-art-collectors-on-instagram/ 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 you loved this episode, subscribe so you never miss one, and if you have a guest suggestion or a question for Jodie, reach out anytime at [email protected]. This episode is for educational purposes and reflects Jodie King's personal experience building her own art career. Results vary by artist.

In 2019, Jodie spent $20,000 on a program she could not really afford, terrified and with zero proof it would work. That decision turned into $250,000 in revenue that year. This week, Jodie breaks down the fear stack that keeps artists circling the same decision for years, and why ready is not a feeling you wait for. It is a decision you make first and prove second. Jodie also shares the story of Studio Elite alum Jodie Gear, who applied the night before the deadline with shaking hands, and has since built an entire home furnishings line out of that one decision. Resources Mentioned: Studio Elite Mastermind, fall cohort begins September 21st: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite Check out Studio Elite Alum, Jodie Gear, website: https://jodiegear.com/  Related episode: Episode 76: The Life-Changing Effects of an Artist Committing Related episode: Episode 138: How to Make Your Art Career Dreams a Reality Related episode: Episode 31: Artist's Money Mindset Related episode: Episode 87: How Imposter Syndrome Is Holding You Back as an Artist 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 Make sure you are subscribed so you never miss an episode, and if you know an artist who would be a great guest, or you are one yourself, reach out to Amy at [email protected]. This episode is for educational purposes and reflects Jodie King's personal experience building her own art career. Results vary by artist.

You've sold your work. You might even have a waitlist. So why do you still talk about your art like it's a hobby you squeeze in around your real life? That's not humility. That's fear, dressed up in a really convincing costume. In this episode, Jodie names the three lies keeping artists small, even ones who are already selling: that success will cost you the joy, that visible ambition means public failure, and that claiming this life means giving up who you already are. She shares stories from her own life and from artists inside Studio Elite who faced these exact fears and moved through them anyway. What you'll learn in this episode: • Why time blocking protects your joy instead of stealing it • Why staying small doesn't protect your reputation, it just protects you from ever being seen trying • Why certainty never comes first, and what actually does instead   Resources Mentioned:  The Artist Who Gets Paid, Jodie's 3-part workshop (August 20, 25, and 27): https://www.jodiekingart.com/artistseries  Studio Elite Mastermind applications: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite Episode 138, How to Make Your Art Career Dreams a Reality with Jodie Gear: https://jodieking.com/episode-138-how-to-make-your-art-career-dreams-a-reality-with-jodie-gear/  Episode 116, You Can't Fake It: The Power of Artist Identity In a Crowded Art World: https://jodieking.com/episode-116-you-cant-fake-it-the-power-of-artist-identity-in-a-crowded-art-world/  Episode 149, 22 Years As An Artist: What I'll Never Do Again: https://jodieking.com/episode-149-22-years-as-an-artist-what-ill-never-do-again/ Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  If you loved this episode, subscribe so you never miss a week, and leave a review, it genuinely helps other artists find the show. Know an artist who should be a guest on the podcast? Email [email protected]. This post may contain affiliate links. Jodie King Media may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This episode is for educational purposes and reflects Jodie King's personal experience building her own art career. Results vary by artist.

Six years ago, Sue White picked up a paintbrush for the first time. Before that, she spent decades building a career in the furniture/design industry that came with a lot of perfectionism and people pleasing standing between her and calling herself an artist. But then everything changed.  In this episode, Sue joins Jodie to talk about the exact moment that changed, an offhand comment in an airport that turned into the first time she said the words I'm an artist out loud. Not long after, she sold two large paintings in a single week. Jodie and Sue get into the self-talk every artist battles, the two non-negotiables that changed how Sue runs her art business, and what she is building next. Resources Mentioned The Artist Who Gets Paid, Jodie's 3-part workshop (August 20, 25, and 27): https://www.jodiekingart.com/artistseries Studio Elite Mastermind applications: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite Sue White on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suewhitestudio  Sue White on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Sue-White-Studio-61589565904703/  Sue's Artwork Archive portfolio: https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/suewhitestudio  Related episodes: Episode 02: How to Know if You're a Real Artist Episode 14: How to Price Your Art (So It Sells!) Episode 32: Artwork Archive: The Business Tool I Can't Live Without Episode 145: How Your Mindset Impacts Art Pricing Episode 152: How to Get Your Art Seen (Online, Offline, and Without an Art Degree) Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Know an artist who would make a great guest? Reach out to [email protected].

If you think you have to perfect your art before you let yourself think about the business side, Jodie has news for you: that belief is not protecting your work, it's stalling it. In this episode, Jodie breaks down her 85% rule, the mindset hack she uses every time perfectionism tries to keep her work off the easel and out of the world. Jodie shares the story of an artist whose technically flawless painting had nothing left in it because the energy and story got polished away, and the piece of her own early work that's so "cringeworthy" it lives in a closet, but sold anyway. She walks through why art, business, and mindset were never meant to be separate lanes you pick between, and why the artists who build real, sustainable careers work on all three at once. In this episode: Why waiting for "perfect" is usually just stalling dressed up as responsibility The real difference between technically skilled work and work with a story Jodie's 85% rule for getting your art out into the world Why art, business, and mindset have to move together, not in sequence Resources Mentioned The Artist Who Gets Paid, Jodie's 3-part workshop (August 20, 25, and 27): https://www.jodiekingart.com/artistseries Studio Elite Mastermind applications: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite 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/ Episode 31: Artist's Money Mindset: What Do You Really Believe Is Possible?: https://jodieking.com/episode-31-artists-money-mindset-what-do-you-really-believe-is-possible/ Episode 87: How Imposter Syndrome Is Holding You Back as an Artist: https://jodieking.com/episode-87-how-imposter-syndrome-is-holding-you-back-as-an-artist-what-to-do-about-it/ Episode 113: From Hobby to Career: How Artists Go Pro: https://jodieking.com/episode-113-from-hobby-to-career-how-artists-go-pro/ Episode 145: How Your Mindset Impacts Art Pricing: https://jodieking.com/episode-145-how-your-mindset-impacts-art-pricing-one-on-one-coaching-with-jennifer-cupp/ Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6 Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF If you loved this episode, subscribe so you never miss one, and if you have a guest suggestion or a question for Jodie, reach out anytime at [email protected]. This episode is for educational purposes and reflects Jodie King's personal experience building her own art career. Results vary by artist. Nothing in this episode is a guarantee of income or sales.

If you have been waiting to feel ready before you invest in your art business, this episode is your permission slip to stop waiting. Jodie shares the story of the moment she first felt like a complete imposter, and the six honest questions she now asks every artist before they spend another dollar on their art business, whether that is a mastermind, a workshop, a studio, or new supplies. • Why readiness is a nervous system issue, not a resume issue • The story behind Jodie's first art fair and the tears in the car ride home • Why you only need 1% more courage than fear • The six questions to ask yourself before investing in your business • Why the Rebel Trifecta of art, business, and mindset has to move together   Resources Mentioned: The Artist Who Gets Paid, Jodie's 3-part workshop (August 20, 25, and 27): https://www.jodiekingart.com/artistseries  Studio Elite Mastermind applications: www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite  Honest Art® Society: jodiekingart.com/has  Episode 31: Artist's Money Mindset: jodieking.com/episode-31 Episode 57: Do You Fear Failing With Your Art? Or Do You Fear Success?: jodieking.com/episode-57 Episode 71: Is Your Art Ready to Sell?: jodieking.com/episode-71 Episode 73: The Importance of Connecting With Other Artists, ft. Studio Elite Members: jodieking.com/episode-73 Episode 87: How Imposter Syndrome is Holding You Back as an Artist: jodieking.com/episode-87 Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6 Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF If this episode moved you, subscribe so you never miss one, and leave us a five star review, it genuinely helps other artists find this show!  Know an artist with a great story or a tough question? We'd love to feature them. Reach out to [email protected] to be considered as a future guest.

What if the parts of your story you've been hiding are exactly what makes your work impossible to ignore? In this coaching call episode, Jodie sits down with artist, Erika Person, a former opera singer, breast cancer survivor, and member of the Honest Art® Society, to talk about grief, the Japanese art of kintsugi, and what it actually takes to stand out as a working artist. They cover finding your why, why story sells the work, treating your art like a real business, and the three simple analytics that actually move the needle. No math required. Resources Mentioned: The Artist Who Gets Paid, Jodie's 3-part workshop (August 20, 25, and 27): https://www.jodiekingart.com/artistseries  Studio Elite Mastermind applications: www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite  Follow Erika Person on Instagram: www.instagram.com/erika_person   Erika Person's website: www.erikaperson.com  Honest Art® Society: jodiekingart.com/has  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6 Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF If this episode moved you, subscribe so you never miss one, and leave us a five star review, it genuinely helps other artists find this show.  Know an artist with a great story or a tough question? We'd love to feature them. Reach out to [email protected] to be considered as a future guest. This episode is for general educational purposes and reflects the personal experiences and opinions of the host and guest. 

Jodie just wrapped her fifth year hosting a painting workshop in Citta della Pieve, Italy, and this episode is not the trip recap you expect. It is the story of a wall that could not be cleaned, the artist who painted a mural over it instead, and what five years of doing this keeps teaching Jodie about letting go of control, both on the canvas and off it. Inside this episode: • The moment a technically flawless artist finally let go of needing to know where a brushstroke was going • The story of the paint spill, the mural of poppies, and the career decision that came after it • Three things Jodie wants every artist to sit with, whether you ever get on a plane or not Resources Mentioned: Italy 2027 Honest Art® Workshop: https://stradatoscana.com/retreats/jodie-king/  The Artist Who Gets Paid, Jodie's 3-part workshop (August 20, 25, and 27): https://www.jodiekingart.com/artistseries  Studio Elite Mastermind: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite  Episode 63, How Artists Can Reignite Their Creativity and Find Their Spark Again: https://jodieking.com/episode-63-how-artists-can-reignite-their-creativity-and-find-their-spark-again/ Episode 87, How Imposter Syndrome is Holding You Back as an Artist: https://jodieking.com/episode-87-how-imposter-syndrome-is-holding-you-back-as-an-artist-what-to-do-about-it/ Episode 120, The Healing Power of Art Workshops with Returning Guest, Becky Joan Springer: https://jodieking.com/episode-120-from-wreckage-to-community-teaching-and-healing-with-returning-guest-becky-joan-springer/ Episode 140, Finish Your Painting With Confidence: https://jodieking.com/episode-140-finish-your-painting-with-confidence-15-actionable-steps-to-push-the-fuglies/ Episode 155, Why Your Creative Block Won't Go Away: https://jodieking.com/episode-155-why-your-creative-block-wont-go-away-and-exactly-how-to-fix-it/ Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF Loved this one? Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and leave us a review, it genuinely helps other artists find the show. Know an artist who would be perfect for the podcast? Email [email protected].

You've been posting. You've been showing up. And it still feels like no one is paying attention. After 23 years in the art industry, Jodie can tell you creating buzz around your work isn't luck, and it isn't about follower count. It's a strategy, and most artists are either skipping it entirely or doing it in a way that was never going to work. In this episode, Jodie breaks down exactly how to build real, lasting buzz around your art, whether you're brand new or you've felt stuck in a visibility rut for years. You'll walk away knowing: Why your email list is your most underrated asset, and how to start one even if you only have a handful of names The local collaboration strategy most artists never think to try Why leading with yourself, not the finished painting, is what actually builds connection on social media How to build a real sequence and strategy around a launch, instead of a single announcement Why buzz starts with you, not a viral moment If you're ready to stop waiting to be discovered, this episode is for you. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you know an artist who would be a great guest, email [email protected]. Resources Mentioned: Ready to make your art a career for yourself? Join me for a three-part workshop, The Artist Who Gets Paid, Starting August 20th: https://www.jodiekingart.com/artistseries  Studio Elite is for the artist ready to reach new heights in their art biz. Check it out: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite This isn't a social media episode, but if you're looking for one, check out Episode 06: How to Use Social Media to Sell Your Art: https://jodieking.com/episode-06-how-to-use-social-media-to-sell-your-art/ Episode 51: Why Your Art Social Media Account Isn't Growing: https://jodieking.com/episode-51-why-your-art-social-media-account-isnt-growing/  Episode 67, Why You Need an Email List and How to Start One: https://jodieking.com/episode-67-fight-me-yes-an-artist-needs-an-email-list-with-yasmine-kashefi/ Episode 24: on why most artists aren't making money in their art business: https://jodieking.com/episode-24-why-artists-arent-making-money-in-their-art-biz/   Episode 126: From Scrolls to Sales: Attracting Real Art Collectors on Instagram: https://jodieking.com/episode-24-why-artists-arent-making-money-in-their-art-biz/  I talk a lot about email strategy in Art Biz For Rebels. If you want more of that, join us: https://www.jodiekingart.com/artbizforrebels 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

Most abstract painters think layering means adding more. More color. More texture. More paint. But there's a version of layering that suffocates a painting, and a version that gives it real depth. The difference isn't talent. It's intention. And you don't need art school to develop it. In this episode, Jodie breaks down how five artists used layering in completely different ways, and exactly what you can steal from each of them for your own studio practice today. You'll walk away knowing: How Richter used scraping and trowels to reveal the painting underneath and how to do it yourself with tools you already own Why Rothko's transparent glazes created depth that opaque paint simply cannot touch What Van Gogh's impasto marks teach us about building texture that reads as intentional, not chaotic How Cy Twombly left things unresolved on purpose and why it draws the viewer in deeper The three questions to ask yourself before you add another layer Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And come hang with Jodie on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art®? Email [email protected]! Resources mentioned: Ready to push your work to the next level? Join Jodie at an in-person Honest Art® Workshop: https://jodieking.com/workshop  Curious about Studio Elite? Next cohort begins September 2026: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite  Join the Honest Art® Society: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has  Color Course for Rebels: https://www.jodiekingart.com/ccfr  Enjoyed this technique podcast? Check out Episode 103: The Texture Toolbox: https://jodieking.com/episode-103-the-texture-toolbox-tips-on-how-to-elevate-your-art-with-texture/  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  Full show notes: https://www.jodieking.com/podcast