374: 5 Ways Illustrators Sabotage Their Success ft. Vanessa Stoilova

📱 Feel like Instagram's changing faster than you can post? You're not imagining it—this episode is your lifeline. Social media expert Elise Darma is back to share what's actually working on Instagram right now, what's fading out, and what artists should double down on heading into 2026.  From ditching those blink-and-you-miss-it reels to embracing your authentic behind-the-scenes storytelling, Elise delivers the creative spark and strategic clarity you need to show up with confidence. Plus, Miriam reveals her results from using Elise's "One and Done" method and why she's now obsessed with ChatGPT-powered color theory for content creation. 💡 You'll Learn: Why longer, story-driven videos are outperforming short reels How to design a content series that keeps your audience engaged and returning Why DMs are your most powerful space to turn fans into loyal collectors 🎧 Tune in to future-proof your content strategy and make Instagram feel fun—and profitable—again. Guest: Elise Darma — Instagram marketing educator, content strategist, and founder of On Video 🔗 Resources Full Show Notes: schulmanart.com/381 📩Check out our FREE Masterclass "How to Sell More Art" at schulmanart.com/sellmoreart 📘 Read Artpreneur: Grab your copy + bonuses at ArtpreneurBook.com 💙 Start Free: Read Chapter 1 "Choose to Believe" at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📺 Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@schulmanart 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @schulmanart 💼Connect on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/schulmanart

🎨 Speak the Language of Color: 2026's Hottest Palettes & What They Mean for Your Art Every fall, the world's biggest paint brands reveal their Color of the Year but these aren't just decorating trends. They're emotional roadmaps for what buyers crave and collect. In this episode, Miriam breaks down 2026's trending colors from biophilic greens and warm khakis to heritage reds and timeless blues. And shows you how to use color psychology to sell, brand, and connect like a creative pro. 💡 You'll Learn: The hidden emotional language behind each major color family. How to translate paint trends into brand strategy for artists Ways to borrow color cues from design pros to deepen connection with collectors 🎧 Whether or not you change your palette, you'll discover how to speak color like a marketer and create art that resonates on a subconscious level. 🔗 Resources Full Show Notes: schulmanart.com/380 📩Check out our FREE Masterclass "How to Sell More Art" at schulmanart.com/sellmoreart 📘 Read Artpreneur: Grab your copy + bonuses at ArtpreneurBook.com 💙 Start Free: Read Chapter 1 "Choose to Believe" at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📺 Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@schulmanart 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @schulmanart 💼Connect on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/schulmanart

💫 From Hesitant Beginner to Confident Artist: Kimberly Chan's Artpreneur Journey When Kimberly Chan first joined the Artpreneur community, she wasn't sure where to start, just that she was ready to grow. One year later, she's sold 50+ original pieces, built an email list from zero, and found the confidence to pitch her story (even to Miriam!). In this inspiring conversation, Kimberly shares how boldness, persistence, and community support turned her fear into momentum. And how you can use the same mindset shifts to grow your art career with courage and joy. 💡You'll Learn: How to build creative momentum even before you feel "ready. Why pitching for opportunities can open surprising new doors The simple mindset shifts that transform self-doubt into confident action 🎧 Listen in for a masterclass on what it really takes to move from hesitation to thriving artist. Proof that you don't need perfection, just heart and action. 🔗 Resources Full Show Notes: schulmanart.com/379 📩Check out our FREE Masterclass "How to Sell More Art" at schulmanart.com/sellmoreart 📘 Read Artpreneur: Grab your copy + bonuses at ArtpreneurBook.com 💙 Start Free: Read Chapter 1 "Choose to Believe" at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📺 Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@schulmanart 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @schulmanart 💼Connect on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/schulmanart  

Craft THE STORY THAT SELLS YOUR ARTA picture tells a thousand words… but which ones?   Walk away with a magnetic messaging vault [schulmanart.com/VAULT] specific to you and your art that you can use for:   💌 Authentic Email Marketing that your collectors will want to read (because they're compelling -not salesy or annoying) 🔄 Spark Repeat Sales and deeper relationships with new collectors and your best buyers 🖥️ Irresistible Website copy with stories that sell and connect 📰 Story-Driven Press and media pitches that editors love 📱 Engaging Social Media Captions that build your audience 🖼️ Gallery Outreach that present you as a serious artist ready for representation and shows 🧾 Grant and residency applications – stand out from the pile and secure career-building funding and prestige 🎁 Bonus: I'll show you how to use all of this anywhere you need to describe who you are, what you do, and why your art matters. You'll leave with words that are not only clear but anchored in who you truly are. schulmanart.com/VAULT  

🎄 How to Make This Holiday Season Your Most Profitable Yet (Without Discounts or Stress) The holidays can make or break your art business but they don't have to feel frantic. In this episode, Miriam shares her proven roadmap for a calm, profitable Q4 that attracts serious collectors and consistent sales without last-minute discounts or burnout. If you've ever felt behind when November hits, this is your blueprint for a stress-free, high-revenue holiday season. 🎁 You'll Learn: Creative ways to leverage holiday shopping days without discounting your art How to use emotional storytelling to connect with collectors and drive sales Why early planning gives you the artist's advantage 🎧 Tune in to sell with confidence, plan with intention, and make this season your best yet. 🔗 Resources Full Show Notes: schulmanart.com/378 📩Check out our FREE Masterclass "How to Sell More Art" at schulmanart.com/sellmoreart 📘 Read Artpreneur: Grab your copy + bonuses at ArtpreneurBook.com 💙 Start Free: Read Chapter 1 "Choose to Believe" at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📺 Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@schulmanart 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @schulmanart 💼Connect on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/schulmanart  

💰 What if your financial struggle was the very path to your wealth? In this inspiring conversation, Barbara Huson reveals how decades of under-earning led her to become a financial therapist and best-selling author. Discover the mindset shifts and sacred strategies that help artists and women rewrite their money stories with confidence and purpose. 💡 You'll Learn: Why under-earning is about more than just money. It's about self-worth and power. What "Sacred Success" really means and how it can transform your career. The three core reasons women stay stuck financially and how to break free. 🎧 Whether or not you've struggled with money, you'll discover how shifting your relationship with wealth can unlock creative freedom, confidence, and purpose. 🔗 Resources Full Show Notes: schulmanart.com/377 📩Check out our FREE Masterclass "How to Sell More Art" at schulmanart.com/sellmoreart 📘 Read Artpreneur: Grab your copy + bonuses at ArtpreneurBook.com 💙 Start Free: Read Chapter 1 "Choose to Believe" at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📺 Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@schulmanart 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @schulmanart 💼Connect on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/schulmanart  

🚀 Social media isn't just changing, it's evolving into an AI-powered universe that predicts what your audience wants before they do. In this episode, Miriam reveals the major social shifts shaping 2026 so you can stay visible, profitable, and aligned with your creative energy. From YouTube's dominance to LinkedIn's unexpected growth and Facebook's surprising resilience, you'll learn exactly where to focus for maximum impact without burnout. 💡 You'll Learn: The top platforms every artist and creative entrepreneur should prioritize in 2025–2026 How AI-driven algorithms are reshaping visibility and engagement. Why authentic storytelling beats perfection every time 🔗 Resources Full Show Notes: schulmanart.com/376 📩Check out our FREE Masterclass "How to Sell More Art" at schulmanart.com/sellmoreart 📘 Read Artpreneur: Grab your copy + bonuses at ArtpreneurBook.com 💙 Start Free: Read Chapter 1 "Choose to Believe" at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📺 Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@schulmanart 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @schulmanart 💼Connect on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/schulmanart  

✨ What if your creative practice could become a form of spiritual devotion? In this soulful episode, award-winning writer Sherri Mandell joins Miriam to explore how Kabbalistic wisdom illuminates the creative process. Together, they unpack the tension between wild inspiration and disciplined artistry and reveal mystical yet practical tools to help you co-create with something bigger than yourself. 💡 You'll Learn: How the ten sefirot of Kabbalah mirror the stages of the creative process Ways to balance divine inspiration with structure and boundaries Practices for seeing everyday life as a source of constant inspiration 🎧 Your creativity isn't just a skill, it can be a sacred channel for connection, meaning, and transformation. 🔗 Resources Full Show Notes: schulmanart.com/375 📩Check out our FREE Masterclass "How to Sell More Art" at schulmanart.com/sellmoreart 📘 Read Artpreneur: Grab your copy + bonuses at ArtpreneurBook.com 💙 Start Free: Read Chapter 1 "Choose to Believe" at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📺 Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@schulmanart 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @schulmanart 💼Connect on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/schulmanart  

🎨 5 Mistakes Illustrators Make (and How to Build a Career That Lasts) Vanessa Stoilova's story is one every illustrator needs to hear. From mobile games to children's books and surface design, she's built a thriving creative business by learning what works—and what doesn't. In this episode, Vanessa reveals the five biggest mistakes artists make when trying to get hired and how to replace them with habits that lead to steady, exciting work. 💡 You'll Learn: Why specializing is more powerful than trying to do it all How to build a follow-up system that opens real opportunities Ways to align your art with what the market actually wants 🎧 Whether you're just starting out or ready to level up, this episode will help you build a sustainable illustration career without burnout or guesswork. 🔗 Resources Full Show Notes: schulmanart.com/374 📩Check out our FREE Masterclass "How to Sell More Art" at schulmanart.com/sellmoreart 📘 Read Artpreneur: Grab your copy + bonuses at ArtpreneurBook.com 💙 Start Free: Read Chapter 1 "Choose to Believe" at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📺 Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@schulmanart 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @schulmanart 💼Connect on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/schulmanart

🌙 Overcoming the Fear of Irrelevance as an Artist That quiet voice that says you're falling behind or no one's noticing anymore—I know it well. In this intimate episode, Miriam opens up about her own experiences with the fear of irrelevance and shares stories from artists who either hustle harder or disappear when doubt creeps in. Together, you'll uncover where this fear really comes from and how to replace self-pressure with presence, purpose, and creative peace. 💡 You'll Learn How fear of irrelevance shows up in artists' lives and why it's more common than you think Simple strategies to stay connected to your art without overperforming or burning out A short grounding meditation to release pressure and reconnect with your creative self 🎧 A heartfelt episode for any artist who's ever wondered, "Am I still being seen?" 🔗 Resources Full Show Notes: schulmanart.com/373 📩Check out our FREE Masterclass "How to Sell More Art" at schulmanart.com/sellmoreart 📘 Read Artpreneur: Grab your copy + bonuses at ArtpreneurBook.com 💙 Start Free: Read Chapter 1 "Choose to Believe" at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📺 Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@schulmanart 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @schulmanart 💼Connect on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/schulmanart