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

Vanessa Stoilova’s story is one every illustrator needs to hear. From mobile games to children’s books and surface design, she has built a thriving career by learning what works and what definitely doesn’t. Too many artists unknowingly sabotage their own success, and Vanessa lays out the five biggest mistakes she sees over and over again. You’ll walk away from this conversation with practical, doable steps to start getting hired for the kind of work you dream about. In this episode, you’ll… Learn why specializing is more powerful than trying to do it all Create a follow-up system that opens doors to real opportunities Find out how to align your art with the needs of your market For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/374 📚ARTPRENEUR 📘 Grab your copy of Artpreneur plus exclusive bonus package at ArtpreneurBook.com 🤩 Start reading Chapter 1 “Choose to Believe” absolutely FREE at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📲 I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: https://instagram.com/schulmanart 🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast  BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

That quiet voice that says you’re falling behind or no one’s noticing anymore—I know it well. Fear of irrelevance creeps in when your worth feels tied to likes, sales, or visibility, and it whispers that if you stop proving yourself, you’ll disappear. In this episode, I open up about my own struggles with this fear and share stories from artists who either hustle harder or vanish altogether when doubt sets in. Together, we’ll look at how to recognize this pattern, where it really comes from, and how to find a gentler, truer way forward. In this episode, you’ll… Discover how fear of irrelevance shows up differently in artists’ lives. Explore strategies to stay connected to your art without overperforming. Experience a grounding meditation to release pressure and reconnect with your creative self. For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/373 📚ARTPRENEUR 📘 Grab your copy of Artpreneur plus exclusive bonus package at ArtpreneurBook.com 🤩 Start reading Chapter 1 “Choose to Believe” absolutely FREE at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📲 I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart 🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast  BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!  

You’re going to be inspired by these powerful artists who share the real stories behind transforming their art businesses. These artists prove that growth is possible no matter where you’re starting from. You’ll hear how they overcame self-doubt, found the courage to treat their art like a business, and created opportunities that once felt out of reach. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, their stories will give you the clarity and motivation to take bold action in your own art career. In this episode, you’ll… Create accountability by finding the right community and support system. Explore how email marketing and publicity became game-changers. Find encouragement to embrace your artist identity with confidence. For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/372 📚ARTPRENEUR 📘 Grab your copy of Artpreneur plus exclusive bonus package at ArtpreneurBook.com 🤩 Start reading Chapter 1 “Choose to Believe” absolutely FREE at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📲 I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart 🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast  BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

Feeling pulled in a thousand directions with your art business? You’re not alone. Between juggling multiple marketing channels, underpricing your art, and filling your days with busywork that doesn’t actually move the needle, overwhelm is inevitable. Once you understand what truly matters, you’ll stop wasting energy and start building momentum toward the art business you really want.   In this episode, you’ll… Learn why selling larger, higher-value art can actually be easier than selling small pieces Explore the difference between real work and “fake work” that keeps you stuck Understand how to move forward even when you’re unsure of the perfect path   For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/371   📚ARTPRENEUR 📘 Grab your copy of Artpreneur plus exclusive bonus package at ArtpreneurBook.com 🤩 Start reading Chapter 1 “Choose to Believe” absolutely FREE at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📲 I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart   🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast    BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

Have you ever started a project with excitement only to abandon it after one small setback? My guest Anna Holtzman knows this cycle well and opens up about how her own nervous system responses caused her to walk away from goals too soon. After facing chronic migraines, she discovered powerful mind body tools that helped her heal and finally show up consistently in her creative life. If you want to stop sabotaging your dreams and start sharing your work with confidence, tune in.   In this episode, you’ll… Discover how your nervous system influences the way you approach creative goals Learn why uncertainty often feels harder than failure and how to navigate it Gain strategies to stay visible even when rejection or criticism shows up   For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/370   📚ARTPRENEUR 📘 Grab your copy of Artpreneur plus exclusive bonus package at ArtpreneurBook.com 🤩 Start reading Chapter 1 “Choose to Believe” absolutely FREE at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📲 I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart   🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast    BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!  

After leaving a 19-year engineering career, Sangeetha climbed to new heights in her art business, growing her annual sales from $2,500 to over $13,000 in just months. We’re talking all about the big mindset shifts, fearless strategies, and real-world actions that made all the difference, from painting bigger to showing up consistently for collectors. Her story is proof that when you push past fear, you create space for remarkable growth.   In this episode, you’ll discover: Learn why scaling up your canvas size can dramatically change how collectors see your work Discover how a well-timed FOMO email can lead to eager buyers at your next show Explore how consistent email marketing builds trust and long-term sales momentum   For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/369   📚ARTPRENEUR 📘 Grab your copy of Artpreneur plus exclusive bonus package at ArtpreneurBook.com 🤩 Start reading Chapter 1 “Choose to Believe” absolutely FREE at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📲 I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart   🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast    BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!  

A Canadian-born artist in Berlin, Sarah shares how leaving a 16-year partnership and a beloved printmaking studio cracked her open to a truer, braver voice in paint. I walk her through the inner-work prompts and altar practices we use in my Inner Circle so you can hear how she turned grief into clarity and ritual into momentum. We also talk about the surprising way AI became a gentle mirror that helped her name her why and write stronger statements for grants and exhibitions.   In this episode, you’ll discover: Discover how to turn heartbreak into creative fuel through simple self-inquiry and reflection. Learn a grounding studio ritual to create focus and momentum even on hard days. Explore a clear way to articulate your why so you can write stronger statements, apply for grants, and make freer work. For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/368   📚ARTPRENEUR 📘 Grab your copy of Artpreneur plus exclusive bonus package at ArtpreneurBook.com 🤩 Start reading Chapter 1 “Choose to Believe” absolutely FREE at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📲 I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart   🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast    BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!  

Ever wonder why you’re not closing more sales even when someone shows interest? It might not be your art… it might be your timing. In this episode, I share some laugh-out-loud stories (including one about my daughter’s almost-romance) to help you see how art sales follow the same rules as dating. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at why waiting too long, hesitating, or not following up can quietly kill your momentum and what to do instead.   In this episode, you’ll discover: Learn how delayed follow-up sends the wrong message to potential buyers Explore ways to guide the sale without feeling pushy Discover why hesitation often stems from self-doubt, not strategy   For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/367   📚ARTPRENEUR 📘 Grab your copy of Artpreneur plus exclusive bonus package at ArtpreneurBook.com 🤩 Start reading Chapter 1 “Choose to Believe” absolutely FREE at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📲 I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart   🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast    BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

Bo Sapphire never set out to be a full-time artist but once her art started catching attention at a local framing shop, everything changed. From selling prints at flea markets to building a thriving art business that’s brought in over $100K in just a year, she’s mastered the art of adapting, growing, and making sales in real life. We talked about how she balances her marketing with time in the studio, how she learned to prep for different art show audiences, and why a blue heart in her email subject line has become part of her brand.   In this episode, you’ll discover: Learn how Bo built momentum at art fairs by listening to her audience Explore the strategy behind her batching process to boost efficiency Discover how email marketing helped her stay connected with collectors For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/366   📚ARTPRENEUR 📘 Grab your copy of Artpreneur plus exclusive bonus package at ArtpreneurBook.com 🤩 Start reading Chapter 1 “Choose to Believe” absolutely FREE at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📲 I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart   🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast    BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

Have you ever wanted to torch your whole art business to the ground? You’re not alone. I’ve had those moments too, whether it was a show with no sales, ghosting from collectors, or just the crushing weight of feeling like nothing is working. But before you throw it all away, let’s talk about what’s really happening when those emotions take over. More often than not, it’s not your art or your audience. It’s your nervous system crying out for safety. In this episode, I’m sharing true stories, coaching insights, and what to do instead of spiraling.   In this episode, you’ll discover: Learn how to spot an artist tantrum before it derails your momentum Identify the difference between a strategic pivot and an emotional spiral Get practical tools to reset, recalibrate, and recommit instead of ghosting your own goals   For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/365   📚ARTPRENEUR 📘 Grab your copy of Artpreneur plus exclusive bonus package at ArtpreneurBook.com 🤩 Start reading Chapter 1 “Choose to Believe” absolutely FREE at SchulmanArt.com/BELIEVE 📲 I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart   🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast    BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!