The Emerging Artist Podcast

In part two of our conversation with author James Zwerneman, the discussion dives into the business side of publishing his debut novel, Uruk: A Novel of the First City. James shares insights into traditional publishing contracts, working with agents, advances, and the often-surprising realities of the author’s journey after signing a deal. The trio also explores his life as a teacher, his approach to helping students appreciate classic and modern films, and the balance between artistic pacing and audience engagement in today’s “TikTok-brain” culture. The conversation takes a fascinating turn into AI and creativity, where Scott, Shiree, and James discuss the role of artificial intelligence in art and what it means for the future of storytelling. Packed with wisdom, humor, and real-world experience, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring authors and anyone curious about how great stories come to life. Uruk: A Novel of the First City, by James Zwerneman is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and through https://www.wigginspress.com/james. Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

In this episode of The Emerging Artist Podcast, hosts Scott Markowitz and Shiree Nichole sit down with author and teacher James Zwerneman to explore the art and heart behind storytelling.  From his early obsessions to the painful yet beautiful process of writing a novel, James opens up about the emotional highs and lows of creation—the doubt, the perfectionism, and ultimately, the rediscovery of joy. Together, the trio dives deep into the parallels between writing, filmmaking, and visual art, revealing that no matter the medium, every artist wrestles with the same questions: Why do we create? When do we let go? And how do we stay true to our vision in a world that constantly asks us to conform?  This candid, inspiring conversation captures what it really means to be an artist in pursuit of authenticity. Whether you’re a writer, painter, filmmaker, or creative of any kind, this episode will remind you why you fell in love with your craft in the first place.  Stay tuned for Part 2, where James shares the business side of writing and publishing his first novel. Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

In this episode of The Emerging Artist Podcast, Scott and Shiree dig into one of the biggest myths holding artists back: the idea that you need to “feel ready” or “wait for inspiration” before creating. They share their personal experiences with discipline, the traps of fear and feeling overwhelmed, and how shifting your mindset can transform your art practice into a sustainable business. From finding inspiration through proximity and new experiences, to replacing self-defeating “I am” statements with empowering language, this conversation offers both practical tools and motivational insights. Whether you’re a hobbyist or fully committed to your creative career, you’ll discover why being a professional means showing up consistently, even when inspiration doesn’t. Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Andrea Liebross—strategic business coach, host of She Thinks Big, and author of the bestselling book of the same name—we go deeper into the entrepreneurial journey every artist faces. Andrea pulls back the curtain on limiting beliefs: the assumptions we make about the world, other people, or even ourselves that quietly hold us back. She challenges the myth that artists can’t build sustainable careers, reframing entrepreneurship as a journey in personal development disguised as business. We explore: - The difference between being interested and being committed to your creative business - Why family and spouses aren’t always the right source of support (and where to find it instead) - How to move from the “land of impossible” to the “land of inevitable” across Andrea’s powerful bridge analogy - What it really takes to stay the course when self-doubt, money stress, or outside opinions threaten your vision This episode is packed with practical wisdom, mindset shifts, and encouragement for artists ready to step fully into their role as entrepreneurs. 👉 If you’ve ever wondered whether your art can become your business, Andrea shows you how to stop spinning in the “parking lot” and start moving toward inevitable success. Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

Who says you can’t build a career or business around your art? In this first part of our two-part conversation with Andrea Liebross, results-driven strategic business coach, host of She Thinks Big, and author of the bestselling book of the same name—we challenge that limiting belief head-on. Andrea shares her signature "parking lot" framework, helping creatives identify where they’re stuck, whether it’s resigned pain, guilty curiosity, or the frustrated future - and what it really takes to move forward. She breaks down why mindset makes up 80% of building a thriving creative business and how turning vision into action is the true game-changer. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure of your next step, or stuck spinning your wheels while pursuing your creative career, this episode will give you clarity, language for where you are, and practical tools to start moving again. Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes?  If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

In Part 2 of this special Emerging Artist Podcast series, co-host Shiree Nichole continues her deep dive into the creative and entrepreneurial life of fellow host Scott Markowitz. If you missed Part 1, hit pause and catch up on how Scott launched Reinvention Studio—but in this episode, the conversation gets even more personal and inspiring. Scott opens up about his passion for wildlife photography and how patiently observing nature mirrors the slow, deliberate work of building a meaningful business. From spending hours tracking osprey behavior to understanding how mindset affects success, Scott shares practical tools and soulful insights for artists ready to turn their passion into a sustainable career. You’ll learn: - Why Scott believes artists should wear multiple hats—and how to do it strategically. - What gear he trusts most in the field (spoiler: it’s not about brand loyalty). - Why inner work is often more important than technical skill in business. - How to take your first steps toward leaving your job—safely—and building your dream career. Whether you’re feeling stuck in a “safe” job or struggling to juggle your creative interests, this episode is a reminder that success isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it’s never too late to start. Special call-out: https://www.reinventionstudiolab.com/ Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

In this special episode of The Emerging Artist Podcast, co-host Shiree Nichole turns the mic on fellow co-host Scott Markowitz to uncover the remarkable path that led him from CNN’s editing rooms to launching Reinvent Studio, a cutting-edge marketing agency rooted in community-based strategy. Scott shares candidly about the highs and lows of his career—from developing early 3D animation programs in college, to surviving the harsh realities of the entertainment and political ad industries, to finally building the business he dreamt about for over two decades. You’ll hear how Scott’s passion for art, deep expertise in video editing, and commitment to small business growth have shaped a unique, human-centered approach to marketing. Plus, he reveals an exciting new venture: a physical studio space designed to empower businesses of all sizes to create their own content. Whether you’re an emerging artist, creative entrepreneur, or curious listener, this inspiring conversation will challenge you to think differently about success, risk, and the power of investing in yourself. Special call-out: https://www.reinventionstudiolab.com/ Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

In this episode of The Emerging Artist Podcast, Scott Markowitz and Shiree Nichole dive deep into what it really means to invest in yourself as a creative professional. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this conversation explores the practical and emotional sides of personal and professional development—from saving a portion of your income for classes or tools, to making bold moves like opening a studio. They discuss how even small investments—like custom business cards or a podcast playlist—can build momentum and open doors. The episode also unpacks the hidden costs of not investing in yourself: loss of motivation, missed opportunities, and burnout. Scott and Sheree share personal stories about mindset, confidence, and the emotional strength it takes to prioritize growth when funds are limited. Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

In this episode of The Emerging Artist Podcast, Scott Markowitz and Shiree Nichole dive into the all-too-familiar world of artist burnout. From chronic fatigue and overwhelm to the sneaky distractions our brains invent to avoid the hard stuff, Scott and Shiree share personal stories of how burnout shows up in their creative lives—and how perfectionism can often add fuel to the fire. They talk practical tips like breaking work into micro-steps, using timers, rewarding yourself with tiny treats (hello, Tootsie Rolls!), and the power of stepping away to reset perspective. Plus, they open up about deeper truths: how emotional investment in our art can leave us drained, and how protecting mental and physical health is essential for staying in the game. 👉 Tune in and learn how to work smarter (not harder), find balance, and keep your passion alive—without painting the whole mural with a one-inch brush. Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

In part two of our conversation with Tracy Gurdian, we dive deeper into the realities of an artist’s journey—letting go, embracing creativity, and resisting the urge to stay in a single lane. Tracy shares the powerful story of how she learned to detach from material things, how working directly with collectors has shaped her artistic process, and why being present in everyday life fuels creativity. We also explore the evolving role of galleries, the importance of diversification, and the way art connects us to people and places in unexpected ways. Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned creator, this episode is packed with insights about resilience, inspiration, and the freedom of truly living an artist’s life. 🎨 Discover more about Tracy’s work at TovariDesigns.com 🎧 Tune in now! #EmergingArtistPodcast #TavariDesigns #CreativePersistence #ArtistsOnSocialMedia Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.