The Professional Artist Podcast: Art Business Transformations

3d ago

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, PAA Associate Member and contemporary artist Zhuang Hong-yi is featured by the Professional Artist Association ( https://professionalartist.com/join ), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Zhuang is an internationally acclaimed artist known for his vibrant, color-shifting Flowerbeds and sculptural canvases that merge Eastern sensibility with Western contemporary aesthetics. Splitting his time between China and Europe, he draws from cultural memory, nature, and ritual to create works that symbolize joy, peace, and prosperity. A frequent presence in major institutions - including the Venice Biennale and museums across Europe and Asia - Zhuang has built a career that bridges continents while mentoring the next generation of artists. In this deep dive, Zhuang opens up about cultivating an adventurous creative life, one defined by curiosity, risk-taking, and the courage to evolve. He reflects on how experimentation fuels his growth, how relationships shape his artistic authenticity, and how freedom in the studio translates into resilience in his career. This episode offers powerful insights for artists seeking to expand their practice, embrace discovery, and build a sustainable path rooted in both ambition and play. “Art itself should be more about adventure. It is also about discovering it. It is new things you cannot always repeat.” — Zhuang Hong-yi Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:27 Nature and Travel as Inspirations for Art 03:00 Shift from Traditional to Experimental Art 06:05 The Importance of Memory and Impressionism in His Work 09:15 The Success of the Flowerbed Series 12:00 The Evolution of His Artistic Style Over Two Decades 15:45 The Role of Galleries and Teamwork in His Career 18:30 Differences in Art Preferences: Chinese vs. European Collectors 21:00 The Influence of Environment on His Artwork 23:30 Advice for Aspiring Artists on Experimentation and Ambition Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/zhuang-hong-yi Links to artworks discussed: His artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here. Connect with Zhuang Website: https://www.zhuanghongyi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhuanghongyiart/ Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator Free training and resources: Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06 Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Dec 9

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary painter and PAA Associate Member Adam David Taylor is featured by the Professional Artist Association ( https://professionalartist.com/join ), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Adam is a British artist whose abstract dreamscapes are inspired by the dramatic coastal landscape of Western Wales. Blurring the boundary between the tangible and the imagined, his work balances structure and spontaneity. A graduate of the Cardiff School of Art, Adam achieved a career milestone when he was personally selected by renowned painter Sean Scully to exhibit at Flowers Gallery in London. In this deep dive, Adam shares how he rediscovered his creative voice after a decade in music, rebuilding his life around painting from a small coastal town. He offers insights into managing multiple international gallery representations, maintaining authenticity in his work, and developing the discipline and mindset essential to a minimalist creative practice. This episode offers powerful reflections for artists seeking to pursue their craft with quiet conviction, embracing both fear and freedom as integral parts of the creative flow. “I think luck exists, but you have to create the right circumstances. It takes hard work, a strong body of work, and experience to be ready when it strikes.” -Adam Taylor Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Adam Taylor's Artistic Journey 01:45 Creative Process and Painting Techniques 05:22 Transition from Music to Painting 08:30 Building a Painting Career in Rural Wales 10:56 The Impact of Lockdown on Creativity 13:42 The Role of Gallery Representation 16:50 Pricing Artwork and Navigating Multiple Galleries 19:30 Thoughts on the Importance of Instagram 21:22 Experimentation with Limited Resources During Lockdown 23:36 Advice for Emerging Artists Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/adam-taylor Links to artworks discussed: His artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here. Resources: Cardiff School of Art: https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/school-of-art-and-design/ Gallery Red (Spain): https://www.galleryred.com/ &Gallery (Edinburgh, Scotland) : https://andgallery.co.uk/ Connect with Adam Website: https://www.adamtaylorartist.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam_david_taylor/ Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator Free training and resources: Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06 Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Dec 2

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary figurative painter Michelle Doll is featured by the Professional Artist Association ( https://professionalartist.com/join ), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Michelle is an acclaimed artist whose emotionally charged paintings explore intimacy, empathy, and the quiet beauty of human connection. Based in Hoboken, New Jersey, she transforms everyday moments into poetic reflections on tenderness. Her work has been exhibited internationally and recognized with major honors, including the Lillian Orlovsky and William Freed Grant. In this deep dive, Michelle shares how reconnecting with your inner world can spark creativity and healing, how authenticity in your studio practice shapes genuine relationships, and how to build a sustainable career that supports both artistic freedom and emotional well-being. This episode offers insight and inspiration for artists seeking to create from a place of truth, compassion, and balance… both on and off the canvas. ”Find something that's not going to stress your art. If your art is stressed, then you can't bring your good energy into the studio and make the work that you want to make.” -Michelle Doll Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Creating a Safe Studio Environment 03:32 Experiencing Moments of Connection Through Art 05:44 Emotional Healing and the Creative Process 10:21 Important Artworks and Their Impact 12:10 Balancing Artistic Freedom and Financial Stability 14:05 Insights on Teaching and Mentoring Artists 17:21 Navigating the Challenges of Funding and Grants 19:44 Commissioned Work: Expectations vs. Reality 22:08 The Importance of Stability for Artistic Expression 23:24 The Role of Stress in Artistic Practice 24:34 Reflection on Creativity and Inner Care Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/michelle-doll Links to artworks discussed: Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here. Resources: New Jersey City University: https://www.njcu.edu/ New York Academy of Art: https://nyaa.edu/ Artwork Archive: https://www.artworkarchive.com/ NFA (NALAC Fund for the Arts): https://www.nalac.org/grants/nalac-fund-for-the-arts/ Connect with Michelle: Website: https://www.michelledoll.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellelynndoll/ Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator Free training and resources: Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06 Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Nov 25

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, sculptor and designer Jason Freeny is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Jason is an American artist celebrated for his imaginative anatomical dissections of toys and pop-culture icons. Blending childlike wonder with scientific precision, his work invites viewers to rediscover the familiar through a lens of curiosity and play. A graduate of Pratt Institute, Jason began his career in illustration before transitioning to sculpture, where he built a global following through collectible toy designs, brand collaborations, and exhibitions that fuse nostalgia with innovation. In this deep dive, Jason shares candid insights from his evolution as both artist and entrepreneur… from discovering his signature voice and transforming a viral idea into a sustainable career, to building a global brand around designer toys and licensed collaborations. He also opens up about finding balance between creativity and commerce in an ever-changing digital landscape. This episode offers refreshing perspective and practical advice for artists navigating visibility, authenticity, and longevity in a world driven by trends and technology. “Don’t spend all your energy chasing some algorithm online, because that algorithm will beat you every single time. So just do what you enjoy, because in the end, that’s all that matters.” – Jason Freeny Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Jason’s Artistic Identity: Blending Playfulness, Anatomy, and Design 02:05 Exploring Signature Works: The Anatomical Barbie Doll 06:34 Early Influences: Family, Education, and Discovering Industrial Design 09:35 From Painting to Sculpture: Shifting Creative Direction 10:28 Working in Design and the Toy Industry: Lessons in Creativity and Commerce 12:25 The Breakthrough Moment: Balloon Dog Anatomy and Viral Success 14:10 Finding Originality: Evolving Style and Self-Discovery 16:40 Building a Global Brand: Licensing, Collaboration, and Growth 20:59 Navigating Marketing and Visibility in the Digital Age 24:21 Adapting to Technology: 3D Printing, Production, and Limited Editions 26:21 Final Reflections: Authenticity, Curiosity, and True Creative Success Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/jason-freeny Resources: - Mighty Jaxx: https://www.mightyjaxx.com/ - Pratt Institute: https://www.pratt.edu/ - University of Maryland: https://www.umd.edu/ Connect with Jason: - Website: https://www.jasonfreeny.com/ - Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gummifetus/ Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: - Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: - https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter - Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator Free training and resources: - Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06 - Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a comment. We read every single one.

Nov 18

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, self-taught oil painter Debbie Daniels is featured by the Professional Artist Association ( ProfessionalArtist.com/join ), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Debbie is a painter celebrated for her immersive depictions of the sea and the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands. Her work captures the movement of water, inviting viewers to feel as though they are part of the scene. A member of the Professional Artist Association, the Oil Painters of America, and the American Society of Marine Artists, Debbie has also built a vibrant artist community through the Friday Harbor Atelier. In this deep dive, Debbie shares pivotal lessons from her artistic journey, including the power of collaboration and how accountability sustains a creative career. She also discusses how overcoming the fear of rejection and being persistent can lead to meaningful growth as an artist. “ We discuss your challenges and define your next key step. You come back next week and share whether you've accomplished it. That’s where the accountability comes in .” – Debbie Daniels Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:50 Debbie’s Connection to the Ocean: Finding Peace Through Water 03:15 Painting Movement and Light: Evolving a Lifelong Theme 05:17 Building Community: The Mastermind Group and Artist Accountability 08:20 Founding Friday Harbor Atelier: Turning Vision into a Space for Artists 12:02 Redefining Success: Creating an Art Community Without Borders 13:30 Focus and Growth: Systems, Habits, and Pivotal Career Moments 16:22 Overcoming Fear and Rejection: The Power of Persistence 17:55 Painting for the Soul: Art Beyond Money and Recognition 19:07 Creativity in Community: Connection, Courage, and Shared Purpose 19:46 Outro: Gratitude and Call to Inspire Others Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/debbie-daniels Links to artworks discussed: Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here. Resources: Oil Painters of America: https://www.oilpaintersofamerica.com/ American Society of Marine Artists: https://www.americansocietyofmarineartists.com/ Connect with Debbie: Website: https://www.debbiedanielsart.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiedaniels4567/?hl=es Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator Free training and resources: Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06 Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Nov 11

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary figurative painter Noah Buchanan is featured by the Professional Artist Association ( ProfessionalArtist.com/join ), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Noah is a renowned painter celebrated for his mythological and biblical narratives, inspired by Caravaggio’s dramatic use of chiaroscuro. With an MFA from the New York Academy of Art, his emotionally charged works explore the interplay of light, shadow, and the human experience. Noah’s paintings have been exhibited internationally, held in major collections, and featured in prominent art publications, making him a leading figure in contemporary realism. In this episode, Noah shares key insights into his artistic evolution and career. He talks about balancing family life with a prolific art practice, building lasting relationships with galleries and collectors, and attracting art critics and writers to cover his work. Through his experiences, he offers valuable lessons for navigating the art world. “If I was going to survive successfully in both realms as a family member and as a professional painter, I needed to be really focused and diligent about my studio hours. So I started to be more disciplined about scheduling my time as a painter.” – Noah Buchanan Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:02 “Dreaming Girl”: Light, Shadow, and Symbolism 04:55 The Creative Process: Channeling the Divine in Art 07:37 Studio Workflow: Models, Drawing, and Daily Practice 11:19 “The Night Harvesters”: Embracing Shadows and Jungian Influence 14:37 Preparing Work for Galleries and Letting Go of Control 19:16 Gallery Relationships and Balancing Artistic Freedom 22:39 Recognition, Critics, and Building Visibility 24:18 “The Melancholic Painter”: Family and Allegory in Art 27:13 Balancing Art and Family Life 30:06 Reflections on Time, Discipline, and Professional Growth 33:08 Staying Authentic: Art, Passion, and Purpose Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/noah-buchanan Links to artworks discussed: His artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here. Resources: New York Academy of Art: https://nyaa.edu/ Connect with Noah: Website: https://www.noahbuchananart.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noah.buchanan/ Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator Free training and resources: Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06 Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Nov 4

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, mixed-media artist George Hall is featured by the Professional Artist Association ( ProfessionalArtist.com/join ), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. After a successful career as a textile designer, George transitioned to full-time painting, building a thriving online art business and reaching collectors worldwide through his creative mindset and digital expertise. In this episode, George shares actionable strategies for turning a single successful artwork into a flourishing business, and best practices for using social media to connect with collectors and galleries. He also reveals key mindset shifts and daily habits that can help support your creative growth and sustain your artistic journey. “If you can control what you think, you can control what you do. And having a positive mindset is so important, especially with art.” – George Hall Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and George Hall’s Artistic Journey 01:06 From Textile Designer to Painter 02:51 The “Funk Series” and Becoming a Full-Time Artist 03:11 Building an Online Art Business 04:44 Selling Art During the Pandemic and Online Growth 05:57 Mastering Social Media and Gallery Relationships 07:00 Resilience, Rejection, and Embracing Technology 08:17 Finding His Signature Style and Creative Evolution 10:07 The Birth of The Optimist and Its Impact 14:27 Business Mindset and Sustaining Creative Success 16:28 The Role of Social Media and Community in Art 21:42 Positivity, Vision Boards, and Living a Creative Life Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/george-hall Links to artworks discussed: His artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here. Resources: Blue Thumb: https://bluethumbart.com/ Saatchi Art: https://www.saatchiart.com/ Connect with George: Website: https://www.georgehallart.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/george_hall_art/ Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator Free training and resources: Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06 Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Oct 28

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, curator and art consultant Rodney James is featured by the Professional Artist Association ( ProfessionalArtist.com/join ), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Rodney is an Australian curator, writer, and art historian specializing in 19th- and 20th-century art. His work focuses on developing innovative exhibitions, guiding artists in presenting their work effectively, and fostering lasting connections within the art community. In this deep dive, he shares practical advice on how artists can collaborate with curators and critics to strengthen their visibility and professional growth. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to better understand curatorial practice and expand their reach as an artist. “The key is to have a couple of mentors or people that connect with your work that you allow them to develop with you. There is nothing more privileged for a critic, writer, or curator than to go on a journey over a long time with an artist.” – Rodney James Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:16 Rodney's Early Inspiration: Mark Rothko and the Power of Art 03:23 Transition from Academia to Curatorial Work 05:00 The Role of Academia in Shaping Rodney's Career 08:14 Art Criticism and Its Relevance in the Modern Era 10:49 Building Relationships Between Artists, Critics, and Curators 13:12 Rodney's Pivotal Exhibition: The River and Cultural Collaboration 16:52 Collaborative Efforts with Museums and Institutions 19:14 Visibility and Marketing for Artists in a Changing Landscape 21:14 Community Engagement and the Transformational Power of Art Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/rodney-james Links to artworks discussed: His artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here. Resources: National Gallery of Victoria: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/ Powerhouse Museum: https://www.darlingharbour.com/see-do-stay/powerhouse-museum Connect with Rodney: Website: https://www.rodneyjamesart.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodneyjames_art/ Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator Free training and resources: Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06 Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.