Art + Audience

In this episode, Stacie sits down with surface pattern designer, children's book illustrator, and educator Mel Armstrong. Mel shares how she transitioned from software engineering into surface pattern design, how a search for gender-neutral fabric while pregnant sparked an entirely new path, and why persistence mattered more than overnight success. The conversation also explores Mel's accidental entry into children's b...

In this episode, Stacie talks with Ben Taylor Paladino about how he built a festive, product based art brand from his Dallas watercolor studio into a thriving multi stream business. Known for his greeting cards, frosted cups, tea towels, custom ornaments, and a mahjong tile collaboration that put him on the map, Taylor shares how taking a year off from Stanford during COVID led him to sell at a local farmers market. Th...

Today, Stacie chats with illustrator, content creator, and multi-hyphenate entrepreneur Jess Miller. Known for her brand partnerships with names like Adobe and Casetify, Jess shares how she's built a thriving creative business by combining social media savvy with her love of art. From licensing deals and royalty checks to viral videos and a new coloring book, Jess walks us through her income streams, her biggest lesson...

In this data-packed episode, Stacie sits down with Shannon McNab, a surface designer, educator, and the creator of the annual Surface Design Industry Survey. Drawing from six years of research and thousands of responses, Shannon shares real insights into income trends, shifts in licensing, and the evolving paths artists are taking in today's creative economy. This conversation is equal parts truth-telling and encourage...

In this refreshingly honest episode, Stacie is joined by fine artist Vanessa Piche (pronounced "cliché") for a raw conversation about what it feels like to start over again. Vanessa opens up about her unexpected move from a thriving art career in Rhode Island to rural Indiana, and the challenges of rebuilding her audience from scratch in an increasingly unpredictable online landscape. Together, Stacie and Vanessa refle...

Today on the show, Stacie chats with artist Madison Phipps of Madison Phipps Studio, who is building a thriving creative business in the margins of her full-time job and motherhood. Madison shares how her mantra, "What's the best that could happen?", has helped her push past fear, pitch big ideas, and grow her audience organically on TikTok. From launching a print club with over 100 subscribers to selling original bota...

In this powerful episode, Stacie talks with Daniel Lachman, founder of Justice for Artists, about the heartbreaking and unfortunately common experience of having your artwork stolen. Daniel shares his journey from viral t-shirt success to fighting counterfeiters, and how he turned a personal struggle into a full-blown mission to help other artists get the justice (and compensation) they deserve. If you've ever hesitate...

In this episode, Stacie chats with Melbourne-based artist Laura Holley of Lawz Drawz. Laura has built a thriving art business by focusing on one very specific niche: drawing the best bits of Melbourne. From pubs to murals to wildly popular calendars, Laura's story is a testament to the power of embracing what you love, trusting your instincts, and building community around your art. They dive into how niching down to o...

In this episode, Stacie sits down with Australian artist and entrepreneur Georgia Norton Lodge to explore the winding road from drawing houses as a side hustle to running multiple thriving businesses. Georgia shares how transparency, pricing strategy, creative pivots, and an unshakeable community-first mindset have helped her build a million-dollar business. Whether you're drawing houses or dreaming big, Georgia brings...

Today, Stacie sits down with UK-based embroidery artist and educator Sophie Timms, founder of Mindful Mantra Embroidery and the Bloom Embroidery Academy. Sophie shares her inspiring journey from studying law to building a thriving creative business with multiple income streams, including a high-retention membership of nearly 200 embroidery enthusiasts. Whether you're dreaming of making a living from your art or already...

In the second half of this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Stacie and Andy unpack the often unseen tension between creative expression and strategic thinking. They dive into what it means to be a "whole-brain" artist, someone who thrives in both creative exploration and structured planning, and why that's not a contradiction but a powerful gift. Andy shares his love for storytelling structure, the metaphor of crock...

In this first part of a powerful two-part conversation, Stacie sits down with the creative and deeply introspective Andy J. Pizza, illustrator, speaker, and host of the beloved Creative Pep Talk podcast. They dive headfirst into the personal side of creativity, exploring how neurodivergence, mental health, and family background shape the way we show up in our art.

Andy and Stacie share candid moments about...

In this special episode, Stacie brings together a panel of alumni from her signature program, Leverage Your Art. These artists, from illustrators to surface pattern designers to product-based business owners, share their honest experiences, big "aha" moments, and how the course helped them grow thriving creative businesses. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your art career, this conversation is pack...

In this enlightening episode, Stacie sits down with surface pattern designer Juliana Tipton to talk about launching a creative career in your 40s, navigating art licensing, and staying grounded through the highs and lows of the design world. From graphic design and higher education to licensing with top retailers like Target and Barnes & Noble, Juliana shares how she pivoted careers, learned to trust her gut, and built...

In this inspiring episode, Stacie chats with Carrie Cantwell, a graphic designer turned licensed artist, Skillshare top teacher, podcast host, and creative coach. Carrie opens up about her transformative journey from the high-pressure world of film graphics to finding her artistic voice through art licensing. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and learning to lean into the things that come naturally. Together, S...

In this episode, Stacie reveals the system behind her two creative companies generating a combined $5 million in annual revenue: the STAR Productivity Method. Drawing from humble beginnings at her dining room table to leading a powerhouse team, Stacie shares the weekly rhythm that has guided her journey. Whether you're a side hustler or full-time creative, this episode provides an actionable framework to gain clarity, ...

In this episode, Stacie answers real listener questions and dives into how artists can move from feeling overwhelmed by possibilities to finding strategic clarity. She offers empowering advice on balancing multiple passions, making smart licensing choices, and evolving your artistic style without confusing your audience. Whether you're at the start of a creative pivot or deep into the licensing world, Stacie's thoughtf...

Today on the show, Stacie is joined once again by her long-time business partner and sister, Angie Classen. Together, they pull back the curtain on how consistent email marketing helped grow their handmade brand, Gingiber, from a $100k Etsy shop to a multimillion-dollar enterprise. This episode is a deep dive into ditching the fear of self-promotion, showing up authentically, and embracing email as your most powerful m...

In this episode, Stacie is joined by fine artist and educator Emily Jeffords for a deep, transparent conversation about building an art career that honors both creativity and sustainability. Emily shares her journey from selling her first paintings for just a dollar to creating a thriving business centered on fine art and artist mentorship. Together, they explore the emotional and practical realities of showing up auth...