In this episode, I talk about why self connection is vital to marketing your art. As artists we pour our hearts and souls into our work. Because our work comes from the deepest parts of ourselves, we also have to come from that same place to promote our work properly. Authenticity is everything.

However, there are so many fears that come into play! In this episode I break down how to handle those fears and how to stoke the engine that makes you into a magnet for your perfect audience.

If you enjoy this episode, definitely tune in because there will be a new episode every Friday. If you leave me a review, take a screenshot of it, and email it to me at jenny@jennykiehn.com I'll invite you to a free group coaching class where we will talk about how expand into an abundant mindset so you can create an abundant, creative life.

This week I've had the brilliant, courageous Stephanie Elizondo Griest on the podcast to talk about her new book "Art Above Everything." In it she explores how women sacrifice for their artwork and whether or not it's worth it. Stephanie interviewed over 70 women around the world who have moved mountains for their art. Some of them are in some of the harshest conditions imaginable and yet they still make time, space, and gather resources to create. Many of them do this with a desire to do good in the world and have make a huge positive impact. Stephanie has travelled all around the world to interview these women, attend their festivals, and learn about the challenges they have overcome. She helps us understand what inspires these women and makes this process sustainable for them. She also has sacrificed hugely to write her books, so we talk about the steps she has gone through to bring her work into reality. We talk at length about the concept of an "art monk" and the artist's role as a teacher, leader, and purveyor of spiritual connection. I truly enjoyed this conversation and loved reading her book. She will be touring around the US this summer, giving readings and books signings. I encourage you to check to see if your city is on her book tour. I will certainly be in the audience when she comes to Asheville.

Website: http://www.StephanieElizondoGriest.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selizondogriest/

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/sgriest.bsky.social

This is my advice for anyone who wants to become a professional artist. It’s for people of any age - just be clear, it is never too late!!

In this episode I talk about six main points:

1. ​Get Mindset Support - being an entrepreneur for a business you are passionate about is such a journey!! You are going to grow like crazy, so it’s time to get some mindset support to help you navigate the high’s and low’s.
2. ​Get clear on why you want to be an artist. Be bold, write it down. What do you want to gain from the business you are about to create? Why do you care about doing this?
3. ​What does success look like to you? Write it down - how many hours do you want to work each week? What is your “enough” number in terms of money? What location do you want to be in? Do you want to work with customers face to face or would you prefer online? Do you want direct feedback from your customers or would you like more distance from them? All these things will affect the paths you choose to take.
4. ​Approach the “How to do it?” question with playfulness and creativity, just the way you would approach making an artwork. Building a business is a creative process. Make sure you are having fun every step of the way. What is your ideal result? How can you creatively take the first step? (Don’t get lost in strategies and tactics here - instead lean into what feels easy and what feels like a good idea.)
5. ​Make the best artwork you can make at your level. Authentically challenge yourself. You cannot fake that raw, bold authenticity. You have to actually be inspiring by leaning in and taking risks. Also, stay in your lane with this. Don’t concern yourself with what other people consider “professional”. Just challenge yourself to do the best you can from where you are.
6. ​Bare your soul when you explain why you made your work. Share your emotions authentically. You don’t have to tell them lots of personal details, but you need to be really honest about the universal truths that resonate in your work. They will be able to feel whether or not you’re being honest. This is what forms real connection.

If you like this episode, tune in every Friday because I'll be releasing a new podcast.

I've also got a really cool deal for you - if you leave me a review, take a screenshot of it and email it to me at jenny@jennykiehn.com and I'll invite you to a free group coaching class where we'll talk about how to cultivate an abundant mindset so you can create an abundant life.