Empowering The Artist Within cover art

Empowering The Artist Within

Empowering The Artist Within

By: Liz Ross|ArtbyLizRoss
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About this listen

 Empowering the Artist Within is a podcast for artists who want to create with more confidence, clarity, and connection, without the pressure to have it all figured out. I’m Liz Ross; Artist, creative coach, and host of real, encouraging conversations for creatives who want to let go of perfectionism and create intuitively. Each episode offers soulful stories, honest reflections, and mindset shifts to help you reconnect with your creativity and build a sustainable, meaningful art practice. We talk about: Creative confidence and overcoming self-doubt Building community and finding your artist voice Balancing your art with life, work, and motherhood Permission to grow, change, and start again Creating with freedom, heart, and less perfectionism This is a space for slow, steady, heart-led growth. A place where you’re seen, heard, and supported as an artist and human. Because art isn’t just what you make. It’s how you show up. ✨ Subscribe and join us as we explore what it really means to Empower the Artist Within.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Art
Episodes
  • #36 Gentle Guidance for Artists: Building Clarity in Your Creative Business with Jo McCarthy

    #36 Gentle Guidance for Artists: Building Clarity in Your Creative Business with Jo McCarthy
    Dec 16 2025

    Overcoming self-doubt, embracing imperfection, and finding clarity on your creative path.

    Sponsor the Podcast; https://buymeacoffee.com/artbylizross

    Episode Summary

    In this warm, uplifting conversation, Liz Ross welcomes gentle creative guide Jo McCarthy to explore the real journey of being an artist and creative entrepreneur. Together, they discuss overcoming self-doubt, embracing imperfection, and building confidence in your creative business. This episode is a nurturing space for creative souls, offering gentle encouragement, practical advice, and soulful support for anyone seeking authenticity and growth in their creative path.

    Guest Introduction

    Jo Mcarthy

    Jo is a gentle creative guide based in Wales, known for supporting makers, artists, and creatives in finding clarity and confidence. With a background in education, business, and creative mentoring, Jo brings a holistic, nurturing approach to helping creative souls thrive.

    Key Topics & Quotes

    Timestamp Topic Key Quote 00:00 Introduction to Jo and her creative journey “I was always a creative child, and now my greatest joy is supporting other artists and makers to find clarity in their work.” 06:00 Creating for wellbeing and mental health “Creating is so important for our mental health and wellbeing—it doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.” 07:00 Social media, self-perception, and the ‘Looking Glass Self’ “Our sense of self is shaped by how we think others see us, especially in the age of social media.” 09:00 Permission to create imperfectly and overcome fear “If you allow your creativity to be intuitive and imperfect, you give yourself and others permission to begin.” 13:00 Gardening analogies for creative business and personal growth “Real growth starts in the soil—know your roots before you reach for results.” 18:00 The privilege of supporting creatives one-to-one “It’s a privilege to draw people out and give them the space to be truly seen and heard.” 23:00 Gentle, actionable marketing tips for artists “Marketing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—sometimes it’s as simple as making sure your name appears on your website.” 39:00 Accepting overthinking and building it into your process “Don’t fight overthinking—build it into your creative process and make it work for you.” 44:00 Working with personal cycles, seasons, and respecting your capacity “Pay attention to your own rhythms and seasons, and let your creative practice adapt to what you need.” 56:00 Investing in yourself and pursuing creativity for wellbeing “Investing in your creativity is an act of self-care and responsibility for your own wellbeing.” 57:00 Final reflections: giving yourself time, attention, and permission to create “Give yourself the time and attention you deserve—your creative journey matters.”

    Resources Mentioned
    • Connected Artist Club with Alice Sheridan https://www.soulrocketstudio.com/connected-interest
    • Jo’s Website https://jomccarthy.com
    • & Newsletter https://jo-mccarthy.myflodesk.com/the-garden-shed
    Stay Connected with Me!
    • Website: https://www.artbylizross.com/
    • Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/artbylizross Support the podcast + creative work.
    • Instagram (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/empoweringtheartistwithinpodcast
    • Join our creative community on Telegram for creative support and gentle guidance. https://t.me/+9EW5_m6DdSU5YTc0
    • Download: Take five minutes for yourself today! Get your free creativity guide and start building confidence, embracing imperfection, and finding joy in your creative journey. Coming Soon!
    • Subscribe for creative support, nurturing words, and heartfelt encouragement. **https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/818485/114166279194019425/share**
    • Buy Me a Coffee: Support the podcast + creative work. https://buymeacoffee.com/artbylizross

    Music Credit: Feeling Good by Doug Maxwell
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • #35 Artists: How To Overcome Limiting Beliefs & Build Creative Confidence

    #35 Artists: How To Overcome Limiting Beliefs & Build Creative Confidence
    Dec 2 2025

    In this deeply honest and heartfelt solo episode, Liz Ross opens up about the real behind-the-scenes of being an artist — the self-doubt, the limiting beliefs, the tiny steps of courage, and the unexpected ways confidence grows through showing up again and again.

    From navigating open calls and the emotional rollercoaster of rejection and acceptance, to the overwhelm of producing a weekly podcast, Liz shares the EXACT thoughts, fears, and breakthroughs that so many creatives quietly hold inside.

    This episode is a gentle reminder that you’re not alone.

    You're not behind.

    And you're allowed to grow slowly.

    If you’ve ever doubted your voice, questioned your worth, or felt like everyone else is “further ahead,” this conversation will bring you comfort, clarity, and a renewed belief in what’s possible.

    🌿 From the Episode “Confidence grows in tiny moments. One brave step, one small conversation, one creative action — they all shift something inside of you.”

    A grounding reminder that you don’t need to transform all at once…

    You just need to take the next small step.

    💫 What You’ll Hear

    – Why Liz is shifting the podcast from weekly to fortnightly

    – How approaching gallery owners feels scary for almost everyone

    – The surprising way confidence grows through tiny, repeated actions

    – The emotional process of submitting to open calls (and handling rejection)

    – The belief-action-outcome cycle and how it shapes your entire creative life

    – Why your “messy middle” is worth sharing and never something to be ashamed of

    💬 Key Messages

    – Your limiting beliefs are not your the truths.

    – Tiny steps count. They build confidence gently and sustainably.

    – One rejection doesn’t define your worth or your future.

    – Galleries, opportunities, and creative growth all start with simply showing up.

    – Your voice, your story, and your journey matter far more than you realise.

    – You are allowed to change your mind, slow down, rest, and choose a path that feels good.

    ✨ Free Resources that support this Episode

    💛 The Limiting Beliefs Ladder

    A gentle framework to help you shift the stories that hold you back.

    ✨ The Creative Confidence Tracker (7-Day Practice)

    Build momentum and self-belief through tiny, intentional creative actions.

    Download coming soon — make sure you're subscribed to Liz’s newsletter so you don’t miss it 👇🏻

    💌 Stay Connected

    💌Sign up to my email list:

    https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/818485/114166279194019425/share

    ✨ Website: https://www.artbylizross.com

    Explore Liz’s artwork, podcast notes, and creative offerings.

    ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/artbylizross

    Support the podcast + creative work.

    🎨 Instagram (Art): https://www.instagram.com/artbylizross

    Behind the scenes, art process & inspiration.

    🎧 Instagram (Podcast):

    https://www.instagram.com/empoweringtheartistwithinpodcast

    Episode updates & creative reflections.

    🎁 Free Printable:

    https://subscribepage.io/affirmationgift

    Mentioned in this episode

    Anna Mcdonald; Listen to Anna on episode #17 & #18 @annafmcdonald http://www.annafmcdonald.com

    Alice Sheridan Listen to Alice on episode #20 @alicesheridanstudio http://www.alicesheridan.com

    Kaisa Hart; Listen to Kasia on episode #11 & #24 @artistkaisahart http://www.kaisahart.com

    Simone Russell @simonerussellart http://simonerussellart.com

    Sara Hoque @sarahoqueart https://www.sarahoque.com
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    52 mins
  • #34 How to Approach Art Galleries with Confidence: With MASA UK Gallery

    #34 How to Approach Art Galleries with Confidence: With MASA UK Gallery
    Nov 18 2025

    In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Liz Ross speaks with Matija, founder and director of MASA UK Gallery, about what it really means to be an artist — from developing your craft and trusting your voice, to navigating galleries, rejection, and the courage it takes to show your work.

    This nourishing conversation is filled with wisdom for artists at every stage. Matija shares her heartfelt mission to support local creatives, uplift emerging artists, and make original art accessible to everyone.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to approach a gallery, whether your work is “good enough,” or how to keep going when doubt creeps in — this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and the reminder that you are not alone.

    From the Episode

    “Don’t paint what you think will sell. Paint what’s in your heart — that’s what people connect with.”

    A grounding reminder that your authentic artistic voice is your greatest strength.

    What You’ll Hear
    • How MASA UK Gallery began and their mission to support local artists
    • Encouragement for artists who feel nervous or unsure about approaching galleries
    • What galleries look for in artwork (and what they don’t)
    • Why practice, consistency, and lifelong learning matter
    • Honest conversations about rejection, readiness, and developing your craft
    • The emotional connection between artist, gallery, and collector
    • Stories of inspiring artists exhibiting at MASA, including Jo Morton and Julian Lees
    • The importance of community, relationship-building, and showing up
    💬 Key Messages
    • Your art is a moment in time, it deserves to be seen.
    • You don’t have to be perfect to begin.
    • Every artist grows through practice, passion, and patience.
    • Approaching a gallery isn’t something to fear, it’s part of your journey.
    • Galleries love watching artists evolve over time.
    • Keep learning, keep experimenting, keep showing up.
    ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 🖼️ MASA UK Galleries

    MASA UK Gallery – Bury

    Website: https://masa-uk.co.uk

    Instagram: @masa_art

    MASA UK Gallery – Altrincham

    Website: https://masa-uk.co.uk

    Instagram: @masa_art

    🎨 Artist: Jo Morton

    Currently exhibiting at MASA Gallery Bury

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

    🎨 Artist: Julian Lees

    Exhibiting at MASA Gallery Altrincham

    🎨 Other Artists Mentioned

    Kate Collins – Painter known for her beautiful china work

    Dave Coulter – Self-taught artist with an extraordinary journey

    David Swithenbank – Celebrated sculptor, former President of Bury Art Society

    🎪 Events & Exhibitions

    ✨ MASA UK ArtX Biennale Exhibition

    Featuring 30 artists including ME! - I’m very excited to have 2 of my artworks in this exhibition!

    5 December – 21 December 2025

    Exhibited across both MASA galleries (Bury & Altrincham)

    A beautiful opportunity to discover new artists, support local talent, and gift meaningful artwork for the holidays.

    ✨ Manchester Art Fair

    MASA UK Gallery will be exhibiting artists work at manchester Art Fair 22nd & 23rd November 2025

    Details: https://manchesterartfair.co.uk

    💌 Stay Connected

    ✨ Website: https://www.artbylizross.com – Explore Liz’s artwork, blog posts, and creative offerings.

    ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/artbylizross – Support the podcast and Liz’s creative work.

    🎨 Instagram (Art): https://www.instagram.com/artbylizross – Artwork, inspiration, and behind the scenes.

    🎧 Instagram (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/empoweringtheartistwithinpodcast – Episode updates and creative reflections.

    🎁 Free Printable: Get your free affirmation gift now: https://subscribepage.io/affirmationgift
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    59 mins
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