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In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco interviews Beth Pickens, an artist consultant, about the relationship between artists and money. They discuss the challenges artists face in valuing their work, the pressure to commercialize their art, and the societal messages that undermine the worth of artists. Beth emphasizes the importance of recognizing oneself as an artist and finding a balance between the commercial and personal aspects of creative practice. She also addresses the need for artists to protect a corner of their practice that is free from the pressures of the market. Beth provides guidance on pricing artwork and encourages artists to ask for what they deserve. 

Beth Pickens (@bethpickensconsulting) is a Los Angeles-based consultant for artists and arts organizations. She is the author of Make Your Art No Matter What (Chronicle Books, 2021.) Her previous book is Your Art Will Save Your Life (Feminist Press, 2018).  Her pamphlets—Making Art During Fascism and On Artists and Hopelessness—were designed and distributed by the Feminist Center for Creative Work in Los Angeles. Her popular podcast, Mind Your Practice, is widely available as is her artist service platform, Homework Club.  Pickens earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri.

The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon.

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