What does it mean to live a creative life? What does it take to achieve your dreams? And is that any different if you write for a living rather than making visual art? This week, Louise is joined by writer Jonathan Hall, whose first novel was recently published to critical and commercial acclaim. But this success was 59 years in the making and Jonathan has experienced his fair share of setbacks along the way. In this episode, we look at the importance of self-belief and the necessity of an unswerving commitment to our creative practice. Our discussion uncovers numerous similarities between the life of a writer and that of a painter, including the fear of a blank page or canvas; the impact of rejection; the need to "paint over" things you really like; and the importance of finding your own unique voice. It's refreshing to approach the topic of creativity from a different perspective and we know you'll enjoy Jonathan's wisdom and humour. Mentioned Jonathan's novel "A Spoonful of Murder"  https://www.bookdepository.com/Spoonful-Murder-J-M-Hall/9780008509613 Jonathan's BBC series "Trust" https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000mb2k Jonathan's Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/jm_hall_writer/ Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com  www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week, we have a chat and then answer some listener questions, but our whole discussion revolves around a central issue: How do we manage this artist life? How do we make our work? How do we run our businesses? Are we getting it right? (And how does this relate to the choice between broccoli and chocolate?!) This is one of those rambling discussions that we hope makes some sense in hindsight. Listeners add to the conversation by asking about what to do when a painting takes a different turn, and also how to know when a painting is done. In the end, we both think it comes back to understanding that there is no "right" way to do things. What a relief!  Mentioned "Rich Dad Poor Dad" book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Robert-T-Kiyosaki/e/B001H6GV90 "Drawing and Painting the Landscape" by Philip Tyler https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drawing-Painting-Landscape-course-lessons/dp/1785003240/ Minnow Pond Tarot https://www.youtube.com/c/minnowpond Georgina Noel's "Inner Work" podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inner-work/id1506024168?uo=4 Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com  www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Do you feel your art needs to be beautiful? And if so, what do you mean by beauty? We dive into this topic because we are both thinking about this idea as our work morphs and changes. We discuss the role of beauty in art history and how much of the art that we love is NOT beautiful - and yet how we are still drawn to creating beauty in our own work. In the beginning, perhaps, we both aimed for beauty because it was a measure of our skill level - but once we attained those skills, we seem drawn to pushing the boundaries. But how much imperfection can we allow in? How much raw expression is too much? Of course these questions are personal to each one of us, and we hope this discussion helps you think about beauty in your own work.  Mentioned Drew Steinbrecher on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drewsteinbrecher/?hl=en Dead Eyes podcast https://headgum.com/dead-eyes Creative Pep Talk podcast https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/zdqvn-3717c/Creative-Pep-Talk-Podcast Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com  www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

As an award winning illustrator, Kate Cosgrove is used to bringing visions to life, but post-pandemic she was feeling in need to spend time with her own creativity. In this conversation from the land's end of the UK, Kate speaks with Alice about artist residencies.  Perhaps this is something you've considered, or even been apprehensive about. In which case this conversation will give you ideas for where to go, an understanding of what to expect. We talk about working on your own and what this could open up for you or re-set your practice. What would you be looking for? Hoping for? Is there even a way you can bring this into your life right now? Check the notes below for where to follow Kate, find out about Brisons Veor or search for other residency opportunities. Mentioned Brisons Veor Cornwall artist residencies https://brisonsveor.org.uk/ Find Kate Cosgrove on Instagram @k8cosgrove Artist Communities Alliance for residency listings https://artistcommunities.org/ www.alicesheridan.com  www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Maybe there are artists who are always inspired, always energised and always making fantastic work... but if there are, we don't know them. This week we're talking about those times when inspiration seems to desert us. These are the times when we either can't face making art, or can't make anything we like. We discuss the frustration that comes with feeling lost, and we break down some of the reasons we might feel that way. This is so important because, if we can understand what drags us down, perhaps we can lift ourselves out of it. As always, we both believe this comes down to individual preferences and work patterns. Some people work best when they turn up every day regardless of how they feel; others need lots of time away from the studio to recharge their batteries. We believe all of us need to learn to accept ourselves just the way we are, and honour our own creative processes, no matter what they are. Mentioned Rock til we Drop https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001516f Medicine exhibition - The Science Museum: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/medicine-wellcome-galleries Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com  www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week we are talking about success and asking what that word means to you? In particular, we distinguish between external and internal yardsticks. External yardsticks are things like sales numbers, Instagram followers, or show acceptances, and we have both seen these measurements halt people in their tracks. These things are, to some extent, out of our control and they also continually shift and change because we will never be satisified. In this episode, we discuss our own experiences with external measures of success and we suggest an alternative approach - setting your own internal benchmarks. These internal measures of success can keep you focused, motivated and excited about your work, allowing you to stay in control of your emotional wellbeing. We'd love to hear what you think about this discussion - and how you measure success. Mentioned: Authentic Obsessions Podcast https://www.authenticobsessions.com/ Trayci Tompkins http://www.traycitompkins.co.za/ Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com  www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Talking about our work can be challenging. You might not know what to say - how to find the words to describe the feelings - or you might feel self-conscious, thinking others don't want to hear or that they may judge you. But, learning to talk about your art can open so many doors - doors to conversations, doors to sales, and doors to new realisations for yourself. Once you can tell the story of your art, others can connect with it in new ways. In this episode, we share our own experiences and offer tips and strategies to help you find the words. So whether you are sharing with friends, exhibiting in a gallery, attending an art fair, or even just writing a social media post, we hope this episode will get you started. Mentioned Words & Pictures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHrVw-cDmU Beatles Abbey Road: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiRfv6LFXYE Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com  www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week's show was inspired by a listener question about in situ apps. These are apps that allow you to place your artwork into rooms, so that buyers can see how your painting might look in a 'real world' setting. We share our experiences of using several of these apps - and talk about the pros and cons of each - but we also expand the discussion to encompass real-world settings as well as the importance of storytelling and copy in showcasing your work online. Louise proposes that the words you write about your work are just as important as the images you include, and we share some suggestions for how to approach that aspect of marketing. We also answer a fabulous question from Esther who wants to know whether her art needs to match her room decor. Mentioned Smartist  https://smartist.app/  In Situ https://insituartroom.com/  Canvy online)  https://canvy.com/pricing   Alchemy by Rory Sutherland  https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Alchemy-Audiobook/1473566800 June Shapter: https://www.instagram.com/juneshapterart/?hl=en Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com  www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Well, hello! Today we started a bit pear-shaped (ever felt like you were pretending to be professional?) But this evolved into an interesting discussion around titles for paintings, and following the thread of work.  Both of us are developing work for upcoming exhibitions and we are finding that we have some of the same challenges, including knowing when a painting is ‘enough’ and choosing titles for our work that add a new dimension.  We also answered a listener question about how to approach pricing your artwork - and offered advice that some may find controversial (when did that ever stop us?!) Mentioned: Normal Gossip podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/normal-gossip/id1597761181 Pro Camera app https://www.procamera-app.com/en/ Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com  www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week, we ask a couple of simple questions" What do you want?" and "what are you willing to do to get it?" This week, we're digging into these questions and sharing real-world examples of the kinds of decisions artists face when growing a business ... should you invest in that new website? Should you start a Youtube channel? Should you give that speech at the local art society?  While neither of us is perfect (by any means!), we have both done some work on our long-term visions, both for our art and our lives. We use this knowledge of our desires to guide decisions about what we are willing to spend, or sacrifice, or work towards. Perhaps you have done the same or perhaps you find yourself torn about these kinds of issues, unsure of the right move. If so, we hope this episode will help you develop your own clear sense of where you're going ... and what you are willing to do to get there. Mentioned: Art2Life workshop: https://bit.ly/art2life22artjuice Will Gompertz "What Are You Looking at: 150 Years of Modern Art" https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Are-You-Looking-At/dp/B00N3KGPMQ/ Happy Scale App https://happyscale.com/ Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com  www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License