You can't sell luxury items like art during a global pandemic. This seems to be a widely held belief and yet artists all over the world are discovering that it's not true. In fact, many artists are now selling online for the first time and finding more success than they ever expected. Indeed, we both  posted work for sale recently as part of the #artistsupportpledge initiative, and we were both pleasantly surprised by our results. In this episode, we share our experiences and tips for succeeding with online sales during this crisis, discuss the importance of finding marketing strategies that work for you, and chat about ways we can use our art to raise funds for our favourite causes. We also discuss the ways in which this initiative might change how we market our own paintings in the future, and offer advice on what to do if you post work and it doesn't sell right away (spoiler alert: we don't think it's anything to worry about!) And finally, we say goodbye to Louise's (slightly surprising) childhood hero. Mentioned #artistsupportpledge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/artistsupportpledge/?hl=en Alice's small paintings - sorry - all sold out! Louise's small paintings: https://www.louisefletcherart.com/small-works/ Norman Hunter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awoxabZSS9c Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio or Louise @louisefletcher_art Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week's episode was prompted by a question from Kate, an Australian artist who asked: "Should you like your own work? Do you ever stop fighting that inner critic (and external critics) and just start enjoying the process?" We both believe that loving your own work is crucial, touch on how we evaluate our work (and the importance of doing so) and share our feelings about where we find ourselves currently. We also ask whether  what we love changes,  whether this is an issue, and what to do with those older pieces that no longer make us feel excited. As for the inner critic ... Alice suggests there is a difference between criticism and critique. Can we analyse/assess our work without ever allowing that self-critique to stray into negative thoughts about ourselves or our level of talent? Finally, we each offer concrete steps that we believe artists can take to begin making work that they love. Mentioned: Alice's Connected Artist Club: https://alicesheridanstudio.mykajabi.com/connected-interest Louise's Art Tribe: https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio or Louise @louisefletcher_art Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week, we’re considering the shifts that we see happening in our artist communities. As galleries closed and art fairs were cancelled, many artists began to look for different ways of selling art.. Many are setting up (or re-designing) websites or sending out their first newsletter or getting more active on social media and we are both thrilled to see it. We have both long been huge advocates for this approach and so we find it exciting and energising to watch artists taking control. In this episode, we also discuss new approaches to open studios, the limiting beliefs that might be stopping us selling at this time, and the importance of building connections. We also have a rare disagreement about Tik-Tok but concur on the power of a tidy studio space. Mentioned: Alice's Marie Kondo blog post: https://alicesheridan.com/how-to-kon-mari-your-studio/ Funny Journalist on Tik-Tok Gary Vee on Tik-Tok Join our membership sites: Alice's Connected Artist Club: https://alicesheridanstudio.mykajabi.com/connected-interest Louise's Art Tribe: https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio or Louise @louisefletcher_art Credits "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

As the UK lockdown continues, we discuss the unfolding situation and the continual emotional shifts we are all experiencing. Here in Britain we are seeing some of our most well-known artists responding in different ways. Tracy Emin wrote an online diary; David Hockney is making new paintings; and Grayson Perry is filming a new TV show designed to encourage people to make art. We ask whether these are helpful reactions. In troubled times, what is the point of it all? Is art relevant? And is this an opportunity for us to switch from a focus on producing work for shows to a new emphasis on creativity and exploration? We also discuss the importance of mental health for our physical well-being, debate potential societal changes, and ask whether we are currently in the midst of a global existential crisis. Mentioned Mark this time on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/markthistime2020/?hl=en Mark this time on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/markthistime2020/ Tracey Emin - online diary https://www.instagram.com/whitecube/?hl=en David Hockney paintings https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52109901 Grayson Perry/Anthony Gormley art kit home.https://firstsite.uk/art-is-where-the-home-is/ Lewis Howes podcast with Dr. Joe Dispenza https://youtu.be/RTuf7OfZ-yY Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio or Louise @louisefletcher_art Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

In this episode, we address the massive changes that so many of us are experiencing and discuss how they affect our lives and our creativity.  Very few artists seem able to continue as normal. Instead we are dealing with new realities, creating new routines, managing anxieties, and finding new ways to express ourselves creatively (including Alice's ongoing experiment in using up out of date food, just to find out what happens!) This week, we share the very real changes in our own lives and discuss our different responses - how do we continue to express ourselves creatively when everything around us is so uncertain?  We also debate the role of the artist in challenging times and share a new idea that we hope will inspire you.  #markthistime is our response to the current situation - it is early days and the idea is evolving. There is more to come. For now, we very much hope you will join us and make art to mark this time. Mentioned: Our manifesto reads: We are experiencing an unprecedented situation. One that calls for artists to step up. We need positive messages. We need reportage. We need insights. We need community. We need to mark this time. The media mark this time with dramatic exaggeration. The politicians mark this time with obfuscation  — it falls on artists to mark this time by bearing witness, by being present, by documenting,  by connecting, by offering perspective - most of all by sharing our experience and letting it shine a light on the experiences of others. It falls to us to truly mark this time. So come join the movement. Make art to mark this time. Make whatever you feel called to make and share your work on Instagram with the hashtag #markthistime. We will be curating and sharing images each day on IG , the Facebook Page and on the new website we will create at markthistime.com Mark This Time on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markthistime2020/ Mark This Time Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/markthistime2020 Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio or Louise @louisefletcher_art Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week, we are joined by special guest Karen Stamper. Karen is an accomplished painter and collage artist with a special passion for sketchbooks. She teaches workshops in person and online and in this episode, we pick her brains about helping adults loosen up, have fun and learn. As a former art teacher in high schools, Karen has an interesting perspective on the difference between adult students and kids. We also discuss the importance of being generous with your knowledge and have an extensive conversation about how artists can take their teaching online, an important topic in this time in which workshops are being cancelled around the world.  Our discussion includes how to know if you will enjoy teaching, how to get over fear of the camera, which platforms work best. how to build an audience for your online course, and the importance of encouraging and supporting students through the challenges of learning new things.   Mentioned: Karen's website: https://karenstampercollage.com/ Find Karen's online workshops HERE (new platform) Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio or Louise @louisefletcher_art Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Things are changing so quickly. Last week, we recorded a normal episode … a few days later and we are preparing for a lock-down. As Brits, we tend towards the "keep calm and carry on"' wartime spirit, and yet we are also human. So we feel anxiety, and stress about lost income, and worry about relatives, and wonder if we will ever again be able to buy toilet roll and pasta…. BUT, there are also reframes here; there are ways to look at the positives as well as the negatives; there are ways to manage our emotions; there are options. We don't have answers. We have no expertise. We just wanted to talk to each other, to connect, to share, to console and to giggle, and we thought you might like to listen in. Hence this bonus episode. Stay safe … but more than that, stay calm and keep a sense of perspective. We can live without pasta! Also please join us on the #artjuicekitchendrawerchallenge (catchy, I know!) by sharing your before and after! Mentioned Louise's Your Art Tribe membership site: https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio or Louise @louisefletcher_art Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This week, we are joined by a special guest. Laura Horn is an Australian abstract artist who is also a successful podcaster, teacher and businesswoman. Over the years, she has worked to establish a regular art practice and build a full-time business while also juggling responsibilities as a wife and mother.  In this episode, we learn how Laura turned a short sabbatical from her office job into a full-time art career - at first simply as a painter and then later as a creator of online courses. We discuss how important it is to build a business that aligns with your values and share our challenges with balancing work and rest-time.  Our conversations also spans blogs, Instagram, social media trolling, podcasts and the challenges (and joys) of working closely with your spouse.  In 'what's inspired?' Laura shares her love of mixed media, Alice is thrilled with new frames, and Louise has decided you're never too old for something you really love. Mentioned: Laura Horn Art: https://www.laurahornart.com/ The Laura Horn Podcast: https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast Louise's Your Art Tribe membership site: https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio or Louise @louisefletcher_art Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This episode is a little different, Usually we record with hundreds of miles separating us, but this week, we take a rare opportunity to meet up and spend some time chatting about studio spaces, art careers and whatever else comes up. We drink tea, drive through London, and eat sugared chickpeas while we geek out about recording equipment, discuss the importance of resilience, and visit both of Alice's studios (old and new). During the visit to the new studio, we discuss Alice's newest paintings and share how it feels when your work moves into surprising new territory. You can watch the accompanying short video on YouTube and get a sneak peek at Alice's new work HERE: https://youtu.be/TchzUtqwUaM And also see images of the lighting products and paintings at each of our websites: https://alicesheridan.com/artjuice60/ Surrey Contemporary Art Fair 13-15th March 2020 https://contemporaryartfairs.co.uk/surrey-spring/ Royal Watercolour Society 6-18th March 2020 https://www.royalwatercoloursociety.co.uk/exhibitions/36-rws-contemporary-watercolour-competition/overview/ Lighting products discussed: Simple ring light and phone holder for livestreams HERE Arm clamps for phone and ring light HERE Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit HERE LED lights HERE Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio or Louise @louisefletcher_art Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Marketing is a thorny topic for many artists - viewed as a necessary chore. But what if you approached it in a different way? This week, Louise is flying solo and sharing her experience with, and enthusiasm for, content marketing.  This means promoting yourself and your art by sharing content ... either on social media, on a blog, in videos, or on a podcast.  In this episode, Louise shares her tips for building awareness for your art through content creation. Her tips include documenting rather than creating; telling a coherent story; and engaging your audience rather than talking at them. Along the way, she shares her favourite content marketing gurus, and offers ideas for how to research topics. Mentioned: Gary Vee: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCctXZhXmG-kf3tlIXgVZUlw Copyblogger: https://copyblogger.com/blog/ Seth's Blog: https://seths.blog/ Sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast Buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/artjuice Follow us on Instagram: Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio or Louise @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License