Libsyn Directory

Stepping Out of Victim Mode into an Empowered, Thriving Artist: Creating Success No Matter the Art Market or Economy with Marina Press Granger

Art & Cocktails

Release Date: 02/13/2025

Make It Weirder: Maggie Smith on Poetry, Success, and Creative Survival in the Age of AI

Art & Cocktails

This episode is a dream come true. I sit down with bestselling author and poet Maggie Smith, whose viral poem Good Bones captured hearts around the world. We talk about navigating creative life with honesty and resilience—from managing unsupportive friends to staying grounded when the world starts watching. We also dive into her newest book, Dear Writer, and how artists can protect their joy, set boundaries, and thrive in the AI era by getting weird, staying real, and honoring their process. If you're a writer, artist, or creative soul trying to stay true to your work in a noisy world—this...

Let the Place Speak: On Art, Life After Academia, Building a Practice on Our Own Terms, and Starting Again with Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg

Art & Cocktails

In this heartfelt and grounding conversation, Kat reconnects with her former professor, artist and printmaker Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg, to explore what it truly means to live a creative life—on your own terms. Cheryl shares how her work is shaped by place, walking, and deep observation—drawing inspiration from time spent in Wyoming, China, Finland, and her new home in Arizona. Together, they reflect on life after academia, the courage to start over, and the unexpected clarity that comes with experience, loss, and listening to the land. This episode is a balm for any artist...

Beyond Trends: Tatum Dooley on Making the Art World More Interesting, Accessible, and Artist-Driven

Art & Cocktails

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova speaks with Tatum Dooley—writer, brand strategist, and founder of Art Forecast. Tatum shares how she built a trusted curatorial platform that bridges art, fashion, and design while spotlighting emerging artists and helping demystify the art world. We discuss: How Art Forecast evolved from an Instagram account to a Substack and PR studio Why storytelling and consistency matter more than chasing trends How to build your own creative platform with purpose and integrity Practical advice for writers, curators, and...

The Creative Business Audit: Maximize Your Profit, Reclaim Your Time, and Make Space for What Matters

Art & Cocktails

Feeling overwhelmed in your creative business? In this solo episode, Ekaterina Popova (Kat) walks you through how to do a Creative Business Audit—a practical process to clarify what’s working, where your time and energy are going, and how to boost your profit without burning out. Whether you're an artist, coach, designer, or creative founder—this episode will help you reset your priorities and build a business that actually supports your life and art. 🎯 You’ll Learn: How to audit your finances, time, and energy Why profit > revenue (and how to spot the difference)...

There is Nothing Left to Prove – It’s Already Yours! Energy & Creating from Alignment with Olga

Art & Cocktails

In this uplifting and practical mindset episode, I’m joined by transformational coach and author Olga, whose new book It’s Already Yours offers a refreshing and accessible approach to identity, mindset, and aligned creation. We dive into: How your subconscious mind shapes your day-to-day reality The role of identity and nervous system regulation in reaching your goals Tools to gently shift out of doubt and into creative flow Why success comes from alignment—not from pushing harder How to move forward without needing everything to be “healed” first ...

From Artist to Opportunity Creator: Entrepreneurial Mindset & Submission Tips with Sergio Gomez

Art & Cocktails

In this inspiring episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat Popova sits down with artist, curator, educator, and coach Sergio Gomez to talk about what it truly means to be a successful artist in 2025. Sergio shares his incredible journey—from creating art while working a 9 to 5 job to launching a thriving gallery, curating international exhibitions, and mentoring artists through The Artist NXT Level. We explore: ✨ The power of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset 🎯 Becoming an opportunity creator, not just a seeker 🖼 What curators actually look for in juried shows and proposals 🌀 How to...

What Artists Truly Need in 2025 (It’s Not More Content)

Art & Cocktails

In this honest chat, Kat shares an unfiltered look at what artists like you and me truly need in 2025 and beyond. From navigating overwhelm and distraction to embracing deeper purpose and aligned visibility, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that your art, your voice, and your vision still matter. This episode offers grounded encouragement to help you reconnect with your mission, regulate your nervous system, and create from a place of clarity. If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure about your next step, this episode is for you. You’ll hear...

Shrinking the Problem, Expanding the Dream: Trusting the Next Level and Letting Go

Art & Cocktails

In this solo episode, host Kat — artist, certified coach, and founder of Create! Magazine — speaks directly to those navigating the in-between seasons of life and creativity: when the vision is clear, but momentum feels slow, and nothing seems to be moving fast enough. From reframing your challenges to trusting the pruning seasons, this episode is a reminder that you're not going backwards — you're evolving. You’ll learn how to stop over-identifying with obstacles, use tools like anchoring and “living as if,” and incorporate creative rituals like walking in nature to regulate...

How We See and Understand Art with Gita Joshi

Art & Cocktails

What makes a work of art resonate? Is it the colors, the subject, the symbolism—or something more elusive? In this episode, curator, author, and coach Gita Joshi returns to talk about her new book Framing the Invisible: How We See and Understand Art. We explore how perception, personal experience, and context shape the way we engage with artwork—whether you're an artist, collector, or simply a curious viewer. We also talk about why visual literacy matters, how to talk about your work with confidence, and why there's no wrong way to see art. Order Gita’s book: Start learning with our...

Why Your Pitch Isn’t Landing—And How to Actually Get Published in Magazines, Podcasts, and More with Kat

Art & Cocktails

If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I not getting featured?”—this episode is for you. Whether your pitches are met with silence, you’re dropping “feature me” comments under open calls, or you’re simply unsure how to approach editors, this is the (loving) tough-love conversation you didn’t know you needed. In this solo episode, Kat shares raw insight from her unique perspective as both a published artist and the editor of Create! Magazine. You’ll learn why some pitches get ignored (even when the art is strong), what editors are actually looking for, and how to approach press and...

More Episodes

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat and Marina Press Granger dive deep into how artists can shift from feeling powerless to fully embracing their creative potential—no matter what’s happening in the economy or art market. They break down common fears artists face, the mindset shifts needed for success, and the importance of taking control of your art career.

From leveraging social media to redefining financial success, this conversation is packed with insights, strategies, and empowering perspectives to help you take action, attract opportunities, and thrive as an artist.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to break free from limiting beliefs and step into your power as an artist
Why the art market isn’t as dire as it seems—and how to navigate it wisely
The role of social media in building visibility and attracting collectors
Practical strategies for financial empowerment and sustainable success
How gratitude, mindset shifts, and community support can transform your career

Sound Bites:

"Everything happens for artists, not to them."
"Gratitude is key to forgiveness and growth."
"You can manifest your desires and create your own success."

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – New Beginnings and Cosmic Influences04:40 – The Evolving Role of Artists in a Changing World11:19 – Navigating Social Media as an Artist
16:54 – The Current State of the Art Market and Financial Empowerment
29:19 – Navigating Art Sales and Gallery Relationships
32:50 – Empowering Artists: Shifting Mindsets
36:47 – The Evolving Art Market: Opportunities for Emerging Artists
48:02 – The Power of Belief in Artistic Success
52:06 – Building a Successful Art Career: Resources and Support

TOPICS