Reclaiming Power and Ambition, Navigating the Art Market & Building Meaningful Connections with Emily McElwreath
Release Date: 02/20/2025
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...
info_outline
What 9 Years of Self-Employment Taught Me About Selling Art, Standing Out, and Scaling a Creative Life with Kat
Art & Cocktails
In this solo episode of Art & Cocktails, I’m (Ekaterina Popova) celebrating my nine-year self-employment anniversary—marking the moment I walked out of my corporate job and committed to building a life as a full-time artist and creative entrepreneur. This conversation blends personal storytelling with practical strategies for artists who are just starting out, those in the thick of building, and anyone dreaming of making their creative practice sustainable. I share what worked for me when I had fewer than 300 followers, no gallery representation, and no real roadmap—just passion,...
info_outline
Unmasking the Artist: Speaking Your Truth, Navigating Motherhood, and More with Sarah Detweiler
Art & Cocktails
In this powerful conversation, Kat sits down with artist Sarah Detweiler to explore the intersections of motherhood, identity, and creative evolution. Sarah opens up about her journey from commercial art to fine art, the deeply personal work in her Hidden Mother series, and her most recent solo show Unmasquerade—a vibrant, layered exploration of ADHD, selfhood, and unmasking in midlife. Together, they unpack the beauty and the bravery of allowing yourself to evolve as an artist—even when it feels risky. This is a raw, affirming episode for anyone navigating transitions and seeking deeper...
info_outline
Radical Joy, Creativity, and Abundance: Creating from Consciousness with Ingrid V. Wells
Art & Cocktails
What if joy, trust, and intention were the most powerful tools in your art practice? In this illuminating episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat is joined by Ingrid V. Wells—an artist known for her vibrant, playful still lifes that explore deep themes like resilience, consciousness, and energetic alignment. Her work invites viewers to reconnect with joy as a revolutionary creative force. Together, they explore how to cultivate a powerful internal state before creating, why joy is a radical act, and how to access your highest creative flow. Ingrid shares her approach to creating from...
info_outline
Finding Your Voice and Visual Language with Jennifer Peart, Visionary Landscape Artist
Art & Cocktails
In this inspiring episode of Art & Cocktails, host Kat sits down with visionary landscape artist Jennifer Peart, whose work explores the intersection of nature, mid-century design, and science fiction. They dive deep into Jennifer's creative inspirations, her experience at the Superfine Art Fair, and how she seamlessly weaves sustainability, community, and imagination into every aspect of her art practice. Grab your favorite drink and join us for this lovely conversation! Highlights from the episode: Jennifer’s unique path from community college to a "Hogwarts for art"...
info_outline
From Scarcity to Expansion: Healing Your Relationship with Money as an Artist with Kat
Art & Cocktails
In this episode, Kat dives into a powerful and often emotional topic that touches every creative at some point—money. Whether you’ve struggled with pricing your work, avoided your bank account, or internalized the “starving artist” myth, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate space to begin rewriting your story. Drawing from personal experiences, years of trial and error, and psychology-backed tools, Kat walks you through how to heal your relationship with money, reframe limiting beliefs, and step into empowered abundance—without losing your integrity. What You’ll...
info_outline
Emotional Wellness Tools for Artists: Strategies to Overcome Your Inner Critic with Dr. A. Yanina Gomez
Art & Cocktails
In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) sits down with Dr. A. Yanina Gomez, a psychologist, author, and co-founder of The Art NXT Level Academy. Dr. Gomez is passionate about helping creatives and women entrepreneurs overcome mental and emotional hurdles that hold them back, including shame, self-sabotage, anxiety, and the ever-persistent inner critic. We dive into Dr. Gomez’s latest book, Today's Working Artist, which is designed to be a practical and thoughtful guide to emotional wellness and creative resilience. Dr. Gomez shares insights on how to prime...
info_outline
Uncovering Hidden Desires: Break Free from Self-Sabotage and Rewrite Your Success Story with Kat
Art & Cocktails
Ever find yourself unknowingly sabotaging your own dreams and wondering why? You're not alone! In this quick solo episode, Kat Popova shares heartfelt insights into how hidden desires, subconscious beliefs, and fears shape our lives—and what we can do to break free. In this episode Kat reflects on: Why we often self-sabotage based on what we secretly want—or fear. The science behind subconscious patterns and nervous system regulation. Practical exercises and compassionate questions to uncover and rewrite limiting beliefs. Discover how to gently align your...
info_outline
Navigating Art Fairs with Alicia Puig of PXP Contemporary
Art & Cocktails
Join host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) as she reconnects with Alicia Puig, curator and founder of PXP Contemporary, fresh from their recent experience at Superfine Art Fair (The Super Fair). Alicia shares valuable insights and expert advice on how to make the most of your first or next art fair, whether you're an emerging artist, seasoned professional, or curator. In this episode: Practical strategies for exhibiting at art fairs Essential tips for artists on preparing and presenting their work How storytelling builds meaningful connections with collectors Pricing strategies to attract diverse art...
info_outline
Spring Cleaning for the Soul: Identity Reset, Powerful Habits, and Lasting Growth
Art & Cocktails
In this fresh episode of Art & Cocktails, Ekaterina Popova guides you through a gentle spring reset for your identity, creativity, and personal growth. Inspired by the season of renewal, Kat dives deep into the power of self-concept, visualization, and daily habits to help you achieve meaningful change. Learn practical techniques to reconnect with your ideal self, build sustainable habits, and leverage the support of community and accountability to maintain your momentum. Whether you're letting go of draining activities or embracing new, empowering routines, this episode will equip you to...
info_outlineIn this powerful conversation, I sit down with Emily McElwreath—art advisor, independent curator, educator, and host of The Art Career Podcast. With nearly two decades of experience, Emily has worked with some of the most influential figures in the art world, from Andy Warhol to Alice Neel. She shares how artists can reclaim their power, normalize ambition, and take control of their careers.
We also explore what collectors are looking for today, how to navigate the art market, and the evolving role of art advisors. Emily offers practical networking strategies for artists and industry leaders, insights on working with high-profile guests, and details on her recent Art21 collaboration. Plus, she introduces her must-have resource for emerging artists, Navigating the Art World: A Practical Guide for Artists.
Whether you’re an artist looking to elevate your career or a collector seeking guidance, this episode is filled with expert insights and actionable strategies to help you thrive.
Key Takeaways:
- Artists must reclaim their power—they are at the center of the art ecosystem.
- Ambition is not a dirty word—owning your career is essential for success.
- Networking isn’t about chasing opportunities—it’s about building authentic relationships.
- Art collectors should buy what they love but also stay informed about the market.
- The art world is unregulated, making it crucial to work with trusted advisors.
- Artists should not rely solely on galleries—direct sales and relationships matter.
- Emily’s free artist guide, Navigating the Art World, is a must-have resource for emerging artists.
Sound Bites:
🎙️ "Artists need to understand they are at the center of the ecosystem—it’s not the other way around."
🎙️ "You don’t have to wait for permission—take the wheel and create your own opportunities."
🎙️ "The best collections are built with a mix of passion, education, and a long-term vision."
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Art & Ambition
04:12 – Emily’s Journey in the Art World
07:12 – How Artists Can Reclaim Their Power
09:33 – What Collectors Look for in Artists
12:32 – Why Networking Is Essential in the Art World
15:19 – How to Attract High-Profile Guests & Build Industry Connections
18:26 – The Role of Art Advisors & How to Work with One
24:05 – The Truth About the Unregulated Art Market
26:48 – Navigating the Art World: A Practical Guide for Artists
41:36 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Emily
Where to Connect with Emily:
- Free Artist Guide: Navigating the Art World: A Practical Guide for Artists – Download at https://theartcareer.gumroad.com/l/wigdw
- Website & Art Advisory: McElwreath Art Advisory – https://www.mcelwreathadvisory.com/
- Instagram: Follow Emily at https://www.instagram.com/emilymcelwreath_art/
- Podcast: The Art Career Podcast – Available on all major platforms
- Create! Magazine: Explore more at www.createmagazine.co
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—it helps us reach more artists and art lovers like you!