Reclaiming Power and Ambition, Navigating the Art Market & Building Meaningful Connections with Emily McElwreath
Release Date: 02/20/2025
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...
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Let the Place Speak: On Art, Life After Academia, Building a Practice on Our Own Terms, and Starting Again with Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg
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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...
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Beyond Trends: Tatum Dooley on Making the Art World More Interesting, Accessible, and Artist-Driven
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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...
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The Creative Business Audit: Maximize Your Profit, Reclaim Your Time, and Make Space for What Matters
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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)...
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There is Nothing Left to Prove – It’s Already Yours! Energy & Creating from Alignment with Olga
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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 ...
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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...
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What Artists Truly Need in 2025 (It’s Not More Content)
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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...
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Shrinking the Problem, Expanding the Dream: Trusting the Next Level and Letting Go
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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...
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How We See and Understand Art with Gita Joshi
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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...
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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_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!