124 Reasonable Expectations as an Artist

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: October 2, 2017

Topic: Reasonable Expectations as an Artist

Points of Interest:

Every artist starts out with some expectations—but are they reasonable? John and Lisa discuss some of the common misconceptions about life as an artist (especially online) and help artists at all stages come to terms with some important truths:
 

·        Yes, your artwork will be shared online.

·        Other artists will likely reach your goal before you.

·        If you’re not making money, you might not be doing business and marketing right.

·        You’re not going to be an expert just because you’ve read every book and watched every video.

·        You will get negative feedback.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Ready for monthly colored pencil inspiration?  Click here to get a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE!

Stay sharp!

123 Ten Things You Wish People Knew About Colored Pencil

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 25, 2017

Topic: Ten Things You Wish People Knew About Colored Pencil

Points of Interest:
If you ever feel like you should explain yourself to everyone who finds out that you’re a colored pencil artist, this episode is for you! John and Lisa chat about the top ten things that all colored pencil artists wish people knew about this medium.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Ready for monthly colored pencil inspiration?  Click here to get a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE!

Stay sharp!

121 Pro Color Tips for Colored Pencil Artists

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 11, 2017

Topic: Pro Color Tips for Colored Pencil Artists

Points of Interest:
John and Lisa share some of their top color tips, including:

-how to accurately identify the colors in your reference

-reasons to consider using a limited color palette

-why you should brush up on your color theory

….and more! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned colored pencil artist, this episode is for you.

Links Referenced:

ArtRage app

https://www.artrage.com/artrage-ios/

Autodesk Sketchbook app

https://www.sketchbook.com/ios

Adobe Photoshop app

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/adobe-photoshop-express-photo-editor-collage-maker/id331975235?mt=8

Loomatix Color Grab app

http://www.loomatix.com/

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Ready for monthly colored pencil inspiration?  Click here to get a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE!

Stay sharp!

119 Facebook Groups

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 28, 2017

Topic: Facebook Groups

Points of Interest:
A listener asked about Facebook Groups for artist—should you start one? John and Lisa talk about the reasons you might benefit from a Facebook group vs. a Facebook Page. You’ll learn why some groups are successful (and others fizzle out)as well as considerations for privacy/moderation/management.

Links Referenced:

Guac Lock

Colored Pencil Podcast Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/coloredpencilpodcast/

Colored Pencils for Beginners and Beyond

https://www.facebook.com/groups/coloredpencils4b/

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

118 No Time for Art

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 21, 2017

Topic: No Time for Art

Points of Interest:
We all have life events that turn our routines upside-down, and sometimes that means we no longer have time for art. In this episode, John and Lisa discuss a few ways to work towards your art goals in small chunks of time: working on your photo editing skills, improving the ergonomics of your studio space, and tweaking your brand visuals.

Links Referenced:

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

https://lightroom.adobe.com/

Pixlr Photo Editor

https://pixlr.com/

Wacom Cintiq 13HD Tablet

http://www.wacom.com/en/products/pen-displays/cintiq-13-hd

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

111 Should You Keep Your Day Job?

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: July 3, 2017

Topic: Artists: Should You Keep Your Day Job?

Points of Interest:
John and Lisa have received many questions from artists who are wondering about the right time to quit their day jobs. In this episode, you’ll hear candid stories from both hosts and sage advice about the big decision to make art a full-time career.

Links Referenced:

Will Stoller: Unmask Art

https://www.youtube.com/user/UnmaskArt/videos

Beginner’s Colored Pencil Course

http://sharpenedartistacademy.teachable.com/p/beginnerscpcourse

Cafepress

http://www.cafepress.com/

Merch by Amazon

https://merch.amazon.com/landing

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

110 How to Get in the Mood to Draw

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: June 26, 2017

Topic: How to Get in the Mood to Draw

Points of Interest:
Sometimes you’re just not in the mood to draw, but John and Lisa have a list of tips to help tackle your project! From knowing your ideal environment to looking for new sources of inspiration, you’ll be ready to get yourself in the mood to draw again after this episode.

Links Referenced:

Google Arts & Culture

https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/

Colored Pencil Magazine

http://coloredpencilmag.com/

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

108 Lightbulb Moments

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: June 12, 2017

Topic: Lightbulb Moments in Colored Pencil

Points of Interest:
John is joined in this episode by guest host Cecilia Kinzie, founder of the popular Facebook group Colored Pencils 4 Beginners and Beyond. They discuss a broad range of “lightbulb moments” in their artistic careers: tools, techniques, and tips that were total game-changers. Do YOU have a lightbulb moment? Share it in the comments!

Links Referenced:

Colored Pencil for Beginners and Beyond (Facebook Group and website)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/coloredpencils4b/

http://coloredpencils4b.com/

Sharpened Artist Academy—Beginner’s Colored Pencil Course

Ester Roi’s Interview on The Colored Pencil Podcast

Tracy Frein Fine Art

https://tracyfrein.faso.com/

Products Mentioned:

Stonehenge Paper pads and individual sheets

Gamsol Solvent

Scrubber Brushes (Cecilia loves size 2)

Icarus Drawing Board

Sanded Paper

Drafting Film

Pastel Grounds

Pan Pastels

Tombow MONO Sand Eraser

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

101 Working on Deadlines

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: April 24, 2017

Topic: Working on Deadlines

Points of Interest:
If you’ve completed at least ten pieces, you may be ready to start entering contests or taking commissions. With those obligations comes a new facet: working on a deadline.

John and Lisa guide you through the process of determining a deadline, identifying potential setbacks, and maintaining positive client relationships when you need an extension.

Links Referenced:

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

Audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

099 Who's on Your Side

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: April 10, 2017

Topic: Who’s on Your Side in Your Art Business?

Points of Interest:

This week’s episode details the many types of people that artists have “on their side” as they endeavor to build a successful career: friends and family, fellow artists, technology experts, copywriters, and more! Listen in to hear how John and Lisa have built their unique teams.

Be sure to tune in all the way to the end for the new Colored Pencil Tips feature! Lisa shares her secret to maintaining a dark background when using powder blender.

Links Referenced:

Dick Blick

http://www.dickblick.com/

Jerry’s Artarama

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/

Powder Blender and Fixative Spray

https://www.brushandpencil.com/Store.html

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

Audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

091 Misplaced Marketing

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: February 13, 2017

Topic: Misplaced Marketing

Points of Interest:

Not all marketing is created equal! John and Lisa chat about several branding/marketing moves that just don’t work for artists. Are you using your time wisely? Listen in to find out.

Links Referenced:

www.patreon.com

www.kickstarter.com

www.indiegogo.com

www.gofundme.com

Our listeners can receive a FREE 30-day Audible trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John recommends listening to “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield.

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

090 Making Mistakes

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: February 6, 2017

Topic: Making Mistakes

Points of Interest:

Last week’s episode talked about 10 common mistakes made in colored pencil. This week, John and Lisa are talking about why you shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes! Making mistakes is a necessary part of the learning process, and helps us understand what NOT to do. Listen in for a pep talk encouraging you to keep pushing through.

FREE 30-Day Audible.com trial for Colored Pencil Podcast listeners:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast 

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

085 Marketing Ads

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: January 2, 2017

Topic: Marketing Ads

Points of Interest:

Should an artist spend money on marketing ads available on social networks? Do they even work to boost an art business? John and Lisa talk about the smart places to put your money, and the types of marketing to skip altogether.

Links Referenced:

Amazon Affiliate Program

https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/

Dick Blick Affiliate Program

https://www.dickblick.com/affiliates/

www.facebook.com

www.amazon.com

www.youtube.com

https://plus.google.com/

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

076 How to Set Up Your Email List

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: October 30, 2016

Topic: How to Set Up Your Email List 

Points of Interest:

This episode is dedicated to all things email: why an email list can be a great tool for your brand, how to get it set up, and how to get people to sign up once it’s in place on your website. John takes the high-tech approach while Lisa prefers simplicity, so you’ll hear tips and suggestions from both ends of the spectrum.

Here’s a semi-comprehensive list of email providers you can use (there are hundreds out there):

-Mailchimp - Very easy to use and free to get started
www.mailchimp.com

-Aweber - Very easy to use

www.aweber.com

-Convert kit (affiliate link) - Very easy to use and more flexible than Mailchimp and Aweber.  Super easy pricing structure because it's only based on list size and you still get all the features of a huge list.  This is the provider that John uses and recommends.

www.convertkit.com

-Campaign Monitor

www.campaignmonitor.com

-Zoho Campaigns

www.zoho.com

-SendinBlue

www.sendinblue.com

-Constant Contact

www.constantcontact.com

-Infusionsoft

www.infusionsoft.com

-Ontraport

www.ontraport.com

-Campaigner

www.campaigner.com
-Emma

www.myemma.com

-RedCappi

www.redcappi.com

-GetResponse

www.getresponse.com

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

071 Core Principles of Colored Pencil

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 26, 2016

Topic: Core Principles of Colored Pencil

Points of Interest:

Since colored pencil has become one of the most popular mediums, John and Lisa identify a handful of core principles to keep in mind when using them. They debunk several misconceptions, describe key factors for colored pencil success, and comment on important qualities of your chosen materials.

Be sure to listen to the end, where Lisa explains why she has yet to try the increasingly popular Holbein Colored Pencils—and why she recommends you avoid them as well.

Links Referenced:

None this week!

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!