In this episode of CreatED, artist and educator Rob Pepper sits down with Melanie Gerlis, Art Market Editor at the Financial Times, to unpack one of the most misunderstood relationships in the creative world: art and money.

Together they explore how the art market really works - from the primary and secondary markets that determine price, to the growing influence of AI and digital platforms reshaping how artists sell and survive. Melanie offers rare clarity on a system that can seem opaque, revealing the networks, narratives, and economic forces that shape an artist’s visibility.

This isn’t a conversation about chasing commercial success - it’s about understanding the system so you can thrive within it. Whether you’re an emerging artist, a collector, or a creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you see how value is constructed, why transparency matters, and how integrity remains the ultimate currency in a world driven by perception.

For artists who want to make a living without losing their soul - this is essential listening.