Rhiannan Sibbald, a Grand Rapids based illustrator and muralist, shares how she got her start, how to break into public art, mural tips, and how to get paid for your work! Zines! Zines! Zines! You can read a free zine of Rhiannan’s advice here https://craftsanity.com/rhiannan-sibbald/, or order a physical copy https://craftsanityshop.com/products/dear-art-student-zines. Keep up with Rhiannan! Check out Rhiannan’s website https://www.rhiannansibbald.com/ And Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rhiannansibbald/

Sean is a self-published comic artist and illustrator who travels all over the Midwest for indie comic and small press shows. Sean shares some tabling tips, how he balances illustration with a non-art job, and how to stay structured outside of art school.

Julia Kaye, a cartoonist and storyboard artist, has two graphic novels. She is known for her “UP and OUT” gag webcomic and her autobiographical comics.

Connie Jin is an interactive developer/designer, comics journalist, and illustrator. Connie shares their journey with art, how to balance the creative workloads of a day job and a passion project, getting out of a creative slump, and mental health tips for creatives!

Genice is a freelance visual development artist and illustrator known for her concept art for the Netflix anime series “Brand New Animal.”

David Huang, a metalsmith who makes vessels and jewelry, has a unique approach to financing a studio art career.

Lou Tsui is an illustrator, designer, and the artist in residence at CopyCat Studio, a risograph and artist retail space they opened in 2024. They are based in Vancouver, B.C. and have a cat baby named Tongyuen. Abby met Lou last year when Lou came to Grand Valley State University to lead a zine-making workshop. Listen to Lou’s story and advice for emerging artists!  You can read a free zine of Lou’s advice here: https://craftsanity.com/dearartstudents/  Or order a physical copy here: https://craftsanityshop.com/products/dear-art-student-zines  Keep up with Lou! https://www.instagram.com/louscribbles/  https://www.louscribbles.com/  Check out CopyCat Studio! https://www.instagram.com/copycat_riso/  https://www.copycatriso.com/  4000 Number 3 Rd, Unit 2045, Richmond, British Columbia

Coming soon: Series of podcasts interviews with artists giving advice to art students.

In honor of Juneteenth, the day that celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S., I’m posting my conversation with Dano Wall, the artist who created the Tubman Stamp that allows the likeness of American hero, Harriet Tubman, to be printed on the $20 bill.

Artist and activist Diana Weymar discusses how was one of many artists who took note of President Trump’s “stable genius” pronouncement and got inspired to create a stitching project that has includes many others.

Making a living as an artist can be tricky with the cost of art school on the rise and lucrative art jobs hard to find. Despite this challenging backdrop, Dayna Walton, a 21-year-old Grand Rapids artist has set herself up well to hit the ground running.

Liz Hilton discusses her 3D knit products she makes at her KNITit studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Learn how Beryl Bartkus created meaningful work for her daughter, Erin, and others with developmental disabilities.

Interview with Lori Evesque, owner of Natural Cycles Farm in southern Allegan County, discussing raising fresh food, fiber and plants to sell at local farmers markets and her yarn dyeing workshops.

Interview with 22-year-old Martin Schneider, an art student in Cologne, Germany who designed a 3-D printed printing press and shared his design files for free online.

Interview with Mark Newport, known for his hand embroidered comic book covers and knitted superhero costumes.

Interview with Katrina Rodabaugh, fiber artist and author of the forthcoming book, “Mending Matters: Stitch, Patch, and Repair Your Favorite Denim & More.” Rodabaugh is one of the zen stitchers on the front lines of this important and gentle movement that bucks the trend of overconsumption and throw-away fashion.

Mike and Terry McGarr discuss Mike's plan to revive a bit of family weaving history. The 27-year-old is the great-grandson of Wallace and Melvina McGarr, who were owners of the Norwood Loom Co. for more than 40 years beginning in 1951.

Felicia Lo Wong shares the story of how she built her SweetGeorgia yarn business.