Join The Creative Kind podcast as we explore listener questions and Visual Arts topics with artists and experts, offering diverse perspectives and insightful discussions
Find me here on instagram: @thecreativekindpodcast
Or on Substack
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Join The Creative Kind podcast as we explore listener questions and Visual Arts topics with artists and experts, offering diverse perspectives and insightful discussions
Find me here on instagram: @thecreativekindpodcast
Or on Substack
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The Creative Kind, I speak with Sydney-based art consultant and educator Laura Brandon about artist opportunities beyond the gallery wall. With over 20 years of experience across public art, education, archiving, and exhibition development, Laura brings deep insight into how artists can meaningfully connect with new platforms, spaces and collaborators.
We talk about everything from public art projects and artist statements to grants, residencies and building your own art ecosystem. Laura offers practical tips for tailoring applications, finding your own voice in written materials, and identifying the opportunities that are actually a good fit for you and your work.We also talk about what makes a strong application, and how to make the most of mentors, peers, and support systems around you.
Find Laura Brandon’s website here and on instagram here
Resources & Links
Here are a few useful organisations and platforms mentioned in this episode:
National Association for the Visual Arts
Art Prizes (@artprizes) • Instagram
Council websites such as:
Opportunities for artists - Inner West Council
Arts opportunities | Bondi Pavilion
Arts & culture - Waverley Council
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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This week I’m joined by British-born, New Zealand-based artist Anna Gibbs, whose detailed oil paintings of native birds draw attention not just for their beauty but for what they represent — a deep love for the natural world and a quiet invitation to care more deeply for it.
We talk about how emotional connection can lead to change, and why Anna chooses to focus on hope, wonder, and care rather than guilt or shock when addressing environmental issues through her work. Anna shares how her parents sparked her fascination with New Zealand’s birds, the stories behind some of her most impactful pieces and why she’s committed to using real, ethically sourced gold in her art — not just for its visual warmth, but for what it symbolises.
Find Anna’s website here and on instagram here
Learn more about Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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In this studio session I talk to artist Andrew Sleeman and curator Laura Brinin from Side Gallery in Brisbane about preparing for a solo show. Andrew shares his motivations for having his solo show and the learning curve involved, while Laura provides insights into what galleries and curators look for in an artist and their work. The conversation delves into topics such as framing, photography, and the costs associated with putting on a solo exhibition. Both Andrew and Laura touch on the importance of building a supportive community, clear communication, and setting realistic goals for the success of the show.
Andrew's solo show, 'Bare' is set to open at Side Gallery in Brisbane on August 14th.
Find Andrew’s previous episode here
Find Andrews Instagram here and his website here
Find the Side Gallery website here and their instagram here:
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In this episode of The Creative Kind, I chat to UK based artist Frances Featherstone on the realities of entering art prizes. We explore the opportunities prizes can open up, as well as the importance of keeping them in perspective.
Frances shares practical advice on choosing the right prizes for your work, how to photograph your submissions, and the hidden costs artists often forget to factor in. We also talk about how to handle rejection, what really happens once a show opens, and why believing in your work matters more than any shortlist.
Frances reminds us that prizes do have some great benefits and one of the big ones is the community built through participating in them.The connections they can help build and what that gives your practice in ways a prize never could on its own.
Resources & Links
You can find Frances Featherstone’s website here and on instagram here
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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In this episode I chat to Maria Stoljar, a painter, YouTuber & host of the acclaimed Talking with Painters podcast. We discuss Maria’s experience with interviewing hundreds of art prize winners, and also as a painter herself having been an entrant and a judge. We talk about the significance of art prizes in an artist's career and Maria shares her insights on the motivations behind entering art prizes, the benefits of being shortlisted, and the importance of exposure. We also discuss the role that art prizes play in elevating artists' profiles, the impact of social media, and how to handle rejection. We also chat about the balance between authentic creation and catering to judges, gender balance in the art scene, and the broader implications of art prizes for the art community.
If you want to find out more about Maria Stoljar & Talking with Painters, go and check out:
her instagram or website Podcast on apple, spotify (plus all the others)And her You Tube channel
Discussed in the podcast:
The National Emerging Art Prize & Amber Cresswell Bell
Ross Jones episode on Creative Conversations podcast
John McDonald’s : Everything the Art World Doesn’t Want You To Know
Talking with Painters episodes: Every episode seemed relevant to this chat! But I had to limit it to those we referenced!
Ep 115: The Archibald Winners
Ep 120: Robert Malherbe
Ep 110: Robin Eley
Ep 65: Nicholas Harding
Ep 80 : Ben Quilty
Ep 45 : Wendy Sharpe
Ep 41: Megan Seres
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In the season finale of The Creative Kind, we’re joined by Sarah Jane Moon, Rita Stella, Petrina Jose, and Sarah Lubcke, who all share their perspectives on understanding and identifying an audience., We chat about the nuances of ‘audience’ versus ‘market,’ the importance of showing up in person, and how social media and online platforms fit in. We talk about how we each navigate our creative paths while thinking about who connects with our work and how we communicate our work effectively.
Find out more about this episodes guests:
You can find Sarah Jane Moon’s website here
Sarah Jane Moon, has an upcoming show called ‘Nature/Nurture’ 16th - 21st July (10am - 5pm) PV: Tues 15th July (6 - 9pm) Downstairs, The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Rd, London SW9 8FR
You can find Rita Stella’s work through Art to Art Gallery
You can find Petrina Jose’s artwork here and her Branding & Design page Hearts & Eyes here
You can find Sarah Lubcke here & here website here
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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In this Studio session I’m joined by Jenny Stringleman and Amanda Billing for another casual and varied discussion. We talk about our evolving work routines, differences in working styles, and the concept of chronotypes. We touch on online art criticism, & explore the impact of social media on artists and the differences, connections and reasons behind the art we create and the art we collect.
Recommendations :
Mentioned in this podcast:
You can find Amanda here, her newsletter here and her earlier interview episode here
You can find Jenni here and her newsletter here and her earlier interview episode here
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
xJB
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In this episode, I’m joined by Mandy Jakich—artist, educator and founder of Creative Matters & Creative Connections Podcas—to talk about the role of community in a creative life.
Mandy shares how her need for connection as a self-taught artist led her to start building her own audiences early on, from hosting exhibitions at home to developing wider educational initiatives. She reflects on her time at Auckland Art Gallery, the role of the Muriwai Artists Collective, and the evolution of her podcast and art education business—all of which have centred around creative connection.
We talk about how artist communities can provide accountability, emotional support and practical motivation, and how small acts of collaboration can create unexpected ripple effects. Mandy also shares how she’s carving out time to return to her own art practice, and the balance between leading others and holding space for herself.
You can find the Creative Connections podcast (previously Creative Matters) here, here on apple and here on spotify
Creative Connections show at Kumeu Arts From June 23- July 19th
Mentioned in this podcast:
Interview with Sara Langon on Creative Connections
Interview with Sefton Rani on creative Connections
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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In this episode, I sit down with Richelle Byers & Liz Fraser from Gallery De Novo in Dunedin. Richelle and Liz reflect on how a gallery space can create community and connection when it’s open, conversational, and unintimidating.
We chat about the idea of community and connection and how that can be built and shared through a commercial gallery—what they look for in artists, how relationships form between artists, gallerists and collectors, and how taste, instinct and storytelling shape the work they choose to represent. We talk about what it means to truly “fall” for an artwork, how personal and emotional that process can be for collectors.
There’s also reflection on what it means to see work in the flesh — why scale, texture, and presence can’t always be captured on a screen — and how that in-person experience helps galleries stay grounded in community.
You can find Gallery De Novo here and here on instagram - Their 20th anniversary show opens on the 28th &29th of June so go along and congratulate them if you can!
Mentioned in this episode:
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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n this episode, we dive into the powerful intersection of art, culture, and community with Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, the duo behind Wharenui Harikoa. From creating spaces that encourage introspection and connection, to collaborating across cultures, Lissy and Rudi share the deeply personal and healing process behind this transformative art installation. We explore the impact of Wharenui Harikoa as a vessel for emotional release, where visitors share their most intimate wishes—a practice that calls to mind the ancient Matariki rituals of letting go and releasing energy into the universe.
We also talk about the ongoing evolution of their work, including a new vision for future Wharenui installations and their upcoming projects, like an international exhibition at the De Young Museum in San Francisco. The conversation also touches on the importance of community involvement and the meditative power of crochet, which is central to their practice.
This episode is a deep exploration of art’s ability to create bridges of understanding, foster dialogue, and invite both the artist and viewer into spaces of healing and connection.
You can Buy a Ball & support to Lissy & Rudi here
You can find their website here: and their instagram here:
Lissy & Rudi Have a Show on from June 12 - July 5 with Time Melville Gallery in Auckland, Whiria Ngā Kanorau – Weave the Many Colours/Seeds
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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In this episode, I chat with Melbourne-based artist Rita Stella about navigating the complexities of the emerging artist. We talk about how Rita found gallery representation through a local art prize, why she’s cautious about prints and commissions, and the value of trusting her own pace—even when the art world seems to demand more, faster. We cover the realities of finding time for art around parenting and work, learning to define success on your own terms, and how to tune out the noise and just make what you want to make.
Rita shares what it was like to leave a stable career and commit to painting, and why she’s deliberately resisted pressure to scale her art business too quickly. We also chat about pricing work, and the importance of creative community.
You can find Rita here
People mentioned:
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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In this episode, Carrie Scott, an art dealer, shares practical advice for emerging artists. She stresses the importance of tracking sales, clients, and works right from the start, which helps when approaching galleries down the line. Carrie also advises artists to price their work carefully and avoid pricing themselves out of their market.
Carrie talks about the need for persistence in the art world, emphasising that success doesn’t happen overnight. She also highlights the importance of knowing when and how to approach galleries.The conversation also touches on the complexities of social media for artists. Carrie acknowledges its usefulness in discovering and connecting with audiences but points out that it requires a significant amount of effort and can push artists out of their comfort zones. This is a conversation about how patience plays a bigger role than most people expect, and how underneath the labels and everything else, it's about doing the work and not rushing the process.
You can find Carrie Scott Here
You can find the Seen membership here
You can find the Seen Podcast here on apple podcasts or here on spotify
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
Discussed in the episode:
Mentioned in the episode:
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In this episode Fleur Wickes and Fleur Woods join me for a casual studio session. We discuss the unique challenges and costs associated with pursuing a career in the arts, such as the financial pressure of maintaining studio spaces, the impact of life changes on creative work, and the constant need to balance personal and professional boundaries. We chat about the value of perseverance, the importance of adaptability, and the various ways we have tailored and changed practices to fit our evolving lives.
You can find Fleur Woods website here, previous epsiodes with Fleur Woods here & here
And Fleur Wickes website here, previous episodes with Fleur Wickes here and here.
You can find the podcast here Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
Recommendations from this week
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In this episode, Sarah Lubcke discusses her journey into portraiture. Sarah reflects on the many stages of her portrait journey: learning anatomy and likeness, finding a supportive community of portrait artists, and developing an eye not just for faces and skin tones, but for the emotional life inside each image. She also opens up about the challenges of painting backgrounds—and how she’s learning to consider the whole composition, not just the figure.
Sarah also touches on the importance of building a supportive network and finding the right mentors who can help you progress. Sarah talks about the importance of feedback in her artistic growth, discussing how connecting with trusted peers helps refine her work and overcome challenges. She also opens up about the value of self-belief and perseverance, especially during tough times when the work isn’t going as planned.
You can find Sarah Lubcke’s website here and on Instagram here
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
Previous conversations with Kylie King-Hazel and Penelope Boyd
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In this episode I interview Sarah Jane Moon, a UK-based painter originally from New Zealand. Sarah Jane's work explores themes of identity, gender, and connection to place, and she is known for her bold use of colour and dynamic compositions. We discuss her journey to becoming a full-time painter, her studies at Heatherley portraiture school, and her experiences working in various places including New Zealand, Japan, and London. The conversation delves into Sarah Jane's process, the challenges and rewards of portraiture, such as balancing visual style with capturing a likeness. We also touch on the practicalities and emotional aspects of creating commissioned portraits, as well as Sarah Jane's thoughts on self-portraits and the influence of her physical painting environment on her work. We also discuss the importance of developing a unique style and the impact of personal connection and narrative in portraiture.
You can find Sarah Jane here:
Sarah Jane’s Website
Mentioned in this episode:
Heatherley’s School of Fine Art
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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In this episode of The Creative Kind, I chat to artist and graphic designer Petrina Jose to discuss the importance of brand identity for artists. Petrina emphasises the personal and evolving nature of an artist's brand identity and explores the challenges of branding personal art, the role of consistency in brand elements like colour and fonts, and practical tips for artists starting out. We also discuss the balance between authentic self-representation and maintaining professional cohesion, and the impact of social media presence on brand identity.
You can find Petrina Jose here , her website here and her Branding & Design studio ‘Hearts & Eyes’ here and it's website here
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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In this episode of 'The Creative Kind', Pip Brett from Jumbled shares her insights on developing a strong and authentic brand identity. Pip discusses her journey from starting a clothing store called Igloo 18 years ago to evolving into the multifaceted brand Jumbled, which includes an art, fashion, and interior store, business retreats, and a new holiday home, Sona Molong. She emphasises the importance of staying true to oneself and one's passions, rather than trying to please everyone. Pip touches on the challenges and benefits of managing multiple brands, the significance of social media in connecting with the audience, and the evolution of her brand over time. She firmly believes in the power of authenticity and how it helps in building a loyal community and offers practical advice to artists on balancing personal expression and professional branding.
Find Jumbled here and on instagram here
Find Sona Molong here
Find Jumbled loves fashion here
Artists mentioned:
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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In part two of end-of-season wrap-up, I delve into the topic of overwhelm again with Laura Horn, Nic Dempster, Rach Mayne, Penny Boyd & Kylie King-Hazel from season four. The discussion covers definitions of overwhelm and burnout, personal experiences with these states, and practical strategies for managing them. We talk about the emotional and cognitive states of overwhelm, insights on finding solace in creative work amidst chaos, the importance of taking breaks and setting boundaries & the guests share approaches schedules, calendars lists and timing! I hope you enjoy these reflections on how goals and expectations evolve over time and the importance of self-care in sustaining a creative practice.
See you Next Season!
Please sing out if you’ve got a question, you can email me at thecreativekindpodcast@gmail.com, or Dm me on instagram here. Or submit a question online here:
Mentioned in the pod:
Laura recommended these four podcasts:
Kylie Discussed these two artists:
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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In this end of season episode we hear from 5 of this seasons former guests to explore the feeling of overwhelm. The episode features candid conversations where each guest shares their personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and strategies to manage overwhelm. Guests include Fleur Wickes, Sarah Birtles, Andrew Sleeman, Cass Deller & Dr Lou Cooper , who talk about structuring time, setting boundaries. the challenges of balancing multiple projects, dealing with external pressures, mental exhaustion and the importance of self-care practices like meditation and breathwork (and so much more!). Part two coming soon!
Mentioned in this episode:
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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In this episode I talk to Cass Deller, a surface pattern designer about her unique approach to business, productivity, and creativity. Cass shares her journey of building a creative practice, she discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing multiple roles, including managing courses, licensing designs, and experimental creative work. Cass also touches on the practical aspects of running a business, such as using administrative help, leveraging social media organically, and trialing new marketing strategies like Facebook ads. She highlights the importance of continuous learning, community support, and embracing her unique way of working for long-term success. I really enjoyed hearing about how Cass has built a successful creative business by following her intuition and playing to her strengths, I hope you do too!
You can find Cass’ Website here
You can find her instagram here
You can find the podcast here
Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show
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