In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, Australian-Colombian painter and sculptor Joshua Searle is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.
He shares how he has built a flourishing career exploring diasporic identity and the impact of colonization through his innovative and deeply personal art. A two-time Sir John Sulman Prize finalist and recipient of the 2024 Mason Family Trust Fellowship, Joshua has quickly gained recognition since his first solo exhibition in 2021, carving out a definitive space for himself in the contemporary art world.
Known for blending cultural storytelling with bold creative risks, Joshua opens up about forging a career without formal training, finding mentorship in unexpected places, and pushing the boundaries of his artistic comfort zone to create meaningful work.
From entering the art world on his own terms to the importance of seeking guidance and embracing the unfamiliar, Joshua offers inspiring advice for artists pursuing authenticity and growth in their creative journeys.
“It's hard work and it will never stop being hard work. But if you love it, there's nothing better to do than work hard at something you love.”
– Joashua Searle
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Joshua Searle’s Background and Artistic Focus
02:07 Key Themes: Diasporic Identity, Memory, and Colonization
03:20 Reflection on Early Work and Personal Memories
04:45 Returning to Art: A Journey of Healing
06:16 Evolving Practice and Key Creative Partnerships
08:07 Exploring Diasporic Identity and Cultural Displacement
09:50 Starting with Painting: Accessibility and Early Challenges
11:00 First Exhibition in an Unconventional Space
13:00 Recognition and Breakthrough Moments
15:55 Grants, Fellowships, and Navigating Rejections
18:33 Institutional Commissions: Creative Risks and Collaboration
21:50 Mentorship and the Value of Asking for Help
24:00 Building Community Through Collaboration
25:17 Final Reflections on Hard Work and Loving the Process
26:57 Closing Thoughts: Persistence, Curiosity, and Taking the First Step
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/joshua-searle
Links to artworks discussed:
His artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/aUmWX1vYIlY
Resources:
Connect with Joshua:
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Free training and resources:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.
In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, fine art photographer Teresa Freitas is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.
She shares the mindset and methods that have helped her build a thriving career in photography. Teresa’s pastel-toned, cinematic images blur the line between dream and reality, and her work has reached audiences worldwide through collaborations with Netflix, Dior, Adobe, and a solo exhibition in Seoul that drew over 100,000 visitors.
Teresa doesn’t hold back when it comes to practical advice. From breaking through on Instagram and negotiating with brands, to following your creative compass, this episode is packed with tools artists can use to grow with intention and professionalism.
“ Speaking with people and exchanging experiences makes you realize…other creative people are going through the same things that you are and you're not alone in this world. Learning for me has always been one of the biggest advantages of being in a community.”
– Teresa Freitas
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Following Your Creative Compass and Staying True to Your Vision
03:00 Iconic Gellert Baths Photograph and Approach to Color and Composition
06:00 Early Influences: Painting, Color Theory, and Visual Inspiration
08:00 Beginnings in Photography and First Steps on Instagram
10:00 Growth on Instagram and Gaining Global Visibility
11:00 Navigating Instagram Challenges and the Shift to Video
14:00 La Muralla Roja Photograph and Breakthrough Visibility
16:00 Early Brand Collaborations Through Instagram
19:00 Negotiating with Brands and Setting Budgets
22:00 Lessons Learned from Failed Collaborations
25:00 Evolution of Style: Flower Projects and Documentary Approach
28:00 Importance of Community and Collaborating with Others
30:00 Staying Authentic and Redefining Success in the Art World
32:00 Closing Reflections and Lasting Lessons from Teresa’s Journey
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/teresa-freitas
Links to artworks discussed:
Her photographs can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/AUp6iIlUhqY
Resources:
Connect with Teresa:
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Free training and resources:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.
In this episode, land artist David Popa shares the pivotal moments and creative philosophies that have shaped his unique career. Known for his large-scale ephemeral earth frescoes, David combines ancient techniques with modern technology, crafting breathtaking works that are captured through drone photography and shared as visual narratives. His art, created with natural pigments such as charcoal and earth, often fades back into nature, echoing the transient beauty of life.
David opens up about his early influences from fine art and street art, and the courageous leap of faith that led him to create a genre-defining practice. He also discusses how staying true to his vision has allowed him to collaborate with major global brands while still honoring the spiritual and adventurous aspects of his work.
From blending creativity with nature to embracing the impermanence of his art, David offers profound insights for artists seeking to align their work with personal meaning and authenticity.
“Don’t chase the money. That part comes after making the work you’re truly compelled to create. There’s something inside you that needs to come out… chase that. The audience who will resonate and emotionally connect with it will find the work.”
– David Popa
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:00 David Popa’s Artistic Journey and Practice
02:07 The Uniqueness of Ephemeral Earth Frescoes
03:11 Merging Art, Nature, and Adventure
04:10 Early Influences and Transition to Land Art
05:12 Moving to Finland and Taking a Leap of Faith
06:37 Overcoming Artistic Frustration and Experimenting with Materials
09:00 Developing Drone Photography and Large-Scale Art
11:00 Creating a Breakthrough Piece: Portrait on an Islet
13:00 The Role of Self-Doubt and Artistic Persistence
15:00 First Social Media Success and National Recognition
17:00 Building a Global Audience Through Art Drops
19:00 The Power of Emotional Resonance in Art
21:00 Crafting Personal Narratives Through Social Media
23:00 Using Vulnerability to Expand Artistic Reach
25:00 Balancing Brand Collaborations and Authenticity
27:00 Staying True to Core Values in a Monetized World
28:00 Highlighting Key Collaborations
29:50 Final Advice: Perseverance, Passion, and Authenticity
30:40 Closing Thoughts
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/david-popa
Links to artworks discussed:
Connect with David
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Free training and resources:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.
In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, nomadic plain air painter Lisa Lebofsky is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.
Known for her ability to capture the vulnerability of nature and humanity, Lisa blends abstraction and realism to document endangered and remote landscapes. Her art practice is deeply influenced by her travels to some of the most rugged and awe-inspiring parts of the world.
Lisa she shares the approaches and philosophies that have shaped her nomadic art career and opens up about the dynamic energy of painting outdoors, the importance of artist networks, and how she is navigating uncertain times by recalibrating her art business. From fostering emotional connections with the landscape to generating new sources of income, Lisa offers valuable insights for artists striving to balance creative fulfillment with professional sustainability.
“It's important to be in the studio, but you also have to be out in the world and talking to artists and talking to people outside of the arts. You have to have this community, these connections and really be passionate…because whatever you're feeling about what you're painting, that's going to come through.”
– Lisa Lebofsky
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:13 Lisa’s Approach to Plen Air Painting and Capturing Vulnerable Landscapes
02:00 Exploring Lisa’s Painting Melting Iceberg Seven
06:40 Challenges and Techniques of Painting in Extreme Conditions
09:54 Lisa’s Artistic Journey and Early Influences
11:02 The Role of Collaboration and Artist Networks
12:22 Navigating Social Media and Balancing Responsibilities
14:22 Adapting to Economic Uncertainty and Developing New Income Streams
25:42 The Emotional and Psychological Depth of Lisa’s Work
28:32 Final Thoughts: The Intersection of Art, Life, and Community
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/lisa-lebofsky
Links to artworks discussed:
Resources:
Connect with Lisa:
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Free training and resources:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.
In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, hyper-realist painter Denise Stewart-Sanabria is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.
She shares the mindset and methods that have helped her sustain a long-term career in the art world. In her strikingly detailed works, Denise explores themes of desire, history, perception, and human psychology. Her paintings are held in permanent museum collections, including the Tennessee State Museum and the Knoxville Museum of Art.
Denise doesn’t hold back when it comes to practical advice. From building visibility and navigating gallery relationships to sharpening your self-awareness through critique, this episode is packed with tools artists can use to grow with intention and professionalism.
“The biggest thing is just to do your own critiques. Is your work on the same level as what you're looking at in these other galleries?”– Denise Stewart-Sanabria
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:17 The Importance of Self-Critique and Practical Advice for Artists
02:25 Godzilla Plus Two and Themes in Denise’s Work
06:33 Building Relationships in your Art Community
07:43 Visibility Through Juried Shows, Art Fairs, and Gallery Representation
13:14 18th Century French Pastoral Toile Culture Shock and Museum Acquisitions
16:16 Networking, Volunteer Work, and Peer Support
20:40 Residencies and Publications for Career Growth
24:40 Conclusion: Persistence, Visibility, and Meaningful Connections
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here.
Links to artworks discussed:
Resources:
Connect with Denise:
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Free training and resources:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.
In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, classical realist painter Andrew Tischler is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists. He shares the key strategies that have fueled his 20-year career as a full-time artist.
Known for his meticulous landscapes, large-scale commissions, and commitment to teaching, Andrew has built a thriving international art practice and an online education platform, Tisch Academy, that supports artists around the world. He opens up about how discipline, mindset shifts, and a spirit of service have shaped his journey and allowed him to adapt and grow, even in moments of uncertainty.
From structuring your day for creative flow to embracing major career pivots and building income through education, Andrew offers grounded advice for artists seeking longevity and purpose in their careers.
“Don’t wait. Go. Make it happen. Grab it with both hands and jump in. Do not give up fighting. If you’ve got that dream, keep going until you break through.”
– Andrew Tischler
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Andrew Tischler’s Background
01:38 Structured Creativity: Organizing for Artistic Flow
01:58 Pivoting During Adversity: Reinventing as an Educator
02:26 Milford Sound: Emotional Connection in Art
03:20 Workflow and Discipline in Large-Scale Painting
04:20 Embracing Digital Tools for Efficiency
07:49 Balancing Art and Business Responsibilities
09:27 Overcoming Resistance and Staying Persistent
11:34 Lessons from a Major Setback: The Global Financial Crisis
15:08 Diversifying Revenue Streams as an Artist
19:15 Teaching as a Pathway for Artists
22:15 Key Lessons for Professional Artists
24:55 Final Reflections: Embrace Authenticity and Make an Impact
Links to artworks discussed:
Resources:
Connect with Andrew:
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Free training and resources:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.
In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, abstract painter Gwen Hollingsworth is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.
She shares how she blends spirituality and structure in her creative practice. Drawing from influences like Buddhism and Jungian thought, Gwen reflects on building a professional art career while staying true to her inner world. She shares insights from her solo show in New York, her experience at the Silver Art residency, and how business tools like a clear studio space, an elevator pitch, and consistent follow-up have helped her grow with purpose.
“Rejection is protection. If something doesn’t work out, it’s often for a reason - and that opens the door for something better.”
– Gwen Hollingsworth
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Gwen's Artistic Philosophy
01:11 The Importance of Studio Space
02:16 Description of the Artwork Incantation
03:23 Spirituality and Artistic Practice
04:41 Residencies and Experimentation
06:20 Building Connections in the Art World
09:01 The Role of Social Media in an Artist's Career
13:35 The Value of Peer Support and Community
20:24 Applying for Residencies and Facing Rejection
25:13 Financial Realities and Advice for Emerging Artists
Links to artworks discussed
Resources
Connect with Gwen:
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Free training and resources:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.
In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, painter Christopher Remmers is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.
He shares how he blends structure with soul building a thriving art practice while staying true to his creative vision.
He talks about how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset doesn’t mean selling out. It means building a system that gives you time, freedom, and clarity.
“Design the life that you want to be living, and then figure out what you need to do in order to live that life.”
– Christopher Remmers
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:16 Time Management and Entrepreneurial Mindset
02:02 Story of Annicha: A Pivotal Work
04:45 The Creative Process: Structure and Intuition
06:53 Building Systems for Creativity and Business
10:10 Designing Your Life as an Artist
13:08 Career Milestones and Zain
17:19 Overcoming Challenges and Resistance
21:38 Peer Support and Returning to Authentic Work
24:45 Mentorship and the Conscious Creativity Academy
Links to artworks discussed
Resources:
Connect with Christopher:
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Free training and resources:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.
The art world is always changing. It's a dynamic space where creativity and business intersect. Staying true to your craft can feel overwhelming, and knowing where to start is never easy.
Welcome to The Professional Artist Podcast. We’re your hosts, Miguel Mayher and Cristina Demiany. This show is all about what it really takes to build a successful, sustainable art career. With depth, nuance, and, most importantly, honesty, we pull back the curtain on the strategies that actually work.
Each week, we invite incredible guests to take us on a curated audio journey through their work, the pivotal moments that shaped them, and the decisions that propelled them forward. We’ll also shine a light on the mentors and peers who helped them along the way.
And we won’t shy away from the business side of things. From building strong gallery relationships to making the most of digital platforms and creating new income streams, we’ll explore how you can grow your career without ever compromising your creative vision. Whether you're emerging or already established, you’ll walk away with fresh inspiration and real, actionable advice.
The Professional Artist Podcast is coming soon. Available wherever you listen.
