The Laura Horn Art Podcast

This episode we are sharing 10 organisational ideas that your future self will thank you for. You know the types of things - storing your photos, doing a stock-take of your art supplies, filing your receipts  and so on. But what about scheduling your self-care and making clear work boundaries?  Richie puts me in the hot seat this week, shining the light on my unhealthy work habits and reminding me of just how stubborn I can be when I get fixated on something. While I wouldn't say I loved this conversation as it was happening, when I listened to it back, I knew I had to leave it in because while it is hard, we need to talk about this stuff.  Talk about this impossible desire to do all the things. After this podcast I felt liberated and I hope you do too. This isn't about having everything figured out, this is about making your life easier so you have more time to do what you love.  You can find show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/23 Join me over on Instagram @laurahornart 

How do you find your style as an artist? This is the number one question that I get asked which is why I created this episode and a free video/workbook dedicated to the topic.  Join us this week as we chat about the 'Finding Your Unique Artistic Style' Workbook. Learn how you can use this resource to bring focus and clarity to your art making.  This workbook includes the questions and exercises I use myself to keep my creative practice on track.  You can also watch a YouTube video that I created to support the workbook.  I want to help you to nurture your artistic voice, take action on your creative goals and make art that YOU absolutely love!   Download the workbook  https://www.laurahornart.com/unique-artistic-style Watch the YouTube video https://youtu.be/jpoiLxUf5gA Join me over on Instagram  @laurahornart

Last week we reflected on the year that was 2018. This week we are looking to the future. With our favourite planner The Maker's Yearbook by our side, we are dreaming up ideas and setting our intentions for 2019.  From new online classes to international workshops, there's a lot to get excited about. A dream is nothing without a plan though. So join us in our quest to become better planners! We hope that you find it inspiring and that it encourages you to grab a pen and paper (or whatever works for you) and start doing some planning of your own. 

Do you have an end of year planning ritual? A process for reflecting on the year that was and preparing for what lies ahead? Up until now, we haven't. To be honest there has been a bit too much winging it over the past 12 months for comfort. That's why when I heard about The Maker's Yearbook 2019 by Nicola Taylor, I ordered it immediately. I knew that we needed help to get on track for 2019. Since it arrived, I have been pestering my hubby to sit down for a planning sesh and this week we did!  One of the things that I love about The Maker's Yearbook is that before you start the planning part, you take a good look back at the past 12 months - the highs, the lows and the lessons learned along the way. We definitely dropped the ball in a few areas but there were also amazing improvements to our family life and the level of fulfillment we both feel about our work. Tune in to hear more from our first ever planning sesh together.  You can find show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/20 Join me over on Instagram @laurahornart  

So how do you make money as an artist? These days there are so many options. Original work, prints, lifestyle products, workshops, retreats, online classes, ebooks ... Join us this week as we talk about what income streams we use now and which ones we've let go of and why. Profitability certainly plays a big part but there's more to this conversation! Tune in to hear our thoughts on the many ways to make a living as an artist.  

Recently I left a bucket of brushes in dirty paint water on the kitchen counter for several days. Little did I know that my hubby was going out of his mind over this. Meanwhile, I happily got on with making more art with all the other supplies I have. As you can imagine, this made hubby even crazier! And so this week on the podcast he approached me about it and wanted to know just how many art supplies I have. Join us as we run through my perfectly reasonable list of mixed media must-haves! This podcast wasn't exactly planned so forgive me if I don't get the names for the things I mention 100% right. I have since gone back and put all the details including links to suppliers on the blog. 

Richie made a heart-warming observation this week, he commented on the generous spirit and awesomeness of my art community. It got me thinking about how important it is to build your village, to have people that you can call on & friends that you can shamelessly chat to about art for hours! We are so lucky these days as there are so many options both in-person/online. For me though, nothing beats chatting to someone over a cup of tea, even a virtual tea :-). Before you even listen to this episode, have a think, is there someone you could reach out to. Go on, make it happen! 

Do you ever find yourself tightening up as you paint? Overthinking and struggling to find your flow. This week I am sharing my tips for staying loose. From painting in my gym clothes to banning certain people from the studio, I've got a few strategies up my sleeve! This is a juicy podcast that I hope will encourage you to go bigger, play more and most importantly, have fun! Speaking of big, stay tuned until the end of the podcast for exciting news about upcoming retreats, workshops and classes. 

There is no doubt about it, some painting days are hard. It's crushing to look at a painting at the end of a session, only to wish that you hadn't touched it at all. Then there are the days when you can't even get motivated to pick up a paintbrush. So how do you get out of a painting funk? Join me this week as I chat about my own experiences and share what has been helping me to get my painting mojo back! 

This episode we are responding to listener questions. We answer a few quick ones and then settle in for a conversation about making your own art prints. Digitizing and printing your art is technical, time-consuming and requires a significant investment in equipment and materials. BUT it is also a fantastic way for getting your art out into the world and can open the door to exciting opportunities. Join us this week as we talk about the process, the pros and the cons of printing. 

There's nothing quite like a trip away, to get you thinking and re-evaluating. That's just what happened when we visited artist and entrepreneur, Doulene Walker, in Bali last month (see last weeks podcast). The experience inspired us to think bigger and go ALL IN on running our business (and our home) together. Heads up, we talk about housework nearly as much as painting in this episode! It's an interesting conversation about shifting roles and new possibilities. Enjoy! 

This week's podcast might be a short one but it is BIG in so many ways! We are with artist, Doulene Walker, and coming to you from beautiful Bali. Being brave is the theme this week and it is fitting as we have exciting news to share! If you have ever imagined taking a week away from the hustle and bustle to immerse yourself in a rich painting and cultural experience, you are going to want to listen in. Find Doulene Walker Art on Instagram or check out her website. 

Growing an Instagram account is an art in itself. There's so much to master. Taking appealing photos, writing engaging captions, using helpful hashtags. The list is endless. This week we share our tips and strategies to help you approach Instagram with confidence and most importantly to enjoy it! We want you to get out there and make the most of this possibility filled platform. 

As a creative business owner, there comes a point when you have to put in the work and get yourself organised. For some of us, this comes more easily than others. I know that I bumbled along for many years, holding information in my head and scribbling ideas on scraps of paper. I have always loved the feel and look of handwritten notebooks but the reality was, it wasn't working for me.  Earlier this year, I bought myself a new laptop. The first computer I have ever had, all of my own. With my shiny new laptop in hand, I began a switch that would later on become a force of power in my creative business. I switched over to online organisation. And you know what. I haven’t looked back. In fact, I have become somewhat of a productivity tool junkie and today I am counting down my favourites.  You can find show notes for this episode at  https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/10 Join me over on Instagram @laurahornart

Raising children while running a creative business is not easy. It's a constant juggle. We haven't got it all figured out but we have learned a few things along the way. So grab a cup of tea and settle in. It's time to let go of the guilt, ease the overwhelm and acknowledge the amazing work you are doing.