In this episode, Nikki and Laura kick off the new year with a deep dive into their planning process for 2025. We reflect on our personal and creative wins and struggles from 2024, share the lessons we’ve learned, and discuss our goals for the year ahead. From building habits to embracing the chaos of creative business, we outline actionable steps for balancing our personal lives, creative work, and podcast goals. We also discuss our Words of the Year—and explain how these intentions will shape our year. Packed with humor, relatable challenges, and practical advice, this episode is a motivational guide for Startists looking to start the year strong.

STARTIST SOCIETY SHOW NOTES & **FREE TIPS PDF DOWNLOAD**:

https://startistsociety.com/planning/

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In our last episode, we introduced you to Heather Bourque of Paper and Wings, an artist and illustrator that sells physical products via wholesale. Did we mention she does this all on her own while still having time to travel the world each year? Heather is back this week to share her five best tips on getting started with a wholesale art business. We know you'll be inspired to give wholesale a try after you hear Heather's great advice!

STARTIST SOCIETY SHOW NOTES & **FREE TIPS PDF DOWNLOAD**:

startistsociety.com/wholesaletips/

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In this episode, we continue our accountability group series by introducing you to Heather Bourque, an artist from Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada, who illustrates her love of coastal living and travel through her wholesale and retail online shop, Paper and Wings. We travel deep into Heather’s world of creating and distributing wholesale products alongside her online retail shop. We know you’ll love Heather’s Startist story – and Heather – as much as we do!

Oh - and did we mention she created a solo-run wholesale business that still allows her to travel globally several months out of the year? We know you'll be inspired to give wholesale a try after you hear Heather's great advice!

STARTIST SOCIETY SHOW NOTES:

startistsociety.com/paperandwings/

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In episode 49, we introduced you to Elizabeth Silver, a surface pattern designer and educator who is the creator of a fantastic course called Start Your Surface Pattern Business. This week, Elizabeth is back to talk to us about reasons you might not be getting your art in front of potential paying clients. We know you'll love Elizabeth's frank, no fluff business advice as much as we do!

STARTIST SOCIETY SHOW NOTES:

startistsociety.com/gettingseen/

CHECK OUT ELIZABETH'S COURSE:

Start Your Surface Pattern Design Business Course

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In this week’s episode, Laura and Nikki share 5 quick tips to help improve your artwork and take it to the next level. We discuss strategies that can help elevate your artwork and set you apart from the crowd and share some really fun tools, websites and products that can help with implementing these techniques!

STARTIST SOCIETY SHOW NOTES & FREE PDF TIPS DOWNLOAD:

startistsociety.com/arttips/

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In our last episode, we introduced you to Maria Brophy, an author, teacher, art consultant, agent and brand manager who wrote the incredible book Art Money Success. This week, Maria is back to share her 5 best tips for achieving success with your art.

STARTIST SOCIETY SHOW NOTES & FREE PDF TIPS DOWNLOAD:

startistsociety.com/mariastips/

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facebook.com/groups/startistsociety/

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In this week’s episode, Laura and Nikki interview Maria Brophy, the author of Art Money Success. Maria discusses her journey from corporate cubicle life to becoming a successful art business owner and coach. She is a proven expert at marketing, licensing, and selling artwork, having played a key role in growing husband Drew Brophy's successful art career. We chat about tangible and proven strategies you can use to network in-person, getting your artwork in front of potential buyers and how to battle money mindset issues. We know you're going to learn so much from Maria who has literally written the book on art, money and success!

STARTIST SOCIETY SHOW NOTES:

startistsociety.com/mariabrophy/

JOIN THE STARTIST SOCIETY FB GROUP:

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FOLLOW STARTIST SOCIETY ON INSTAGRAM:

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In this week’s episode, Laura and Nikki explore the basics of professionally presenting your art business - both online and in person. We cover everything from communication etiquette to curating your portfolio, creating artist statements and a consistent brand identity, prepping physical artwork for galleries and more. We know you'll walk away with some great tips to put into action as you grow your art business.

STARTIST SOCIETY SHOW NOTES:

startistsociety.com/presenting/

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