Tag: artist mindset

In this studio visit, we step into the working world of a Brazilian clinical psychologist and visual artist Bruna Gazzi Costa who paints between therapy sessions and long, quiet weekends. She shares how listening shapes her practice, why acrylic paint fits her routine, and how working inside a shared art space during the pandemic helped her stay steady. From early morning light to unfinished canvases waiting on the walls, this conversation offers a look at a studio shaped by time, care, and daily life.

This week we spoke with Jessica, an author and illustrator who works wherever she can find a little quiet. She talks with us about how she builds her stories, the coffee that follows her from one workspace to another, and the way natural light helps her settle into her ideas. Our conversation moves through her daily routine, the books she loves, and the small habits that guide her creative work.

We visited Dr. Evilletown in her basement studio in New York City. The space is quiet and practical, with the faint smell of paint and beeswax in the air. Around her, sketches, paintings, and sculptures sit in different stages of progress. She talks about how she keeps her workspace clear, how ideas move from sketchbooks to finished pieces, and the small routines that help her stay focused. It’s a chance to see how her art takes shape, one brushstroke and sound at a time.

Sometimes the habits we hold onto sneak up on us without us even noticing. As artists, we carry routines, little thought patterns, and mental pressures that quietly shape our work in ways we do not always see. Some of these habits drain our energy, stall creativity, or keep ideas from fully coming to life. Noticing them is not about guilt or blame. It is about understanding how our own actions quietly influence the work we make and the way we feel about it. Letting go of habits that do not serve…

This studio visit takes you inside the home of artist Karen Sachs, where her living room has become the center of her creative life. She talks about how she works, how her space feels, and the small moments that guide her as she paints and builds her ideas day by day.

The last thing artists expect is needed to stay consistent is emotional skills, but let me break it down for you. Most of us think being consistent is all about discipline, rigid schedules, or hours locked in the studio. Like, “if I just grind long enough, I’ll magically produce every day.” But the truth is way messier, and way more human. What really keeps you showing up is how you deal with the doubts, the distractions, the little inner voices that whisper, “Maybe today isn’t worth it.” That’s where emotional skills…

 Growth in an artistic career is rarely accidental. It is the result of deliberate decisions, consistent effort, and a focus on what truly advances your practice. Talent alone will take you only so far; long-term progress depends on how you structure your work, approach challenges, and measure your own development. Recognizing this distinction is the first step toward building a career that is not reactive, but intentional. Every choice, from daily studio habits to strategic outreach, contributes to the trajectory of your work. Growth is cumulative, built from many small but…

People don’t always admit it, but rushing becomes a habit before you even realize what happened. You get used to moving fast because it feels safer than slowing down. There’s this quiet belief that if you pause, someone else will move ahead or you’ll lose momentum. A lot of artists fall into that pattern without meaning to, and suddenly speed feels like a requirement instead of a choice. What makes it tricky is that rushing looks like progress. You finish tasks, send things out, apply to opportunities, push out new work,…

Some careers burn bright and fade fast, while others last decade after decade. Talent, luck, and connections matter, of course, but there’s something quieter that makes the difference: emotional strategy. Knowing how to navigate your feelings, protect your energy, and respond thoughtfully to challenges shapes not just your work, but your entire career. Emotions rarely get framed as professional tools, yet they affect every decision, every interaction, and every reputation you build over time. People who last in their fields notice patterns in their reactions, understand what drains them, and develop…

Being an artist is already very hard. Between painting, managing your studio, and trying to get your work seen, it often feels like you are juggling too many balls at once. What if I told you there’s a simple formula that makes it easier to get your work done, handle the behind-the-scenes tasks, and actually see results? The 60/30/10 rule does exactly that. It’s a surprisingly small adjustment with a big payoff, helping you balance creative time, admin tasks, and marketing without feeling like you’re drowning in to-dos. Here’s why it…