Q&A: Answering your Questions. From Home Studios To Galleries: Real-World Art Career Advice
Manage episode 520339158 series 3525443
We are excited to answer your art questions! In this episode we will discuss: how do you keep your practice thriving while navigating space, money, and access? We dig in with honest, field-tested advice and personal stories from two working artists who’ve built momentum in imperfect conditions.
We start with the studio question everyone wrestles with: home vs separate space. You’ll hear why a “setup” beats square footage, how to protect focus if interruptions tank your flow, and scrappy ways to work larger without taking on a lease you can’t sustain. From there, we lay out a gallery game plan: what a strong approach package looks like (10–15 works with depth behind them), what “consistency” really means, and how to get on the radar through open calls, smart social presence, and showing up at the right level.
International showing gets a reality check. Culture changes the conversation, but logistics can make or break it. We walk through shipping options, customs surprises, and how to avoid vanity traps with contracts that shift costs onto artists. We also talk residencies, including why many invite-only programs pull from boards and alumni, and how relationships can open doors when applications can’t.
Collectors and sustainability round out the heart of the episode. We share favorite delivery stories, why early-stage artists should sell to keep making, and how ideal collectors help build careers over time. For anyone staring down a short financial runway, we offer practical steps: emergency grant resources, low-cost materials that keep you prolific, and the mindset shift that treats bridge income as a patron rather than a detour.
If you found value here, follow the show, share it with an artist friend, and leave a review so more creatives can find these conversations. Got a question for part two? Send it our way—your prompts shape the next round.
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@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
Watch the Video Episode on Youtube or Spotify,
Chapters
1. Q&A Kickoff And Topic Map (00:00:00)
2. Studio At Home Vs Separate Space (00:02:09)
3. Budgeting For A Rented Studio (00:06:52)
4. How Many Works To Approach Galleries (00:10:55)
5. Building A Consistent Body Of Work (00:14:22)
6. Getting Gallery Attention And Open Calls (00:18:00)
7. Showing Overseas: Culture, Shipping, Customs (00:23:10)
8. Invite-Only Residencies: How They Happen (00:28:15)
9. Ideal Collectors And Delivery Moments (00:30:05)
10. Making Art Under Financial Stress (00:36:40)
11. How Advocates Can Help Artists Locally (00:44:00)
12. Part Two Tease And Closing (00:50:45)
52 episodes