Confessions of a Podcast Junkie Issue# 2
I am so pumped to share this edition of Podcast Junkie with you! Podcast Junkie is the new post series where I share my love of podcasts with you. I’ll post the inspirational lessons I glean from specific podcast episodes so that you can share in the experience. 
Sometimes it takes listening to something three or four times for it to sink in. This is one of those lessons that may take 50x to get it all, but I want to share it with you.
Success doesn’t happen overnight.
We have to put in the miles.
I loved this podcast! Daniel DiGriz of the Thriving Artist Podcast asked all the questions I would have wished I had asked if I were to sit and chat with Stephanie Birdsall. The thing is, I wouldn’t have thought of what to ask until I was in my car, AFTER visiting with Stephanie. Daniel nails it. Here’s what Stephanie had to say:
Workshops and Group Painting Benefits
Though she had an art education in London, she didn’t feel she received the skills needed to become a successful artist so she spent the next 15- 20 years supplementing her education and enhancing her art skills by taking workshops. As she happily shared the insider’s view of belonging to an art group like the Putney Painters, I felt my heart begin to palpitate. We are on the verge of exploring that very opportunity to create that type of environment at Tubac School of Fine Art LLC. The environment of the Putney painters’ group is not only supportive, but it is not competitive. All members play an integral role in the group. Painting as a group, they all learn from one another; all in the process of putting in the miles. Let’s foster that type of environment. Who knows maybe we’ll be known as the Tubac Painters a group of painters making a mark in this world.
Life Drawing Weekly Class Mondays 1-4 pm
The Power of Our Unique Voice
She shared great advice about working with galleries and other art business skills such as networking through art events, like paint-outs, and competitions, as well as the role social media plays in her art business strategies. Another snippet of wisdom Stephanie shared is the importance of a symbiotic relationship with gallery representation, art associations, and outside promotions, such as teaching venues or shows for your own self-promotion. I wholeheartedly agree with this. Don’t expect that one person or entity can single-handedly strengthen your art career. You have to get your work out there. It has to be seen. Your story must be heard. Share your vision. There is power in your unique voice. Because no one knows better or is more invested in your work than you.
Podcast Takeaways
My two biggest takeaways from this interview with Stephanie Birdsall:
- “As a true artist, one always wants to be open to learning.” Despite having an education in art and becoming a very successful artist, Stephanie still loves to learn from her peers and mentors through workshops and group painting.
- Instant professional, recognizable artist status doesn’t happen overnight. It’s so easy to compare ourselves with others. I start to question my progress and abilities, comparing three-year milestones to others’ twenty-year milestones. I begin to expect more out of myself than is possible. Patience, consistency, and a heart for learning are key.
To read more about Stephanie Birdsall, see her website. I encourage you to listen to this podcast today and get pumped about the possibilities forming at Tubac School of Fine Art.
Be a Part of a Painting Group
Tubacians will have the benefit of workshops with professional artists available in our backyard. We can learn from one another and benefit from the camaraderie during group painting. Group painting is available weekly during open studios and life drawing sessions. Drop ins are always welcome and we encourage you to bring a friend who might feel intimidated to join in alone.
Open Studio Sessions- Weekly- Wednesdays 1-4 pm
You might also be interested in this guaranteed to be fun, monthly event, to enjoy some Spirited painting with Pam.
Spirited painting with Pam