Art & Cocktails - podcast cover

Art & Cocktails

Ekaterina Popovaartandcocktails.substack.com
Art & Cocktails is a weekly podcast where contemporary art meets creativity, business, and real talk. Hosted by artist, Create! Magazine founder, and master coach Ekaterina Popova, each episode delivers honest, no-nonsense conversations that blend passion and vulnerability with real-world strategies for thriving as a creative entrepreneur. Created for artists, creatives, and artpreneurs, the show features inspiring stories and candid discussions with artists, curators, writers, and thought leaders in the arts and beyond. From navigating the art world to building a sustainable creative practice, each episode offers actionable tips, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes insights—served with your favorite drink in hand. Whether you're in the studio, on a walk, or unwinding after a long day, Art & Cocktails is your go-to space for fresh perspectives and practical tools to support your artistic journey. Tune in weekly and be part of the conversation—because your creative life deserves it. Find us at www.createmagazine.co/podcast — where the conversation about art and business starts.

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Episodes

There Are No Rules | Kristi Kohut

Join us on a special episode in which Kat gets to know artist Kristi Kohut. The artist shares about the transition from working in advertising to being a full-time artist and gives us a glimpse into her world. This episode covers: Overcoming the fear of putting your work out there Creating your own rules and running an art business on your terms Kristi's work and inspiration Delegating tasks Staying inspired and more! Kristi's journey as an artist began after taking time off from her job as an a...

Sep 05, 201932 min

Minding Your Business | Ilana Griffo

On this episode, Kat learns all about creative business management from Ilana Griffo! Ilana's book "Mind Your Business" is a beautifully designed workbook that can help artists and creatives take charge of their career. Our conversation includes: Ilana's Story and how she got to where she is today Time management Balancing personal life and business Leaving day jobs and more! Ilana Griffo is an illustrator with typographic tendencies. She has taught many craft and creative workshops, and is an a...

Aug 29, 201932 min

Instagram: Fact or Fiction

On this episode, Kat and Alicia address common misconceptions about Instagram and offer tips to artists on how to make the most out of this platform. We share common success behaviors that help creatives drive sales, meet collectors, build a community, and more. On this episode find out: The reason why you don't need a lot of followers to benefit from Instagram Why you don't need to be posting or spending hours to make sales or gain valuable connections Tips on investing in ads and business part...

Aug 12, 201941 min

What to Do When "It" Hits the Fan

On this mini episode, Kat shares tips on how to handle difficult situations in your life and art career. Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe

Aug 02, 201919 min

Finding Purpose Through the Darkness | Jenny Brown

On this episode, Kat talks to collage artist Jenny Brown about her journey and how she discovered her artistic voice, overcame adversity, let go of the shame surrounding her dreams and gained clarity in her art career. This episode includes conversations about: Discovering your creative calling Student loan debt and financial struggle Overcoming depression and more Jenny Brown is a 1996 graduate of Bennington College and she received her MFA in 2005 from The School of Visual Arts, where she focu...

Jul 25, 201935 min

10 Ways to Invest in Your Art Career

On this episode, guest host Alicia Puig shares top ways you can invest in your art career. Listen to this episode if you recently hit a slump or are simply looking for exciting and even free ways to give your art a boost! www.createmagazine.com/podcast Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe...

Jul 22, 201917 min

The Importance of Breaks, Travel Tips on a Budget + Q&A with Kat and Alicia

On this episode, Kat and Alicia check-in after taking a travel break. Alicia shares tips on how to travel without breaking the bank, and Kat shares her experiences with artist residencies. We address how powerful rest can be for your creative career. This episode also includes a brief Q&A at the end. www.createmagazine.com/podcast Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe...

Jul 18, 201958 min

Success Isn't Selfish

Are you struggling to justify why you want more success in your art career? Kat shares her recent thoughts and perspective change around why it's ok to want more. Here is your permission slip to start dreaming bigger today. Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe

Jul 15, 201917 min

Start Late, Live Your Dreams | Lisa Congdon

Join us for a super inspiring episode featuring one of Kat's favorite artists and role models, Lisa Congdon. If you are worried about whether it's too late for you to be an artist and pursue your dream, listen to this interview immediately! This episode covers: Lisa's journey and breakthroughs Starting later in life Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear Finding your artistic voice Managing your time and increasing productivity while making time for fun + more www.lisacongdon.com www.createmagazi...

Jul 11, 201934 min

In It for the Long Haul

Kat shares her new perspective shift career and talks about the importance of looking at our life and career as a bigger picture. If you struggle with productivity guilt, anxiety, or feeling like you are not doing enough, this episode is for you! Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 19, 201917 min

How to do it all!

On this quick episode, Kat shares one simple reason why she can maintain her art practice, creative business, and other multiple projects. Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 13, 201915 min

It's Groundhog Day | Austin Kleon

Artist and author Austin Kleon shares behind the scenes of his daily routine, the secret sauce to a successful career, and an inside look at his new book. "Austin Kleon is the New York Times bestselling author of a trilogy of illustrated books about creativity in the digital age: Steal Like An Artist, Show Your Work!, and Keep Going. He’s also the author of Newspaper Blackout, a collection of poems made by redacting the newspaper with a permanent marker." Get full access to Art & Cocktails b...

Jun 06, 201937 min

Frieze Week, Jerry Saltz and Art Fair Highlights

On this episode, Kat and Alicia share their recent experience in New York City during Frieze week. They discuss insights from a talk by Jerry Saltz, senior art critic and columnist for New York magazine. Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe

May 09, 201925 min

Community Over Competition: Jamie Smith, founder of THRIVE

On this episode, Kat talks with Jamie Smith about her journey, starting THRIVE and the importance of community and accountability for artists. "Being artists is very important and often lonely work and it’s our belief that to be thriving artists we must make art, meet our people and do the work. THRIVE is a membership community of worldwide visual artists! Our Mastermind program welcomes trans and cis women, as well as those who are genderqueer, femme-identifying and non-binary." https://www.thr...

May 02, 201937 min

Let Yourself Grow: Erika Lee Sears

On this episode, Kat has a fun and inspiring conversation with Erika Lee Sears. Erika is a self-taught oil painter who took the plunge to leave her corporate job in order to paint full time. Learn about how to commit to a daily painting practice, get tips for painting while traveling, set up a perfect morning routine and balance family life. Links: www.atinyrocket.com www.instagram.com/erikaleesears Travel paint supplies: Wiliamsburg Paint https://amzn.to/2XBxtDa Gamsol https://amzn.to/2DsYz7L T...

Apr 25, 201942 min

Taking the Power Back in Your Art Career with Michelle I. Gomez

On this episode of Art & Cocktails , Kat talks with Michelle I. Gomez about her entrepreneurial journey and how artists can take back self-worth and gain control over their life and finances. Michelle I. Gomez is the founder of Creative Unions Event Design LLC , the first event planning company dedicated to integrating contemporary art into life’s celebrations, she views marriage celebrations as specially curated art exhibitions that bring people together to celebrate and express unique love...

Apr 18, 201943 min

Artistacon: Leveling Up Creative Careers

On this episode, Kat welcomes guest Chris Kotsakis to share his journey and the story behind the new art conference, Artistacon. Artistacon is an educational conference for seasoned and aspiring creatives celebrating the creative process and the mentorship of a new generation. A unique and intimate engagement featuring workshops, educational symposia, portfolio reviews, demonstrations, and displays from featured artists, illustrators, and writers; all willing to share their expertise with those ...

Apr 11, 201935 min

Tips for Surviving Day Jobs for Artists

Kat shares some essential tips that helped her grow her art career, build a portfolio and eventually transition to self-employment while working several day jobs. Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 09, 201927 min

How to Design a New Series

On this episode, Kat shares how she approaches starting a new painting series and offers tips to help you create a plan around a new body of work. Listen to this if you need help getting inspired, figuring out what your art will be about and executing! A Dictionary Of Color Combinations: https://amzn.to/2G4qlIv Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe...

Apr 05, 201922 min

The Power of Imagination

On this episode, Kat interviews artist Shamona Stokes about her creative journey and how she overcame her fear of being an artist. Shamona Stokes is a ceramic sculptor from New Jersey. She holds a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Her iconic sculptures explore the archetypes and imaginary figures of the subconscious. https://www.shamonastokes.com/sculpture/ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bigunicorn/antennae-a-sculptural-shrine-to-the-human-imaginat?ref=ksr_email_creator_launch Get ...

Mar 28, 201929 min

Introducing PxP Contemporary

Q&A with Kat and Alicia answering common questions about the new project. We talk about why we started the gallery, what we are looking for, how to submit work, best practices and more! PxP Contemporary is an online platform which will connect collectors with high-quality, affordable artworks. We believe in transparent pricing, building meaningful relationships with our clients, providing exceptional customer service and above all, supporting the talented artists who we work with and represe...

Mar 26, 201925 min

How my wellness journey empowered my art career

I want to be really honest with you. On this episode, I share some not so great moments in my journey so far. I get pretty vulnerable and talk about experiences that inspired me to take control of my health and why I made wellness a priority. As a result, I have experienced some powerful breakthroughs in my art career that I want to pass on to you. -Kat This episode is sponsored by Artistacon: Artistacon is an educational conference for seasoned and aspiring creatives celebrating the creative pr...

Mar 14, 201921 min

Get the Most out of Working with Galleries

On this quick episode, Kat shares advice and recent experiences working with galleries and how to get the most out of it! Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 07, 201914 min

Ashley Longshore: Giving up Is Not an Option

Join Ashley Longshore and Kat on this special episode. We talk about the hard stuff: working through financial difficulty, not giving up, trusting and believing in yourself during times of uncertainty, staying in a positive frequency no matter what and working with high-end clients. Sarah Ashley Longshore is a Louisiana-based painter, gallery owner, and entrepreneur. She is the owner of the Longshore Studio Gallery, located on Magazine Street in New Orleans. Longshore's art focuses on pop cultur...

Feb 28, 201936 min

How to Submit Your Art

If you are new to the art world and are having trouble figuring out how to submit work to juried shows, publications, art blogs and more, fear not! I have compiled a quick list of tips that I noticed from the curatorial end. I share simple advice to help you increase your chances of getting accepted to that dream opportunity! More Career Tips www.createmagazine.com/book Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe...

Feb 21, 201921 min

Why Artists Should Dream More

On this quick episode, Kat shares her powerful recent experiences with dreaming both big and small. She offers some tools to help you guide the course of your art career (and life). Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 12, 201911 min

Giving a Voice to Artists with Christina Nafziger

On this episode, Kat introduces you to Christina Nafziger who frequently contributes to Create! Magazine. We chat about working in the arts, studying in London, navigating side hustles and more. Christina shares her journey so far and gives insights to help artists get more press. Christina is a freelance writer, journalist, and editor focusing on contemporary art and visual culture. www.christinanafziger.com Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack....

Feb 07, 201937 min

Don't Know How to Get Started? Listen to This

On this episode, Kat shares her #1 tip for starting new creative projects, art series or anything else you keep thinking about but are stuck on. If you have been daydreaming about an idea but have not yet pulled the trigger on it, this one is for you! Brought to you by The Smartist Guide: https://createmagazine.com/book Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe...

Feb 05, 201920 min

Fighting Overwhelm

On this quick episode, Kat shares some strategies for fighting anxiety and overwhelm in our creative careers. Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 18, 201915 min

Introducing The Smartist Guide!

Kat and Alicia introduce you to the new book Smartist Guide: Essential Art Career Tips For Emerging Artists and share what you can expect to find inside. We share some interesting moments from our own careers and what we wish we knew back when we first started. This episode also includes tips on handling rejection, avoiding scams and protecting your work with copyright! Get the book: https://createmagazine.com/book https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1982983620 Send questions to: info@createmagazi...

Jan 15, 201934 min
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