Extraordinary Creatives - podcast cover

Extraordinary Creatives

Ceri Handwww.cerihand.com
Extraordinary Creatives: The Premier Art Podcast Welcome to the Extraordinary Creatives podcast, your gateway to the world of exceptional artists and creative leaders who have defied the odds to make a significant impact in the arts and beyond. Hosted by Ceri Hand, creative coach, curator, and seasoned arts and business insider, this podcast offers a wealth of insights into art and creativity through in-depth interviews. Ceri’s extensive experience and genuine passion for the arts make every episode a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice. At the heart of Extraordinary Creatives is the belief that creativity is essential for success. However, it is the courage, confidence, and resilience to dare to be different that truly transforms the world. With her warm, playful, and straight-talking style, Ceri delves into the ideas, processes, mindsets, victories, and challenges of trailblazers who have paved the way in the arts. Ceri’s mission is to support 100,000 artists and arts leaders by 2025 by providing exclusive access to information, inspiration, and expertise. Discover the transformative power of art with Extraordinary Creatives. Tune in and follow so you don’t miss an episode!
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Episodes

Why You Feel Drained After a Big Show (And What to Do About It)

In this episode, Ceri looks at why so many artists feel completely drained after a big show. She explains why this is a natural part of the creative cycle, how to build up your resilience before a show so the drop in energy you feel is less drastic, and the practical things you can do to enable yourself to recover faster and ignite your creative spark again. The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing and start building momentum in your art career? Applications are now open for t...

Jul 10, 20258 minEp. 120

Using the Art of Story Telling to Connect and Resonate with Hunter Braithwaite

Today, Ceri is joined by Hunter Braithwaite, an artist, writer, editor, and cultural strategist who is Senior Vice President of Cultural Counsel and has led strategic communications for the Chicago Architecture Biennial, Hyundai Artlab and the Ford Foundation. Hunter shares how to craft powerful narratives that tell your story and engage decision makers and how to use your creativity to connect with others and be an agent for change. The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing an...

Jul 07, 20251 hr 37 minEp. 119

How to Rekindle an Old Artworld Contact (Without Making it Weird)

Today, Ceri talks about reaching out to someone you haven't spoken to in years. Most artists dread speaking to that curator, collector, collaborator, who once loved their work, got their vision, maybe even worked with them, but who they over time lost touch with to the point where contacting them again feels kind of awkward. Ceri shares 4 simple ways to reach out that cut through all of that awkwardness and really work. Artist Networking Course - If you want the scripts, the tools and the confid...

Jul 03, 20258 minEp. 118

Creative Courage, Grit and the Benefits of Sharing Your Process with Chris Do

In this episode, Ceri is joined by the dynamic Chris Do—designer, entrepreneur, educator, and founder of The Futur. Chris shares his journey from refugee to renowned creative force. He and Ceri discuss the power of inner narratives, building confidence through action, and why you should share your process. If you suffer from imposter syndrome, are unsure of how to grow your creative career, or stuck waiting for permission - this episode is ideal for you. The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to st...

Jun 30, 20251 hr 25 minEp. 117

The 5 Types of Confidence Every Artist Needs (And How to Build Them)

Today, Ceri talks about something that causes more anxiety than almost anything else in an artist's career - confidence. She demonstrates that confidence is not a single magical personality trait that you either have or you don't, it is actually a toolkit of slightly different skills that any artist can learn. Artists need to develop 5 types of confidence, Ceri explains what they are and how to build each of them. She also provides you with a simple coaching exercise you can use to start doing t...

Jun 26, 20258 min

Finding Inspiration Everywhere, Persevering and Staying True to Yourself with Laleh Khorramian

Today, Ceri is joined by Laleh Khorramian, painter, printmaker, animator and textile artist, whose work spans drawing, light, costume and collage. Laleh reveals the roots of her creative life, from drawing under duress to discovering Van Gogh in Costco. Laleh shares how growing up between cultures shaped a dual sense of self that still informs her work. She explains how she rebuilt her practice and sense of self after cancer diagnoses and found her way back when the work felt lost. Whether you a...

Jun 23, 20251 hr 25 minEp. 115

Stuck is Normal - Staying Stuck is Optional

In this episode, Ceri talks about something every artist faces – getting stuck. That moment where everything grinds to a halt, you feel overwhelmed and unable to make progress. Ceri has helped all kinds of artists overcome this issue, everyone from emerging artists, mid-career artists, even artists with solo shows at major institutions, so she will help you too. Stuck happens to everyone, but staying stuck, that part´s optional. The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing and sta...

Jun 18, 20257 minEp. 114

Leveraging the System to Create Attention Grabbing Subversive Art with Jeremy Hutchison

For this compelling episode, Ceri is joined by artist Jeremy Hutchison, whose subversive, multi-disciplinary practice spans performance, sculpture, video and text. They cover essential takeaways for artists today: how to subvert the aesthetics of capitalist spectacle without shame, how humour disruption and wrong-headed commercialism can be radical tools for change; and why artists must stop waiting for permission and instead beg forgiveness, push edges and find their co-conspirators. The Artist...

Jun 15, 20251 hr 32 minEp. 113

You´ve Achieved More Than You Think

In this empowering episode, Ceri dismantles the myth that you are not achieving enough as an artist. Something that virtually every artist that comes to her for coaching tells her is true of them. Ceri explains how to use honest reflection, and mindset shifts to put things into perspective, fully appreciate your achievements and celebrate your wins. This episode will enable you to reclaim your confidence and progress with renewed clarity and enthusiasm. The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to sto...

Jun 11, 20258 minEp. 112

Invisible Worlds, Creative Resilience & Letting Go Of Perfectionism with Andy J. Pizza

Today, Ceri sits down with prolific author, illustrator and podcaster, Andy J. Pizza. They discuss how each part of you fuels creativity, and why staying true to your weirdest self produces meaningful work. Andy shares the evolution of his acclaimed book Invisible Things (co-created with his spouse Sophie Miller). He opens up about collaboration, resilience, letting go of perfection and advocating for yourself when working with clients. The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing...

Jun 08, 20251 hr 32 minEp. 111

When You Know, You Know: Heartbreak, Art and Learning to Trust Yourself

Today, Ceri shares a personal story that she rarely talks about. It´s messy and painful, but ultimately hopeful. Ceri is sharing this story to help you reflect on the times that you have ignored your inner knowing, your instincts, and carried on working for a gallery or client that was draining you or stayed in a bad relationship. This episode will help you find a little more courage to trust yourself next time. Enabling you to be true to yourself and your work so you can grow your art practice....

Jun 04, 20256 minEp. 110

Making Art That Glows: Autumn Casey on Intuition, Grit, and Building a Creative Life

Today, Ceri chats with Miami-based artist Autumn Casey, whose work dances across sculpture, performance, video, and sound—from solo screams at Art Basel to directing a lo-fi Snoop Dogg video. Autumn transforms the everyday into something enchanted, uncanny, and joyfully offbeat. Her luminous sculptures now light up the design world. She shares the real story behind sustaining a creative life: the grit, the glamour, the grounding force of good collaborators, and the unexpected magic of saying you...

Jun 01, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 109

How to Build Confidence—Without Faking It

If confidence feels elusive for you and this is holding you back, this episode will be especially helpful for you. Confidence is not a gift, it is a habit, something you can learn and use until you reach the point where getting out there pitching, applying and connecting is something you feel comfortable doing and are good at. To help you to do this Ceri shares the real-world journey of a member of her Artist Mastermind Circle, along with a simple confidence building exercise for you to do this ...

May 28, 20257 minEp. 108

How to Keep Evolving When the Art World Wants Consistency with Peter Gronquist

Today, Ceri introduces you to the extraordinary artist Peter Gronquist. Peter grew up surrounded by creative energy and unconventional thinkers. His work is rooted in resilience, experimentation, and emotional connection to the natural world. Peter and Ceri discuss his artistic journey, the importance of persistence, parenting, and the messy beauty of making work that defies categories. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay true to yourself while navigating the sometimes-maddening art world, this ...

May 25, 202554 minEp. 107

The Artists Making Progress Do This First

This week's shorty is about one simple but powerful shift: getting clear on your goals, what you really want, and how to start getting there. Not just in theory, but in practice, with examples from artists who've done it inside The Artist's Mastermind Circle. There is a difference between working and progressing. You can be busy every day, posting, planning, painting, and still feel like nothing's actually moving. If that sounds familiar to you, this episode is definitely going to help you to br...

May 21, 20259 minEp. 106

The Transformative Effect of Saying Yes to the Painting Within You with Erika B Hess

For this episode, Ceri is joined by the fiercely honest, endlessly generous Erika B Hess, a painter, the artistic director of Chautauqua Visual Arts and host of two brilliant podcasts. She's exhibited nationally and internationally, curates shows and publications and has helped build an entire support system for artists. Erika shares her artist journey, including the moment her paintings stopped being something she controlled and became something she listened to. She talks about learning to say ...

May 18, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 105

Stop Waiting - 4 Ways to Start Earning from Your Art

If you are waiting for the right moment, gallery or person to make your art career click, you could be waiting forever. In this episode, Ceri shares four powerful ways to start earning from your art. Not someday, not once you feel ready, but today….right now. The strategies Ceri shares are insights that come from the real-world experience of Zawadi, an exceptional artist who had great networking skills and plenty of shows but was still not earning. Then, she joined The Artist Mastermind Circle, ...

May 14, 20259 minEp. 104

How Creativity Activism is Tackling Climate Change with John Kenneth Paranada

For this episode, Ceri is joined by British Filipino curator, writer and researcher John Kenneth Paranada. He bridges the worlds of art, science and other disciplines to shape global conversations around sustainability, resilience and regenerative practices. They unpack his journey and explore how art is mobilising change and the role institutions like the Sainsbury Centre can play in shaping climate consciousness. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about creativity activism and the courage...

May 11, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 103

You're Not Lazy – You're Afraid (And Here´s What Helps)

In this episode, Ceri explains how to recognise when fear is holding you back, particularly fear of what others think or of rejection. If you are constantly telling yourself you are not ready or good enough to take the next step in your creative journey, in all likelihood it is fear that is holding you back. Ceri shares some simple strategies any artist can use to recognise, face and overcome their fears. KEY TAKEAWAYS Most of the artists Ceri works with do not lack talent, motivation, skill or ...

May 07, 202511 minEp. 102

The Creative Power in Uncertainty with Margaret Heffernan

Ceri speaks with author and former CEO Margaret Heffernan about embracing uncertainty as a creative tool. From her journey through theatre, BBC production, tech leadership, to becoming a bestselling author, she shares how uncertainty isn't something to fear but a space where possibility thrives. Her latest book also explores how artists navigate and flourish in unpredictability and how in uncertainty lies choice, freedom, opportunity, exploration and adventure. KEY TAKEAWAYS Margaret embodies cr...

May 04, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 101

How I Know You’re an Extraordinary Creative (Spoiler: It's not about awards, followers, or fancy studios.)

Welcome to the 100th episode of Extraordinary Creatives! One hundred thousand listeners, nineteen months and now ranked in the top 1.5% of podcasts and in this episode, Ceri wants to remind you what being an extraordinary creative is all about. KEY TAKEAWAYS You keep showing up, even when it’s messy. You sit with the dualities. You know risk, failure, and mistakes are part of the deal. You ask curious questions. You stay open. You feel deeply, and it all goes into the work. BEST MOMENTS "You kno...

Apr 30, 202513 minEp. 100

The Secrets Behind Successful Public Art with Sherry Dobbin

Ceri interviews Sherry Dobbin, a cultural strategist whose work spans continents and iconic spaces. From starting in theatre to transforming Times Square, Sherry shares how she crafts meaningful cultural experiences that change how we engage with public spaces. She reveals the secrets behind successful public art, innovative funding models and her approach to helping people engage and not feel intimidated by public art. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sherry's journey began in theatre, where she learned to embody...

Apr 27, 20251 hr 30 minEp. 99

6 Fixes for Stuck Artists: Real-World Ways to Get Your Work Noticed, Valued & Moving Again

Have you ever sat staring at your work, wondering why it’s not resonating? In this episode, Ceri talks about why you might be stuck in how you are being seen, or not seen and why this doesn’t mean you are failing. She shares six real-world strategies to help you shift gears and make your creative practice feel energised, intentional, and visible again. KEY TAKEAWAYS Share the real reason behind your work. Most artists can describe what their work looks like, but that is only surface level. Revea...

Apr 23, 202513 minEp. 98

Creating Engaging and Inclusive Public Art with Curator & Artist Chantelle Purcell

Ceri speaks with Chantelle Purcell, a curator, producer, and visual artist who co-founded Hive Curates and Other Landz. Chantelle shares her experiences, from grassroots creative spaces to large public art projects, discussing how she manages the balance between community engagement, inclusive spaces and the art. With a passion for creating inclusive spaces and championing culturally diverse artists, Chantelle discusses her approach to curating with care at its centre. Ceri and Chantelle also di...

Apr 20, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 97

How Museums Decide What Art to Collect (And How You Can Help Them Choose Yours)

In this solo episode, Ceri talks about how museums decide what art to collect and how you can get your work chosen. She reveals the strategic thinking behind how museums select artwork, from collection policies to board decisions and gives advice for artists looking to get their work into prestigious collections. Ceri explains that successful museum acquisitions happen when artists help institutions understand the storytelling within their work and shares why building authentic relationships is ...

Apr 16, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 96

Rejecting Convention & Keeping Artistic Integrity with Richard Malone

Ceri is joined by Richard Malone, a groundbreaking Irish artist whose work has been commissioned for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Permanent Collection and is held in MoMA. Coming from a working class background in Ireland, Malone talks about forging a unique creative path, rejecting conventional systems, embracing being an outsider and keeping artistic integrity despite opportunities for commercial success. KEY TAKEAWAYS The colours and materials in Richard's work connect directly to his exp...

Apr 13, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 95

Self-Made Is a Myth: Why You Should Accept Help Without Shame

Ceri talks about why many artists feel guilty about receiving support. Whether it’s financial, emotional backing or practical help, many struggle with feelings of guilt after asking for or receiving help. Ceri talks about how to shift from guilt to gratitude and embrace support as a fundamental part of the creative process. She also shares how to use reciprocity in a way that feels good for you and those who support you. Ceri ends the episode with a short exercise to help you reframe your mindse...

Apr 09, 202513 minEp. 94

Reality is Overrated: Embracing the Unknown for True Creativity with Filmmaker Halina Dyrschka

Ceri interviews award winning filmmaker Halina Dyrschka, whose documentary "Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint" brought worldwide attention to the pioneer of abstract art. Halina shares her creative experiences, from acting and classical singing to filmmaking, the challenges of securing funding for her documentary and her battle against institutional gatekeeping in the art world. She also talks about how artists can embrace true creativity by recognising the essentialness of exploration and that...

Apr 06, 20251 hr 23 minEp. 93

How to Spot Your Best Work: A Guide to Seeing Your Art Objectively

Ceri talks about something that’s essential for every artist, how to spot your best work and see it objectively. She talks about why it is so important for your artistic career and how you can learn to make choices about your work, from submitting your work to group exhibitions. KEY TAKEAWAYS Step back and create distance. If you are too close to your work then you will never be able to see it objectively. Time separation is a great way to practice this, put your work away for days or even weeks...

Apr 02, 202521 minEp. 92

How Artists Can Create Innovation Through Collaboration with Rodolfo Groenewoud

Ceri interviews Rodolfo Groenewoud, co-founder of In4Art an institute pioneering art driven innovation. Rodolfo has secured funding for over 75 experimental projects, working between art and the sciences and industry. Rodolfo talks about how artists function as influential researchers, capable of changing businesses and scientific breakthroughs through their unique thought processes. He demonstrates how collaboration creates innovation when artists are given the psychological safety to experimen...

Mar 30, 20251 hr 35 minEp. 91
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