HELP! I AM ARTIST

How Consistency Shapes a Meaningful Art Career

Discover how Dutch realist artist Rob de Vries built a sustainable art career through consistency, calm structure, and a grounded daily creative routine. In this inspiring conversation, Rob shares how his lifelong passion for drawing Elvis Presley, his photorealistic Memories of a Happy Childhood series, and his commitment to showing up every day shaped the thriving practice he has today. Rob's story is a powerful reminder that you don't need to wait for inspiration to create meaningful work. Instead, momentum grows through simple routines, steady effort, and the willingness to keep going—especially on the days when creativity feels slow. We talk about: • Developing a disciplined daily art practice • His process as a realist & photorealism painter • Growing a loyal collector community around his Elvis art • Balancing commercial work with fine art • The role of teaching in strengthening your craft • Managing doubt, motivation, and long-term creative focus • Building a grounded, sustainable art career step by step Explore Rob's artwork and follow his journey: https://robdevries.com https://elvis-art.com If you're an artist craving more focus, structure, and clarity in your creative life, this episode offers practical encouragement and insight you can apply immediately.

Feeling Overwhelmed in Your Art Practice? Discover the Secret to Building Creative Momentum

Small shifts can create massive change. In this episode of the Help I Am Artist Podcast, we explore how clarity creates momentum and why tiny, consistent habits can completely transform your art practice. I'll share lessons from professional sports, stories of contemporary artists, and practical steps you can take to move from scattered goals to identity-driven habits that keep you creating with ease. If you're ready to build clarity, confidence, and steady momentum in your art practice, join me inside The Focused Artist Lab—an 8-week guided journey designed to help artists like you thrive. Doors are closing soon, and seats are limited. Learn more and grab your spot here: www.sonjasmalheer.com/lab

From Scattered to Focused: Clarity in Your Art Practice

Are you a visual artist who's brimming with ideas, but struggling to finish what you start? Do you feel scattered—busy, yet somehow not moving forward in your art practice? You're not alone. In this episode of the Help I Am Artist Podcast, artist and coach Sonja Smalheer guides you through the powerful shift from scattered to focused. Discover why clarity is the secret ingredient for creative momentum, confident decision-making, and sustainable growth in your art practice.   Inside this episode, you'll learn: How to recognize when you're in the "scattered artist" phase Why distractions keep holding you back (and how to break free) The 10-ball analogy that will transform the way you invest your creative energy How focus touches every part of your practice—your art, mindset, message, and even your income This isn't about limiting your creativity—it's about unlocking the clarity that fuels true freedom in your art life. 💡 Special Invitation for Artists If you're ready to move past overwhelm and step into clarity, join the waitlist for the Focused Artist Lab, a guided experience where Sonja helps artists like you find focus, build confidence, and thrive with intention. Spots are limited to just 10 artists. 👉 Reserve your place today at: www.sonjasmalheer.com/lab Your art deserves clarity. And you deserve the freedom to thrive

Discovering Artistic Passion Later in Life

Bianca Lever exchanged the lowlands of The Netherlands for the rolling hills of Italy where she now lives and works as a full-time artist. In this episode, Bianca discusses her challenges transitioning from a hobby to a professional artist, her inspiration, and what she is doing to attract new audiences.

From Teacher to Professional Artist

If you love making art and you're secretly wanting to embrace the life of an artist. Then listen up! In this episode, I chat with UK artist Jane Beaumont. After a fulfilling career as a teacher and therapist, Jane finally took this step herself. Find out how a love note from her husband encouraged her to take the first brave steps, how she started sketching every day, soaking up inspiration on social media, and intentionally steered herself towards life as a professional artist. Mentioned in this episode: Quote: David Whyte, "Will you have confidence in what you love?"  Artists: David Hockney & William Kentridge  Connect with Jane Instagram: @janesbeaumont  Website: www.janebeaumont.art