Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Ask Me Anything: Real Talk on Overcoming Negative Self-Talk, Pricing, Finding Collectors, and More
Description
with me, Kat Popova – artist, coach, and founder of Create! Magazine and CreateU
In this Q&A episode, I’m answering your real questions about what it actually takes to grow as an artist. We get into all the good stuff: how to price your work when you're just starting out, what to do when self-doubt creeps in, how to find collectors online (even if you have a small following), and ways to stay grounded when everything feels overwhelming.
If you’ve ever felt unsure, discouraged, or just wanted someone to tell you it’s okay to take your time—this one’s for you.
What I talk about:
* How to start finding collectors online and build trust
* Why your first sales might come from people you already know (and why that’s totally valid)
* Early pricing tips that won’t make you feel like you’re selling yourself short
* What to do when your inner critic says “you’re not a real artist”
* Framing options I actually use for shows and online orders
* How I learned the hard way about quarterly taxes (plus what to do next)
* Letting go of someone else’s definition of “success” and making your own
* Residencies, local shows, co-ops, and building your artist community
* Staying grounded without rituals or overwhelm
* My go-to tools when intrusive thoughts show up
Helpful links and resources I mentioned:
For framing your work:
* Ambiance Gallery Wood Frames from Jerry’s ArtaramaI use these for works on paper — clean, professional, and affordable👉 jerrysartarama.com/ambiance-gallery-wood-frames
For pricing your art:
* PXP Contemporary Art Pricing CalculatorSuper helpful if you're not sure where to start with pricing👉 https://www.pxpcontemporary.com/blogs/news/art-pricing-calculator
* CreateU CoursesI’ve got mini courses on how to price, sell, pitch your work, and more👉 createu.co
For taxes and money stuff:
* Sunlight Tax by Hannah ColeArtist-focused tax education, including her Money Bootcamp👉 sunlighttax.com
* IRS Quarterly Tax Due Dates (U.S.)
* Q1: April 15
* Q2: June 15
* Q3: September 15
* Q4: January 15👉 irs.gov
For residencies and opportunities:
* New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)
For staying grounded and keeping a healthy mindset:
* Activations App by Mimi Bouchard (formerly Superhuman)Walking meditations that help me reset when I’m feeling stuck👉 activations.com
A few tools I shared in the episode:
* Saying “Spam!” to break a spiral of negative thoughts
* Snapping a rubber band on your wrist gently when self-talk gets too loud
* Mantra: “Every day in every way, I’m getting better and better.”
The Creative Business Handbook
Co-authored by Ekaterina Popova and Alicia PuigWhether you're just getting started or looking to scale your art business on your own terms, The Creative Business Handbook delivers practical, no-fluff advice. Inside you’ll find clear strategies for pricing your work, growing your audience, managing f