The Thriving Christian Artist

You know when two things (or people) come together unexpectedly and you think, “Wow…that makes so much sense!”?That’s kind of what has happened in my friend Robin Popp’s art life. She’s an artist to the core, an accomplished, award-winning painter as well as an experienced cabinet and furniture maker.  Those two loves existed separately…until she figured out how to bring the two sides of her artistic self together by framing her paintings in custom-built shadow boxes!  In this episode of The Thriving Christian Artist, we talk about what the Lord is doing in her life and her art, and how she uses her creative “play time” to get closer to God.  Robin’s love of creating art also meshes beautifully with her love of teaching art - and we’re so excited to have Robin at Gathering of Artisans this year!       At Gathering of Artisans, she'll be teaching her "Boot Camp for Color Mixing."  It’s a great way to learn about how to use and manipulate colors to make your art exactly what you want it to be.  S

When you think of a job that provides steady income and security, what do you think of?  Toiling away in the offices of a big company?  Maybe a bank or a retailer?  That sort of thing?    Well, in these days of economic upheaval, layoffs, and business closures, the traditional path to “job security” has turned into a whole lot of uncertainty.  Besides, when you’re an artist at heart, does working a 9-to-5 for somebody else really seem more secure these days than stepping out in faith to do what God is calling you to do?  The truth is, if you feel called to be an artist and put your “security” in God’s hands, you can do it. Stepping out as an entrepreneur is a leap of faith, but it doesn’t have to be as risky as you might think.  When you can align your faith, your art, and your business together, you’ll be on your way to thriving as an artist.In this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’m going to tell you just how to make that happen!     Could you use some guidance on how to build a business that helps you thri

Christian art has always been a force for the Lord.  Paintings, hymns, poetry, sculpture, drama… all the forms of art you can think of have been touched by God to call people to Him.  And yet even today, some people don’t understand just how powerful the connection between art and faith really is.  Terry Glaspey is not one of those people.  Terry, my guest on this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast, is an award-winning author, mentor, and seminary professor with a lifetime of art appreciation under his belt.  He understands very well the amazing history and heritage of Christian art and is a strong advocate for building off of that heritage going forward.  On today’s episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast, I’m talking to artist, professor, and historian Terry Glaspey, whose new book, Discovering God through the Arts, inspires people to grow closer to God through the appreciation of beauty and creativity. Take a listen to my interview with Terry and get ready to experience impactful, ev

When you create art for a living, there’s a lot more on the line than when you’re a hobbyist.  You can have the same level of enthusiasm with an art business that you had in your hobby days - more, even.  But if your family is counting on the income from you selling your art to put food on the table, that puts a different type of pressure on you and your art.   Naturally, if you’re going to make a living creating art, it has to sell.  So when you’re out there doing your creative thing, how do you know whether you’re going to be able to sell enough art to pay the bills?  In this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’m sharing a list of 5 ways to know if pursuing a full-time art career is right for you. Could you use some guidance on how to build a business that helps you thrive spiritually, artistically, and financially?  Here are 4 ways I can help: 1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Mistakes Artists Make When Pricing Their Art” Struggling to price your art in a way that feels authentic to you and your faith - but

It’s always great to reconnect with old friends like Bryn Gillette.  If you’re a longtime listener to the podcast, you may remember Bryn from way way back in episode 46.Bryn is a very talented painter in his own right, but his real calling is in teaching.  His day job is teaching visual art and art history at Charlotte Christian School, where he is “raising up a generation of Kingdom-hearted artists.”    I'm also honored that Bryn will be at Gathering of Artisans this year, where he will be "illuminating” us on the topic of “Illuminated Journaling,” which adds an artistic and meditative flavor to the practice of journaling that a lot of people really find beneficial in their spiritual lives.  Listen to this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast for his insights on this fascinating practice, as well as on prophetic painting in front of a live congregation.  And register for Gathering of Artisans to take Bryn's classes at www.GatheringofArtisans.com.If you want to see what Bryn’s up to

What sort of garment are you wearing?  No, I’m not asking whether you’re wearing shorts or a dress or jeans or a pocket t-shirt.  If you’re wearing white after Labor Day or socks with Crocs…no judgment here.  What I’m really asking is whether you’re wearing the Garment of Praise or the Garment of Shame.  Shame is heavy.  Shame drags us down.  Shame is a burden that colors our experiences, our interactions, and our relationship with the Lord.The Lord tells us to put on the Garment of Praise and praise Him in all things, but it can be hard to do that if you’re weighed down by the Garment of Shame.  The antidote to shame is praise!  Hallelujah!In this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’ll tell you about the false comfort of shame and how you can escape from the burden of its weight so you can experience joy, fulfillment, clarity, and love.When you discover how to cast off the Garment of Shame and put on the Garment of Praise, your life will never be the same!Are you ready to stop striving and to finally start thri

 There’s a big misconception that “prophetic art” has to depict crosses and doves and Scripture quotes.  It causes a lot of artists to question if their art “qualifies” as prophetic.Well, prophetic art doesn’t HAVE to do all that - but it sure can! My friend Grace Bomer is an award-winning artist who uses her art to glorify the Lord.  Her paintings, which are often metaphorical representations of Biblical lessons and scenes, have the power to reach the hearts of Christian and secular art lovers alike.  But, as you’ll hear in my chat with her in this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast, it hasn't been easy.Tune in to hear about Grace’s journey as an artist, from trials to triumph, and I’m sure you’ll be revved up for your own journey as well.   And for a really special treat, if you come to this year’s Gathering of Artisans on August 17-22, you can take a workshop from Grace herself! Pre-register now at www.GatheringofArtisans.com to get early access to registration and to sign up for the wor

As a business owner, you know that marketing and advertising are vital to growing your business.  You’ve got to be able to get out in front of your ideal client, show them what you can do, and get them excited to buy.  But how far should you go?  Should you invest in Facebook ads?  Print advertising?  Billboards?  One of those airplanes that pulls the banner behind it? ✈️There are as many advertising opportunities as there are stars in the sky… ✨But it’s hard to know what kind of advertising - if any - is right for you.The truth is, there’s not a clear, simple answer to this question.  The answer really depends on your art, your audience, your preferences, your marketing plan, and your budget. On this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’ll give you my thoughts on the pros and cons of artists paying for advertising. I hope this episode will help you be better prepared for when it’s time for you to make this decision for yourself.  Could you use some guidance on how to build a business that helps you thrive spirit

It’s always fascinating to hear how God works in the lives of artists and brings them out of bad situations so they can thrive.   My friend Gabriel Stockton was unhappy, wasn’t creating art, and felt he was at his rock bottom.  Suddenly, Gabriel began seeing the word “thrive” everywhere.  Then God led him to the community of artists in the Created to Thrive group on Facebook.  And Gabriel began to reflect God’s beauty with his watercolor art.   Now, as a “plein air” painter, Gabriel’s “office” is in a new place everyday as he sets up his easel wherever God leads him.  Award-winning art.  Beautiful feedback from people who buy his paintings.  Being an ambassador for art as an expression of God’s beauty.  Now Gabriel is walking in God’s favor like never before.  In this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast, Gabriel tells you his story of God’s grace moving in his life, and you can bet it can move in yours, too.  Join Gabriel in person at this year’s Gathering of Artisans, where he’ll be teaching abo

One of the biggest hardest truths about business is that sometimes you can do everything right, and people still won’t buy.  It hurts.  It’s frustrating.  It makes you want to throw in the towel.It’s easy to look at other people and think, “It’s working for them - why isn’t it working for me???”On this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, we’re talking about all those obstacles that can pop up in your journey…and what you can learn from each of them to find success - whatever that looks like to you.Running an art business isn't easy…but you don’t have to do it alone!  If you could use some guidance on how to build a business that helps you thrive spiritually, artistically, and financially, here are 3 ways I can help: 1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Mistakes Artists Make When Pricing Their Art”Struggling to price your art in a way that feels authentic to you and your faith - but still makes you money?  Make sure you’re not making any of these mistakes! Download here ➡️  https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com

You know those people who are so generous that they’ll drop everything to show you around their gorgeous city, inspire and move you, and then leave you wondering how you were so fortunate to meet them?Wendy Manzo is one of those people.Art has always been in Wendy, and she has always connected that art with God.  But it wasn’t until she was invited to paint (not her artistic field of choice at the time) in worship and felt the Holy Spirit moving through her brush that she began to undertake prophetic art.  There wasn’t even a name for it at the time, but that’s what she was doing as God led her to raise up armies of artists.  And she would be the first to tell you that your art - whatever it might be - can be prophetic art if you feel the Holy Spirit guiding you to make it.  (How cool is it to think that your art is “good enough” not because some critic said so, but because you know God made you good enough?)  Wendy’s art and presence has had a huge impact on so many people in her home congregation as well as

As consumers, most of us enjoy getting a discount and saving a little money whenever we can.  A free stack of pancakes at IHOP?  Sign me up!I have a friend who is a big bargain-hunter - he hits up every thrift store in every town he visits in the hopes of finding a treasure.  And he finds a lot of them!But as a business owner, discounts are a different story…especially if there are people around you who ask for or expect them!  It can really put you in a tough place as a business owner.On today’s episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, we’re talking about how, when, if, and to whom you should give discounts on your art.  So take a few minutes and listen!Running an art business isn't for the faint of heart (or is that the faint of art? Ha!).  If you could use some guidance on how to build a business that helps you thrive spiritually, artistically, and financially, here are 3 ways I can help: 1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Mistakes Artists Make When Pricing Their Art” Struggling to price your art in a way that

When does an “out-of-the-blue” Christmas gift turn into a gift to people all over the world?  If you’re Jörn Lange, it’s when your wife’s seemingly random gift of pastel chalk and art paper turns into an outreach ministry based around prophetic art. But as is so often the case, Jörn’s ministry didn’t come easy.  Jörn’s journey - from initially putting his art supplies away without a thought to his current life as an artist fully committed to doing what he hears God telling him to do - is a fascinating one.  And it’s one that I know a lot of Christian artists can relate to.   Jörn says his end goal is to use his art and gifts to help people to follow Jesus and introduce them to a God who loves them.  Through his prophetic art and his work as a missionary, he’s out there making it happen. I’m so glad to have my friend Jörn as my guest on this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast.  You’re going to really enjoy getting to hear his story and get to know him as I have over the years.  And you’ll learn a

They say the only certain things in life are death and taxes…but I would argue that “economic uncertainty” should be added to that list.

The process of creativity can be a pretty solitary one.  We often ideate, outline, sketch, create, and finish a piece completely on our own, without input or sharing the experience with anyone else.Being an artist can be lonely.  And when that loneliness creeps into your marriage…it can cause significant pain, struggle, and grief for everyone involved. My friends Terry and Teresa Arsenault walked through this painful journey in their marriage, and on this week’s Thriving Christian Artist podcast, they are sharing their story of heartbreak, healing, and hope……and how when they began to heal together, they began to experience a whole new level of creativity, relationship, and faith - one that has led them on an exciting new adventure together!Terry and Teresa have recently launched a new online catalog that connects Christian creators with potential clients.  You can learn more at https://www.christianartcreations.com.You can also connect with them online:✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tntartspirations✅

Does the idea of raising your prices make your knees weak?  Give you butterflies in your stomach?  Make your palms sweat?I get it - a lot of artists worry that if they raise their prices, then nobody will buy their art!But what you’ll find is that raising your prices actually helps your business grow - because building profit into your pricing means that you have the time and space to truly hone your craft.On this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’m sharing 3 big clues to look for to know if it’s time to raise your prices on your art.If you’re ready to start thriving spiritually, artistically, and financially, here are 3 ways I can help: 1️⃣ Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Mistakes Artists Make When Pricing Their Art”. Struggling to price your art in a way that feels authentic to you and your faith - but still makes you money?  Make sure you’re not making any of these mistakes!  Download here ➡️ https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/5-biggest-mistakes-when-pricing-art2️⃣  Subscribe to my FREE Podcast: Discover

For many people who grew up in the church, shame is a constant companion.  If we don’t fit into this perfect mold that is expected of us, we fear that we’re not good enough, that we’re not worthy of the love that God has promised us.So we try harder to be “perfect” - to feel like we are worthy of God’s favor. But in the wise words of Brené Brown, “When perfectionism is driving us, shame is riding shotgun, and fear is the annoying backseat driver.”I’ve met so many artists who find themselves stuck in that car with the doors locked, unable to free themselves from the expectations of others…and of themselves.But there’s a key that unlocks the door and frees us from fear, perfectionism, and shame:  Empathy.  Shame cannot survive in the face of empathy.Aeron and Tracy Brown, my guests on this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast, use their visual artwork in a unique and profound way - to show visual empathy to those who are struggling.  To help others know that they are seen, that they are worthy, and

I talk a lot about prophetic art - the idea of creating art with God as a part of our creative process.But as wonderful as it sounds, sometimes it may be easier said than done, especially if the concept is new to you.   We often get caught up in creating FOR God - in creating art that will glorify Him, that we hope will represent His goodness and His greatness to help others know Him.And while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to honor God with your art, sometimes that desire can backfire.  It can create an extra level of pressure, putting us in a place of paralysis or uncertainty.On this latest episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, we’re talking about 5 differences between creating FOR God and creating WITH God…and how you can make that shift in your own work and life.Want to learn more about creating with the Lord so you can start thriving spiritually, artistically, and financially?  Here are 3 ways I can help:  1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Misconceptions About Prophetic Art” Wondering how to create your ar

Years ago, when I was just out of school and looking for a job, a family friend told me that for many opportunities in life, “It’s all about who you know!”  As a young, idealistic college graduate with my newly minted diploma, I wanted to argue - “No, it’s all about what you know and the results you can produce! I should be hired based on merit and talent - not on connections!”The truth is somewhere in the middle, but I can promise you this - in almost every major milestone in my life, “who” I knew played a major role. In life and in business, relationships are everything.In our fast-paced, online world, it’s so easy to get caught up in growing our social media followings that it’s easy to forget that those numbers don’t mean anything without true, authentic connection.  Listen to this week’s episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast as muralist Sophie Dare and I chat about how to start and cultivate relationships both online and off to help grow your business, your impact, and your faith.Be sure to co

When I wove my first basket, I literally went “by the book.” I used the same materials, the same weaving technique, and came out with the same basket as a result.  Since it was my first experience with weaving, that feeling that I’d done it properly was key to me creating my next basket, and my next.  And I’ve never stopped