The Thriving Christian Artist

440 - Does Your Artistic Inspiration Come From God?Podcast Number: 440Podcast Release Date:  06/20/23Podcast Description Inspiration can be wonderful and exciting, and it can lead you to do great things.  When your artistic inspiration comes from God, it’s hard not to just throw yourself into what you think will please Him without much time for reflection.  But what happens when you discover that what you’ve thrown yourself into does not seem to be finding favor with the Lord?  Could you have mistaken your own excitement for the Lord’s blessing?  Don’t worry, it can happen to anyone.  So how can you determine whether the inspiration you feel is truly from God?  There are ways to find out for sure, and I’ll tell you all about them in this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring.  Have a listen! ====================When you’re ready to stop striving and start thriving, here are 4 other ways I can help: 1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Misconceptions About Prophetic Art”Wondering how to create your art with God or what

439 -   Living The Dream As A Full-Time Artist Podcast Number: 439Podcast Release Date:  06/13/23Podcast Description Katie Nelson, my guest on this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist, is living the dream as a full-time artist.  As a wedding painter, she gets plenty of bookings during “wedding season” to do live painting at weddings and other events.  Add in some commission work, and the fact that she wisely requires deposits in advance to book her time, and you can see she’s got both the art and the business parts figured out.  Katie talked with me about how her life led her from growing up in missions to developing her talents and taking the leap to become a full-time artist.  We also talked about how important it is to her that God is the central focus of what she does with her time and her talents.  It was a great conversation and I know you’ll enjoy listening to it.  You can follow Katie on social media and check out her website at:  https://www.instagram.com/katienelsonfineart/ https://www.facebook

438 - The One Thing All Artists Struggle  06/06/2023In my many, many years as an artist and a mentor of artists, I've seen triumphs and challenges of every description.  And while every artist's story is different, there is one thing I have seen that can get in the way of any artist's success.I'll give you a hint: comparison.  Artists have a tendency to compare themselves to other artists and peers in a variety of different ways.  And when you start to make those comparisons, you're treading a path that has led many an artist to give up.  In this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I go over why I think comparison is such a problem for artists, and how they can avoid falling into that trap.  It's an important lesson, and you should really take it to heart. ====================When you’re ready to stop striving and start thriving, here are 4 other ways I can help: 1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Misconceptions About Prophetic Art”Wondering how to create your art with God or what pro

437 - What Makes Someone A Real Artist? With Connie Noftsier -   05/30/2023Podcast Number: 437Podcast Release Date:  05/30/23Podcast Description Connie Noftsier is a busy woman.  She embroiders amazing fiber art nature sculptures, she owns a local bed and breakfast, she teaches classes, and she has been both a landscape designer and a women's pastor at her church.  In fact, she has had so many things on her plate over the years, it's a wonder she ever has time to try anything new, but she finds a way!   It's exactly this "can-do" spirit in her that led her to try out the Artist Rise Up masterclass, where she came to realize just how important her art is in her life.  Next thing you know, she's joined our Created To Thrive Artist Mentoring Program, knocked out all of the training modules, and embraced her role as an artist in God's Kingdom!      Take a listen to this episode to get a sense of what the Mentoring Program can do for all kinds of artists.  Connie talks about some

436 - How Do I Know If My Work Is Good Enough To Sell? 05/23/2023Podcast Number: 436Podcast Release Date:  05/23/23Podcast Description Being a professional artist, by definition, requires you to sell your art.  Selling your art requires buyers to be interested enough to shell out actual money so they can take your work home.  And getting buyers interested requires your art to be good - really, really good. But we aren’t always the best judges of our own work, so it’s hard for an artist just starting out to look at a piece and say, “Yep, that’ll sell.”  What artists need are guidelines they can follow to objectively determine whether their art is good enough to sell.  As a long-time professional artist myself, I’ve picked up a lot of the ins and outs of the business, and I usually have a good idea of what’s going to sell.  And in this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I share my three best ways artists can use to determine if their art is good enough to sell in today’s market.  Check it out!   ===================

435 - When God Upsets the Status Quo with Heidi & Guy Mitchell Heidi & Guy MItchell Podcast Number: 435Podcast Release Date:  05/16/23Podcast Description Heidi and Guy Mitchell, my guests on this episode of The Thriving Christian Artist, have a very unique place in God’s kingdom.  They have heard God’s call together as a couple, and it has led them to combine their gifts in music and art into something very special.  Their journey certainly hasn’t always been easy.  In obedience to God’s word, they gave up their other successful endeavors to create their art in His name.  This lean period helped them learn to trust in God in all things, to be faithful with His gifts, and to be sure of His provision.  Now their faithfulness has allowed them to share what God has given them, including His prophetic word, all over the world!  So take a listen to this episode, hear their incredible story, and see how one’s obedience to God can have a ripple effect that spreads His glory farther than you can possibly imagi

Looking back at my career as an artist so far, I’m not sure I would change a thing.  Sure, I’ve had ups and downs along the way, just as everyone else has.  But I’m exactly where God has put me, so how could I ask for anything more? That being said, there are a few things I wish I would have known when I was just starting out that may have saved me some struggles, both in mindset and in the realities of owning my own business.  In this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’m running down three things I wish I’d known when I was starting out.  Hopefully, they will give you a leg up as you go through your journey as an artist, an entrepreneur, or just a person trying to live your best life.  ====================When you’re ready to stop striving and start thriving, here are 4 other ways I can help: 1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Misconceptions About Prophetic Art”Wondering how to create your art with God or what prophetic art is all about?  Grab my free guide and make sure you’re not stuck in any of these miscon

Estelle Avbuere, my guest on this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist, received encouragement from her parents at a young age to pursue the joys of the performing arts.  Dancing, singing, acting, crafting, and doing art projects were all a part of her childhood that she came to love and embrace as a part of herself. However, she didn't see those pursuits as a way she could live her life for the Lord in the way she felt like she should.  After much prayer and fasting and spending time with the Lord, asking Him what He is calling her to do, in time the voice of God told her that her calling has been in front of her the whole time - the performing arts! And that's how Estelle got on the path her life is on today.  She embraced God's calling and has dedicated her life to helping others hear and follow that same call. Through her podcast and other outlets, she is reaching out and encouraging people to surrender their fears and doubts to God and embrace His calling to sing, dance, perform, and c

The first and most important thing when it comes to prophetic art - that is, art that God inspires you to create to advance His Kingdom - is to do God’s will.  Paint that painting.  Sculpt that sculpture.  Create what God would have you create.Sometimes, though, prophetic artists do all that, but their art doesn’t actually sell.  So why does that happen?  Are you not supposed to sell prophetic art?  Are there ways to improve your sales while staying true to your calling? In this episode, I discuss the realities of selling art, whether it’s prophetic or not.  I believe there can be a connection between prophetic art and thriving in the professional art world.  In fact, I’ve written books about this, done hundreds of podcasts, coached countless artists… it’s kinda my thing.

Want to take a peek behind the curtain at one of our success stories from the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program?  Normally this would be only available for our program participants, but we’re taking you backstage to show you firsthand how these Christian artists are thriving with what they’ve learned through mentorship.  Welcome backstage! One's journey in life rarely goes as planned. As the son of a teacher and a coach, Lance Meyer's path has taken a few twists and turns, especially over the last few years.Currently serving as the resident artist at A City For God, part of Chaplains in Schools in Milwaukee, Lance has the opportunity to produce weekly sermon podcasts and often uses his art in Children’s Sermons and lessons that reach up to 4,500 students in Milwaukee.Lance joined me for this Backstage Pass to share how the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program is transforming his life, art, ministry, and business. Enjoy!====================When you’re ready to stop striving and start t

So you’re ready to step out and sell your art.  Great!  That’s obviously a key part of being a working artist, especially one who wants to be a full-time, works-for-themselves, thriving artist.  But how does someone, especially a newcomer, go about selling their art?  Where should they start?  That’s the subject of this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring: my best advice for artists who want to sell their art.  I’m sharing what I would want to know if I was just starting out selling art.  This advice will give you a leg-up on how to go from striving to thriving in your art career.  ====================When you’re ready to stop striving and start thriving, here are 4 other ways I can help: 1️⃣  Get my newest book, God’s Plan for Living: A Simple Roadmap to Your IDEAL Kingdom Life. Most Christians want to live the abundant life Jesus promised - they just don’t know how (and it’s not for lack of trying!). In this new book, I share a simple framework for living based on God’s Word that will enable you to live fulfilled

Coral Noel Yang has seen more of the world than most of us can imagine.  She was born and raised in Taiwan, studied filmmaking in America, put that education to use in Hollywood, and moved to New Zealand for a steady job at an animation studio.Along the way, she brought two things with her:  her love of God and her passion for creating art. Of course, the daily challenges of work and family made it hard to find time to express herself in her own art for quite some time, until the day God put it on her heart to shift her life’s focus to her painting and other artistic endeavors.  In our talk on the podcast, Coral shares her story about God rekindling the flame of creativity within her and how she has been able to shift into her new role as a full-time, thriving artist.  You can take a look at Coral’s art and keep up with what God’s doing in her life on her website, Instagram, and Facebook. https://www.noelyangart.com/https://www.instagram.com/coralnoelyangart/ https://www.facebook.com/coralnoelyangart  =======

For well over a decade I’ve dedicated my time and energy to raising up an army of artists in God’s Kingdom.  I’ve taught countless artists how to thrive and experience the abundance of God with their art as a focal point.  But the principles I’ve learned and shared all this time don’t just apply to artists.  They can apply to plumbers, teachers, car dealers, pharmacists… and to you!  That’s why I’ve written my new book, God’s Plan for Living.  This book, as well as the accompanying podcast that will be launching soon, is a vehicle to get the message of thriving in the Kingdom out to everybody, not just artists, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.  So many Christians out there are frustrated about not seeing the Kingdom manifest in their lives the way they see it in the lives of others.  They aren’t doing anything wrong, they just don’t know how to experience the Kingdom.  That’s why in God’s Plan for Living, I’m sharing my I.D.E.A.L framework - identity, design, expansion, alignment, and love

How do you feel about donkeys? (Stay with me here.)My guest on this episode of The Thriving Christian Artist is Rachel Ridge - artist, artist coach, creativity coach, author, speaker, blogger, mother, grandmother, and donkey wrangler.  Yes, donkey wrangler.  Her journey as an artist probably reflects a lot of your journeys as well (ok, maybe not the donkey part).  Starting with a very discouraging experience with a ninth-grade art teacher, she spent years of her life with no creative artistic outlet.  But once she did pick up some paints in her mid-30s, there was no stopping her.  Over time, she has developed a keen sense for how to use her time wisely.  To hear how she progressed in her journey as an artist, and how she is able to make time for all the things she loves in her life - including Flash the Donkey - you’ll have to listen to this episode!  And you’ll want to check out her website and socials to see what’s going on in her creative life, including her upcoming book, The Donkey Principle.https://rach

Fear is the biggest challenge when it comes to money, especially if you don’t have a lot.We are encouraged to be good stewards of the gifts God gives us, including our money.  But part of that good stewardship is investing wisely, like in the Parable of the Talents.  If you’re too afraid to do anything but bury your Master’s gift in the ground, you won’t be able to reap the rewards that come with investment by faith.Now, I’m not saying you should throw what you have away on bubble gum and scratch-off tickets, but you can’t be afraid to use your money as an investment in what you need in order to follow God’s plan for your life.  So how can you walk that line between frugality and fear?  Take a listen to this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring and I’ll tell you.  ====================When you’re ready to stop striving and start thriving, here are 4 other ways I can help: 1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Misconceptions About Prophetic Art” Wondering how to create your art with God or what prophetic art is all about

You’ve heard the saying, “The Lord’s work is never done.”  Well, let me tell you, that’s the absolute truth! I’ve been following God’s call in my life for years now to raise up an army of artists in the Kingdom, and the blessings that have flowed through that process have been more than I ever could have imagined.  If that was the only thing I did in this life, I would feel satisfied with my contribution to the Kingdom.  But God isn’t satisfied with the status quo.  He has put it on my heart over the last couple of years to expand the way I reach out to people beyond the art world, beyond the podcasts and books and programs I’ve put together so far.  So that’s what I’m gonna do.  This episode of the podcast is a little different from the norm, but I really want you to listen to it.  I’m going to lay out some changes to our programming here - don’t worry, the podcasts aren’t going away - and tell you about what’s next for our life and ministry.  I hope you’ll all come along on this journey with us.  Let’s Stay

Do you ever look at your to-do list, then at your calendar, and then think, “There’s no way I’m going to find the time to get all this done.” That feeling is universal, I would say.  I would also say that it’s especially prevalent when you have jobs and responsibilities that often need to come before the artistic endeavors you really want to sink your teeth into.  Looking at a whole plate of broccoli that you have to eat before you’re allowed to have that mouth-watering brownie can be pretty frustrating.  So how can creatives find the time to create when they have so much else to do?  My guest on this episode  of The Thriving Christian Artist, Kimberly Gordon, has it all figured out.  Kimberly has managed to write and publish more than 10 books since age 46, all while raising children, homeschooling, and holding down jobs as necessary.  (And these aren’t just little flappy pamphlets here.  These are, like, tomes.)  Take a listen to discover how she learned to faithfully manage the time she has to do everythin

Beth Affolter was a successful professional artist until my podcast inspired her to quit art. No, really!  It’s true! Despite making regular sales, Beth’s art business wasn’t fulfilling her.  Listening to my podcast got her thinking about what God was calling her to do, and she realized that it wasn’t to push for perfection and wear herself down trying to create art that would sell.  After years of striving hard for success in everything she did (and largely finding it), she learned to just let go of it.  She learned to walk in the Kingdom in peace and faithfully follow God's plan for her.  Teaching, graphic design, mentoring, painting… all steps along her path that have led her to where she is now - teaching other people how to co-create with God while simultaneously teaching them to hone their skills. And now she's on the cusp of launching her own online courses and membership program, thanks to God leading her in a direction she never could have anticipated. If you want to be inspired to give God

From the outside looking in, you would think a working artist would never get burned out or bored.  After all, who else gets to follow their passion and do the thing they love the most in the world and make a good living doing it?  But burnout and boredom are real obstacles that every artist has to overcome.Maybe you’re working so much, preparing for shows, doing commissions, and all that, and it’s just become so overwhelming that you want just put it all away for a while.  Or maybe you’ve hit a lull in your schedule and in your commission work and you just have to force yourself to get SOMETHING done to feel productive.  Many artists bounce back and forth between these two states without finding a happy medium, mostly because they don’t know how to resolve the problem.In this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I lay out my strategies for dealing with burnout and boredom in your life as an artist.  If you can put these tips into practice, you’ll break out of your rut and get back into the good rhythms of being a

I talk a lot about walking in the Kingdom, but it's not always easy to see what that looks like in the world we're living in now.  That's why it's especially encouraging to see someone who's doing it on a daily basis.   My guest on this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast, Greg Crawford, is a living example of what I'm talking about.   Greg is an author, entrepreneur, speaker, and planter of schools of ministry and Kingdom centers around the world.     Greg's out there listening to God's voice and responding in faith every day.  He has some amazing, unbelievable stories of how surrendering to God's will has helped him advance the Kingdom. You're sure to be inspired by Greg's example of how to live by faith, and I know you'll want to put some of his practices to work in your own lives.  And if you want to see what else Greg is doing in the Kingdom, you should check out his websites:https://thebaseiowa.org/   https://www.legacyschoolonline