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This episode of the 'Making Artists Podcast' explores the concept of 'beginner's ego' – the overambitious mindset often encountered by artists at the start of their creative journeys.
Using a viral meme about a three-year-old's nonchalant approach to becoming an astronaut as an entry point, this podcast episode goes into the importance of maintaining enthusiasm while managing realistic expectations.
I share personal and client experiences to highlight some of the most common pitfalls, such as abandoning projects prematurely or believing something is wrong with oneself. I offer strategies to navigate these challenges, radical acceptance and perseverance as key to artistic success.
Work and Connect With Me Here:
Let's Coach: www.makingartistspodcast.comMake Art Mondays: https://www.possiblethings.co/make-art-mondays/Newsletter: https://www.possiblethings.co/newsletter/IG: https://instagram.com/thenancysunTiktok: https://tiktok.com/@thenancysun/Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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In this episode of "Making Artists," we dive into the complex and often misunderstood emotion of anger. This episode centers on embracing and understanding anger as a natural part of the human and artistic experience.
Anger, is often seen as a negative emotion—something to be suppressed or avoided. This perspective can be particularly harmful to artists who might feel compelled to wait until they are no longer angry before engaging in their creative practices. This avoidance only reinforces the belief that anger is unproductive and wrong, potentially leading to feelings of guilt and shame.
Throughout the episode, I share observations about how people typically handle their anger. Some common reactions include isolation to protect others from their anger, numbing or distracting themselves with various activities, and misdirecting their anger towards safer targets. These methods often fail to address the root cause of anger, leaving the underlying issues unchanged.
The episode highlights the importance of integrating anger into one's creative practice rather than excluding it. By doing so, artists can produce more authentic and complete works. For instance, actress Anya Taylor-Joy's advocacy for expressing female rage in her roles serves as a powerful example of how bringing anger into art can resonate deeply with audiences and challenge prevailing norms.
A recent example of an artist channeling anger into their work is rapper Macklemore, who created a song inspired by student protests demanding divestment from Israel. By expressing his anger through music and directing proceeds to support Palestinian refugees, Macklemore demonstrates how anger can drive impactful artistic and political actions.
The episode is a call to recognize and harness anger as a powerful and valid emotion. I encourage you to incorporate your anger into your creative processes and everyday lives, transforming it from a source of shame into a catalyst for change and expression. So artists, what are you mad about? And can you use that powerful emotion to create?
Work and Connect With Me Here:
Let's Coach: www.makingartistspodcast.comMake Art Mondays: https://www.possiblethings.co/make-art-mondays/Newsletter: https://www.possiblethings.co/newsletter/IG: https://instagram.com/thenancysunTiktok: https://tiktok.com/@thenancysun/Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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Welcome to another episode of the Making Artists Podcast! Today, we're diving into a powerful piece of advice that's not only relevant for parents but for artists like you too.
Have you ever heard the saying, "When the child is born, the parent is born"? Well, I'm here to introduce its artistic counterpart: "When the art is made, the artist is made." This piece of wisdom has been resonating with creatives across different disciplines, from painters preparing for their first solo exhibit to actors navigating their craft during pregnancy.
Let's break it down. When you create art, you're not just producing a finished product. You're also shaping yourself as an artist along the way. Think of it as a journey of self-discovery and growth. But how does this apply to you, especially if you're in the early stages of your artistic career?
Firstly, it's about letting go of any preconceived notions or fantasies you might have about your art and yourself as an artist. Just like parents-to-be might have imagined their parenting style before actually having a child, you might have envisioned your creative process without fully experiencing it. Embrace the reality of creating art, with all its challenges and surprises.
Take, for example, a screenwriting client who questioned traditional writing practices when working on a passion project. Sometimes, what works for others may not be the best fit for you and your art. Be open to exploring different approaches and trust your instincts.
Secondly, allow your art to shape you. Be comfortable with being a beginner, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Remember Kristen Milioti, whose breakout role in "Once" required her to learn piano in just 10 days? Sometimes, it's the challenges that push us to grow as artists.
Lastly, have compassion for yourself and your artistic journey. If your art is still in its infancy, embrace the fact that you're also a new artist in relation to that piece. Avoid comparing your progress to others who might be further along in their careers. Instead, focus on your own growth and celebrate each step of the process.
So, whether you're just starting out or feeling discouraged, remember that every masterpiece began as a rough draft. Trust the process, stay true to your vision, and keep creating. After all, when the art is made, the artist is made.
Work and Connect With Me Here:
Let's Coach: www.makingartistspodcast.comMake Art Mondays: https://www.possiblethings.co/make-art-mondays/Newsletter: https://www.possiblethings.co/newsletter/IG: https://instagram.com/thenancysunTiktok: https://tiktok.com/@thenancysun/Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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In this episode, we dive into the concept of "what's in and what's out" for 2024, inspired by the trend forecasts that flood social media at the end of each year. In this episode I share my own list, tailored for creative individuals, identifying common mindset mistakes and offering alternative solutions.
First up: "downloading" versus "uploading." Many creatives blame excessive social media use for their lack of productivity. However, it's not about avoiding social media altogether but rather about how you engage with it. Instead of passively consuming, focus on actively creating and sharing your art to expand your reach and community.
Next, we tackle the shift from hubris to humility. While confidence is important, excessive confidence can lead to complacency. Humility allows for growth and adaptation, essential qualities for navigating the ups and downs of a creative journey. By embracing humility, artists can open themselves up to new opportunities and experiences.
Finally, we challenge the notion of prioritizing quality over quantity in the creative process. Perfectionism often hinders productivity and joy, leading to burnout and stagnation. Instead, embracing quantity allows for experimentation, learning, and growth as an artist. Having multiple projects can enrich your skills and perspective, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling creative practice.
By reevaluating these traditional mindsets and embracing new approaches, artists can overcome common challenges and unlock their full potential. So whether you're sipping rosé or diving into orange wine, there's something here for everyone to sip on and savor. Cheers to embracing what's in and leaving what's out behind!
Mentioned in the episode:
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (link: https://bookshop.org/p/books/flow-the-psychology-of-optimal-experience-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/8937185?ean=9780061339202) Trust the Process by Shaun McNiff (link: https://bookshop.org/p/books/trust-the-process-an-artist-s-guide-to-letting-go-shaun-mcniff/629450?ean=9781570623578) Taylor Swift: From Blank Space to Mastermind Part 1 and Part 2 (Part 1 link: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9490396c-fbd9-42b4-b036-fc847008c790; Part 2 link: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9143c3f9-de20-4aab-83d5-b25ea45073ca)Work and Connect With Me Here:
Let's Coach: www.makingartistspodcast.comMake Art Mondays: https://www.possiblethings.co/make-art-mondays/Newsletter: https://www.possiblethings.co/newsletter/IG: https://instagram.com/thenancysunTiktok: https://tiktok.com/@thenancysun/Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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Welcome to another episode of the Making Artists Podcast! Hey, artists, it's your host, Nancy, checking in and genuinely asking, "How are you?" No, seriously, how are you *really* feeling, especially in your body?
Today's episode is all about *every body.* Whether you're a painter, filmmaker, storyteller, or just a human navigating life, this one's for you. And if you've never thought of yourself as "creative," no worries – this is still your jam.
I know, I know, when someone says they're going to talk about your body, you might brace for the usual lecture on the perfect diet, exercise routine, and sleep schedule. But fear not, this episode is not about listing "shoulds." Sorry, not sorry.
As a coach, artist, and fellow human, I believe everyone is creative – it's part of being human. And guess what? Your body is the expert on you, not me. So, let's dive into why this matters.
Have you ever noticed how many of us don't bring our bodies into coaching sessions? It's like we've got a silent agreement with our bodies – not a problem, but not part of the solution either. That's a trap many artists fall into, and it often starts with a simple question: "How are you feeling?"
Existential crises kick in when you're building your creative skills or navigating the challenges of sharing and selling your work. The answer to "How are you?" might sound like frustration, boredom, anxiety – emotions that spiral into bigger questions about your art, choices, and life.
But what if the simplest explanation for these feelings lies in your body? I had a client who felt behind in her artistic journey after binge-watching documentaries about successful performers. Coaching helped her realize it wasn't about being behind – it was about her body craving creativity instead of endless screen time.
Your body communicates through physical sensations, often mistaken for complex emotions. A tight stomach might not mean stress – maybe it's just hungry. An empty heart space could be loneliness, not hopelessness. And a racing mind might be your brain's way of saying, "Hey, I'm tired."
So, here's a tool for problem-solving: Occam's Razor. The simplest explanation is usually right. Don't assume malice when there could be a straightforward reason for how you feel.
I've been there, not listening to my body during my corporate days. My brain led the way, and I ended up with an eating disorder, chasing an idealized image of success. It took years to realize my body was screaming to unsubscribe from that toxic environment.
Now, as a coach, I support clients in creating a healthy partnership with their bodies, finding sustainable ways to balance art and life. If you're battling with this too, let's connect at makingartist.com.
Remember, how you treat your body often reflects how you approach your creative process, art, audience, and life. Let's troubleshoot the right problems and ditch those existential crises. Start implementing the HALT tool and listen to your body – it knows what it needs.
If you're feeling disconnected, don't know how to listen to your body, or need accountability, I'm here for it. Let's make your art and life a partnership between equals. Until next time, stay creative, stay curious, and keep making art!
Work and Connect With Me Here:
Let's Coach: www.makingartistspodcast.comMake Art Mondays: https://www.possiblethings.co/make-art-mondays/Newsletter: https://www.possiblethings.co/newsletter/IG: -
This episode is inspired by the many coaching sessions where clarity seekers come to me with one burning question: "What's my life purpose?" They've got the family plan, the dream locale, even the number of pets sorted. But when it comes to their artistic journey, it's a foggy mess.
So, they're on a quest for the perfect "why," assuming it's the golden ticket to success. They believe that unlocking the ultimate "why" will trigger a magical cascade of actions, ushering in a happily-ever-after montage. Enter the coaching session, where they hope to unveil the perfect "why" in 45 minutes or less.
But here's the twist—I've found that the true obstacle isn't the "why" itself, but their struggle to accept, trust, and commit to it. Fixating on the perfect "why" can only take you so far. It's about embracing, trusting, and committing to your "why" unconditionally. That's where the real magic happens. As an actor or someone in the creative realm, you get it—nailing the character's "why" is one thing, but committing to it on stage is a game-changer.
And that's precisely the work I do with my clients. It's not just about finding the "why," but becoming the person who can commit to any "why." Commitment, my friends, takes time. I'm in this for the long haul with you, not a quick-fix genie. The secret to achieving your goals? Learning to be committed, no matter the circumstances.
So, if you find yourself stuck in the "why" loop, it might be a sneaky way of saying you need more willpower. But let's face it, relying solely on willpower is a dangerous game. I'm here to help artists build habits, systems, and environments that make action a breeze, free from the shackles of conscious willpower.
My hope for you is that after listening to this episode, you unsubscribe from the cult of "why" and focus on becoming the committed artists we're meant to be. Thanks for listening!
Work and Connect With Me Here:
Let's Coach: www.makingartistspodcast.comMake Art Mondays: https://www.possiblethings.co/make-art-mondays/Newsletter: https://www.possiblethings.co/newsletter/IG: https://instagram.com/thenancysunTiktok: https://tiktok.com/@thenancysun/Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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In this episode we continue our deep dive into Taylor Swift and what we can learn from her success as an artist and the impact she has made.
There are only three steps that you need to take in order to become a creative success. I reference these in another episode 3 Steps To Creative Succe$$, but I’ll summarize the 3 steps here:
Make Your ArtShare Your Art Ask Others For What Your Art NeedsIn part 1 of our deep dive into Taylor Swift we talked about the first step to become a creative success- Making your art. (link to that episode below to go and listen)
In this episode we will dive into the last two parts, sharing your art and asking others for what your art needs and I will show you how Taylor Swift does both of those things and what actions you can start taking to model how she does this.
Things referenced in episode:
Pepe Silva Meme: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/pepe-silvia
Previous Taylor Swift Episode: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9490396c-fbd9-42b4-b036-fc847008c790
3 Steps to Creative Succe$$ Episode: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3e8e1ab0-dc80-4fdc-966e-e72f70ade1ee
Work and Connect With Me Here:
Let's Coach: www.makingartistspodcast.comMake Art Mondays: https://www.possiblethings.co/make-art-mondays/Newsletter: https://www.possiblethings.co/newsletter/IG: https://instagram.com/thenancysunTiktok: https://tiktok.com/@thenancysun/Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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It’s time we talk about Taylor Swift and what we can learn from both her success and impact that she has made. In this episode I'm going to talk about how Taylor Swift identifies as an artist, makes art, shares it, Sells it to make a fuck ton of money and makes an impact.
Her art, in itself, is sufficient to make an impact. Her music creates connection, empathy, self compassion, catharsis, and community. And her success makes her a role model for other singer songwriters.
After this episode of Making Artists, I hope that her success makes her a role model for you too.
There are only three steps that you need to take in order to become a creative success. I reference these in another episode 3 Steps To Creative Succe$$, but I’ll summarize the 3 steps here:
Make Your ArtShare Your Art Ask For What Your Art NeedsAnd Taylor Swift has mastered these three steps. In this episode we dive into Part 1, how she has mastered making her art. Taylor Swift makes a great case study for this episode, and how she offers so many lessons on how to be a successful, professional, and impactful artist who makes art.
My hope for you is that you will put any objections you have about learning from her success, as her journey is a great teacher for all of us who want to make art and make an impact. Make sure you join me for Part 2!
Link to 3 Steps To Creative Suce$$ referenced in this episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-steps-to-creative-succe%24%24/id1644954213?i=1000587895931
Work and Connect With Me Here:
Let's Coach: www.makingartistspodcast.comMake Art Mondays: https://www.possiblethings.co/make-art-mondays/Newsletter: https://www.possiblethings.co/newsletter/IG: https://instagram.com/thenancysunTiktok: https://tiktok.com/@thenancysun/Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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This special episode about how to make art worthy of accolades, using the 2023 Oscar for Best Picture 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' as a case study. When I fall in love with a piece of art I go on an internet binge to learn as much as possible about its creators and its origin story: what inspired it, who made it, under what circumstances, and with what obstacles and what allies.
After doing that for EEAAO, I learned so much that I just HAD to share it. It reinforced the ways I’ve already been treating myself, my process, and my art AND how I coach other creatives.
The lessons I’ve learned from EEAAO, in no particular order, are:
Having imposter syndrome doesn’t mean shit.Believe that others believe, and let that be enough.Allow the journey to make your idea better.Let go of being the best and just get started first. Success is a lot closer and a lot more possible than you think.Let these lessons help you start getting in your own way. Need more support? Subscribe to my newsletter and get on my VIP waitlist at makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Episode 11 - The Self Worth Myth: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/57213fdc-2f9f-4704-b30d-08e37b218d2f
NYTimes Profile of Ke Huy Quan: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/05/movies/ke-huy-quan-everything-everywhere.html?unlocked_article_code=-biN46GaKsEhhwOVJ73GtwjAfswnK05eC0kMPgLuixyBlIydegXvjFfdpgS51pY-56Hwzg_EG17oZxAKMZ9SG5mnqC-6hWy_GMjdCsQA27WxkeTjbIhLnxjKXvQdOSG6ccsb9-8mToRYsdx9PrnaAKPNtATyOgcMxBEl3zFAAoRFtlo2gnuGykq16rcovvo8wkZ1fRA5-DBOzjh1-8jLggUcQ-6yypOWQ3k5Nv2MwTTDaSJYAc7PZyDxuh3B0zT3gBK4ymhxx-qHtgWr-wM-M68DErcxMYkyppgIu34SGE2KxExYSaSn62CdjF9ZzvcTZiKbDyloawRHpc9U6zKXl7NFyT_4QtmTvaw&smid=url-share
Trust the Process by Shaun McNiff
https://a.co/d/1tyVIRJ
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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For this final episode of Making Artists Season 1, I want to share with you the lessons I have received on how to be a human, how to be an artist, and how to treat my art that I have learned from being a parent, from being a mother, from raising another human being. I hope that these lessons will inspire you to treat yourself differently, to treat your creativity and creative process differently, and to treat your art differently so that you can have all of what you want and you can leave the rest.
The first lesson I learned from watching my son get used to tummy time and learning how to walk is this: You don’t need to know the how to be able to begin. You don’t need to know the end to start taking a step.
My second lesson was to start in a rested and relaxed state. I want you to experiment with coming from a place of having all your needs met first so you can be playful, adventurous, and take big risks.
My third lesson was to start small, because if nothing else, at least you’ve started. Everything starts with tiny steps, and everything counts. How can you change your creative practice to make it more conducive to you?
Lesson 4: Allow “training wheels” steps. Intermediary steps still count, and they need to happen without judgment.
Lesson 5: Progress doesn’t have to be linear. Some milestones may be a bit of a fluke, and shouldn’t immediately be made the baseline. It’s okay to give yourself some grace and follow the fun.
Fear As Fuel episode 4: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2bddd5b2-8535-4ccb-99e3-db01750b0506
The Self-Worth Myth episode 11: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/57213fdc-2f9f-4704-b30d-08e37b218d2f
Ready to start making art, making, money, and making an impact? Visit makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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Often, people see their lack of self worth as the reason they’re not going after their dreams. That can include anything from going on a trip, going for a big goal, making a big decision, or even the way we own our identity.
In this episode, I’m going to talk about self worth in a way that you’ve probably never heard from a mindset coach before. When you don’t believe in your humanity, you don’t allow yourself to show up fully for the human experience. The usual solution is to build self-worth by doing exercises, indulging in things we’ve been conditioned to believe are helpful, and going on a pampering binge.
What’s conspicuously missing from this cycle is actually doing the thing you want to do when you’ve attained the self worth you’ve been missing.
What if your sense of self-worth doesn’t really matter? What if lack of self worth is an invented problem? Is it true that you have to have an unflappable sense of self-worth to get what you want? Will you be doing the busy work trying to pump yourself up or will you be showing up to do the work?
Ke Huy Quan NYT Article
Ready to start making art, making, money, and making an impact? Visit makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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Most often, people who hire me want to become a creative success. Usually, that success is defined with a dollar amount. I counter that in order to call yourself an artist, all you need to do is make art. It doesn’t all need to be polished, published, or even finished, but assigning a dollar amount to it doesn’t make you any more or less of an artist.
If you watch The Great British Bakeoff on Netflix, there’s a mini-competition in each episode called the technical challenge. The bakers are given a list of ingredients and very simple instructions, with very little guidance on how to combine the ingredients. That is what I’m giving you today, because this recipe looks different for every artist.
Make, Share, and Ask. That’s it. Make your art, share your art and skills and identity as an artist, and ask for sales, sponsors, collaboration, or whatever will help to grow your audience. Let this marinate and integrate.
I’m going on sabbatical! While I’m taking some time off from coaching in order to lean into my own artistry, feel free to connect with me on IG and join my mailing list!
Ready to start making art, making, money, and making an impact? Visit makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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Here in the States, and much of the Northern Hemisphere, we’re heading into the winter holiday season, if we’re not there already. This time of year gets many of us thinking about the end of a calendar year and beginning of the next, bringing to mind new beginnings and fresh starts. One thing that comes up often is that people, and artists in particular, are wanting to create more balance in their life. Usually, the feeling of balance comes down to how time is spent.
Artists usually come to me for coaching on how to create more time to create their art, so I have a lot of experience with this. In this episode I thought it would be particularly timely to discuss time and balance today with a narrow and urgent focus on what that looks like and how to do it during the holidays.
Two phenomena I see happen to artists during the holidays are:
They give up. The competition for time between family obligations, travel, financial obligations, and just resting makes some artists just give up on their creative endeavors and vow to make up for it in the new year. Instead, consider that there are still several full weeks to make an impact on your 2022 goals. This isn’t the same as making a conscious prioritizing choice.
Or, the opposite of hustling through the last 6 weeks of the year. You know you’re in that hustle energy when you decide to get a head start on 2023 instead of “wasting time” on the holiday celebrations that everyone else is doing. Both of these come from the same belief that you don’t have enough time and that you need to borrow or lend yourself time in order to get shit done.
You create time. The way you spend your time is not created without you. I’m calling you to step into being the protagonist, the subject of the sentence, “I have time. I create it.”
Expand your timeline. Is it really true that December is the end of something and January is the beginning of something else? What if it made more sense to think in terms of seasons rather than days and weeks?
Ready to start making art, making, money, and making an impact? Visit makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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I was inspired by episode 6 about your creative process and I thought it might benefit you and me to share a peek behind the scenes of how this podcast gets made. I hope to accomplish 3 things here:
I hope it makes all you creatives out there feel less alone, no matter how your process works.I hope to debunk any myths you have about me, both as an artist and a coach.I want to show you the difference that coaching can make, because these are the processes I have used with myself.For example, all of my recordings for these episodes have been late for internal production deadlines. I could choose to beat myself up about this, or I could coach myself through whether or not this is actually a problem. I do this with my clients, too. We work through what perceived shortcomings are actually a problem, then intentionally choose what things need to be fixed, and fix them.
What we usually find is that there aren’t many problems. When we reclaim the energy spent on things that aren’t actually problems, then we have more time for what we actually want to do. Things like making art, making our audience, or making money from our skills and talents.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if or how much your creative journey goes according to plan. What does matter is whether the art got made. A success audit is your key to problem solving, learning, and moving forward with the new information you have found.
Ready to start making art, making, money, and making an impact? Visit makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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What you believe about yourself is often the reason why you aren’t who you want to be, where you want to be, or living the life you want. So many artists think that they are in their own way, that they are the problem, and I hear it all the time.
This might show up in your thoughts like:
I don’t believe in myself.I don’t trust myself to…I’m not good enough at…I’m not worthy of…I haven’t earned…I’m too far behind…I am too much for…I have those thoughts too and I get it. In this episode, I want to give all of us permission to release the perfectionism when it comes to cultivating a new belief in yourself. I invite you decide that the amount of belief you have in yourself is enough.
Don’t let your speck of disbelief in yourself filibuster your creativity. No president has won 100% of the popular vote, yet they are still allowed to run our country.
Revisit episode 5: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b39aad66-5656-4e1b-9653-641420d1184d
Senator Joe Manchin III: https://www.congress.gov/member/joseph-manchin/M001183
Senator Susan Collins: https://www.congress.gov/member/susan-collins/C001035
Ready to start making art, making, money, and making an impact? Visit makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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Welcome back and thank you for being here! Also, a huge thanks to my community who responded on IG when I asked what topics need to be covered. I’m so excited!
For today, we’re getting foundational. What is your creative practice? Do you even have one? Is it working, or not? What is your relationship to it? Before you can make an audience or make money with your art, you need to actually make your art.
Your creative practice is simply the container and your process for making your art. If you’re not happy with that practice, if you even have one, you may even struggle with calling yourself an artist because you don’t feel productive enough.
Relate it to a self-care habit that you have no problem keeping. Maybe it’s a skincare routine, taking your vitamins and meds, straightening up the kitchen before bed, whatever it is. You’re consistent enough that you feel good about it, and you want to keep doing it.
I invite you to apply these thoughts to your creative practice:
This is an act of self-love. Offer yourself grace and forgiveness so you actually want to spend time with you.It is supposed to take a long time to see results. This gives you access to the ability to commit long-term and to encourage you to keep showing up.I don’t need to like or love everything about this self-care habit in order to let myself do it.I don’t need to beat myself up if the situation isn’t perfect, or I missed a day, or there were mistakes. Just pick up where you left off. You don’t need to make up for it tomorrow.Ready to start making art, making, money, and making an impact? Visit makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
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Today’s topic has come up a lot in my one-on-one practice and in my Making Artists Mastermind, so that’s what I want to talk about today. We’re often told to dream big, set the impossible goal, and believe wholeheartedly that you can get there. As an artist though, if the belief isn’t 100% there, that can keep you from taking the next step.
We don’t need to worry about what the Academy will think of your performance if you go to that audition. We don’t need to worry about winning a Grammy if that stops you from writing that song. Don’t think that big. Play for the next point, not the whole match. Stay in the game, one point at a time.
Have just enough belief that would have you showing up in your craft today. Accumulate enough of those mini-milestones, you will be on your way to being your best.
What can you believe that will get you to take the next step?
The story of Serena Williams and Ajla Tomljanovic: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/serena-williams-us-open-us-open-09-02-22/index.html
Ready to start making art, making, money, and making an impact? Visit makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
A Podcast Launch Bestie production
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In this episode, I’m going to talk about the ways using fear as fuel can sabotage you. A metaphor for you: If you want to run a marathon, and you hire a bear to chase after you so you finish the race, you probably won’t run linearly and you’ll spend more time looking behind you than ahead of you, and you definitely won’t enjoy the marathon. If you take the time to prepare, condition yourself, and practice, you will feel much better about the journey and you might even enjoy it and want to do it again.
Using fear and shame as motivation is going to result in wasted energy to stress, anxiety, and shame. Being stuck in that cycle of stress can force your body into a fight, flight, or freeze response, and you can’t always choose which one.
When you remove fear as motivation and you’re out of your stress response, what processes, systems, and strategies can you apply now that you’re not spinning in panic?
How efficient, effective, and pleasurable can meeting deadlines be? How can we learn to work with our natural cycles and rhythms rather than manufacturing scary conditions as motivation?
Ready to start making art, making, money, and making an impact? Visit makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
A Podcast Launch Bestie production
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Recording this episode, I’m feeling a roller coaster of emotions on top of being physically tired. It’s tempting to put off this episode until I’m feeling better, but that’s a classic example of emotional perfectionism. That is the belief that in order to be creative, you need to be in a certain emotional state, or at least not be feeling anything negative.
Emotional perfectionism is totally normal, but it’s getting in the way of your success. Once you release this belief, you’ll be able to stop misdirecting your resources and start investing it in actual support that will help you achieve your dreams.
Feelings are temporary and you’re not going to feel good 24/7, whether you’re actively pursuing your goal or not. Why waste your time, money, and energy fixing your feelings instead of actively pursuing your goals?
Negative feelings aren’t problems. They’re just part of being human, and nothing is more human than creating art.
Ready to start making art, making, money, and making an impact? Visit makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
A Podcast Launch Bestie production
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You may be wondering about me and how I’m qualified to coach artists. I am a writer who writes, and an actor who acts. I make this distinction because many of you may identify as an aspiring writer or artist or actor, but aren’t showing up regularly doing that work.
In this episode I will introduce myself, give you some context for who I am and the life I live, and define privilege and marginalization in relation to artists creating art. Even though everyone has their own combination of privileges and disadvantages, they don’t define you and what you are capable of. Who you are in relation to your circumstances is what allows you to create.
I am an Asian-American actress and writer based in New York City. Notable TV credits include NBC's Shades of Blue, Showtime’s Homeland, TVLand’s Younger, and NBC’s The Slap. I recently appeared onstage in the world premiere of Deborah Stein's Marginal Loss at the Humana Festival at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. American Theatre called my portrayal of a star-on-the-rise trader in the days immediately following 9/11 "the festival’s most nuanced female character." Broadway World wrote "Nancy Sun drives home...these moments with emotional probity, and it is evident that she took this role to heart. "
I also made my studio feature film debut in Going in Style, directed by Zach Braff and opposite Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Alan Arkin. I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Maggie Flanigan Studio two-year acting program.
My writing online has earned a SXSW Interactive Award nomination and mention in the New York Times. I have previously workshopped scripts at the Asian American Film Lab and am currently working on a feature-length screenplay.
As a supporter of independent film, I have also served two years on the Tribeca Film Festival Preselection Committee and worked as the Industry Registration Coordinator for the IFP Project Forum (now known as The Gotham).
On a personal note, I am currently raising a dog and a baby with my husband in Brooklyn.
Ready to start making art, making, money, and making an impact? Visit makingartistspodcast.com or connect with me on IG @thenancysun.
Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones
A Podcast Launch Bestie production
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