Episodes
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oday, weâre going to talk about something every artist has faced at some point: criticism. Yep, that uncomfortable moment when someone points out something they donât like or think could be better about your work. If youâre a pet portrait artistâor any kind of artist, reallyâyou know how much your heart and soul goes into your art. So, when someone critiques it, it can feel like a personal attack.
Iâve been there, trust me. Early in my career, criticism would absolutely wreck me. Iâd lie awake replaying someoneâs comments over and over, wondering if I was even cut out for this. But over time, Iâve learned to handle criticism in a healthier, more constructive way. So today, I want to share whatâs worked for me, including some of my personal stories, tips, and encouragement to help you navigate this tricky part of being an artist.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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Today I want to get real with you about something that every artistâespecially new pet portrait artistsâfaces: self-doubt. If youâve ever found yourself staring at a half-finished portrait thinking, âAm I even good enough to do this?ââyouâre not alone. Iâve been there, and honestly, sometimes I still feel that way. But over the years, Iâve learned some ways to push through those moments, and today, Iâm here to share them with you. That's what we'll dive into in this episode!
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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Missing episodes?
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Is tracing your art cheating or not? I know Iâm probably going to get a lot of criticism for making this episode, but I really want to talk about this subject because I believe itâs important, and a lot of artists are already using this approach. And why not? Why not make our job easier if we have the tools to do that? The subject Iâm talking about is tracing, and that will be the topic of today's episode.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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In this episode, Iâm sharing the biggest lessons Iâve learned from six years as a pet portrait artist! From tackling tricky projects to connecting with amazing clients, Iâll talk about whatâs shaped my journey and the things I wish Iâd known when I started. If you love art, animals, or just a good story, this oneâs for you!
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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In todayâs episode, Iâll discuss 5 things I wish I knew before becoming a pet portrait artist. These are lessons Iâve learnedâsometimes the hard wayâthat wouldâve saved me so much time, stress, and paint!
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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In this episode, we dive into the delightful journey of creating pet portraits! Join me as I explore the joy and satisfaction found in each stage of the artistic process, from selecting the perfect reference photo to the final brushstroke. I will share tips on how to stay present and enjoy every moment, connect with your subject, and unleash your creativity.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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It's essential for us as artists, but we sometimes donât talk about it enough: the importance of support from those around usâour family, friends, followers, clients, and even our art community.
Today, we're discussing something beyond technique, talent, or passion.
Creating art, especially pet portraits, isnât just a job for many of us. Itâs a passion, a calling. But letâs be real: itâs also tough! The journey of being an artist can be filled with self-doubt, creative blocks, and moments when you feel like giving up. That's why the support we receive from others can be the fuel that keeps us going.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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Where you create your art matters more than you might realize, and itâs not just about having a fancy studio or the perfect supplies. Itâs about creating an environment that nurtures your creativity, helps you focus, and keeps you inspired.
Today, I want to dive into something thatâs often overlooked but can make or break your creative process: your space.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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Thereâs nothing quite like capturing the personality of someoneâs beloved fur baby on paper.
Itâs such a rewarding experience, not just for me as an artist, but especially for the pet owners who get to see their pets come to life in a whole new way.
Because, as any pet owner will tell you, our pets arenât just animalsâtheyâre family.
And every portrait carries with it so much emotion, whether itâs about celebrating their playful personalities or honoring a pet thatâs no longer with us.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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So, Iâve been thinking about something lately, and I figured this episode would be the perfect space to just talk it out with all of you, and maybe⊠get some advice?
I love how this podcast feels like a little community, and I know that a lot of you are creative souls, pet lovers, or both, so I think you might have some thoughts on what Iâm about to say.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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Today weâre tackling a topic that every artist, especially pet portrait artists, encounters at some pointâthe dreaded slow period. Itâs that time when commissions slow down, the inbox is quiet, and self-doubt starts to creep in.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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Whether youâre a seasoned artist or just starting, you know that creating beautiful portraits of our furry friends involves a lot of time and dedication.
But with long hours at the easel or computer, itâs easy to forget about taking care of our physical well-being.
So, letâs chat about how to manage and prevent physical strain while keeping our creative juices flowing.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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We will explore the ten most difficult challenges youâll face if you want to become a pet portrait artist and trust me, these arenât just small hurdlesâthey can sometimes feel like mountains.
But donât worry, Iâm not here to list the challenges. Iâll also share practical tips on how to avoid them and, if you find yourself stuck, how to fix them.
Whether youâre just starting or youâve been in the game for a while, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the tricky terrain of being a pet portrait artist.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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Whether you're already on the platform or just thinking about it, this episode is packed with insights to help you decide if TikTok is worth your time.
Today, we're exploring a topic that's been buzzing around latelyâTikTok. More specifically, we will talk about how TikTok can either be a great friend or an enemy for pet portrait artists.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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No matter how skilled or experienced you are, sometimes a clientâs expectations donât align with the final piece.
This can be a stressful and disheartening experience, but itâs also an opportunity for growth and learning.
Get in touch with me!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
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Suppose youâve ever admired a beautifully rendered painting of a golden retriever or a pastel drawing of a cat. In that case, you might think that creating such art is all about cuddling up with cute animals and letting creativity flow.
But thereâs so much more to it than that, from managing demanding clients to mastering the business side of things.
Today weâre peeling back the layers on a subject that combines two of lifeâs greatest joysâart and pets.
Get in touch!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
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Anxiety is like a monster that lives somewhere in our minds, which is very hard to get rid of but not impossible. I also suffer from this problem, and sometimes, this monster digs its claws into my mind and throws me off balance.
But what does this have to do with being a portrait artist? This feeling of anxiety is like a boulder that stands in your way and doesn't let you do anything, and you can't get past it because it's always in your path.
This can lead to overthinking and then to a creative block, to a feeling of demotivation and sadness that you don't know when it comes or where it comes from, which can be very frustrating, speaking from my own experience.
This is the topic we will discuss in this episode.
Get in touch!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DragosPepinaArt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
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Social media, particularly Instagram, has become an integral part of our lives and a powerful tool for artists. It's a fantastic platform to showcase your work, connect with fellow creatives, and reach potential clients.
But a big misconception is floating around: a high follower count automatically translates into a steady stream of commissions.
This isn't always the case.
So, in this episode, we'll break down why that is and explore what matters when getting commissions as a pet portrait artist.
Get in touch!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DragosPepinaArt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
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AI has started to take the world by surprise, and while for some people it feels like a fantastic revelation, for others it might seem like a new devil that has appeared on Earth. For artists, AI can be both their best friend and their greatest enemy.
Get in touch!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DragosPepinaArt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
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Imagine this: you pour countless hours into a drawing, alongside passion and soul, and in the end, it gets lost, arrives bent, or with other defects.
Wouldn't you feel like pulling your hair out because of the frustration and anger?
Absolutely!
But thankfully, there's a solution â paying a bit more for shipping and opting for a
tracking number and warranty.
And since the client is already covering the shipping costs for the commission,
talk to them and explain why it's better to pay a bit more but have more security.
Get in touch!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
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