Creating Creative Success helps aspiring artists and makers turn their passion into profit with practical business strategies, creative inspiration, and motivational stories for thriving in entrepreneurship.
This week our host Carolyn Mara was joined by Traci Ling, an accomplished Houston based artist and photographer, and she's going to be sharing her tactics and inspiration for Creating Creative Success.
Traci has always had a love for capturing the beauty of the world around her, so photography sounded like the perfect outlet for her creative energy, and she was correct. She found she had a real knack for taking pictures and she is going to be sharing her personal philosophy of photography and how she developed her unique style.
Now you don't become a professional photographer by just taking good pictures, you also need to have an in-depth knowledge on the business of selling art. Traci is also going to be telling us how she built her brand, marketed herself and her art to create a thriving creative enterprise.
This week, Traci Ling is going to teach us about:
Evoking emotion through art
How to build your artistic brand
Avoiding creative burnout and staying productive
4 Feb 2025
From Gemstones to Paper with Kristin Pearce
We're going to be discovering trade secrets of creative entrepreneurship on this week’s episode of Creating Creative Success! Our host Carolyn Mara is going to be finding out how her guest, Kristin Pearce has used her creativity to make a name for herself as an artistic entrepreneur.
Krisitin Pearce has a passion for stationery, but refuses to stand still because her company Mimi Paper is not the only thing she's known for. Like many up-and-coming creatives, she struggled with uncertainty about if she could turn her passion into a real career. Yet, driven by perseverance and backed by a strong support network, she pushed past those fears and began selling her art online and at local markets.
This week, Kristin Pearce is going to teach us about:
Growing and adapting your creative business
Networking and the importance of artistic collaboration
Assuring quality in your product
21 Jan 2025
Finding your Artistic Niche with Erin Olson
On this week’s episode of Creating Creative Success, our host Carolyn Mara is going to be exploring the creative journey of our guest, Erin Olson and giving her advice to creative entrepreneurs.
Erin Olson is a well esteemed costume designer and portrait artist who is currently running the store Miss Billie’s Vintage. She grew up surrounded by creativity, watching her mother constantly sew halloween costumes or making Christmas decorations. She used this background to fuel her complex creative journey, ranging from becoming a costume designer in New York, a live portrait artist in Miami, to playing piano as an outlet.
Find out how she used her diverse artistic background to run her business Miss Billie’s Vintage.
This week, Erin Olson is going to teach us about:
Following your gut in your creative journey
Learning to value your art for what its worth
How to seize an artistic opportunity
7 Jan 2025
Turning Childhood Nostalgia into a profession with Vanessa Rivera
We're going to be getting into the imaginative mind of our guest Vanessa Rivera and our host Carolyn Mara on this week's episode of creating creative success!
Vanessa Rivera is best known for her work in transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Equipped with her photography and photo editing skills, she changes slice of life pictures of her family into fantastical scenes. These photos have garnered her viral status on the internet, which has led to major deals with huge brands.
Find out how Vanessa has made a living by utilizing the wonder that she sees in the everyday.
This week, Vanessa Rivera is going to teach us about:
Navigating the Challenges of Being a Creative on Social Media
Finding Positivity Amid Criticism and Challenges
Embracing Change and Pursuing Long-Term Goals
10 Dec 2024
Action Painting and Innovation with Cole Newman
Cole Newman, a self-proclaimed 'action painter', shares his creative journey and innovative approach to art and entrepreneurship, empowering listeners to balance productivity with passion and purpose.
26 Nov 2024
Capturing Art's Commercial Rhythm with Rachael Dunville
Rachael Dunville shares her expertise on blending art and business, revealing the secret to thriving in the competitive world of art as a creative entrepreneur.
12 Nov 2024
Crafting Portraits with Purpose - Featuring Meg Loeks
In this episode of Creating Creative Success, host Carolyn Mara sits down with acclaimed portrait artist Meg Loeks.
Known for her evocative and timeless photography, Meg discusses her journey from discovering photography as a teenager to building a successful career capturing life’s beautiful, everyday moments.
Together, they discuss how to transform creative inspiration into a profitable career, from refining technical skills like lighting and composition to cultivating resilience through personal challenges.
What You’ll Hear About:
Strategies for building a distinctive brand and voice in photography
How Meg’s seasonal and home-centered photography style evolved into her signature
Practical steps to overcome creative blocks and keep inspiration flowing
Insights into balancing authenticity with business growth in the creative industry
About Meg:
Meg Loeks is a celebrated portrait artist known for her evocative, Americana-inspired photography that captures the beauty of family life. Her work and workshops inspire artists to blend creativity with entrepreneurship. Follow Meg on Instagram @meg_nlo (https://www.instagram.com/meg_nlo) and learn more about her classes on her website.
5 Nov 2024
Trailer | Creating Creative Success
Join Creating Creative Success, a podcast that shares the inspiring journeys of artists, makers, and creatives who have turned their passion into profit.
Whether you’re a side hustler, balancing a 9-to-5, or a stay-at-home parent, this show provides practical business strategies, creative insights, and personal lessons to help you bridge the gap between creativity and financial success.
Hosted by award-winning Miami artist Carolyn Mara, known for her large-scale abstract mop paintings, the podcast draws on her unique experiences across photography, performance art, and painting. Each episode offers candid conversations, actionable advice, and real-life stories to help aspiring artists and makers build thriving creative businesses. Tune in and take the first step toward making your creative dreams a reality!
21 Jun 2024
Creative Slump: How to pull yourself out
In this episode of "Creating Creative Success," I delve into the frustrating world of creative slumps. Join me as we explore practical strategies and techniques to reignite your creative spark. From understanding the root causes of creative blockages to implementing actionable steps for overcoming them, this episode is packed with insights to help you get back on track.
14 Jun 2024
The Road to Building Confidence
In this episode of "Creating Creative Success," I delve into the crucial role confidence plays in achieving success in the creative arts. I'll share practical tips and strategies for building and maintaining self-confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and embracing your unique creative voice.
31 May 2024
The Power of Positive Thinking
In this episode of "Creating Creative Success," we delve into the transformative impact of positive thinking on your artistic journey. Discover how cultivating a positive mindset can fuel your creativity, boost your resilience, and help you overcome obstacles in the competitive art world. Join me as I share practical tips to empower you to harness the power of positivity and achieve your creative goals.
24 May 2024
Setting Yourself Up For Success
In this episode of "Creating Creative Success," we dive into the essential strategies for boosting productivity and establishing effective habits. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, it's never too late to begin implementing these practices. We'll explore actionable tips on organizing your time, creating a conducive workspace, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join us as we uncover the secrets to setting yourself up for sustained success in your creative journey. Tune in and transform the way you approach your art and business!
17 May 2024
Why a Mop?
A conversation about all things mop painting! Part of the beauty is the spontaneity, which is a balance between chaos and control. In this video I answer the most common questions about technique and why I paint with a mop.
7 May 2024
Welcome to Creating Creative Success
This podcast is your go-to resource for mastering the business side of the art world. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, you'll find valuable insights and practical advice to turn your passion into a thriving business.
Website: https://carolynmara.com/
TikTok: tiktok.com/@carolynmara
Instagram: instagram.com/carolyn_mara
Pinterest: pinterest.com/carolyn_mara/_created
14 Feb 2024
Trailer for Creating Creative Success
A new podcast with Carolyn Mara coming soon!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
76,671,994
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
14 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
37
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
51
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