From Designer to Full-Time Artist: Building a Creative Life That Lasts
In this episode of the Help! I Am Artist podcast, I'm joined by Canadian artist Valerie Capewell for an honest conversation about creativity, courage, and building a sustainable life as an artist. Valerie shares her journey from running a successful graphic design business to becoming a full-time painter, and how trusting her process, even when it feels messy or uncertain, has shaped her unique artistic voice.
We talk about the creative roller coaster of making art, finding your audience, balancing business with personal expression, and why structure and consistency can actually support artistic freedom. Valerie also opens up about pricing, working with galleries, and the mindset shifts that helped her keep growing as an artist.
If you've ever wondered how to keep pushing your work forward while staying true to yourself, this episode is full of insight and encouragement.
Connect with Valerie Capewell:
Website: https://www.valeriecapewell.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriecapewell
Want more focus in your creative practice? Download my free Focused Artist Planner here:
https://www.sonjasmalheer.com/planner
4 Dec 2025
How Consistency Shapes a Meaningful Art Career
Discover how Dutch realist artist Rob de Vries built a sustainable art career through consistency, calm structure, and a grounded daily creative routine. In this inspiring conversation, Rob shares how his lifelong passion for drawing Elvis Presley, his photorealistic Memories of a Happy Childhood series, and his commitment to showing up every day shaped the thriving practice he has today.
Rob's story is a powerful reminder that you don't need to wait for inspiration to create meaningful work. Instead, momentum grows through simple routines, steady effort, and the willingness to keep going—especially on the days when creativity feels slow.
We talk about:
• Developing a disciplined daily art practice
• His process as a realist & photorealism painter
• Growing a loyal collector community around his Elvis art
• Balancing commercial work with fine art
• The role of teaching in strengthening your craft
• Managing doubt, motivation, and long-term creative focus
• Building a grounded, sustainable art career step by step
Explore Rob's artwork and follow his journey:
https://robdevries.com
https://elvis-art.com
If you're an artist craving more focus, structure, and clarity in your creative life, this episode offers practical encouragement and insight you can apply immediately.
27 Sept 2025
Feeling Overwhelmed in Your Art Practice? Discover the Secret to Building Creative Momentum
Small shifts can create massive change. In this episode of the Help I Am Artist Podcast, we explore how clarity creates momentum and why tiny, consistent habits can completely transform your art practice. I’ll share lessons from professional sports, stories of contemporary artists, and practical steps you can take to move from scattered goals to identity-driven habits that keep you creating with ease.
If you’re ready to build clarity, confidence, and steady momentum in your art practice, join me inside The Focused Artist Lab—an 8-week guided journey designed to help artists like you thrive. Doors are closing soon, and seats are limited. Learn more and grab your spot here: www.sonjasmalheer.com/lab
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