Adventures in Arting Podcast

170: Why Critique Matters (Even When It Stings)

[https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Thumbnail-1024x576.jpg]https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Thumbnail.jpg On this episode of The Adventures in Arting Podcast, Julie and Eileen dive into the often uncomfortable—but absolutely essential—topic of critique in the creative process. From school report cards to artistic peer reviews, Julie & Eileen explore how feedback shapes our growth, why it sometimes hurts, and how to develop a healthier, more productive relationship with it. This episode is part of the current My Art Practice [https://www.myartpractice.com/] cycle theme: “Banishing Fear”—and critique is a major fear point for many artists. Topics Covered: * What an art practice is and how critique fits into it * Personal stories of critiques that stung (and stuck) * The difference between subjective opinion vs. objective feedback * Ego vs. Openness: two sides of receiving critique * How to process feedback without taking it personally * Why even “positive” critique can feel negative * Recognizing when critique is helpful vs. harmful * Physical/emotional responses to critique (yes, it can literally hurt!) * Tips for giving and receiving better critiques * The “shopping cart” metaphor for feedback Julie swears by * How to use critique to accelerate your creative growth Key Takeaways For You: * Critique is not criticism—it’s a tool for insight and evolution. * Your emotional reaction to critique may be more about your own doubts than the feedback itself. * Feedback can hurt, but growth almost always involves a little friction. * Openness is a mindset that will help you filter, adapt, and improve. Links: * Make a Contribution to keep the podcast going: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/balzerdesigns] * Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco [https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco]  * Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ [https://www.myartpractice.com/] * Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ [https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/] * Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html  [https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html ] * Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ [https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/]  * Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns [https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns]  Thanks for listening and subscribing!

169: Who Are You? How to Define Your Creative Identity as an Artist

[https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/169-whoareyou-1024x576.jpg]https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/169-whoareyou.jpg In This Episode: Julie and Eileen dig into how artists can define who they are, what they offer, and why people should follow or support them. Whether you’re writing an artist bio, pitching a class, or just figuring yourself out—this episode gives you the language and tools to clarify your creative identity. You’ll learn: * Why defining your identity is key—even if you’re “just” a hobbyist * The difference between personal identity and creative branding * How to write bios for different platforms (professional, casual, reflective) * Julie’s 3-part identity framework: Who you are, what you offer, and why people should stick around * How to find your “special sauce” (and believe that you have one) Links: * Make a Contribution to keep the podcast going: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/balzerdesigns] * Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco [https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco]  * Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ [https://www.myartpractice.com/] * Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ [https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/] * Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html  [https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html ] * Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ [https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/]  * Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns [https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns]  Thanks for listening and subscribing!

168: Why Artists Need Frameworks

[https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Adventures-in-Arting-Thumb-nail-1024x576.jpg]https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Adventures-in-Arting-Thumb-nail.jpg In this episode, Julie and Eileen explore how frameworks can transform your creative process from scattered to sustainable. Discover why the best artists—from jazz musicians to painters—use structure to fuel, not restrict, their creativity.  Learn how to:  * Overcome blank page paralysis  * Use the “P.E.E.” method [https://blog.balzerdesigns.com/2025/01/06/pee-the-secret-to-improving-your-art-skills/] (Practice, Experiment, Embrace)  * Improve your work with the Art Parts method [https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/register/art-parts-a-mixed-media-collage-class/]  * Apply design tools like the Rule of Thirds  * Build your own sustainable creative process  Whether you’re a hobbyist or pro, this episode offers practical tools and a fresh mindset to support your artistic growth.

167: 10 Questions to Catch Up & Spark Creativity

[https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Podcast-167-Thumbnail-1024x576.jpg]https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Podcast-167-Thumbnail.jpg Episode 167: 10 Questions to Catch Up and Spark Creativity Welcome back to the Adventures in Arting podcast! After a much-needed hiatus, we’re diving back in with an episode designed to help you reboot your creative engine—whether you’ve taken a break from art, podcasting, or anything else. In this episode, we’re sharing 10 thoughtful questions that can guide you through a creative reset. The questions are arranged along the natural arc of the creative journey: Reflection → Inspiration → Action. Listen in as we: * Catch up on what’s been keeping us busy * Reflect on the value of breaks and self-awareness * Share what’s been inspiring us (including toddlers, crossbody bags, and Henry Moore sculptures) * Explore how to overcome creative “pebbles”—those little roadblocks that get in the way * Talk about finding joy in the everyday and reframing productivity * Chat about how personal experiences shape our art Whether you’re looking to get back into a daily arting habit or reignite your passion for your art practice, this episode offers a mix of practical strategies and personal stories to help you move forward creatively. —-> My Art Practice Members: A downloadable PDF of the 10 Questions is available in the online classroom [https://www.myartpractice.com/]. Want to go deeper in your art practice? Join our community at MyArtPractice.com [https://www.myartpractice.com/], where we create, connect, and thrive together. If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or tag us on social media @balzerdesigns. Thanks for listening—and we’ll see you next time! Links: * Make a Contribution to keep the podcast going: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/balzerdesigns] * Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco [https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco]  * Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ [https://www.myartpractice.com/] * Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ [https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/] * Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html  [https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html ] * Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ [https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/]  * Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns [https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns]  Thanks for listening and subscribing!

166: Mary Correa on Her Art Practice

[https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Adventures-in-Arting-Mary-Correa-thumbnail-1024x576.jpg]https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Adventures-in-Arting-Mary-Correa-thumbnail.jpg EPISODE SUMMARY: Welcome back to Adventures in Arting! After a long break, we’re diving back into inspiring conversations about creativity, art practice, and the artistic journey. In this episode, Julie interviews award-winning mixed media artist and instructor, Mary Correa. Mary shares her journey from corporate trainer to full-time artist, her approach to building a creative business, and her insights into branding, teaching, and running artist retreats. [http://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20210322_184823-1024x620.jpg]http://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20210322_184823-scaled.jpg ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mary Correa is a mixed media artist and instructor dedicated to helping others find their creativity. [https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20191114_152713-498x1024.jpg]https://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20191114_152713-scaled.jpg Her work has been featured in Somerset Studio, Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine, and more. [http://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/flowers-for-mom2-749x1024.jpg]http://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/flowers-for-mom2.jpg She is the founder of Artish Creative Retreats, an immersive three-day art retreat experience based in Central Florida. [http://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC0017-771x1024.jpg]http://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC0017.jpg Mary has taught throughout Florida and in international online classes. [http://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20191023_223844-1024x1024.jpg]http://balzerdesigns.com/arting/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20191023_223844.jpg IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: * The evolution of Mary’s art journey and how she transitioned into being a full-time artist. * How teaching became an unexpected but essential part of her creative career. * The importance of branding and how it plays a role in building a recognizable art practice. * The balance between personal art practice and art education. * Her experience working on a solo exhibit and the lessons learned from seeing her work in a series. * Insights into running Artish Creative Retreats and the importance of building community. * The role of rituals in an artist’s daily practice and how small habits can help creativity flow. RESOURCES & LINKS: * Connect with Mary Correa: MaryCorreaStudios.com [https://www.marycorreastudios.com/] * Follow Mary on Instagram: @MaryCorreaStudios [https://www.instagram.com/marycorreastudios] * Learn about Artish Creative Retreats: MaryCorreaStudios.com/retreats [https://www.marycorreastudios.com/retreats] * Join My Art Practice and be part of a supportive art community: MyArtPractice.com [https://www.myartpractice.com/] STAY CONNECTED WITH JULIE: * Website: JulieBalzer.com [https://www.juliebalzer.com/] * Instagram: @BalzerDesigns [https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns] * Subscribe to Julie’s Weekly Newsletter: Sign Up Here [https://www.juliebalzer.com/] SUPPORT THE PODCAST: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review, sharing it on social media, or telling a friend. Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring conversations to you. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time on the Adventures in Arting podcast!